Twitter: @ELHMk1
Archive Link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RFjC4hLbsnPcoA8EZTNWj9THbki3yOLjADkiMidlmfk/edit?usp=sharing

Character Sheet & NPC References:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1rzrQLrCE99M_fOu_RDG9zz5pemWhc_DPqXNOIv9kOuc/edit?usp=sharing

As we’re using a simplified Traveller system most rolls will be 2d6 versus a number (typically 8). In an attempt to allow the most people to participate in the rolls I let four people roll a single d6. The lowest two are then dropped and the remaining die added together with bonuses/modifiers (if applicable). Rolling three 1’s is a critical failure, while double 6’s is a critical success.

To be clear: Rolls DO NOT count until they are called for. And not every DC/Modifier will be shown. Choices with checks on them may not always be highlighted or obvious.

In the highly likely event that the Dice Gods are assholes you have the option of making a single roll result a 9. Most of the time this means an automatic success but it will come with a caveat of sorts in the narrative. It also can only be used every other session.

This is all very much an exercise in seeing what works and what doesn’t in a new system and a new world, so there’s bound to be times where something doesn’t add up right or needs further explanation. Just speak up and we’ll try to bridge the gap. Unless it’s about the Dice Gods - talk to Not!Moot about that.

Other than that, sit back and enjoy!

Cathy shifts a little to better free up one of her legs. She’s currently curled up across from you on the floor as you explain just what exactly happened with Aria. So far she’s simply listened and asked small questions where appropriate.

“The fact she’s given you a deadline like this isn’t good,” she remarks. “Nor is the news that she can seemingly place a person in our employ with just a word. We always knew she had friends in high places with how hard it was to pin things on her, but this just confirms it.”

You rub the back of your neck before replying, “It doesn’t seem like I have much of a choice. Either I show up, get god knows how many bugs implanted into me, and sell you all out, or I basically go into deep hiding and never come out again. And something tells me that the SCU doesn’t really want to be babysitting me for the rest of my life.”

Mittens lets out a small meow from its spot on Cathy’s abdomen before she can respond proper. It’s a little weird to see the large cat sitting atop a military-grade spider cyborg in what amounts to a bathrobe, but this whole day in general has been unusual.

“I’ll pass this along to the others, see what they think. But...” Cathy pauses, folding her arms across her chest. “I think in general you’re looking at some kind of surgery tomorrow evening. Either to pull a triple agent against Aria or to give yourself a completely new identity.”

You rub your temples in slight exasperation. “Mind walking me through what you’re thinking?”

“Sure. Consider the facts.” Cathy holds up a claw as she starts to list off, “One: Aria’s seen your face and met you in person. Unavoidable given the circumstances but the damage is done. If you refuse her she’ll just find you again, and I don’t think I need to tell you what might happen then. The only way to get you off her radar at this point is to either stick you in a full body prosthetic or to do some serious biosurgery.”

> cont

>>40305689

“Makes sense. And I can’t say the idea doesn’t appeal to me. But what then? Won’t Aria still be going after the SCU?”

Cathy nods and holds up a second claw, “Yes. Which brings me to item Two: If you refuse we’re still likely to have a new employee joining our ranks in short order. Specifically to fill your job. The Chief hasn’t reported that the position’s been filled yet to her superiors.”

“But what about the statement and paperwork I did earlier? Even if I was out for a bit due to surgery or whatever, wouldn’t that still be enough to say the position is filled?”

She smiles slightly and replaces her arm underneath the other. “Good, you’re starting to see the bigger picture. In this instance Aria’s meddling is likely unavoidable. Even if the position was filled, Aria would just find a new one to sneak a puppet into. That’s why an ‘Organic Verification Agent’ mole wouldn’t be all that hard to deal with. They’ll only have but a certain level of cyberization, after all. Which is also why having you be said ‘puppet’ might work to our favor.”

You shudder a little as the fresh memory of the bugged pizza comes to mind. “I think I get it now. Still, this is a lot to take in and process, let alone make a decision about right now.”

“Understandable. I imagine you probably want to sleep on it. I’ll go prepare your room for you.”

> [1] “Sleep sounds good, yeah.”
> [2] “Well if I’m going to get surgery either way I kinda wanna know what it’d be like. What’s your story?”
> [3] “Just bring me a bottle of liquor and I’ll crash here on the couch.”
> [4] Write in

>>40305710
> [2] “Well if I’m going to get surgery either way I kinda wanna know what it’d be like. What’s your story?”
Chat her up.

>>40305710
>[1] “Sleep sounds good, yeah.”

>>40305710
>> [2] “Well if I’m going to get surgery either way I kinda wanna know what it’d be like. What’s your story?”

>>40305710
>[1] “Sleep sounds good, yeah.”

>>40305710

> [2]

Always talk with the potential waifu.

>4 players here
>5 votes
Oh, samefag-kun.

Let's go with [2] then. Back in a bit...

>>40305710
> [2] “Well if I’m going to get surgery either way I kinda wanna know what it’d be like. What’s your story?”

>>40305710

Before Cathy can get back to her feet you hold out a hand to stop her. She pauses mid-motion and tilts her head quizzically at you.

“Don’t worry about that just yet,” you say. “It’s not like I’d be able to sleep right now anyways. I figure it’s probably better to pick your brain than to stare blankly at a ceiling waiting for the sandman to take me.”

As she settles back down she replies, “I take it you’re curious about what surgery might entail then.”

“Yup. And since you’re…”

“And since I’m basically a ‘brain in a jar’ as the Chief put it I’m the resident expert on the subject,” she finishes for you. “Though I don’t think we have another U-Oni class body lying around if that’s what you’re thinking.”

Cathy’s sudden change in tone and follow up wink catches you off guard. You quickly recover and reply, “Not at all. Besides, I wouldn’t know what to do with half of what you have. I’m mostly just curious about what it’s like. For all those pipe dreams about becoming a cyborg I never really stopped to think about what the process itself was like.”

“Hm. A full body prosthetic is like going to sleep and waking up in a new body. Then whatever doctors and technicians worked on you walk you through all the new features until you get used to it.”

You smile at the mental image of Cathy skittering about wildly trying to get her balance. “Sounds fun. How was it for you?”

> cont

>>40306459

She shrugs and reaches behind her to pluck Mittens off of her abdomen. “I don’t remember much of it really. I’ve more or less been in tank-killer type bodies for the past ten years. And before that my parents got me cyberized at a very young age. Going between bodies at this point is like slipping on new shoes, so to speak.”

