Comic 971 - Taking charge...

26th Jan 2014, 9:00 PM
Taking charge...
Average Rating: 5 (17 votes)

Author Notes:

Centcomm 28th Jan 2014, 10:02 AM edit delete
Centcomm
New TWC incentive up - check it out!
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Comments:

cattservant 26th Jan 2014, 9:03 PM edit delete reply

Mama Bear comes out of her den.
[Bet she's hungry too!]
Sheela 27th Jan 2014, 12:41 AM edit delete reply

Interestingly, Mama Bear considers the pinkhaired doll as one of her own cubs.

A naughty cub, perhaps, but still.
Centcomm 27th Jan 2014, 3:10 AM edit delete reply

probably :D
Hornet 27th Jan 2014, 6:51 AM edit delete reply
When I'm done drink food is usually the first thing I'm looking for.
Sheela 27th Jan 2014, 2:43 PM edit delete reply

Eat beer and drink food ?
Dragonrider 26th Jan 2014, 9:05 PM edit delete reply

OK, and now this lady and I are going to go have a nice visit if I need anything, I will call you. Taking the mother understands but you have dissapointed her really gives background to that *Oh Shit I am in such deep Doo-Doo* look Evil-1 has on her face, wish we could see Kyrstal, Ray and Minx's expressions right now. I do have a feeling Mama Bear gonna get a few tons of Plastic Hide off of our little bubble-gum haired bitch. But she will have all ducks in a row. A side thought here wonder if Calli knows how to drive an APC from back in the days when.
cattservant 26th Jan 2014, 9:20 PM edit delete reply

Is Dolly aware of the other expedition?
I don't think so.
Dragonrider 26th Jan 2014, 9:44 PM edit delete reply

Dolly knows Evil-1 is sending a semi military back-up but not the details, Ceci would have told her.
I have a feeling the next conversation Calli has with Evil-1 is gonna go along these lines.
*I understand I've ducked my responsibilities and I accept the blame for that. However, I understand you deliberately sabotaged Dolly's mission to rescue her,plus you declared MY DAUGHTER EXPENDABLE. UNDERSTAND THIS RIGHT NOW BITCH MY DAUGHTER IN NOT EXPENDABLE Now what in the hell are you doing about bringing her back safe and alive?
Rashala 26th Jan 2014, 9:59 PM edit delete reply

@Dragon

Oh so NOW you jump on the Rash-wagon with the belief centy views lynns survival as....Non-essential to her goals.

*waits for the Yes RAsh I am sorry you were right*
Dragonrider 26th Jan 2014, 10:02 PM edit delete reply

*Waits for Rash to go back several pages and read my rant about that being the only problem I had with the story was Evil-1 basically putting a hit on Lynn to protect her own plastic ass*
Rashala 27th Jan 2014, 12:40 AM edit delete reply

*Waits For Dragon to realize CEnty's Butt is Bioplastic not regular plastic*
Dragonrider 27th Jan 2014, 9:10 AM edit delete reply

Plastic is plastic that doll has more plastic than Legoland.
Stormwind13 27th Jan 2014, 3:24 PM edit delete reply

Rash, I still don't see it. CentComm's command was to retrieve Lynn and only if that proved to be completely unfeasible was Lynn to be eliminated.

And it wasn't to protect her cute but plastic butt... but to protect EVERYONE from Douche-bag starting the wars all over again. Now CentComm could have issued some 'secret' commands, wouldn't be the first time (remembering what she said to Dolly when introducing CeCi), but it doesn't make sense to me.

I think we all (me included) have misread the relationship between CentComm and Calliope. That last panel sure seems to indicate the relationship is deeper (to me at least) then I had ever dreamed it was.

I guess time will tell who is closer to right. I doubt any of us will get it EXACTLY right (no, Rose you do NOT count in this survey... you EITHER CentComm :-D).
Centcomm 27th Jan 2014, 4:39 PM edit delete reply

pppbtth - thats because I happen to know exactly whats going on in the story. and trying to keep my big mouth shut >_< LOL
highlander55 27th Jan 2014, 4:51 PM edit delete reply
Yes Cent, we all wonder how you keep from blabbing off stuff! :)
Centcomm 27th Jan 2014, 5:01 PM edit delete reply

its called FEAR ... fear of Tokyo Rose.. she hits HARD!
Stormwind13 27th Jan 2014, 5:07 PM edit delete reply

