Open it. We're drunk anyway!

open reluctantly

>>24088358
>>Open it. Any visitor is welcome.
probably landlord or something

Do we have family, friends, old colleagues, frenemies, any social anchors?

>>24088440
>>24088390
>>24088377
Looking at your empty bottle of gin, you decide that, quite frankly, you've got piss all else to do. Even handing over what little remains of your savings is better than nothing.

You head over to the door, and open it slowly.

A man in a suit waits outside, his big grin a opposite to your weary, dirty face.

As the door slowly wings open, he shoots you a big smile.

“Ah, the prodigal boxe-”

“Don't call me that.” you interrupt the man. You've had enough of that nickname to last you a lifetime.

“Yes, yes, my apologies. My name is...well, my name is unimportant. What is is that, I have a job for you. My employer has heard of your talents, and was surprised that no one has made use of them yet.”

“that's because I don't work for two-bit criminals. I still have some pride left.” Drunk as you may be, you still refuse to enter that seedy underbelly of crime. But with your bank account getting close to zero, your morals may not do you any good.
“Of course, of course. Rest assured, my boss is no petty criminal. He works for Shagua Technologies, and is very reputable. All I am saying is that we have a job for you, and we can provide more than adequate conversation. We've even paid off your debts, free of obligations. Won't you consider what we have to say?”

you lean back against the wall, and consider the man.

>”Yes.”
>”No.”
>Other

Yes

>>24088526

Just say what you have to say, and maybe i'll tell you

>>24088461
Just one. She's a close childhood friend and ex, and she's got it made in life. job as a corporate something slowly moving up the ranks. You try and talk occasionally, but most of the time, the conversation lapses into awkward silence.

>>24088526
well, they paid off our debts, might as well hear them out
we wont do anything illegal though

Turn on one of the cyborg modules we have to flush out the alcohol toxicity. We need a clear head for this.

>>24088526
"free of obligations?" you retort, - probably a ploy.
you shut the door in his face and quickly access a e-port to the bank...

>>24088601
>>24088556
>>24088547
>>24088545
>>24088540

>"Yes."

You voice your assent, and the man bows, taking off his hat.

“Of course, my prodig-”

“I told you not to call me that.”

“of course, of course! Now, the job is simple, nothing illegal. My employer has a very, well, if you'll excuse me saying the word, prodigal son. He's a little rambunctious, but a good head, and soon, he'll be a prime stockholder of the company. All my employer wants is for you to act as his bodyguard for the next few months, until he takes his place on the board of directors for Shagua Industries. As you can imagine, the job pays very well.”

With that, the man places a folder on a nearby dresser.

“It's your choice. Anything you may want to know, should be in here. Good day.”

With that, the man tips his hat, and exits out the door.

Was he telling the truth? You check your commlink, and true to his word, your loan sharks have sent you a receipt for bills paid. There's even next month's rent and your bar tab paid, with a little extra.

Whoever they are, they're generous people.

You check the folder. It's a dossier of the kid's social life, favorite places, all, you're assuming, standard stuff for monitoring and protecting this person.

There's contact information on the side.

You:
>Take the Job
>Try and talk to someone about it. Maybe your ex.
>Throw it away. Maybe you should try something else.
>Other.

>>24088675
take the job,

>>24088675
weird, why would they choose us instead of a professional?

>try to talk to someone about it

>>24088728
but talking to the ex is going to be a fucking pain in the ass

>>24088675
Let's see if that friend of ours got anything to say. Maybe suggestions?

>>24088747
can we talk to someone else besides her?

>>24088675
take the job for now.
but not blind damnit!
we're spending some goddamn hours looking these people up for as little as we can glean, something isn't right.

>>24088728, an old buddy, fighting partner or anybody we know with corporate ties from the past that we trust, but not the ex.

So he didn't give us his name and didn't even care about ours outside of that title that someone going to these lengths must have know we can't stand. He's also fully aware of how easy he can manipulate us with just money. Without any identity on him we can't even confirm if he's working for Shagua or is setting up some elaborate stunt.

He also just happens to arrive at such a convenient time, appears in person instead of giving us an official call, and is gone before we've even could have discussed details, leaving any questions to our imagination since we can't call him back or anything.

Sounds like fun. Think we could take a look out of the window to memorize his car, or is it so busy we have no chance of telling it apart from traffic?

>>24088761
also, having read this >>24088768, i believe we should invest some months before and while in the employ of this enigma of an employer to becoming an excellent hacker.

>>24088807
Well depending on how much "extra money" he left us, maybe we can just get someone else to do it. Maybe our friend knows someone that knows someone.

Was he wearing gloves or could we in theory get some fingerprints off of that folder? In the grim cyberized future, surely there'll be some idealistic rookie policeman just waiting to prove himself in some big mysterious case.

>>24088877
oh yeah and before we call anybody, make sure we sound sober or nobody will believe us unless we show them the transactions.

Incidentally, any chance we could verify our sponsor based on the transaction history?

>>24088768
Could be a trap to set us up to take a fall for something.

>>24088907
Considering our debts, we'd probably make a pretty expensive fall guy, and as OP said we're not the only tough boxer available. We don't even have strong ties that would make our fall have larger consequences.

The only thing that makes us special is that reputation he kept referring to, but that's long burnt out.

So unless the kid we're supposed to be protecting is a huuuge fan of the prodigal boxer and has aaaall the DVDs, I got no clue why he picked us.

>>24088988
>So unless the kid we're supposed to be protecting is a huuuge fan of the prodigal boxer and has aaaall the DVDs

probably this

>talk to someone about the job, but not the ex.

You need to talk to someone. You flip through your contacts, only to realize you have two.

The delivery number for the bar downstairs, and your ex.

You aren't ordering alcohol, so you call your ex.

It rings, once, twice...

God, how long has it been since the two of you talked? At least several months.

She's probably extremely worried. After all, you did tell her to leave, for her own safety, but she stayed until you dropped all contact. Still.

You hang up awkwardly, and leave a quick message.

“Got a job offer today.”

Maybe not her. You decide to go down to the bar, and talk to the bartender instead.

He's cleaning the tabletops like usual, serving the few people who come in.

You sit down, and wait for him to swing over. As he slowly makes his way around, cleaning all the tables, you bide your time, twiddling your thumbs. Finally he comes over.

“Someone paid your tab and rent today.”

“I know. Same fellow offered me a job, too. Feels shifty, though. Why now?”

“might be because he occasionally comes in when you do. Big grin?”

You nod. “How'd he figure out who and how I was, though?”

“You still look like legendary cyborg fighter to me. Besides, one look at you when you drink tells anybody you're a desperate man. Where does all that alcohol go, anyway?”

“My metal filter of a liver. Still works. 100 year warranty.”

The bartender chuckles. “Yeah, they make 'em good, but not good enough, always coming out with new models and whatnot.”

“yeah.” The conversation naturally closes, and the bartender goes off and does his work, while you flip through the files.

May be worth a shot.

“Barkeep. Know anything about this guy?”
[1/2]

>>24089051
[2/2]
“Nope, not at all.”

“Then get me a beer.”

“oh, that reminds me. He's a Financial Manager at Shagua Industries and Technologies. Works for some bigshot director and his son. Very professional, knows legal and financial laws like the back of his hand.”

Guess he is who he says he is.

As you think about it, a message comes in from your ex.

“very nice! Want to discuss it over lunch? We haven't talked in a while.”

You:
>ignore text, try and find more about job.
>respond, eat with her, and think about the job some more.
>accept job, eat lunch.
>Other.

He must be a seriously out of practice professional if he did all that ominous stuff by accident. Or he really didn't like us and wanted to deal with it as quickly as possible.

But eh, sure, let's accept her offer, things seem to be looking up for us for now!
(and if they go south instead it can't hurt if we got a few people wondering what happened to us)

>>24089058
>>respond, eat with her, and think about the job some more.

There is no deadline to accept the job, right?

>>24089058
This seems fishy. Altough he is a Financial Manager and whatever, his son might be a pretty spoiled kid. Who knows what his son will force us to do?
But maybe it will work out somehow. I say we respond and eat with our ex.

>>24089330
Well as long as we don't sign anything and read the fine print anyway...

You figure that you may as well think about it some more, and text her back when and where. She responds with an affirmative, and you take a quick shower and throw on your least dirty clothes before heading out.

At a small restaurant near the harbor, you wait in the seats, idly flipping through the digital menu. It's been a long time since you've went out, and even longer since you've had company.

Then someone settles in the seat across from you, and it takes a moment before you realize it's your ex.