“Huh,” you remark levelly. Sure, you’re a little jealous but that little bit of information tells you a lot about her past. It also explains why she’s got such masterful control over that body.

> Pick one for now since they branch slightly
> [1] “Wait. How old ARE you exactly?”
> [2] “Why mil-grade cyborgs? Were you in the service or something?”
> [3] “What is it your parents do exactly?”
> [4] Write in

>>40306495
> [3] “What is it your parents do exactly?

>>40306495
>> [2] “Why mil-grade cyborgs? Were you in the service or something?”

>>40306495
>> [3] “What is it your parents do exactly?”

>>40306495
>[2] “Why mil-grade cyborgs? Were you in the service or something?”

>>40306495
> [2] “Why mil-grade cyborgs? Were you in the service or something?”

[2] Again. Writing...

>>40306495

You figure you’ll start drilling into her past by asking about her choice of bodies. As you get the words out, Cathy shifts Mittens around to her front to hold him like a teddy bear.

“Well you’re familiar with the Sechiaso Republic and the Atrusian Union, yes?” she asks.

“More or less what they teach you in school these days. The SR and the AU constantly bicker and fight with one another over land and resource claims. Why?”

It might be your imagination but Cathy grips Mittens just a tad closer. “I used to oversee a small heavy support unit on the SR side. A lot of the skirmishes and the like these days are puffery but now and again an overwhelming display of force is necessary. And nothing says force like a group of tank-killer cyborgs going for a walk across the DMZ.”

You had a feeling she held rank at some point given her stiff nature. Still, something occurs to you. “So wait. If you used to be a citizen of the SR, then you helping to save the AU kid earlier…”

She again shrugs. “I never was much of a nationalist to be honest. I simply did my time like any other until a better offer came along.”

“That offer being?”

“Well when someone like Chief Hatos comes to recruit you personally after hearing about your exploits as ‘The Mistress of Tanks,’ and more or less gives you free reign over a unit with access to all the latest toys...”

Was that a blush of pride or of embarrassment?

> [1] “So you and the Chief go way back then?”
> [2] “You don’t like the title? I think it suits you.”
> [3] “Were the conflicts between the SR and the AU why your parents cyberized you early?”
> [4] “Seems lonely and stressful. Were you ever close to someone?”
> [5] Write in

>>40307313
>> [1] “So you and the Chief go way back then?”
> [2] “You don’t like the title? I think it suits you.”

>>40307313
> [1] “So you and the Chief go way back then?”
> [2] “You don’t like the title? I think it suits you.”

Aww, the cyborg tank is blushing.

>>40307313
>> [2] “You don’t like the title? I think it suits you.”
> [1] “So you and the Chief go way back then?”

>>40307313
>> [1] “So you and the Chief go way back then?”

>>40307448

And she's holding a giant cat for comfort. Between that and her pizza compartment, 11/10, would waifu.

>>40307313
>[1] “So you and the Chief go way back then?”

Some sorta [1]+[2] hybrid then. K. Back in a bit...

>>40307313

You throw caution to the wind and rely on your intuition that it’s pride. Which means a little bit of flattery should earn you brownie points. “Mistress of Tanks, eh? I think it suits you. You must have been a helluva sight to see when you really got into it, if earlier today and yesterday is any indication.”

Sure enough, her blush deepens. But only for a moment. “I suppose you could say that. It’s been awhile since I could really cut loose though.” Her tone becomes slightly more serious for a moment as she adds, “And I suppose it’s a better title than the other one I had.”

“That being?”

She locks eyes with you, holding there until you start to worry you said something wrong. Then she grins, winks, and says, “Play your cards right and one day you might find out.”

That just raises more questions than before! Still, at least you’re gaining ground. No need to push that angle and ruin things. “Fair enough. I’m sure it’s something, knowing you. But anyways, I’m guessing you and the Chief go way back then?”

Cathy relaxes her grip on Mittens, much to the cat’s dismay as it meows in protest. “We’ve been friends for almost 6 years now. We don’t really hang out much outside of work though. I guess you could say it’s more that we have a great deal of trust in one another. She’s one of the few on the planet who could give me a suicide mission, if that makes any sense.”

“Sort of, yeah.”

> [1] Press the Chief angle. No harm knowing about the big boss
> [2] Maneuver back to cyberization for now
> [3] Carry on digging into Cathy’s past in particular
> [4] Write in

>>40307910
> [3] Carry on digging into Cathy’s past in particular
Blushing and being inadvertently cute only fuels my thirst for more.

>>40307910
>> [1] Press the Chief angle. No harm knowing about the big boss

>>40307910
> [1] Press the Chief angle. No harm knowing about the big boss
> [3] Carry on digging into Cathy’s past in particular
use confusion social fu!

>>40307910
>> [1] Press the Chief angle. No harm knowing about the big boss

>>40307910
>[1] Press the Chief angle. No harm knowing about the big boss

[1] has it. Writing...

>>40307910

You carry on by saying, “Though it does make me wonder what she’s had you and SCU do over the years to command that level of respect.”

“Hm. Well it’s not like we have megalomaniacs like Aria or lost diplomats running around all the time. Usually it’s just investigating any cyborg-related incidents that have abnormalities. Stuff that isn’t so much dangerous or difficult as it reveals how people think and operate.”

Cathy sets Mittens down as he starts to wriggle in her grasp. After he bounds off to parts unknown she continues, “The Chief in particular is a bit of a social wizard, so to speak. She handles a lot of the backroom politics that keep the SCU afloat, but never once have I gotten the impression that she’s had anything but our and Ocrania’s best interests at heart. Aside from that… she’s pretty private in the off hours.”

“Strange I guess, but everyone has their quirks,” you reply.

“Exactly. Some people think talking to ferns is normal.”

“To be fair, I was tipsy most of the-”

She chuckles softly and stops you from going too far. “Relax. It’s not the strangest thing I’ve seen.”

It’s your turn to flush red for a moment. “Oh? So you’ve ran into someone who talks to palm trees then?”

“No but I’d certainly welcome the opportunity.”

The two of you share a smile as silence falls for a time. After a bit you settle on saying, “So what’s it like, being a cyborg? Would you recommend it over bioengineering?”

Cathy tilts her head to the side and taps her chin with a claw in thought. Then, in the most matter-of-fact and level tone yet, she casually replies, “Well for one, the sex is better.”

> [1] Very funny. ASIDE from that.
> [2] Do I really want to know?
> [3] Tell me more…
> [4] Write in

>>40308718
> [3] Tell me more…
Yes.