That's easy, highlander... She has Tokyo Rose with her hands wrapped around her throat. :-D
Rashala 27th Jan 2014, 5:01 PM edit delete reply

annnd that Pbbbbbbbttt By pinky 1 kinda makes my point quite well
Sheela 27th Jan 2014, 10:19 PM edit delete reply

Centcomm fears the rolled up newspaper. :D
highlander55 28th Jan 2014, 5:14 PM edit delete reply

The paper with the day old tuna wrapped in it? I would be too!
Sheela 28th Jan 2014, 8:23 PM edit delete reply

Oh c'mon ... newspapers are a myth !
Chris D 3rd Oct 2015, 10:51 AM edit delete reply
Sure. You say that 'til you have rabid dog monsters about to do very immoral and likely very painful things to you. That mythical newspaper becomes a very real difference between life and death/or worse.
Sheela 2nd Jun 2016, 11:08 AM edit delete reply

Naw, I hit 'em with my iPad 5000 !
It's steel reinforced, and has Gorilla glass.
Stormwind13 26th Jan 2014, 9:07 PM edit delete reply

Really didn't see THAT coming. =O I thought Calliope would be on the warpath... not acting like the mother she should have been. Left turn, can't wait to see where this leads. :-D

Great dialogue Rose... Oh and Mira realizing she is going to live... priceless. :-D And the images are gorgeous, CentComm... Convey the emotions that are here, including CentComm's.
cattservant 26th Jan 2014, 9:15 PM edit delete reply

A&U
It's what
They do!
Dragonrider 26th Jan 2014, 9:28 PM edit delete reply

Bet when they get out of that corridor the first thing Mira says is *ThankYou Whereisthebathroom? Igottagorightnow!*
Stormwind13 26th Jan 2014, 9:30 PM edit delete reply

I'm leaning more toward, "I need a DRINK!!!" myself, Dragonrider. :-D
Dragonrider 26th Jan 2014, 9:37 PM edit delete reply

Bathroom first then drink, with what she's been through, priorities her system is cranking overtime she knows just how close she came to becoming fertilizer for Feral Roses. She gonna have to get the pressure relieved or else.
cattservant 26th Jan 2014, 9:59 PM edit delete reply

Well we know Ms. Taylor has half a bottle of Waster'shine she won't be needing for a while.
Centcomm 26th Jan 2014, 10:24 PM edit delete reply

Half??? haha well maybe a forth .. :D
cattservant 26th Jan 2014, 10:28 PM edit delete reply

A good shot of nerve tonic for Mira!
Tokyo Rose 26th Jan 2014, 9:40 PM edit delete reply

Possibly my favorite bit of that panel is that I managed to line it up just right that even the *trail* of Mira's thought balloon has a snippet of "thank you" in it.

PS, I hate doing thought balloons, such a pain in the ass. :D
Dragonrider 26th Jan 2014, 9:49 PM edit delete reply

*Awards Rose a case of lollipops for such a good job.*
cattservant 26th Jan 2014, 9:50 PM edit delete reply

I always thought they were soft and fluffy.
Learn new things each day!
Rashala 26th Jan 2014, 10:02 PM edit delete reply

Stormy Remember Calli has noe gotten Dolly's message yet.

Warpath and Centy's Plastic butt being stripped down to the Alloy frame to come!
Sheela 27th Jan 2014, 12:44 AM edit delete reply

Maybe, we have yet to see what the message contains.
Things can still change rapidly.
Centcomm 27th Jan 2014, 3:10 AM edit delete reply

yes they can :D
jamie59 26th Jan 2014, 9:43 PM edit delete reply

That last panel has me baffeled. Hope it gets explained in 2 days.
Centcomm 26th Jan 2014, 10:24 PM edit delete reply

it should become clear soon enough.. :D
Sheela 27th Jan 2014, 12:45 AM edit delete reply

Seems relatively clear to me, she considers Centcomm as part of the family too ... for now.
Centcomm 27th Jan 2014, 3:11 AM edit delete reply

yep :D
Sheela 27th Jan 2014, 2:44 PM edit delete reply

That could change!
Draginbeard 26th Jan 2014, 10:37 PM edit delete reply

Mira's 'thankyouthankyouthankyou' is hysterical!
Centcomm 27th Jan 2014, 3:11 AM edit delete reply

I blame rose .. that was totally on her :D
Sheela 27th Jan 2014, 2:44 PM edit delete reply

She wrote 'thankyouthankyouthankyou' on herself ?
Centcomm 27th Jan 2014, 4:40 PM edit delete reply

yep sure :D
Sheela 27th Jan 2014, 10:20 PM edit delete reply

Dang, that's some serious dedication to the comic, right there !
mjkj 27th Jan 2014, 2:37 AM edit delete reply

Great, Mira is safe for now :D

*hugs her*

"I am only trying to protect you!" I believe that was Miss Direction speaking...