She looks at you, and gives you a polite smile, and idly, seeking any sort of conversation, the two of you start talking about the menu and food. As the orders are placed, the silence starts.

Awkward table tapping. Staring out the window. Finally, you break the silence.

“So, I got a job offer today.”

“Yeah, you told me that! Tell me about it!” he face brightens up, and you continue, telling her what you know, and how weird it is he selected you, of all people.

“Maybe he's a fan. I know I was from the start.”

“Yeah, you were. Helping me get better, being my motivation...that was a while ago.”

“It was.”

Awkward silence. You just brought up some memories of the past, and you can tell that both of you are thinking about those golden days.

She stammers hurriedly, almost apologetically for bringing up the past. “Well...thanks for the meal. I can-”

“no, no need. I have a job offer, remember? I can pay.”

“Oh. Right. Well...see you around! You might be working at Shagua too, so maybe we'll meet somewhere.”


“Maybe.” With that, you wave her off, and pay for the bill.

That wasn't nearly as bad as you thought it would be, and she works there.

Your commlink rings with a call. Unknown number. You answer it.

“Hello?”

“Hello. Have you considered the job?”

“How did you get this number?”

“I have my ways. Now, I'll need an answer, and right away.”

>”Yes.”
>”No.”
>”Why are you being so secretive?”
>other

>>24089526
>>”Why are you being so secretive?”

anyway, accept the job, this one-shot wont go anywhere if we don't

>>24089526
Welp, there goes all assurance he isn't up to something illicit. He really wants us to decide before making any extensive background checks. Even if we didn't meet up with our ex there's no way we could've gained a lot of research on him with how little traces he leaves.

Let's ask him why he's being so obviously unprofessional, elusive and just generally scammy about this. Surely he knows in order to trick people they must not suspect there's a trick going on at all.

Maybe it'll tickle his pride, that's the kinda reaction we need to get anything out of him.

>>24089629
Also if we don't get anything out of him, let's just roll with it for now. Strikes me as the lesser of two evils when we're dealing with someone that probably has the money and connections to make our life a living hell in half the time it took him to drag us out of it.

>>24089526
"I need to know everything about this before we can come up with a conclusion."

“Lots of reasons. The reason why I need to be so secretive with you is because it'll keep you on edge. A surprise job, money out of nowhere, and a sneaky employer ensures one of two things. Either you're than I'm looking for, who can handle the unexpected, or you're the type of man who needs to know everything, and is unfit for a job where quick choices are needed.”

“What if I'm the suspicous type, who doesn't trust a scammy guy like you, and just wants to know what's going on?”

“You don't have to trust me. You just need to collect a paycheck, and do a job. That's all I'm askin, and is all that is going on.”

“But why me?”

“Why not? You are skilled in close combat, can handle a gun, and most of all, a man with no connections like you has little loyalty to anyone else except his next paycheck. But that's enough. I want an answer. One word. Will you accept the job? I promise you, there won't be anything happening if you don't. I am a man of my word, no matter what you may believe.”

>”Fine, I accept.”
>”how about no?”
>Other.

Rolled 12

yes, ill take the job

onwards with the plot!

>>24089768
He...got good points. Accept

>>24089768
>>”Fine, I accept.”

we were going to kill ourself will alcohol poisoning anyway

>>24089768
Even though I'd love to tell him to go to hell with his assassin job, this is a oneshot so I'd go with
>”Fine, I accept.”

>>24089768
Call him out on monitoring us. Calling just as our lunch date left? Come on.

Talk about being as flimsy as humanly possible. Whoever he is, a professional is not one of those things.

But yeah, accept for the sake of the plot. As much as I'd just love ignoring his supposed dominance over this talk.

And watch our backs. This guy knows we were waaay more expensive than necessary, there's guy like us at every corner and some of them even actual bodyguarding experience.

true. but moneys good, and if he tries to frame us for the kids murder while we are protecting him we will figure it out when it happens.

the money and the job are great.
he might of been a fan of ours.
his boss might have been a fan. who knows who cares.

a jobs a job.

but get someone to have a poke into this company when we get a idle moment

No

>>24090099
>>24090051
>>24089914
>>24089833
>>24089820
>>24089815
>>24089804
“Very good. Meet me my office at Shagua Tower. I'll tell reception to let you in.”

he closes the comm channel, leaving you slightly angry and confused. But you walk outside, and head to a tram station.

The ride is uneventful, but Shagua Tower certainly isn't. Even among all the skyscrapers, Shagua Tower is certainly the biggest and the loudest, the holo-ads on the side proclaiming all of their products.

You take a breath, and step inside, going up to reception.

“I'm looking for...” Huh. He never gave you his name. “..The Chief Financial Manager.”

“Ah, you want Mr. Zhao, floor 220.”

the elevators open up nearby, and you step in, staring outside the window at Hong Kong.

How long has it been, since you've ridden an elevator like this to the high floors and stood among the elite in society? How long since you've gotten a job, and stared at a city in its splendor?

A while, you decide, when the doors open.

Inside you step, on plush red carpet. The floor is the definition of opulence, and looks more like a fancy hotel than a building.

You advance once more, telling reception you're hear to see Mr. Zhao, who usher you into another room, interrupting an argument in Chinese.

Mr. Zhao turns away from his comm channel, and looks at the secretary. 'What is it?”

“Your visitor is here to see you, Mr. Zhao.”

“Ah, very good.” He stands up, and dismisses the secretary with a wave of his hand.

“greetings, Prodig-”

“don't call me that.”

“Of course, of course. I won't. I just finished talking with with Gaun's son. He's leaving for Macau right now, and despises you already. I want you to head with him. He's on the helicopter platform, as we speak. Get there before he takes off, and change into a suit.”

He hands you a tuxedo bag, and turns away, starting on some new work.
[1/2]

>>24090174

You enter the bathroom and pull it on, before heading to the top of the building. Where the helicopter is starting to take off, blades beginning their spin.

Whoever this kid is, he doesn't think too highly of you.

Probably not a fan. You hurry over, and yank the door open before sitting inside, joining a young man and his girlfriend.

“Guan Lin?” The youth looks at you before sneering and talking to his girlfriend in Chinese.

You:

>Let him talk. You're here, and that is what matters.
>Get his attention. You need to keep track of him, or he'll lose you the first chance he gets.

>>24090184
>>Let him talk. You're here, and that is what matters.

>>24090174
>despises you already
Oh boy.


Let him talk. You're here, and that is what matters.

I think we can keep track of him without interrupting his business. We should at least give him some time to grow used to us being around.

We'll not take any orders from him that go against those we've received tho, so if he complains, he can take it up the chain.

Let's keep it professional instead of complicating matters. That'll happen anyway.

let him talk. we are a bodyguard.

Denzel washington in man of fire bodyguard.

>>24090184
Let him talk. We are a bodyguard, and bodyguards don't speak to people who are they supposed to protect.

>>24090184
Take inventory/examine interior. Alternatively known as /doing our damn job/.

>>24090223
>>24090234
>>24090260
>>24090265
>>24090278
You let Gaun Lin talk to his girlfriend, and settle in for the short ride. The helicopter lands on top the Venetian Casino, and Guan Lin and his friend get the whole carpet and guide treatment, while you simply stand to the side, asking one of the men nearby to let you access the security feed. You follow the couple around the casino, watching as he blows away millions within minutes, and it seems like a very easy, but boring job.

Then the first gunshots ring out.

You look around, and attempt to monitor the feed security let you tap into. Several men have busted in through the windows, each carrying assault rifles. The quickly get into firing positions, and shoot the guards, yelling at the crowd to stay put. Cursing your luck, you drag Guan Lin and his girlfriend out of the room, and into the hallway, where more men are. You turn and dash, trying to find a way not blocked by the men.

“Shitshitshitshitshitshit! What do you want us to do now?” Guan Lin looks panicked, and you consider your options.

>Get to the roof, and back to Hong Kong via Helicopter.
>let them catch you, and play along with whatever it is they're doing.
>Hide in one of the many rooms, And wait for it all to be over.
>other.

>>24090472
Get to the roof.

>>24090472
Shoot Guan Lin in the face as you drag his girlfriend to the casino vault to take whatever money you can carry.

Just kidding.
>Get to the choppa

>>24090472
The choppa

Contact it while we're going there though.

>>24090472
"We can make it if you and your girl here stay calm and listen to me. Understand?"
Try the chopper.

what do we have weapon wise apart from being a cyborg?

-security feed roof to see if the choppers their.
if its their and ready. hook up a line get it ready to go.

otherwise find anotherway to get the fuck out of their, away from where the men with guns are

Are we on ground level? How many stories until the helicopter?