>>40308718
>> [3] Tell me more…

>>40308718
>> [2] Do I really want to know?

>>40308718
>[1] Very funny. ASIDE from that.

>>40308869
God damn it. That was supposed to be my shop to turn the little guy in a ten inch monster. Really buggered that one.

Think it's [3] this time around. As to be expected from anons. Back in a bit...

>>40308718
>> [3] Tell me more…

>>40308718

You mirror her mannerisms and reply in kind, “How so?”

“After a certain level of prosthetics you’re more or less forced out of necessity to have a brain case or similar interface. It’s the only way to make the limbs, organs, and so on work normally. Especially for things like, say, a leg.” She points at your lame one for emphasis. “Simply replacing it with a mechanical one is a bit tricky. In order to balance properly your brain needs to be able to receive and send certain signals to it. Otherwise it’d be no better than a peg-leg. And while your standard grey matter can handle the influx of new data from a single limb…”

“...you need the help of a brain interface to help process things after that,” you finish for her.

“Exactly. Once you have said interface there’s a whole slew of new opportunities and methods of stimulation, simulated or otherwise. It’s almost scary how easy it is to get lost in it all, and some do. But I digress. What I meant was that I personally think you can be a lot more intimate with someone when you’re both cyborgs as opposed to being ‘normal.’”

“I’m not sure how to take the fact you’re trying to sell me on a full body prosthetic over bioengineering this way,” you put forth.

Cathy grins mischievously. “Couldn’t resist the urge to tease the newbie. Really they both have their pros and cons. I think it largely comes down to where you draw the line with what makes someone ‘human’ these days. Some people say it’s the moment you get an interface, others when you do something as innocuous as inject nanomachines to repair a failed organ. How far would you be willing to go, that sort of thing.”

> [1] I honestly don’t know
> [2] If it means not dealing with this leg anymore, I’m open to anything
> [3] I don’t know if I’m ready to take the plunge and go full cyborg
> [4] What would you recommend in this instance?
> [5] Write in

>>40309440
>> [2] If it means not dealing with this leg anymore, I’m open to anything

>>40309440
> [2] If it means not dealing with this leg anymore, I’m open to anything

>>40309440
>> [2] If it means not dealing with this leg anymore, I’m open to anything

>>40309440
> [1] I honestly don’t know

>>40309440
>Leg first, I'll....leave the decision on a brain case for later.

>>40309440
>> [2] If it means not dealing with this leg anymore, I’m open to anything

>>40309440
> [2] If it means not dealing with this leg anymore, I’m open to anything

[2] it is. Back in a bit.

>>40309440

You look down at your leg and grimace. “If it means not being held down by this anymore I’m open to anything.”

“Bothers you that much, hm?”

You sigh at her look of concern. You hate that look. It’s the same one you give yourself every morning, one of pity and worry. But you don’t hold it against her. You just don’t like people thinking they have to help you all the time. “You have no idea. It’s maddening beyond belief. And to have a fix for it out of reach…”

Suddenly Cathy stands and starts to move over to the kitchen area. The layout of her place is such that the living and dining rooms are completely open to the kitchen with connecting hallways off to the bathroom and bedrooms beyond. Given her body type you suppose that’s on purpose, otherwise she’d have a hard time getting around. In the end it means you have an easy line of sight to her rummaging around in what appears to be a liquor cabinet.

“I know when someone needs a drink. Probably should have offered you one earlier really. And sorry if I hit a nerve. I figured this might be a touchy subject so I wanted to let you approach it as you felt most comfortable. Anyways…”

You hear a coffee maker being turned on before she spins back around to continue chatting with you. “If you really want to go the distance and get a full body prosthetic then all the more power to you. It’d be the easiest and probably safest way to get you a new identity. The only trace of the old you would be your brain itself, and the only way to see that would be to crack open your head. Far faster than gene-therapy as well.”

“And yet I sense a hanging ‘but.’”

> cont

>>40310111

She nods before turning back around to fiddle with various bottles once more. “But gene-therapy would keep you human and non-reliant on monthly maintenance. You wouldn’t have to worry about the world around you being false, and you could more easily choose to ‘upgrade’ in the future. Once you go full cyborg that’s pretty much it. You can’t go back. Though I’ve heard the bio-route can be painful at times, not to mention extensive in terms of time requirement.”

You hear a spoon clinking against the side of a mug, then Cathy returns to you with two drinks in hand. She hands one out to you and keeps the other for herself. Tentatively you sniff and sip at the warm liquid. “Grand Marnier and Kahlua?”

“With coffee freshly french pressed from my private stash.”

> [1] I don’t think I’ve really earned this…
> [2] Thanks Cathy. For everything. It's helped a lot.
> [3] Enjoy your drink and let her carry the conversation for a bit
> [4] Write in

>>40310135
>> [2] Thanks Cathy. For everything. It's helped a lot.
> [3] Enjoy your drink and let her carry the conversation for a bit

>>40310135
> [3] Enjoy your drink and let her carry the conversation for a bit
>Thanks

>>40310135
>[2] Thanks Cathy. For everything. It's helped a lot.

>>40310135
>> [3] Enjoy your drink and let her carry the conversation for a bit

>>40310135
> [2] Thanks Cathy. For everything. It's helped a lot.
> [3] Enjoy your drink and let her carry the conversation for a bit

>>40310135
> [3] Enjoy your drink and let her carry the conversation for a bit

>>40310135

You’re not exactly sure you can adequately express your gratitude at the moment. But you try anyways. “Thanks Cathy. For everything. It’s helped a lot.”

“Don’t mention it.”

For a time the two of you sit in silence as you both slowly enjoy your drinks. When she gets about halfway through with hers, Cathy sighs and stares down at her drink. A somber tinge seeps into her voice as she remarks, “You know I could just as easily drink pure water and simulate the taste of this in my brain. But then that’d cheapen the experience. Sure, getting the real stuff can be costly sometimes, but at least then I know what I’m tasting and feeling is real.”

It being the third time it’s come up today you’re starting to sense a pattern. “You really worry about that sort of thing a lot, don’t you?”

“Mhm. It’s sort of like your leg, in a way. Except my chains are mental, rather than physical. And that’s the one thing no amount of prosthetics or bioengineering can fix.”

After a moment she shakes her head and forces a smile. “Sorry. I got a little lost in the moment there.”

> [1] You wanna talk about it?
> [2] Don’t worry about it.
> [3] Let’s call it a night for now, eh?
> [4] Write in

>>40310471
>> [1] You wanna talk about it?