...I wonder how she got hold of CentComm...?
Centcomm 27th Jan 2014, 3:11 AM edit delete reply

smiles we shall see .. eh? :D
mjkj 27th Jan 2014, 4:48 AM edit delete reply

I hope so :)

So, why did Cent03 change herself addressing Calliope? "Ms. Tay - Calliope -"

Trying to manipulate some more by being more personal?
Centcomm 27th Jan 2014, 6:03 AM edit delete reply

Cent is not playing games.. or trying to manipulate .. That is fear. I cant say more for fear of spoilers but i think I can say that almost everyone has been mis-judgeing our resident AIS.
mjkj 27th Jan 2014, 6:09 AM edit delete reply

Oh, she is scared? OvO

Wow...

Was what she did with Dolly and Ceci really that bad? or is it something else?

*looking forward to the next updates* :)
Sheela 27th Jan 2014, 2:34 PM edit delete reply

Methinks she might be scared because of some scheming that she has been doing.

As they say, "The road to Hell is paved with good intentions".
Stormwind13 27th Jan 2014, 3:45 PM edit delete reply

I'm not as convinced of that as I once was, Sheela. I think CentComm is scared not for herself, but for Calliope. In fact, I'm not convinced that CentComm has ANY personal fear. Not from the way she was rattling off her past while confronting Mira at least.

I wondered several pages back if CentComm was trying to protect Calliope... Their interaction here makes me think that might be a big part of how CentComm was reacting. CentComm may be afraid of inflicting even more damage onto Calliope and wanted to screen the news in case it was bad.

I doubt CentComm is overly concerned about getting 'caught' by Calliope manipulating circumstances behind the scenes to try and keep Dolly from getting killed (0.3% chance of success :-p). And CentComm didn't hide from either Dolly, Marcus or Cella the lengths that MIGHT be required if the situation got out of hand.

I guess we will see, but I really think the relationship between Calliope and CentComm isn't as bleak and sterile as many thought it was (including me :-) ). So despite not having 'emotions', could CentComm have developed 'feelings' for her keepers? :-)
Centcomm 27th Jan 2014, 4:56 PM edit delete reply

things that make you go Hmmmm...
Sheela 27th Jan 2014, 10:23 PM edit delete reply

Ah, but what if Calliope were to find out that it was Centcomm that leaked to Prince Douchebag where Lynn Taylor would be flying ?

Scheming like that would make Calliope *very* cross with Centcomm, and something like that should be feared, even by a mighty AIS such as Centcomm. I mean, Calliope could disable Centcomm entirely.
Chris D 3rd Oct 2015, 10:54 AM edit delete reply
Might be nice if "out of hand" had some parameters we were aware of. 0.00000003 % chance of some guard coming down the hallway? Better obliterate the kid cuz things might get toootally out of hand!
Centcomm 27th Jan 2014, 4:55 PM edit delete reply

that it is... that it is :D
Dragonrider 27th Jan 2014, 12:05 PM edit delete reply

I thing it's safe to say there has been more animated discussion, second guessing, guessing in the dark on this graphic novel than on any I have seen. The closest would have been some of the campus groups debating Stranger in a Strange Land as a sequel to The Red Planet. The majority of the activity is due to the excellent plot,superb writing,plot twists and brilliant illustration by the creative team. The rest is that same creative team takes time to answer questions, (Often with questions leaving more questions) comments and isn't aloof as many authors are.

My sincerest congratulations to the team for a job well done. (Now back to my usual snarky comments)
Sheela 27th Jan 2014, 2:37 PM edit delete reply

Activity in comments by the authors is important.
A comic where the author never deigns to make a mention will often fall into obscurity.