If we're not on ground level and they still bust through the windows, they might have their own chopper on the roof, so better check that feed twice.

chances are those gunman are herding us somewhere, and a roof is a great killzone. snipers deadend if the choppers fucked.

check feed for places those men aint, alternate exits. weak interiour walls leading to exits unguarded. cyborg man wall smash if that heli looks seedy at all

>>24090508
>>24090536
>>24090564
>>24090570
>>24090572
>>24090652
>>24090623

>get to the chopper.
You check your feeds. Helicopter looks ready, and it can make the trip. Observing the men, it seems they want hostages for some sort of robbery. Doesn't seem to concern you.


“"We can make it if you and your girl here stay calm and listen to me. Understand?"

“That's crazy! Are you an american or something? This isn't a game!”

“I know damn well it isn't. Now, follow me.”

You pull Guan Lin up roughly, and peek outside.

The coast seems clear.

The three of you head to the stairs, and begin the route upwards. The stairs seem clear and every so often, you pull them into restroom, to avoid patrols.

On the last floor, Guan Li and his girlfriend are panting like crazy. You, on the other hand, simply look forward, checking for enemies.
There's about 5 guys on the helicopter platform, standing around, waiting for something to happen.

Ignoring Guan Li's angry whisper demanding what you're doing, you exit the staircase, taking cover behind a nearby box.

The men are talking and conversing among themselves, discussing some sort of robbery. Whatever it is, you position yourself right behind one. Adrenaline is running through your system. It's been a while since you've gotten in a fight. You can feel your breath getting heavy, and you close your eyes.

Jut like the arena. Fight just like you are in the arena.
[1/2]

>>24090934
You open your eyes, and snap into action. Standing behind the first man, you tap him on the shoulder before punching his lights out when he turns, and pushing him into the man opposite of him.

Swinging around, you lunge at the next man, leg-sweeping him before turning into a diving elbow, driving several hundred pounds of metal into his solar plexus.

As the other two curse and attempt to back, you close the distance, pounding the ground with your cyberlegs, driving an uppercut into one with full force. The next you dart forward, grabbing his gun barrel, and pulling him into your outstretched elbow, crushing his hose as he rams into it.

As the last struggles to get his friend off of him, you gesture for Guan Li and his girlfriend to get into the helicopter, and turn to this last fellow.

He sees your eyes, and stops moving.

Time to go.

You turn to the helicopter, only to see those blades spin once more. The kid's trying to leave without you, again.

You shake your head, and rush towards the helicopter, opening and boarding before he can take off.

Guan Li looks back, a cocky grin on his face. "You almost didn't make it!"

You:

>Don't say anything. You need to act as lookout, anyway.
>Bring it up. You just saved his ass, and he almost left you behind?
>Other.

Professional bodyguard, say nothing but remember.

>>24090963
>>Don't say anything. You need to act as lookout, anyway.

>>24090988
This.

>>24090988
>>24091032
>>24091178
“Hey, Prodigal Boxer, what are you so silent for?”

That got you. “Don't call me that.” You bark back, peering outside the back of the helicopter. It's seems all clear.

“You still don't honestly believe this is a bodyguard gig, do you?”

“what do you mean? This isn't....” What he just said left you confused. “then what the hell is going on?”

“New year, new markets. Gladiator Cyborgs are out. What's in is combat. High-octane chase sequences. Fighting. Crime.” Looking back at your confused face, he smiles.

“People want to see, and experience, a shadowy living. For this reason, we decided to pick you. A former cultural icon, now faded star of glory. A believable, notable figure, who is now deep in corporate espionage and protection and assassination.”

as the helicopter touches down in Hong Kong, Guan Li opens the door.

“Mr. Zhao is here to talk to you. He's actually the new head of our Entertainment sector, and he's is very pleased with your performance.”

And indeed he is.

You:

>Talk to him. “what the heck was this? Some sort of candid shooting? A big set up?”
>Ignore him. He's wasted your time.

>>24091264
OH we talk to him, what on hell is this shit?!

silent professional.

going in and speak with him. point questions about what is to be expected of you.

we are a professional.

>>24091264
Talk to Zhao

>>24091264
...why wouldn't they just hire actors? Cinema's realized a long time ago that reality's much more boring than directed action, and it's never been difficult to trick people into believing "reality" TV.

I mean that's kind of the point of cinematography.

>>24091264
"So this is some kind of a reality show?"

..
Eh, money is money and we felt good. First time in a long time we felt good.

>>24091336
also this

>>24091264
Oh, good, we're making snuff reality tv now.
Go with >>24091336 for now, but as soon as this turns into a Serbian Movie, we bail.

>>24091372
>>24091356
>>24091346
>>24091337
>>24091336
>>24091310
“Ah, so good to see that you've come back.”

“Mr. Zhao. I believe there is more to this job then you led me to believe.” You reply.

“but of course. Allow me to explain. Walk with me.” Mr. Zhao paces off, placing his arm around your shoulder.

“You. The underdog protagonist, deep in the belly of Hong Kong, loaded with debt and misery. Then I, the mysterious stranger come along, and offer you a choice. A job to pay all your depths.”

He spins in front of you and gestures out to the horizon.

“You take care of company deeds underneath the table, and we catch it, using both audiovisual data, and your experience via slip data. You won't be in any real danger, and you won't even be harming anyone else. You'll attack our company warehouses and towers, filled with our trained actors. No guns, nothing but fake blood shed. People will remember you. They'll praise you. And if you do well enough, we may even be able to sponsor you back into the ring, if you so desire.”

He looks to you, and stick out his hand.

“What do you say? Sound like a lucrative deal? I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.”

You:

>Shake his hand. “Sounds like a plan.”
>Don't shake. “No. This is ridiculous.”
>Other.

>>24091535
>“You take care of company deeds underneath the table, and we catch it, using both audiovisual data, and your experience via slip data. You won't be in any real danger, and you won't even be harming anyone else. You'll attack our company warehouses and towers, filled with our trained actors. No guns, nothing but fake blood shed. People will remember you. They'll praise you. And if you do well enough, we may even be able to sponsor you back into the ring, if you so desire.”

Sounds like a set up for a real deal where they will send us on operation against a rival corp.

i will agree.
thank you for the offer.

>>24091535
Ask him what the catch is. No one does all that for free without expecting some sort of compensation.

>>24091535
"You should have told me so from the beginning."
Shake his hand. "Sounds like a plan, but no more surprises from now on. Deal?"

we need an income, this man is providing a opportunity for us to maybe get back into the ring.

we were risking our lives in the past just like we will in the future.

LETS ROCK AND ROLL!

>>24091605
>>24091625
"Well, I do have some questions." You venture.

"Go ahead."

"How do I not know you're setting me up to send me on an actual operation against an enemy corporation?"

"Well, we'll have a director yell 'cut!' after you succeed! But in a honesty, we can tour you around each facility beforehand, even have you do the whole shake hands with every member of the cast. We're not about to pull something as dirty or as underhanded as that. Again"

'so, what's the catch? No one does all of this for free."

"Who says we're doing for free? If this turns out right, you'll be a very valuable actor, more then worth the money we put into you. If not, we could always take you on as security staff."

"Fine. I accept."

"Then off we go!" Mr. Zhao happily announces.

The next few days are filled with costume measurements, talks with the staff, and personal decisions about your character. plans are laid out, and redone, and you rarely find yourself with a moment of free time. Still, it's definitely better than drowning yourself with alcohol.

Finally, it's the day of shooting. The plans are laid out, cameras secretly ingrained in the wall, and Mr. Zhao offers you a drink.

You drink it, and the world goes black.

"Alright, place him in his apartment. I want to see those cameras rolling, folks!"

You see flashes of gunfire and bullets. Glimpses of blood and death. Then you wake up. Just another dream.

It's been months since you've left your tiny apartment apartment over a bar in Hong Kong, drinking away what is left of your savings. No sponsor wants to pay for a foolish boxer like you. Talent is aplenty these days, and they want it fresh.

That doesn't sound like you. What is you is a drunkard so deep in his cups, he can't even remember what his doormat looks like. Hell, he can't even remember what he did yesterday.

Probably drinking.

There's heavy knocking at the door.

You:
>Open it. Any visitor is welcome.
>Leave it shut. It's probably the loan sharks.

>>24091965
Open it.

>>24091965
This sounds familiar

>>Open it

>>24091965
What a tweest. Open the door.

open it, then resolve to stop drinking

>>24092005
>>24092062
>>24092070
>>24092079
Looking at your empty bottle of brandy, you decide that, quite frankly, you've got piss all else to do. Even handing over what little remains of your savings is better than nothing.