>>40310471
>> [2] Don’t worry about it.
Bro it right up. No sense getting too deep into feelings and shit on day 1

>>40310471
>[2] Don’t worry about it.

>>40310471
> [1] You wanna talk about it?

Just a quick question on everyones angle, are we thinking

Bio engineering,

Full Prosthetic

New Leg + Triple Agent.

Personally I'm a fan of the third option, it makes us the most useful (we get to argue for a sick pay raise right off the bat!), it gives us a free leg, and it allows us to not worry about dying horribly. At least for a while, also its far more easy to manipulate the investigation if we have them ""willngly"" cooperating. What we would be doing would be more on par with acting than actual espionage (you do all sorts of clever things, hack through security holes, and delete files off of the system all under everyones nose), and we would be having there support the whole time. I mean if we know what she wants destroyed, we know what actually could compromise her and it could easily be stored away in a warehouse as a hard paper document. If stored in that manner it would effectively be untouchable by her and could easily be dug up again and scanned (we're basically a professional at that kind of scanning and uploading again work). Also we get double pay because both sides are paying us. In fact, faking cathys death wouldn't even be very hard, just swap her brain out, have that hacker control the thing remotely, lure her into a ""trap"" and blow ""her"" up on camera.

>>40310471
> [1] You wanna talk about it?

>>40310699
>New Leg + Triple Agent.

I'd like to start small but stay useful. Wouldn't be a lot of fun being the witness protection bitch, and I'm sure as hell not turning on spider-tits.

She gave us coffee.

[1] has it I think. Back in a bit.

>>40310699
new leg+ triple agent also has the most potential for spaghetti, awesome!

also, bio eng. vs full pros. is a really big descision, And one cathy isn't realy suited for answering if she's been like this (or similar) since childhood...

>>40310699
I'm concerned by the prosthetic leg we would be getting, though.
That thing is going to have more bugs and backdoors than an African termite mound. And it's going to need constant maintenance, which means that we can't just deactivate everything.

>>40310765
any and all concerns she has about her existence would also help us decide about our choice, provided she's willing to share them.

We're not just asking cuz we're touchy feely sops

>>40310764
I mean, technically we will be turning on her, and she will be ""dying"" in a meaning of the word, at least her current body has to die. However, as we've all seen, she doesn't really value a body the same way we do, she could always just slip another on, preferably one that is a bit less intimidating and scary, and if she plays her cards right and stays under the radar she can probably end up completely in the clear of this whole thing.

>>40310807
That is a good point, we should confirm that ""third party"" augments will fall under our employment contract.

>>40310471

You stare at your own cup for a moment, then reply, “You wanna talk about it? I could pretend I’m a fern for a bit if it’d help.”

To your relief the small bit of humor instantly brightens the mood. Cathy giggles, causing the lines on her face to fade away. “Honestly? I haven’t had a ‘fern’ to talk to for awhile. But no need to get too far into that sort of thing today. Besides, maybe I’m more a palm tree kinda gal.”

You return her mirth with a laugh of your own. “Fair enough. Plus you can’t be too nice to the newbie. He might get the wrong idea.”

“Especially when he’s in way over his head in every sense of the term.”

“Mhm.”

Silence falls once more. It’s a little more awkward this time around but not to the point where it stops being comfortable. Eventually, Cathy sets down her empty mug on an end table and stands. “Come on. Might as well get you situated proper unless you really feel like sleeping on the couch.”

You swig down the last dregs of your own drink before matching her movement. “If there’s one thing I learned from my street days besides to not get shot, it’s that when you’re offered a bed you take it.”

For a moment it looks like Cathy wants to say something but thinks better of it. Instead, she simply waves for you to follow her into the main hallway. As you pass by several doors, she remarks, “That’s the bathroom, there’s where Mittens’ lair is, and I’m in here. You’re across the way in the one room without windows. I swear it’s not a closet.”

> [1] A bed’s a bed. Even when it’s in a not!closet.
> [2] Sneak a peek at Cathy’s room as you pass
> [3] Lobby for an alternate room or the couch
> [4] Write in

>>40311093
>> [1] A bed’s a bed. Even when it’s in a not!closet.
> [2] Sneak a peek at Cathy’s room as you pass

>>40311093
>> [1] A bed’s a bed. Even when it’s in a not!closet.

>>40311093
>[1] A bed’s a bed. Even when it’s in a not!closet.

>>40311093
>> [1] A bed’s a bed. Even when it’s in a not!closet.
We've probably slept in worse. It'll be like college? (Did we go to college?)

>>40311158

Nope. No College/Uni for Mr. Weldon.

>>40311093
> [1] A bed’s a bed. Even when it’s in a not!closet.
> [2] Sneak a peek at Cathy’s room as you pass

[1] has it, but I suppose I can let you try for [2] for shits and giggles without any negatives if you fail.

Same roll rules as in the OP - 1d6 from four anons.

Rolled 1 (1d6)

>>40311296

Rolled 5 (1d6)

>>40311296
For mother!

Wait shit wrong thread!

Rolled 5 (1d6)

>>40311296

Rolled 4 (1d6)

>>40311296

>>40311311
>>40311316
>>40311323
>>40311347

Yeah you'll get to see some of her room. Back in a bit.

>>40311093

“Even if it was a closet I’ve slept in worse places. I’m sure it’s fine. Thanks Cathy.”

As you pass by her room you can’t help but take a glance inside. What you see surprises you slightly. On a large, round bed covered by purple satin sheets is an array of various dolls and plushies. Most of them are spider themed, ranging from actual arachnids to more humanoid ones like Cathy herself. It might be your imagination but you think those sheets might have a web pattern on them as well. Clearly the girl likes spiders, that much is clear.

In any case you find that your room isn’t as bad as Cathy seems to think it is. It’s about the same size as your old apartment in its entirety. The main difference is that instead of everything being squished into that one space this room only has a queen-sized bed and several end tables. No windows though, though you suppose that makes sense, given this is supposed to be a safe house of sorts.

“Just shout if you need anything. Or if Mittens attacks you in the middle of the night.”

“He does that?”

Cathy lets out a soft chuckle and turns to head into her room without another word. Just to be safe, you shut your door completely when you return from a quick shower. As such the rest of your night passes uneventfully. Your dreams are more chaotic than usual but nothing really sticks out in the subconscious soup. In the end you awake an unknown amount of time later to the smell of bacon in the air.

> cont

>>40311722

By the time you’ve managed to haul yourself out of bed you hear a knock at your door. Unexpectedly it’s Chief Hatos’ voice that calls, “We’ve got breakfast ready for you whenever you’re ready, Weldon.”