That said, some comics sure invite to more guesstimating than others. Never Mind the Gap has a surprising lot of guessing, despite the small amount of people who read it.
Centcomm 27th Jan 2014, 4:37 PM edit delete reply

I really have been trying but ive been buryed by RL stuff - and trying to get you guys a buffer so i can keep the comic going ... and i really dont want to give away buffers .. Ill try to respond more >_<
Centcomm 27th Jan 2014, 4:57 PM edit delete reply

Bow .. its very hard for me to not spill the beans on whats going on - and just sit and smile and nod .. So hard ro keep myself from blurting out stuff ,.. you guys are the best!
Dragonrider 27th Jan 2014, 5:09 PM edit delete reply

*Performs Sun~Moon Greeting and Bows* We are but grasshoppers we learn from the masters.
Centcomm 27th Jan 2014, 5:32 PM edit delete reply

but you still make me feel fantastic :D
Sheela 27th Jan 2014, 10:25 PM edit delete reply

Ah, well, if we make you feel good about this comic, then it's well worth the time to type in a few replies now and then. :)
Tokyo Rose 28th Jan 2014, 3:03 PM edit delete reply

I'M NOT BLUSHING
YOU'RE IMAGINING THINGS
IT'S A MINOR ISSUE WITH THE REFRACTORY INDEX OF MY SURFACE
LOOK THE GOODYEAR BLIMP
::vanishes in puff of tsundere::
Stormwind13 28th Jan 2014, 3:09 PM edit delete reply

So... the thorny rose might have a softer side? :-D

Don't worry Rose, we won't tell anyone (else). We like to keep living after all. And we like you just the way you are too. :-)
Sheela 28th Jan 2014, 8:25 PM edit delete reply

Hrmm, Rose + blush = rosey ?


Heh ... we still love ya, Rosey. :)
KarToon12 27th Jan 2014, 12:13 PM edit delete reply

Probably the first time CentComm's been pushed aside.
Sheela 27th Jan 2014, 2:39 PM edit delete reply

Hardly ... the entire Taylor family, indeed the entire Helios line of families, seems to be extraordinarily stubborn.

this is probably business as usual, though most of them might have had a bit more of a diplomatic touch to them. But Calli don't have time for that right now.
Centcomm 27th Jan 2014, 4:59 PM edit delete reply

cali is also a wee bit knockered :D but shes totally there .. trust me.
cattservant 27th Jan 2014, 9:50 PM edit delete reply

Her inhibitions are nicely lubricated.
Centcomm 27th Jan 2014, 4:58 PM edit delete reply

The taylors in general are a very stubborn bunch and very much a we are going to get stuff done come hell or high water :D
Sheela 27th Jan 2014, 10:28 PM edit delete reply

Ah, that reminds me, will we ever see the grandparents come in to butt heads with others ?

Imagine the dynamic duo of mother & daughter bullying anything in front of them while her father finds .. uhm .. alternative ways trough his contacts in the underground. contacts most people wouldn't believe he has, because "he's such a noble gentleman" or "I just can't believe he was slumming it at the mayor's party" and so on. Meanwhile he was actually slumming it in a smugglers den under the city. :D
dakyri 27th Jan 2014, 3:04 PM edit delete reply

cent's agenda is complex, if http://datachasers.thecomicseries.com/comics/232 is still relevant ... and ceci started out as an independent copy of cent .. definitely more going on than the circumsantial evidence suggests
Centcomm 27th Jan 2014, 4:59 PM edit delete reply

oh yes .. plots within plots :D
Dragonrider 27th Jan 2014, 5:03 PM edit delete reply

Haven't we discovered Ceci "sparked", (like a big purple dragon) while they were at Joleet right after the Gutters fight.
Centcomm 27th Jan 2014, 5:33 PM edit delete reply

thats actually Ceci sparked earlyer .. Dr silver discovered the fact later.. when she was connected to Ceci's combat computer.
Sheela 28th Jan 2014, 1:45 AM edit delete reply

Is this where Ceci sparks ?
dakyri 28th Jan 2014, 4:00 AM edit delete reply

she almost seems to have sparked coming out of the box ... but she started as a part of cent, so i'm reading that as her being something of a projection of something inside cent's personality matrix ... i reread a bit yesterday and it just gave me this sense that a part of cent doesn't want to be this domineering bitch from hell it's just her job
Centcomm 28th Jan 2014, 1:49 PM edit delete reply

Dakyri got it right .. she sparked on Activation.. :D
Tokyo Rose 28th Jan 2014, 3:01 PM edit delete reply

As noted over in Luna-Star's comments, modern-day DC androids always "spark" before they get out into the world. That includes the special builds, like Cent's Angels.
Centcomm 28th Jan 2014, 3:52 PM edit delete reply

As discussed unless spicificly designed NOT to spark. *winks* ( and Ceci was not kept from that. )
Stormwind13 28th Jan 2014, 3:46 PM edit delete reply

I'm kind of surprised that CentComm didn't realize it after all the androids she has undoubtedly seen.