You head over to the door, and open it slowly.

A man in a suit waits outside, his big grin a opposite to your weary, dirty face.

As the door slowly wings open, he shoots you a big smile.

“Ah, the prodigal boxe-”

“Don't call me that.” you interrupt the man. You've had enough of that nickname to last you a lifetime.

“Yes, yes, my apologies. My name is...well, my name is unimportant. What is is that, I have a job for you. My employer has heard of your talents, and was surprised that no one has made use of them yet.”

“that's because I don't work for two-bit criminals. I still have some pride left.” Drunk as you may be, you still refuse to enter that seedy underbelly of crime. But with your bank account getting close to zero, your morals may not do you any good.
“Of course, of course. Rest assured, my boss is no petty criminal. He works for Aptal Incorporated, and is very reputable. All I am saying is that we have a job for you, and we can provide more than adequate conversation. We've even paid off your debts, free of obligations. Won't you consider what we have to say?”

You lean back against the wall, and consider the man.

>”Yes.”
>”No.”
>Other

>>24092116
>Aptal Incorporated

Hey, a new corp!

"you ever had that strange case of deja vu sir? i mean i gotta a real bad case of it now"

Yes

its GROUNDHOG DAY!

>>24092116
Let's hear it first

Yes, you have my full attention

>>24092116
> Other.
Let's have a case of deja vu. Something is wrong, and we can't tell what it is.

>>24092137
>>24092142
>>24092154
>>24092161
You voice your assent, and the man bows, taking off his hat.

“Of course, my prodig-”

“I told you not to call me that.”

“of course, of course! Now, the job is simple, nothing illegal. My employer has a very, well, if you'll excuse me saying the word, prodigal daughter. She's a little rambunctious, but a good head, and soon, she'll be a prime stockholder of the company. All my employer wants is for you to act as her bodyguard for the next few months, until she takes her place on the board of directors for Aptal Incorporated. As you can imagine, the job pays very well.”

With that, the man places a folder on a nearby dresser.

“It's your choice. Anything you may want to know, should be in here. Good day.”

With that, the man tips his hat, and exits out the door.

Was he telling the truth? You check your commlink, and true to his word, your loan sharks have sent you a receipt for bills paid. There's even next month's rent and your bar tab paid, with a little extra.

Whoever they are, they're generous people.

You check the folder. It's a dossier of the kid's social life, favorite places, all, you're assuming, standard stuff for monitoring and protecting this person.

There's contact information on the side.

You:
>Take the Job
>Try and talk to someone about it. Maybe your ex.
>Throw it away. Maybe you should try something else.
>Other.

Oy im onto you. this aint bioshocks 3's gimick is it?

Take the job. Get details, specs anything you can. this second time around tickeling my paranoia button

>>24092229
Wait what.

>[]Other

Man, stop, and think for a mement: DEJA VU.

>>24092229
We've got a bad case of deja vu. Think this through.
Go take a walk first, clear your head.

>>24092229
>Other.
Clearly your mind is stressed from over-consumption of alcohol. Start masturbating.

say we will take the job and ask for a lift to the office. that way we will have time to get acquainted with the child. also allow us more time before the casino

>>24092305
>>24092293
>>24092270
Suddenly, you feel a massive headache. This is.....familiar. Has this happened before, maybe several times?...No. That can't be it. You need a break.

You stumble outside, the harsh light blasting your eyes. It's been a while since you've been outside.

No, it hasn't.

Maybe it happened while you were drunk?

You stumble downstairs, and your feet find the bar.

How do they always do that?

You sit down at the bar, and look around.

He's cleaning the tabletops like usual, serving the few people who come in.

You sit down, and wait for him to swing over. As he slowly makes his way around, cleaning all the tables, you bide your time, twiddling your thumbs. Finally he comes over.

“Someone paid your tab and rent today.”

Okay. You've heard that phrase before.

You Say:

>“I know. Same fellow offered me a job, too. Feels shifty, though. Why now?”
>”No they didn't. I don't know who you're talking about.”
>”Deja vu. Where does he work again?”

>>24092441
>>”Deja vu. Where does he work again?”

>>24092441
"Deja vu. And of course, you don't know the guy who did it, just where he works and such."

Other
Go for a walk down the streets to clear your head, then accept his offer.

>>24092441
"yeah, well, you know me, I know everything. Last time you asked me about some guy walking outside, and I knew everything about him too. It helps most of the people in this area frequent the bar, especially that big grin fella who works securities at Aptal incorporated. He's he's tried offering you a job, because he's a big fan, but you always forget an hour later."

as he talks, you realize he may be right. You always ask questions when drunk around people. Maybe it was deja vu after all.

You;
>thank him for his time, and go on a walk.
>Talk about it with someone. maybe your ex.
>call that contact number, and accept the job.
>see if you can find anything with some digging.
>other.

>>24092635
See if you can find anything with some digging.
Also, can we do this while we're taking a walk? We'd be harder to follow that way.

>>24092635
>>see if you can find anything with some digging.

Maybe we have brain damage, we were boxer after all?

>>24092667
>>24092842
>Dig for information

You decide to go on a walk, and head out into Hong Kong. It's been a while since you've done this. You may as well start digging for information about this Aptal, as well. You settle into your walk, and go to work.

After an hour or so of digging, you find nothing. Aptal is standard. Their work is standard. Nothing new about it.

You settle down on a park bench, and stare out to the horizon.

What are you so paranoid about, anyway? The day was probably just similar to one of your drunken tirades.

Your brain hurts again. Instinctively, you open the medical records.

“Dementia pugilistica. Symptoms are dementia, or declining mental ability, problems with memory, and Parkinsonism, or tremors and lack of coordination. It can also cause speech problems or an unstable gait. Patients with DP may be prone to inappropriate or explosive behavior and may display pathological jealousy or paranoia.”

You've heard that file over and over. All those years of boxing took their toll, but when you hit the cyborg leagues, the damage grew rapidly. It does explain why you'e acting so weird, though.

A voice interrupts your musing.

“Hello?”

You look up. It's your ex, walking through the park. She stares at you from a distance, seemingly unsure of who you are.

You Say:
>It's me. In the flesh. How have you been?”
>”Wrong person, lady. Keep on walking.”

>>24093055
"Who are you?"

>>24093055
"Hey, it's me. In the flesh."
She works for them, doesn't she?

>>24093123
Maybe we are being treated for a medical condition and she is actually a nurse or a doctor?

Or maybe we think too much and should go back drinking

>>24093238
She worked for the previous company, didn't she? She could know something.

>>24093123
>>24093238
>>24093258
It's been a long time since you've seen each other, and she flashes a sad smile your way.

“hey. How's life?”

“Decent. I got a job off-”

Wait, she might be working for them. No, she couldn't be. She did get a company job after you broke up, but that was only because her medical skills were of no use treating a cyborg like you, and you practically kicked her out. What use would she be?

“A job offer? Great, it means things are finally looking up for you!”

“...Yeah.” Her statement makes you remember the past, and you start to wonder. When did it all go downhill?

“Maybe he's a fan. I know I was from the start.” She tries to lighten the mood, and you chuckle slightly.

“Yeah, you were. Helping me get better, being my motivation...that was a while ago.”

“It was.”

Awkward silence. You just brought up some memories of the past, and you can tell that both of you are thinking about those golden days.

She stammers hurriedly, almost apologetically for bringing up the past. “Well...thanks for the chat. Can I buy you a drink or something?”

This talk might have happened before. It feels so easy to fall back into patterns.

“no, no need. I have a job offer, remember? I can pay.” You reply, the response coming smoothly, as if said many times before.

“Oh. Right. Well...see you around! You might be working at Aptal too, so maybe we'll meet somewhere.”

“Maybe.” With that, you wave her off.

That wasn't nearly as bad as you thought it would be, and she works there. Wait, how did she know about Aptal? You're sure you didn't mention it.

Your head aches once more.
[1/2]

>>24093390

Your commlink rings with a call. Unknown number. How did you know? You stare at it, and it rings once more. You thumb the answer button.

“H-Hello?”

“Hello. Have you considered the job?”

“How the hell did you get this number?”

“I have my ways. Now, I'll need an answer, and right away.”

>”Yes.”
>”No.”
>”Why are you being so secretive?”

>>24093390
>“Maybe he's a fan. I know I was from the start.” She tries to lighten the mood, and you chuckle slightly.

we never actually told her anything about the job

>>24093402
>no

>>24093402
"I can't say no, can't I?"