“Uh… Be right there Ma’am.”

“Please. We’re off duty. Just call me Rachel. And do hurry up, otherwise Cathy’s going to steal your bacon.”

> [1] Burst forth from the room with the fiery passion of a man who will not be denied his bacon
> [2] Keep it cool. If Hatos is here then this is going to be a power breakfast
> [3] You appreciate the thought but you’re not feeling breakfast today
> [4] Write in

>>40311736

>> [1] Burst forth from the room with the fiery passion of a man who will not be denied his bacon

You don't fuck with another mans bacon.

>>40311736
>[2] Keep it cool. If Hatos is here then this is going to be a power breakfast

>>40311736
>> [1] Burst forth from the room with the fiery passion of a man who will not be denied his bacon

>>40311736
> [1] Burst forth from the room with the fiery passion of a man who will not be denied his bacon

>>40311736
> [1] Burst forth from the room with the fiery passion of a man who will not be denied his bacon
"That's not the sort of bacon I was planning on giving her."

>>40311736
> [2] Keep it cool. If Hatos is here then this is going to be a power breakfast

>>40311736
>> [2] Keep it cool. If Hatos is here then this is going to be a power breakfast

[1] has it I think. Back in a tick

>>40311736

This may be a power breakfast given that Hatos is here but you will not be denied your bacon. As such you scramble out of your room in short order as soon as you’re halfway decent just in time to see Cathy reaching across the dining room table to what you assume is your plate. It’s stacked high with pancakes and bacon, though you’re not seeing any traces of dishware in the kitchen sink. Hatos, seated opposite Cathy, coughs and gives the cyborg just enough time to grab at a pitcher of syrup instead.

“Sleep well?” asks Cathy innocently.

“More or less,” you reply as you seat yourself. “I’m a bit surprised to see you here though, Chie- Rachel. Let alone to have breakfast prepared for me.”

Cathy points over at Hatos with her free hand as she pours a generous amount of syrup across her own stack of pancakes. Hatos smiles at you and picks up there with, “I figured it best to make sure you had a proper meal given the day you have ahead of you.”

“No argument there,” you reply as you dig into your own plate. Hatos seems content to watch Cathy and you chow down, only sipping at the single cup in front of her on occasion. When you’re finished, she nods and begins rummaging around in a purse.

“I brought with me three bits of paperwork for you to look over today,” she says as she lays out each in turn. “The first is a contract for a full body procedure. The second is a similar contract but for a bioengineering job. Both come with a new identity at the ‘cost’ of a few promised years to SCU. Standard stuff, as I’m sure you know.”

“Of course. And the third?”

Hatos and Cathy share a look. Then Hatos says, “The third is somewhat of a waiver. You acknowledge that by going through whatever surgery Aria has planned for you that the SCU may be forced to…”

> cont

>>40312328

Cathy cuts across Hatos’ meandering words to get to the point. “Basically it’s a cover-your-ass thing for us in case things go south. Obviously we’re hoping to be able to get you and us through this without anyone getting hurt, but this is Aria we’re talking about.”

And with that the third stack of paper is placed neatly in front of Hatos. “You don’t need to sign or do anything with these just yet, Weldon. But if you do choose to go with the third option you’ll need to sign this before heading off to Aria’s clinic.”

You look over the paperwork, still not 100% on which way to go at this point. “Thanks, I guess?”

Hatos simply smiles and stands as she makes to leave. “Have Cathy bother me if something comes up. Otherwise I’m due elsewhere. Stay safe, the pair of you.”

And then you’re alone with Cathy again. Upon glancing at a clock you realize you have about six hours before your deadline with Aria passes.

> [1] Ask what Cathy does for fun. Might as well spend the time without worry.
> [2] Buckle down and work at making a decision
> [3] Go for a walk, or however much of one you can get away with.
> [4] Write in

>>40312354
>> [2] Buckle down and work at making a decision

Work, then play.

>>40312354
>[2] Buckle down and work at making a decision

>>40312354
> [2] Buckle down and work at making a decision

>>40312354
>> [2] Buckle down and work at making a decision

>>40312354
>> [2] Buckle down and work at making a decision

>>40312354
> [2] Buckle down and work at making a decision

>>40312354
> [2] Buckle down and work at making a decision

This is not the time to procrastinate.

>>40312354

The way you see it, if you make a decision now you’ll be able to enjoy the remaining time to its fullest extent. You swap over to Hatos’ former chair to glance through the various contracts and confirm their contents. As you do, Cathy offers, “If it helps your decision any, I’m fairly confident that between Mariet and I we can figure out most of Aria’s little bugs. But there’s still the chance you might get something more than any of us expected. Especially if you deliver this.”

She slides over a portable storage device the size of a quarter. “Mariet whipped it up last night. It should suffice Aria’s curiosity about your made up friend. Just enough to pass inspection but not enough to actually give her our level of spycraft tools.”

“Right. Well then, I guess I should sign one of these.”

> [1] Sign the 1st (Full body)
> [2] Sign the 2nd (Bio)
> [3] Sign the 3rd (Triple Agent + Aria mods)

>>40312714
> [3] Sign the 3rd (Triple Agent + Aria mods)

>>40312714
> [3] Sign the 3rd (Triple Agent + Aria mods)
What could possibly go wrong?

>>40312714
> [2] Sign the 2nd (Bio)

>>40312714
>> [3] Sign the 3rd (Triple Agent + Aria mods)

In order to find the bug, you must become the bug.

Also, see if we can get kickass foot-cannon, but that's later.

>>40312714
>[3] Sign the 3rd (Triple Agent + Aria mods)
Most dangerous, and most difficult, but also with the greatest rewards.

>>40312714
>> [1] Sign the 1st (Full body)
I just want the guy who was lame to be able to fuckin jump over trains. Wish fulfillment man.

>>40312714
>> [1] Sign the 1st (Full body)
Too paranoid for [3]

>>40312714
> [3] Sign the 3rd (Triple Agent + Aria mods)

>>40312714
>[1] Sign the 1st (Full body)

>>40312714

> [3] had it so...

No risk, no reward. Go big or go home. Sure, that mindset’s bitten you in the ass before, but this time you think it’ll be different. For the better. So you sign the third contract and push it away with a sigh, “Well, it’s out of my hands now.”

Cathy lets out a small huff before reaching over to pat your hand. “That it is. So what do you want to do with what might be your last bug-free hours?”

> [1] I honestly don’t know. Do you have anything in mind?
> [2] Some form of liquor and good company, I think.
> [3] Well… (Write in)

>>40312984
>> [2] Some form of liquor and good company, I think.