Or did she and let CeCi go anyhow? Which would have been irresponsible of her... Calliope, give CentComm a GOOD talking to... she has been a BAD AI. :-D
Centcomm 28th Jan 2014, 3:51 PM edit delete reply

Actually she realized something was amiss with Ceci almost at once .. BUT also stated she had NO time to redo things. so she gambled.... ( Cent did that is )
Stormwind13 28th Jan 2014, 7:00 PM edit delete reply

Seven come eleven. :-D
Talewinds 27th Jan 2014, 7:00 PM edit delete reply
In one Greek myth Calliope's namesake was the lover of Ares, God of War and now Cal is singing a new tune, "Don't Mess With Me", with Horatio, her Dragon's Tooth warrior guarding her burning bridges.

Centcomm 27th Jan 2014, 7:15 PM edit delete reply

indeed! thats a very cool refernce :D
velvetsanity 27th Jan 2014, 7:43 PM edit delete reply

Actually, I think Calli's singing this. :D

edit: I take it back. This is what *CentComm* has been singing ever since Lynn's abduction was discovered
Centcomm 28th Jan 2014, 10:03 AM edit delete reply

new Top webcomics incentive up Check it out!
Stormwind13 28th Jan 2014, 3:16 PM edit delete reply

Yay! :-)

Now when is it going to take its place at the front of the comic? :-)
Centcomm 28th Jan 2014, 8:03 PM edit delete reply

Very soon -- got 5 pages going into the loop soon :D ( also offering all five for dontation incentives :D )
mjkj 28th Jan 2014, 8:20 PM edit delete reply

Wow, with text...

Great vote incentive :D
Centcomm 28th Jan 2014, 8:22 PM edit delete reply

yep - they have revised dialouge and ALL new art :D
mjkj 29th Jan 2014, 2:49 PM edit delete reply

Great :D
Tokamada01 28th Jan 2014, 3:37 PM edit delete reply

Does Centcomms doll/avatar have an enhanced gustatory system?

I am curious how humble pie registers.

Looks like Zeroth's Law has been temporarily subverted by Calliope.
Stormwind13 28th Jan 2014, 3:42 PM edit delete reply

What does Calliope's action have to do with Thermodynamics, Tokamada? :-D
WinterJay 28th Jan 2014, 5:01 PM edit delete reply
Ha. Up to date now ;)

'Bout friggin time Calliope got her act together. She's been needing to act like the bossum, gorgeous genius she is. Thoroughly approve! xD

So glad I was able to read Datachasers+LunaStar :) You all are incredibly amazing! <3
Stormwind13 28th Jan 2014, 5:30 PM edit delete reply

Glad you are enjoying yourself. It is an interesting ride coming up for all involved. :-)

Can't wait to see what happens next. CentComm, Rose... More pages! :-D
Centcomm 28th Jan 2014, 5:41 PM edit delete reply

Glad you enjoyed it Winter :D and yes Calli will take the "lizard by the scythes" from here on in :D
DeathBuhda 28th Jan 2014, 5:39 PM edit delete reply

and current, those last 600 pages went rather fast id say... now i just have to wait..... i dislike waiting.
Centcomm 28th Jan 2014, 5:42 PM edit delete reply

Aww - More pages coming sooon ! I promise !

** also directed at Stormwind :D
Stormwind13 28th Jan 2014, 5:45 PM edit delete reply

Please and thank you (one coming up tonight even, I think)! :-D

And thank you too Rose, you spiky ball of hate (tsundere) :-D
WinterJay 28th Jan 2014, 11:44 PM edit delete reply
Ahaha DeathBuhda, I know the feeling! ^^
Chris D 3rd Oct 2015, 10:47 AM edit delete reply
Yeah but..but.. she's probably gonna make you make me stop trying to kill your daughter. Waaaaaah.
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