>”No.”
“Are you sure? It's a well-paying job, and we might have another for you after it finishes.

"I can't say no, can't I?"
“Of course you can. I'm sorry to interrupt, it's just that my client specifically wants you to do this job. I'll tell her you're not available.”

The comm call ends with a click, and you look at it in surprise.

You feel like you've never done that before.

Still, why does your brain hurt so much? Why is everything turning bla-
Two guards stand in front of you, their fists at the ready. One of them feints at you, and you dodge, causing the other one to launch a flying kick at you.

Your head erupts in red pain, and your twitch, leaning against the wall for support. It wasn't supposed to go like this. The stunt men did it wrong...

You pull out your gun, and blast both of them in the stomach, advancing past the doors they were guarding.

It's the CEO of Aptal Industries, who agreed to be in the film. As he shrieks in fear, you raise the gun.

>Pull the trigger.

>Don't pull the trigger.

jeez 4chan got me scared for a second. gave me a warning for spamming. Maybe I triggered something, or was trying to post the new post as a topic?

>>24093904
Don't pull the trigger. What the fuck happened? How did I get here?

>>24093904
>>Don't pull the trigger.

"Whu-what's happening?"

>>24093904
>I'll tell her you're not available.

Keep that in mind.

DON'T pull the trigger! ask what on earth is going on

>>24093976
>>24093988
>don't pull

Something's gone wrong, horribly wrong...

'"Whu-what's happening? What on earth is going on?" As you speak, memories flood your head.

You remember Mr. Juric gave you an offer as a sort of actor to rekindle your dwindling boxing career. Then you did several shoots, making sure that the location was indeed the real one.

You look up at the CEO. He's genuinely frightened, and it doesn't seem to be a ploy.

That means....

Realization dawns at you, and you nearly scream. How long has this been going on? You try to move away...

Then your robotic body stiffens.

You're no longer in control. You beg mentally with whatever is controlling you, but it's no use. Someone has gotten inside your systems, and now, your had is raising, the finger is tightening...

Bang.

The CEO collapses on the ground, and his blood slowly pools around him. You faint.

Betting knocked out. Your braincase splitting open. Memories of a tank. Experimental brain surgery, from all the top companies. They wanted to use you as a guinea pig. A break-up. You didn't want to risk it all again. She wanted to save you, no matter the cost. Anger. Sorrow. A mysterious man with an offer.

You wake up on a plane. You shake your head, and look around. Present? You don't think anything happened after this...

You look to your side, and there is your ex, watching you with a worried expression on her face.

“What is it?” She asks, her voice filled with concern. Her eyes look sad, yet focused, determined to do something. and Sorry for something

Determined to keep you alive. Sorry that it has to be that way.

You Say:
>”Nothing.”
>”I remember.”
>”Can you get me a drink?”
>Other.

>>24094276
"I remember"

FFFFFF-

>>24094276
>>”I remember.”

I have no idea what is going on

>>24094336
Same. This is 3deep5me

>>"I remember."

File: 1365290952784.jpg-(122 KB, 900x1363, FOOL.jpg)

122 KB JPG

>>24094336
>>24094628

>>24094333
>>24094336
>>24094628
“I remember.” as you say those words, the memories come flooding back, and you almost instantly regret it.

When you were beaten at that tournament, your lack of armor causer your brain to suffer untold damage, resulting in a critical case of Dementia pugilistica. The two of you tried to find a doctor to cure it, but most were very low chances of success, with little promise. So instead, she started looking at experimental brain surgeries. To this, you objected. Even though most of your body has been replaced by mechanical limbs and organs, you still refused to have your brain tampered with.But she objected. She wanted to save you, and over this, the two of you fought, until she left.

Then, you proceeded to drink, until a Mr. Juric offered you a new job, as an actor. No risk to your brain. You took it, realizing only too late that Juric was hired by your ex to get you in the surgery. Now, from what you can remember, they replay that same day over in your life, sending you on many corporate missions to damage, destroy, and execute all competitors. The best part was that, though you were alive, too much information or the wrong information could destroy your brain, which is why they kept the routine nearly the same each time, and why the missions are a blur, as is both yours and hers names.

>>24094690
Except for now. As the memories come rushing in, you feel the beginnings of a massive headache, and clench your teeth. You can remember it all, except for the goddamn names....

“What do you remember?”

You see the a glint of recognition in her eye, but it seems like she's playing dumb.

She shrugs. “In any case, today's mission involves the set we showed you earlier, except for the fact it's in america. Your job is to get in and steal information located in the labs. We have a hacker team on standby, waiting for your orders, but you need to get in there and plant the relay that will allow them access. Understood?”

>”Yes.”
>”No.”
>”We have to escape.”

>>24094699
"No. Fuck this, no. I'm done."

>>24094699
"Not anymore, we have to escape."

>>24094699
>No

>You see the a glint of recognition in her eye, but it seems like she's playing dumb.

Maybe we should play along?

>>24094741
>>24094751
>>24094772
“No. I'm done. We need to escape. Now.”

You start to rise from your seat, but she pulls you back down.
“What are you doing? Are alright? Maybe we should contact medical.”

“No, trust me. I'm fine. When this plane hits, we need to get going, and escape whoever's chasing us.”

she looks deep into your eyes, and then you are suddenly embraced by a hug.

“you're back...and after all this time, I thought I could never truly see you again...”

You hold her, lingering in the embrace, before pulling back.

“Yeah. Now tell me. What do we have waiting for us?”

She discards the previous plans, all but forgotten. 3 guards in then terminal making sure you get out normally. One tail when driving to the facility, with the same purpose. Once there, you have have a single support gunner assisting you as you enter which is where you part., and the hackers piggyback on your commlink signal until they can enter and breach the facility network.

“So, what are you going to do?”

>make a break for it in the airport, and take the tail's car.
>Play along like normal, then gun it when only the tail is own you.
>Enter the facility, and give away your employer's plans, taking out the support gunner.
>other.

>>24095126
>>Play along like normal, then gun it when only the tail is own you.

>>24095211
Pretty much this.

>>24095211
>>24095234
>car escape

“Got it.” She nods once, and the two of you wait silently for the plane to land.

The landing is uneventful, and you proceed through baggage claim, setting it in the back of the designated vehicle, before getting in. The two of you shut the doors, and begin the slow cruise out.

“the tail will be in black sedan with a hood ornament.” She says, and you look out the mirror. Sure enough, the cr is there. Your food moves onto the accelerator, and you can feel the tension.

1....2...3!

You gun the car, and it screams in response, throttling down the highway. Your nimble reflexes allow you to dodge most vehicles, but your tail is right on you. You've got a turn coming up, too fast to make for any mortal man-but thank heavens you aren't one.
“Hold on tight!”
Your augmented reflexes allow you ton control the vehicle perfectly, making a turn too sharp to follow into the off-ramp. As the car continues, the two of you look around. Then you remember something.

“One time, they managed to take control of my body. How do we know they won't do it again, or track it?”

“we turn your higher functions of your body off. It'll leave your body with the strength of a regular man, but it should buy us some time.”

“And the tracking?”
“We remove the chip in your right forehead.”
“do it.”

Sitting outside a drugstore, the procedure begins. She opens a small wound above your right eye, and it's a sick sensation as the chip slides out of your skin.

“All done.”
“Good. Bread?” She hands you a small donut, and you wad it around the microchip, throwing it by some pigeons. One of them gobbles it up, and you throw a rock at it to get it flying.

“So, what now?” she asks, and the two of you sit in the car. You really hadn't thought about this part.

>”We lay low in a motel, and wait for it to blow over.”
>”See if we can trade what we know for any sort of cash or safety.”
>”Can I take you out to dinner?”

>>24095615
>"Can I take you out to dinner?”

All of my wants BUT!

>”See if we can trade what we know for any sort of cash or safety.”
is my vote

>>24095688
>”See if we can trade what we know for any sort of cash or safety.”

“Do you have any information on the company, beyond what anyone would know? Research projects, raids they were responsible for? “
“No but-wait. I do. A record of all the runs you've been on. What they've stolen, what they've done. But also, people you've killed. If we give that away, you'll be compromised too. We could edit the data, but people will pay much less for that.”

You consider your options. You can remember selling data and how to do it, but editing will only give you a week's worth of cash. Releasing it with your data included gives you a month's worth of cash, with enough to possibly buy another vehicle to use., but it means people will know what you've done.

It's you choice.

>Release edited data( 1 week's worth of cash)
>Release full data (1 month, possibly enough for a new vehicle.)

>>24095950
Release full data.
We need to do the right thing.