>>40312984
> [1] I honestly don’t know. Do you have anything in mind?

>>40312984
> [1] I honestly don’t know. Do you have anything in mind?

>>40312984
>[2] Some form of liquor and good company, I think.

>>40312984
>[2] Some form of liquor and good company, I think.

>>40312984
> [2] Some form of liquor and good company, I think

Hell, with all these anons giving up our orimary means off running into and out of shit I'll need a drink as well.

>>40312984
>> [1] I honestly don’t know. Do you have anything in mind?

[2] has it I think. Writing...

>>40312984

You don’t really have anything concrete in mind, but there’s nothing wrong with an old fallback. “Some form of liquor and good company, I think. Just enough to relax and reduce my nerves about becoming a walking base station.”

Cathy leans back and nods. “Sure. We can do that. You want anything in particular?”

“Would more of last night’s be too much to ask?”

“Not at all. Go make yourself comfortable.”

So you do. Unlike last night, though, Cathy actually joins you on the couch instead of sitting across from you on the floor. At first you start to worry when the back of the furniture starts to fall, but then you realize it’s part of the design. It’s more like a futon than a couch all said and done. You suppose you should have expected it given her unique physiology. Still, it does leave you two rather close to one another.

“So, cheers?” she offers out her mug.

“Cheers,” you reply as the the mugs clink.

After each of you takes a swig, Cathy remarks, “Anything in particular you want to talk about, or would you prefer something like music?”

> [1] I get the sense you and Aria have history
> [2] What’s up with the spider motif you have going on?
> [3] Whatever you’d like is fine
> [4] Music or something would be great
> [5] Write in

>>40313452
> [2] What’s up with the spider motif you have going on?
True, we don't really know why she's so into spider stuff. Could just be a result of her body, could be something else.

>>40313452
>[2] What’s up with the spider motif you have going on?

>>40313452
> [1] I get the sense you and Aria have history

This might be the last time we could ask about this.

>>40313452
>> [2] What’s up with the spider motif you have going on?

>>40313452
>[1] I get the sense you and Aria have history

>>40313452
> [1] I get the sense you and Aria have history

Hrm. I'll see what I can do. Back in a bit.

>>40313452
> [1] I get the sense you and Aria have history

>>40313452

Two things come to mind: Her odd fascination with spiders and whatever she’s got going on with Aria. You figure if you start with Aria you can then end on a high note with the spiders.

“If it’s not too bothersome, what’s up between you and Aria? It feels like there’s something there with how you tense up when she’s mentioned.”

Cathy blinks slowly at you before replying, “I suppose you have a right to know since you’re walking into her den. Long story short, my last name is Raziel.” When she notes your blank stare she continues, “I’m the daughter of a CEO whose company competes with Fokir. Not directly, but still very much in the realm of cybernetics. We generally stick to military-grade stuff, whereas Fokir, and thus Aria, focuses more on the ‘common-man.’”

You knew her folks had to be pretty well off to get her cyberized as a kid, but this is quite a bombshell. “I guess that explains a few things. But it also raises several new questions. Such as…”

“Such as why I’m running around in a Raziel prototype body instead of running the company,” she finishes for you. “That one’s easy. I never liked the business. The toys though? Loved them. Still do. Besides, I have an older brother who’s already being groomed to replace Dad one day.”

> cont

>>40314216

“Huh. Then why isn’t Aria going after him instead of you?”

Cathy smiles, albeit with a small note of sorrow in her eyes. “Call it a grudge. We knew each other as kids from all the corporate get-togethers and retreats. The difference was Aria’s family was much more… intense would be the word I guess. So when she saw what I had she naturally became jealous. Then as time went on it just sort of spiraled into what you see today. I think deep down she knows killing me won’t fix anything but she needs the catharsis. That or she thinks my death would unnerve my brother and cause Raziel to crash.”

> [1] I take it there’s zero chance of reasoning with her then.
> [2] Sounds like you had a great childhood. Aside from Aria, of course.
> [3] So is Raziel why the SCU has all the toys?
> [4] How do spiders fit into all this?
> [5] Write in

>>40314236
>> [1] I take it there’s zero chance of reasoning with her then.
> [3] So is Raziel why the SCU has all the toys?
> [4] How do spiders fit into all this?

>>40314236
> [1] I take it there’s zero chance of reasoning with her then.
> [3] So is Raziel why the SCU has all the toys?
> [4] How do spiders fit into all this?

Man, dragon-girls will never cease being an absolute handfull.

>>40314278

This just tells us Aria's damaged goods that needs healing. How do we heal the dragon-girl, anons?

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>>40314313
With our dick. Our possibly cyberized dick. Duh.

>>40314313
An anti tank round from two miles out.

>>40314337

Something tells me if a dick could fix her problems she'dve slapped it on some guy and chained him to a wall already.

Both waifus at this point have their issues. Lord knows what mystery waifu has going on.

>>40314236
> [4] How do spiders fit into all this?

>>40314236
>[1] I take it there’s zero chance of reasoning with her then.
> [4] How do spiders fit into all this?

>>40314360
Woah, hold on a minute. Who said anything about waifus?

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>people chose the option with the least pros and the most cons and that is the most likely to get us killed

>>40314421
But if it works out? We'll be set for life.

[4] has it by number of votes, but I'll see about mentioning [1] along the way. Back in a bit.

>>40314442
No, it really wont.

You're under the assumption that if we side with Aria in this bullshit triple agent fuckery, which is going to be maximum fucking bitch hard to pull off, that she won't dispose of us, or assign us with more shit which will get us killed, which she wont just let a tool go to waste so we're fucked.

If we side with the SCU, they won't just pay our fucking bills for free for the rest of forever, it's the same boat as Aria's deal.

With either of the other options you had less to worry about, and more actual immediate and even long term benefits.

>>40314360
But has she had 100% organically grown D?

I don't think so.

Checkmate atheists.

>>40314421
Coincidentally its also the only option that doesn't require extraordinary amounts of cybernetics and/or surgery and will likely allow us to keep most of what makes us us.

>>40314236

You sigh and take a sip from your mug. “Sounds like there’s not much chance of talking her out of it. Shame. We’re all a victim of our upbringings I guess.”

“Mhm.”

“Though one thing bothers me still.”

Cathy raises an eyebrow at you, “Oh?”

“How do spiders fit into all this?”

That gets her to smile genuinely. “It’s our logo! Though if you mean why I like them in particular it’s probably thanks to a plushie my Dad gave me as a kid. You know how some kids have a particular blanket or stuffed animal they carry around? Yeah…”

Had she not been right next to you you might have missed the flash of color across her cheeks. But it’s clear as day this close. “Still have it?” you tease.

“Of course! I’d never…” She catches herself just in time and puffs out her cheeks at you. You try and fail not to smile at the fact you managed to get her flustered.

> [1] Start wondering aloud which of the plushies on her bed is the one in question
> [2] Ask if you could see it
> [3] Let it go for now
> [4] Write in

>>40314650
>implying going full cybernetic changes who a person is

While it could, having a leg that isnt fucked is also chaning us, quite a bit, actually, since it WILL affect us psychologically.

And getting surgery will only actually change us slightly more than getting a single fake leg.

Sure, not seeing yourself in the mirror may fuck you up for a while, but so would any disfigurement.

Both other options are also less likely to leave us dead, or unable to live with ourselves.

>>40314729
>> [1] Start wondering aloud which of the plushies on her bed is the one in question

>>40314729
> [1] Start wondering aloud which of the plushies on her bed is the one in question
We will tease the spider tank. Even if it kills us.

>>40314729
>> [1] Start wondering aloud which of the plushies on her bed is the one in question

>>40314729
>> [1] Start wondering aloud which of the plushies on her bed is the one in question
>>40314743
Not that anon, I voted for Full cyber, but one thing people seem to be forgetting is if we took the full cyber or the biomods there's a chance Aria plants a new agent in the unit. If she thinks we're working for her then we only feed her the info we want her to hear.

>>40314771
Dragon killing us is far more likely.

There is gonna be some quality-ass suffering when, somewhere down the line through our infinite charm Aria falls for us while we're working for her, and during the final confrontation where she expects us to kill Cathy, we turncoat. Left her for her childhood rival. The tears will be delicious.

>>40314840
>we only feed her the info we want her to hear.

I understand that perfectly, however when we have a leg that is just a giant listening device, feeding people what you want them to hear is a serious problem.

It's not like they don't know who they are getting next is a plant, it'd be just as easy to misdirect and misinform them as it would be to play fake around us because "muh leg is a microphone".

If we got biomods we could get the job still as a "different" person, thus filling the position legally and only have to worry about Aria trying to kill us to replace us while still fulfilling the same role as we would be right now. Rather than pussyfooting around EVERYTHING.

I feel like I'd have to write a book to point out how bad the triple play option is, but I don't want to continue shitting up the thread.

[1] it is. Back in a bit.

>>40314930

I mean it's interesting to see people's viewpoints on everything. I don't mind.

>>40314949
To be honest I'm just peeved there was virtually no discussion on the matter.

An important decision that people say roughly three things to eachother about before all voting is bad policy, to me, and I missed it because I was spending time with my family who were in town.

That and #3 had the least utility. I mean, fuck, I've always wanted robot legs, but having one is going to be wonky as fuck, can't exactly run with it at maximum power because yoru other leg can't keep up, you can't robot-fu kick because your other leg couldn't support the full force it would exert pushing back at you, the only thing it could possibly do for us is be a makeshift shield and maybe let us jump higher if we push off with that leg.

Eh, I'm a pessimist.

>>40314729

“Hrm, I wonder… Was it the big yellow one on your bed? Or maybe the blue?”

She grumbles at your needling and continues to pout. “Worst palm tree ever. Should have gotten the fern.”

“Come on. It’s not like I’m going to go running off to Mariet, or god-forbid Aria, with the secret location of your precious…”

“It’s the blue one, okay?!”

She seems absolutely embarrassed to have admitted this. Even her pedipalps are twitching nervously. Who knew an U-Oni tank killer could look cute of all things?

“Well it looked like it was still in great condition for how old it must be. I think it shows a lot of care and thoughtfulness. Especially if you carried it even during your time with the SR.”

Cathy buries her face in her claws. “He rode in my compartment…”

You let out a genuine “d’aww” at that and let her simmer for a bit. Eventually she recovers and says, “I don’t know why I’m telling you all this.”

> [1] Clearly it’s because you don’t want me falling for Aria instead
> [2] Eh, it’s what people do. How they bond and all that.
> [3] Add it to the book of life’s mysteries I guess (with a wink)
> [4] Write in

>>40315071

Aria did say she was going to go above and beyond a simple leg replacement. IIRC anyways. All we had to do was get her our "special program" or the author of such.

>>40315157
>> [2] Eh, it’s what people do. How they bond and all that.
Also I'm pretty easy to talk too when not drunk.

>>40315157
>[1] Clearly it’s because you don’t want me falling for Aria instead

>>40315157
>> [1] Clearly it’s because you don’t want me falling for Aria instead
we gunna die.

>>40315157
>[1] Clearly it’s because you don’t want me falling for Aria instead

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>>40315223
>>40315256
>>40315262
Guys. What are you doing. Guys. Stop. Let's think about this first.

>>40315300
No.

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>>40315300
Embrace the hurt anon

>>40315157
> [2] Eh, it’s what people do. How they bond and all that.

>>40315157
> [1] Clearly it’s because you don’t want me falling for Aria instead

[1] it is. Writing...

>>40315300
If anything we've learned anons like bullying the spider tank.

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>>40315157
Hold the phone. Cathy has pedipalps? Know what this lads? One woman mariachi band. Front legs for the shaky things. Pedipalps on the drums. Human arms on the guitar. Fucking fund it.

>>40315445
what is that spider doing?

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>>40315445

This was the ref image we were given, and she indeed has pedipalps.

>>40315223
>>40315256
>>40315262

Abort! Abort!

>>40315457
It is playing the maracas

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>>40315464
Anon, there are no pedipalps on that image. That spider has eight pairs of legs. The front pair are not pedipalps. Pic related is pedipalps. I was sorely disappointing when I learned Cathy didn't have pedipalps. Obviously, this was an oversight by Iggs. Now I may finally fulfill my arachnid mariachi fetish.

>>40315157

“Clearly it’s because you don’t want me falling for Aria instead,” you casually reply. “And we can’t have that even though she’s far more likely to kill me for looking in her general direction.”

Cathy thinks on this for a moment. “You jest but you never know. You may have to seduce her if it sells your story. It’s hard to tell with these things how far you’ll have to go. But given that it’s Aria? You’re probably right. No offense but she’s not going to take any interest in you outside of how well you’re doing in your job for her.”

“A pity. She probably needs a fern to talk to as well.”