>>24095981
^

>>24095950

(Anybody gonna archive this thread?)

>>24095950

Release the full data

>>24095981
>>>24096134
>>24096402
release full data

“are you sure?' She asks as she sends over the data file. “You'll be at risk too.”

“No.” You reply, flipping through your comm channels, attempting to find a buyer. Here's one, Broker-R. Instant payment after data confirmation. You send over the file, and you find your temporary bank account richer by far.

“Now that that's done, do you want to get something to eat?” The question comes out, and you look at your ex.

“What, forgot my name?” she responds jokingly.

“Yes. And mine too.”
your flat stare catches her off-guard, and she looks off into the distance.

“I'm so-”
“Don't be. It doesn't matter.” You grasp her hand reassuringly.

“if you say so.” her hand wraps around yours, and off you go into the city, buying dinner once more.

Guess this means you're back together.

The first nights are crazy and hectic, as the two of you enjoy each other's company, and the city. The sedan was switched out for a truck much like the one you used to own, and one night, the two of you bundle up, and go out to see the stars.

They glitter overhead, uncaring of the future, untainted by streetlights and buildings.
It's a peaceful, solitary existence, perhaps like the one your parents had, back in the 2000s.

On that starlit hill, the two of you wait. Not for anything in particular, just waiting. She enjoys the experience, but you, as much as you try, cannot.

>>24096433

Who knew a body of steel could have such a weakness? As the wind blows by, you idly remember what a cool, light breeze feels like, or the closeness of a human being. It was tough for you, but even tougher for her, to watch her love get replaced by a metallic copy. But still, she stuck through, and stood by your side through thick and thin, despite what she must have experienced.

“I'll never let anyone hurt you.” you promise under your breath. It's a promise you've made many times before when these thoughts occur to you, and you wonder if you'll ever get tested on it.

Hopefully not.

You fall asleep in each others arms as the stars twinkle overhead.

In the morning, you wake up to your commlink buzzing. Checking the message, you get a cryptic statement.

“Need to see you at corner of 7th and 41st. -Broker R.”

your girlfriend's commlink buzzes as well, and you look at the screen.

“We're coming to collect our investment.”

They're coming.

You wake her up, and place her in the passenger seat, then hop into the driver's.

“What's going on?” she asks, rubbing her eyes.

“Someone wants to see us, and someone wants to come after us. I'm going to:

>Head to that meeting, and see if this Broker-R can get his company to do anything.
>Run. Juric and his men are onto us.
>other.

>>24096448
Run. While driving, contact Broker-R, and give him a rundown of the situation.

>>24096520
You send Broker-R a message detailing the situation. As you do so, you pull up maps of the city proper, and set out search parameters for any Juric Neurotech-licensed cars. You're not quite sure how you're doing it, but you seem to have done it many times before, and can vaguely remember what's happening.

You get a message back.
“Get to a Marud Industries facility on this map. Extraterritoriality will protect you, and I'll prep the security guards for your arrival.”

You open up the map, and pick the closest one 12 miles away.

Then a car rams into your vehicle, jarring your vision.

Struggling for control, you tug at the wheel, and gun it for the facility.

Juric and his men are right on your tail, and not even your augmented reflexes can protect you from several cars and traffic. The truck takes a bunch of hits, but keeps on chugging along. Then, you can see it.
Marud Industries Facility R0. You allow yourself a grin, then the tires pop.

It looks like the car can't take it anymore. As the engine sputters, you hear gunshots ring out, piercing the car.

Quickly, you get out of the car, and take cover.

The Facility entrance is so close, yet so far at the same time.

You attempt to move the car for cover, but it gets riddled with bullets every time you try and push it.

Poking your head out, you duck back quickly, dodging a hail of gunfire.

Seems they're focused on catching you, dead or alive.

If you enable your higher functions you could buy enough time for her to escape.

If you don't, you don't have to worry about getting controlled, and can safely enter the facility, but she can't shrug off bullets like you can.

Marud Industries can protect their facility, but they cannot advance unless they want to face a whole mess of legal tape.

The air is heavy with gunfire and lead, coming down to this critical moment.

What do you do?

>>24096390
Anyone can. I just like to wait for a thread to be done before I archive, so I know it caught everything.

>>24096941
Allow her to escape. Activate the higher functions, and tell her to run for it.
After she's inside, try to catch up with her.

Do we have a gun?

>>24096996
Yes, and 10 shots. Unfortunately, there are quite a few of these men.

>>24097021
We need to give her covering fire.
Save the last bullet for us.

>>24096970
>so I know it caught everything.

It will automatically update itself

>>24096941

You there, OP?

>>24097339
give me a bit more. almost done writefagging.

>>24097397

Okay. Also was a slight bump.

>>24096996
>>24097039
“When I run out from behind cover, I want you to make a break for the gate.”

“But what about you?”

“I'll take care of these men. Once I activate the higher functions, I can take them out easy. Remember the cage match in Brazil? It'll be just like that.”

“But then they'll be able to control you! You can't do this!” She grabs a hold of your torso, and you can see the tears flow.

Even even though your body can't feel them as they run down your plating, they weigh heavier than burden you've had to bear so far.

Gently, you pry her arms from your torso, and give her a gentle kiss.

“Now go.”

You turn on your higher functions, and leap into the fight.

46 men. 15 more than Brazil. Your hyper-attuned senses register and record every person, every firing angle, and potential aggressors. Your legs swiftly carry you into cover, your gun barking, each shot perfectly aimed, accounting for movement under cover.

31. She's halfway to the gate.

Somersaulting to the nearest man, you throw a quick combo in his gut, followed by a haymaker for his friend behind you.
Scooping up the sub-machine guns, you fire at the memorized positions of the opposition, each bullet aimed perfectly.

16. She's made it to the gate.

Now it's your turn. You drop the guns and-

>>24097556

and nothing. Your body refuses to move under your command, and you can tell what's happening. It straightens up to 'at attention' state, and you can hear Juric's laughter.

“I see the command unit in your left arm still works. Now, salute!”

your body snaps to attention, and Juric's laughter pierces your ears.

“All your toys and gadgetry, yet you are still limited by a button. You call yourself the Prodigy Boxer? All your money wasted, making you the most prodigal man in existence! You replaced your body on a lark, and now, you suffer the price! Kneel! And scream in agony!”

Your knees drop, and you feel control of your mouth come back. As it happens, you feel intense agony as Juric applies a stun baton to your internals.

You scream, and the world turns red. Finally, he stops, and you pant in pain.

“We put so much money into you, but don't worry, we got our returns. Already, we've made copies of your body and fighting structure, and have some of the best fighting robots in history. And while I wanted to keep you for your value as original, I feel like I'd rather blow your brains out.”

A metal barrel is pushed against your head, and your teeth brush your left elbow.

The disconnector pin is there.

If you pull it out, you can fight back.

Or you can try and talk, and beg for your life. He might let you go.

You:
>Beg.
>Disconnect arm.
>other.

>>24097577
>If you pull it out

How hard would it be to do that?

>>24097691
not too hard. just flip the elbow cap and grab with your teeth. allow me to rephrase choices.

>Disconnect arm, and eliminate every opponent in the vicinity. or just Juric.
>disconnect arm, and spare your aggressors. or just Juric.

>>24097072
I think it updates every 2 hours or so. I like playing things safe.
>>24097733
4 choices in two, just in case my phrasing threw you off.

>>24097733
>Disconnect arm, and eliminate Juric

Then run fast as fuck into the building

>>24097778

As he gloats over your body, gun pressed to your skull, your teeth find the pin, and pull.

You lose sensation in your right arm, but that doesn't matter.

Because you're free.
Pulling away from the barrel, you move up to grab Juric by the throat.
“Awfully frail body, Juric. Don't you wish your body was like mine? Then crushing your throat would be near impossible.” As he claws at his throat, feebly struggling, you hear the men struggle.

“now, Juric, look and see where your greed has gotten you. Look at a man you haven't yet beaten, and will not beat.”

you squeeze.

Then something big and metal tackles you to the ground. As Juric backs away, you assess the new threat. It's a combat robot, moving...much like you. This must be the copy Juric was talking about.
As it dives into attack, you consider what you would do, and react accordingly. Sidestep, elbow counter, body check. You fend it off. As it dives in it goes for your left. You move to block-only to realize you've got no arm to block with.

Its fist tears into your body with a devastating crunch, and you crumble.

Even a robotic body has its limits. Your vision fades, and as you see her taken from you, all you can do is stretch your arm futilely toward her fingers.

Marie. That was her name.
You consciousness flickers in and out, and you can see the wreckage around, the result of those deadly robots. An average man comes up to you, while you sit in the wreckage, and squats, looking into your flickering eyes.

>What will you do to save her?

>>24097999
>What will you do to save her?

Anything.

>>24097999
Is this all the fight we've got left? The perfect opponent, everything on the line, and we can only take one hit? We've been there before.

>>24098046
>"Anything."

He grins.

“That's what I wanted to hear.” A group lift you up, and you can feel your body being. Altered. Changed. Limbs replaced and attached. The acute sensation of pain. Whatever this man is doing, it'll be worth it. It's not every day you get a second chance.
You wake up, groggy from whatever chemicals the put in you. You become aware of the tubes in your mouth, as well as the odd sensation. You seem to be in a tube filled with some sort of liquid. What's happening? What's going on? You twist and struggle, but your feet are held in place.

Your arms. You always invested in your robotic arm strength. You pull, and are rewarded by a snap dulled by liquid. You turn to pound on the glass wall, and it feels different, What happened? As your fists hit the wall, you slowly realize.

You've got a human body again. You marvel at your hands at the skin. You hear a draining sound, and the tickle as water rushes past your ears. You enjoy the sensation. Then realize you're human once more.
How will you save her now?
A man walks up to the enclosure as the door fall open, plopping you on the ground like a new born. You struggle up to the man, and grab him by the shoulders.

“What di...What did you do to me?”
“I joined the sizable amount of investors who were very prodigal with their cash, Mr. Boxer. My engineers seem to have the estimate for the changes to your body being worth $120 billion, more valuable then some of the world's nations. You did say you'd do anything to save her, after all.”

“And how can I do it with this human body? What about cybernetics? Robotic limbs?”

'All very worthwhile investments, no doubt, but mankind cannot replace themselves with robots. It is both unappealing and unflattering. We've been working on bioware equivalents to equal, and often exceed, the robotic form.

>>24098407
“I have given you this body, and in return, I want you to tear down Juric Neurotech while the world watches. Think of it as your cage fight in Brazil. A whole bunch of opponents, no weapon restrictions, and one hell of a prize.”

You look at your hands, and clench them. Despite the organic form, this body feels more powerful, more efficient.

“Alright. Where do I start?” You ask, flexing your body.

“By putting on some shorts.” the man responds, his clipboard held up to block the view of your jewels. “then to Juric's Tower. He's got your friend sitting in a chair, her face spread on every live feed he can get to. Between you and her is every single robot he can manufacture, and every soldier he can muscle up. We can help, but we want you to be the in the spotlight.”

with that, planning begins.
You can either
>attack from the bottom up, and clear Broker-R's goals before your own, scaring Juric every step of the way.
>Start with Juric, and destroy the tower afterwards.
>Call out Juric to a one on one. It may work, but he may gun you down from a distance.
>other.

>>24098416
>Start with Juric, and destroy the tower afterwards.
Scaring the fucker is a big no-no. When people are scared, they don't think correctly. Last thing we want is our bitch getting capped.

>>24098416
We seem a straightforward kind of guy, but I don't want Marie to get hurt, so we can't start at the bottom.

Top down.

>>24098416

I agree with >>24098480
>>24098508

>>24098480
>>24098508
>>24098644
>Top Down.

You lay out your plans and ideas, and the battle begins.

On the day of the fight, Broker-R sends a response on your behalf to Juric Neurotech. A Corporation War, beginning in 12 hours.

The net buzzes with the leaked announcement, and all eyes turn to Juric's Tower for the fight. Man versus machine? Combat? Realtime slip data? Both sides find their accounts quickly rising as companies and individual users buy in and bet. Whoever the winner is, they'll make a killing. And the loser will have to console themselves with mere 7 figure profits.

A VTOL hovers above the tower circling, jamming the radio signals below. Broker-R runs through a usual mission brief, then glances at you.

“You ready?”

“Yes.”

“Then get to it.” He slides open the VTOL door, and you grab a parachute before jumping down, into the fray. Already you can hear gunfire as upper fortifications are assaulted, shattering glass and blowing in doors.
You land upon a robot, and deft twist its neck with a foot twist. As the others advance, you surge forward, flesh and bone reacting like steel never could.

You don't have time for this. You need to get to Marie. You rush down the stairs, taking down whoever may cross your path. As a couple approach with assault rifles, your pull out your guns and begin shooting.
Not a single damn thing stands in your way.
With fire and fist, you blaze a path into the tower, which is quickly filled by men behind you.
Now Juric's office doors stand in front of you, and you can see Marie through the window. No time to waste. You kick open the doors, and are greeted by...nothing.

>>24098917
You look around the room. Juric isn't here. You rush over to Marie, and untie the knots.

“Sorry I took so lo-”

Even your reflexes can't catch up as she interrupts you with a passionate kiss. You're stunned. But not stunned enough when a robotic arm erupts out of the drywall, aimed for her. You push her out of the way, and yank the arm, throwing it across the room.

Juric goes flying with it. Taking advantage of time brought, you order the nearby soldiers to get Marie out of the battlefield.

Despite her protests, she is pulled out, leaving Juric to you.

Well, what is recognizable of him. His body is fully synthetic now, with only his face still wearing flesh.

“I see you came. And with a fleshy body too. Imagine how easy it will be to crush your throat.” He rushes at you, and you barely dodge in time.

“Money doesn't make the man, Juric!” You reply, and hit him with a few swift kicks as he passes.

“No. But replacing the original will.” He turns, and grabs your leg, tossing you into a nearby pillar.
Soon, the world shall see you for what you are. A fool. All that money spent on a losing dog, who cannot even muster a bark once he is crushed.”
As you struggle to get up, he closes the distance, and holds you up by your skull
“Tell me. What will you wish for once I crush your life, bit by bit?”
You say:
>”Your grip is weak.” Pry his fat fingers off your head.
> “Crush this.” And shoot him in his ugly face.
>”I'm not having this stupid debate.' Kick him in his stupid, mouthbreathing jaw.
>Other.

>>24098927
"Your mother." Then rip his head off from his shoulders - spine and all. Pummel the rest of his body into bits in case it can still react with violence.

>>24099198
“Your mother.” you grab his neck with your legs, ripping your head from his grasp. You pull forward, using your momentum to try and rip his neck.
Too much force. You slam him into the ground instead, and decide to let go, rolling back to put some distance between you two.
“you fool!” He roars. “Do you understand what you've given up? That you've risked your life, solely for the sake of victory! You could have turned tail, and ran, and tried again another day. But now, you decided to face me. And now, you die!” He swings his fist, and you watch as it shatters where it hits. But they're wide, and they leave him open. The only thing you need to to do is dive in.
Underneath his swings you go, floating on air, and punishing his mistakes. Boxing 101, plain and simple. Each hit gets him angrier, and each hit makes him think less. The punches turn into a charge, which you nimbly sidestep. Hitting the elevator doors, he busts them inward, and it drops downwards under his weight.
You jump in, only to see the explosives strapped to the wall.

Oh n-
BOOM.
The explosives go off, blowing out any window on an open floor, sending rubble to the bottom of the tower.

Juric looks at it all, and laughs.

Then a hand bursts from the rubble, and his jaw drops.

“How...How did you survive?”

You pull yourself out, and look yourself over.

“I'm not really sure, myself.” A lie, of course. Extreme durability was one of the benefits of the biological augmentation, with its counter only being less sensitive skin. But it got Juric mad, and that's exactly what you want.

“I'm ending this.”

He charges you, putting all of his energy into this last blow. If it hits, it'll hurt.
But at the speeds he's charging, it'll be impossible to sidestep and retaliate.

You:
>Block it. With your forehead. then punch him to kingdom come.
>Get away. Hitting him will do you no good.
> Unload several bullets into him as he passes by.
>other.

>>24099466
Man mode
>Block it. With your forehead. then punch him to kingdom come.

>>24099523
yes i agree with this

http://youtu.be/uHCi3E6TiGA

>>24099523
>>24099619
There's only one thing left to do. As his fist rushes at you, you meet it with your forehead, stopping it cold.The impact reverberates up his arm, sending a shockwave back to his body. As his hand drops uselessly, you pull back your fist and let loose a guttural yell. You swing forward, and...

Impact. Juric goes flying, and hits a concrete wall before collapsing, his limbs shattered from the impact, his torso leaking vital fluids.
He attempts to get up, but can only futile scratch across the floor with the remnants of his legs and arms. He's a worm now, and it would be so easy to crush him. Right now, in front of everyone watching the channel. It would be so easy, and your victory would be assured.

But you pause.

The fight's over. Juric Neurotech has been destroyed, and the rules for Corporation Wars mean that it has effectively been acquired by Marud Industries. You've won.

But what happens to the survivor?

>Spare him.
>Kill him.

>>24099800
Crush his skull between your hands.

>>24099800
Spare him. From death, at least.

We will destroy him far more thoroughly than that.

>>24099800
Take him back to Marud, get him a plain body that rejects any further implants? Let him lose everything.

>>24100309
>>24100326
>spare him
It's so simple. Just grab, and squeeze.
You grab his skull, and pick him off the ground. Wordlessly, you begin to clench, sending feedback to whoever's watching his feed. Your fingers tighten, then clench together, eliminating his implanted comm. As the words -CONNECTION LOST- flash across viewer's screens, you drop him and stare across the rubble.
You're not going to kill him. That would be too easy.

“Well, you did it, Boxer.” a hand grabs your shoulder and taps it reassuringly. It's Broker-R, surveying the building.
“What do you want done with Mr. Juric? We can dispose of him, if you want.”

You look at Juric, in his pitiful state. “Give him back a human body, and make sure it rejects any implants, Let him watch as his life's work disappears in a blink of an eye. Do what you want, after that, but keep him living.”

“You got it. Folk, get over here and bring Juric to the bio-labs. We've got work to do, all thanks to Mr. Boxer.” He moves away, but you grab him and turn him around gently.
“You helped too, broker-R. So, thanks.” You reply, and hold out your hand. For a split second, he looks surprised, then grabs it and shakes it.

“You're welcome.” He says, and begins walking into the rubble. “Though, I do feel obligated to tell you I didn't give you any bioware augmentations at all.” He calls over his shoulder.

No upgrades? That means...

”just kidding.” He replies, and you breathe a sigh of relief. You're not sure how you would feel if you did all of that without any help.

You sit back in a nearby chair, and lean back, looking up into the sky.

A clear day. A perfect way to start a new life. As you muse, a face blocks your vision.

>>24100611
It's Marie. She stares into your eyes, and you stare into hers, both of you smiling like a bunch of fools.
“So, guess I won a championship of some sort.” You say, breaking the silence.
She grins, and leans down, her face close to yours. “That, and my eternal gratitude.” As her arms wrap around your torso, hugging you from behind, you feel feel the urge to say something important.

“Marie, I'm sorry for everything I've put you through. I wish I could be there for you more, could have been there for you more. Will you forgive me?”

yout turn to her, but her face is hidden from yours. Then you feel the slight drip of tears. “Please, don't apologize. Everything you've put me through, I would go through again, just so I can be with the man I love, and help him at his worst. Besides-” She sniffs slightly, wiping away the tears. “You're here now, in the end. That's all that matters to me.”

You turn around, and hug her as tears of happiness run unchecked. As the day goes on, you realize that she's right. You love her, and she loves you back. What more do you need?

The next day, you wake up to loud knocking at the door, a bottle of alcohol near your bed. You're not r the cycle again, are you? You look around, and see Marie sleeping next to you, and breathe a sigh in relief. Pulling on some pants, you open the door to Broker-R leaning on the door frame expectantly, a folder in hand.

“What are you doing here so early? This had better be good.” You say, closing the door behind you.
“Got a job for you, Boxer, and some friends.”
“I can make friends perfectly fine on my own, unlike someone...” You throw a verbal jab Broker-R's way, and he coughs nervously.

“Well...yeah...but...erm...In any case, It's called the Lazarus Execution and Acquisition Firm. Think of it as a circle of pals all interested in your type of stuff. Combat, fighting, and a whole lot of action. All nonlethal, of course."

>"What do you say?”

>>24100620
"Eat a dick. I'ma go fuck my girlfriend now."

>>24100620
"Sorry, but I'm done with jobs like that. All I'd really like now is to get into the ring again."

>>24100620
Let me see the folder. I'll call you if I'm interested.

>>24100656
>>24100695
>>24100742

""Eat a dick. I'ma go fuck my girlfriend now.""

He stammers nervously, and you flash him a grin.

“Kidding. Sorry, but I'm done with jobs like that. All I'd really like now is to get into the ring again. I might look at the folder, and tell you if anything interests me."

“Oh, I can do that!” throwing the folder into his briefcase, he starts pulling up charts and tables. “We've got all sorts of trainers and facilities for you to work with, and we also got...” the conversation trails into the day, planning for the future, for the present, and accounting for the past.

Several weeks later, you wait in a locker room, prepping yourself for the next match.

'Ready? Don't forget, Broker-R has that job for you picked out.” Marie asks, and you nod.

“Ready. Let me take care of this guy, and we can move on to paying the bills.”

throwing on the boxing robe, you saunter out to the announcer's call. You step into the ring, throwing off the robe as stylishly as you can.

Your opponent stands before you, an imposing 6'2'.

'This is going to be good!” you jibe raise your mitts.

The announcer rings the bell, and the crowd erupts in cheers.

Once more into the fray.

And this time, there's nothing to hold you back.

-Quest End-

>>24100882
phew, quest over. i tried to incorporate everyone's choices as much as I could because you stuck till the very end. Questions? comments? Anything to work on? Anything i should drop entirely? please tell. I'm always looking to improve, to help you guys have a better time.

>>24100906
Maybe I just don't see them all that often, but I really appreciate the one-shot approach. A lot of quests drag out forever, and lose their appeal. I do like that you kept things vaguely in a plot-line as well, rather than leaving things completely open ended.

I think there were a few too many ambiguities with who's who toward the middle, but hey, we're a boxer with brain problems.

I am also a complete sucker for cyberpunk brawling, so I just flat out loved this.

>>24100906
It was pretty awesome. Though, I personally felt rather suspicious about some guy suddenly showing up and giving us such a neat solution to the whole mess we were in.

>>24101007
thanks. I like one-shots as well. i can keep things fresh, and not have to worry about a schedule if I burn out. As for open endings, i think it's a personal thing. I like tying things up in neat little packages, and feel like I should answer any question the reader has, instead of speculation. Looking back through the middle, I can see why people get confused. big plot twist, repetitive text, and unclear writing do make things a bit confusing, sorry. i'll try and make things clear if i ever run a quest again.
>>24101047
he's actually from another quest i ran in the net gain setting, which is based off that game of the same name that gets mentioned here every so often. This quest was actually a reference to all the cyberboxing quests his o-writer attempted to do, but I did go off the deep end with the idea.

Quest archived here:
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/24088358/

the other quest, called rogue broker quest, can be found here.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/23945081/

>>24101125
Any other questions or comments? my time zone is odd, so I'm usually lurking in these threads for a while.

>>24101138
I'm in EST, so I need to get the hell to sleep, but I've got the time for this.

As for open ended, I meant more the small nudging for options at the end of each post. Leaving things completely up to us goes wrong pretty fast.

For tying up the story overall, do whatever you like. I enjoy stories more for what they are than the questions they answer, although leaving too many loose ends can look like a cop-out.

Uh lets see... you really identified the key flaws already, not much left for me to do. The bioware v cyberware conflicts are always fun, and I like the kind of crazy corporate world this seems to be in. It rode the line of pink mohawk/mirrorshades.

>>24101138
I enjoyed it. Cheers, big ears

>>24101444
thanks. and while these stories aren't exactly canon, any world where money is spent on hiring burglars and spies on a regular basis is a little bit crazy, like this tory. The action did jump near the end, though, so that went a bit pink mohawk there.
>>24101455
Glad you liked it! thanks for reading and/or playing!

>>24101546
I started reading the story yesterday but had to go to sleep, left the pc on with autorefresh on this thread so I could read it in the morning. And you didn't disappoint me.

I really liked the story. The part from Maries capture on felt a little bit rushed though, but I guess that's something that can easily happen with oneshots, and the bossfight had an appropiate length again.
Also while the storytwist in the middle was confusing, I don't see it as something bad since it HAD to be confusing. It would have been boring if everyone knew exactly what was going on. The character was confused and had no idea what was going on and we as the players (well reader in my case) had to make their decisions with the same confusion.
At least in my case this lead to a nice "B-but wha...? Oh fuck, what's going on? Oh, boy, this isn't good, we have to get him out of there" moment. And it became clear what was going on later.

Also i'm glad your thread didn't get fucked up by trolls. I usually don't visit questthreads, but your first post seemed very appealing and I wanted to know what's going on. The first and last time I visited a questthread it was a horrorstory in the woods and more people made fun of it than people played it serious (TO GONDOR!). Didn't see a single troll in this thread and I think that's one of the best responses you can get.

So yeah, keep up the good work.