That finally earns you a flick on the nose. A light one, but a flick none the less. “Even if she does, it doesn’t mean it gives her the right to go around blackmailing and killing people. Never forget that.”

“Yeah yeah. No bleeding hearts here.”

“Good. I know we’re mostly being coy but I just wanted to be sure.”

Another bout of silence falls as you try and think of what to say next. You settle on, “I wonder what she has in store for me. And how long I’ll be stuck in recovery.”

“Hrm. Well Fokir does boast that their recovery times are minimal even for those who don’t have interfaces. Something to do with the way their prosthetics interface directly with the nerves. It’s their company secret, so I can’t really tell you more than that. Although…”

Cathy gets a strange gleam in her eye, like a child who’s set her eyes on a brand new set of building blocks just aching to be constructed. “I suppose we’ll be able to get a very close look at her brand of toys under the pretense of screening you for the position you already have. Now THAT will be fun~”

> cont

>>40315857

“Oh good. And here I thought I was just getting bugged to hell and back for shits and giggles. But at least now you’ll be able to steal some secrets while you dissect me.”

She giggles, “Who better to get rid of bugs than a spider though, hm?”

“Yeah I’m not going to touch that one.”

“Aw…”

The next few hours are spent in a similar fashion of cat and mouse. All said and done you end up revealing just as much about your past to her as she has to you thus far. Which isn’t all that much in comparison but it’s enough to bond a little over. And for her to give you one final bit of advice before taking you down to the street to send you off:

“If you ever doubt what you’re seeing is real, ask. Until we get you in the clear again, trust nothing and no one.”

Then you’re on your own. Cathy can’t escort you anywhere near the Fokir clinic where you’re expected, nor can you take any of your SCU issued weapons with you. But at least you have enough for cab fare to avoid a walk.

---

When you arrive at the Fokir Clinic in the low district you’re immediately greeted by a nurse at the door. “Ah! You must be Mr. Weldon. Come come! Ms. Mizuno is expecting you. Right this way…”

From there you’re escorted into a standard patient room with a gurney waiting. But that’s not the only thing.

“I was wondering if you would show up, Mr. Weldon,” says Aria from her chair off to the side of the door. She’s sans power suit today, more or less in the same configuration as when she wrecked the bar and fought with Cathy. “Did you bring what I asked for?”

You did bring Mariet’s program with you, but should you fork it over?

> [1] Let Aria have it. But only after confirming what it’ll get you.
> [2] Apologize and say that it was too short of notice to obtain a copy of.
> [3] Write in

>>40315872
Does Mariet know we might be handing it over?

>>40315872
>> [1] Let Aria have it. But only after confirming what it’ll get you.

We're good, right?

>>40315903
She wrote it to be handed over in the first place.

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>>40315665

Ushi Onis are weird. I guess if you want to be technical they aren't pedipalps but more a smaller set of legs used to grasp things close to her pelvis. Normal arachnids have 8 legs + pedis, Ushis only have 6 + pedis. That's how I see it anyways.

>>40315903
Scroll up a bit.

>>40315872
>> [1] Let Aria have it. But only after confirming what it’ll get you.

>>40315872
> [1] Let Aria have it. But only after confirming what it’ll get you.
For those not willing to look it's designed to be given away

>>40315872
>[1] Let Aria have it. But only after confirming what it’ll get you.

>>40315872
>[1] Let Aria have it. But only after confirming what it’ll get you.

>>40315872
>> [1] Let Aria have it. But only after confirming what it’ll get you.

Fuck it, little twerp probably set up a trojan anyway. Or would have, if she was thinking clearly.

[1] it is. Back in a tick.

>>40316043
> Doubting the twintail

>>40315872

You produce the small data chit from within your sleeve and hold it up. “It took some doing but I managed to get you a copy. But first I want to know exactly what it’s buying me.”

Aria’s eyes narrow slightly at that. “I get the sense this is going to be a running theme with you. Very well.”

With a snap of her fingers a hidden holo-projector in the ceiling flickers on as the lights in the room turn off. A full body projection of you is displayed in the air before you.

“Without the program you just get these.” Both of your displayed legs are replaced with artificial ones. As they are various displays and readouts pop out. “Standard Fokir-issue designed for amputees. No interface required, three day recovery time. But with that program…”

This time both your legs and your arms are replaced, but with a more extensive model based on what little you can understand from the display. “You get the latest and greatest from R&D. The only way to fight prototypes is with another prototype. They push the boundary of what we can replace without needing an interface. And they can pass for normal limbs thanks to their built-in biomasking features.”

She snaps her fingers again and the display cuts off. As the lights raise she asks, “That satisfy you, Mr. Weldon?”

> [1] Yep. I’ll take the special package.
> [2] Eh, if it’s all the same to you I’ll stick with just the legs.
> [3] See if you can’t apply some logic to the situation. Why stop there?

>>40316180
> [1] Yep. I’ll take the special package.

>>40316180
>> [3] See if you can’t apply some logic to the situation. Why stop there?

I mean, we did spec charisma. This is like, the situation to use charisma.

>>40316180
>[2] Eh, if it’s all the same to you I’ll stick with just the legs.

More replaced limbs means more bugs that we need to be aware of.

>>40316180
>> [1] Yep. I’ll take the special package.

What's the worst that can happen?

>>40316064

Replying to me. I'm literally blushing. Oh my god I need to get off the internet.

>>40316217
I thought we got fucked over and had nothing?

>>40316180
>[1] Yep. I’ll take the special package.

If Mariet is going to use the program as a backdoor, it's probably a good thing to hand it over and get some good tech in the package.

Any more than that and we need an interface, which means we lose some of our value as someone who has an unfiltered view of reality.

>>40316180
> [3] See if you can’t apply some logic to the situation. Why stop there?
We're going into hell. Ought to go loaded for bear at least.

>>40316278
It's our second highest stat.

>>40316279
>>40316180
Yo, Igg's, what are we going to aim for if we negotiate for more?

>>40316279
>Any more than that and we need an interface, which means we lose some of our value as someone who has an unfiltered view of reality.

I think this is the key really. We could try and argue for more Fokir special issue but then we might run into Cathy's problem.

>>40316292
My guess? Probably something similar to what Aria herself has going on if we crit succeed.

>>40316292
She did say literally any more and we need an interface - which means our job is over and she can sneak in a second - a replacement for us after we get a new position

>>40316292

It really depends on how well you roll and/or if you can give me a good argument to use IC.

I'll give it a few more minutes due to the late hour and in case this bit of information changes any votes.

>>40316180
> [2] Eh, if it’s all the same to you I’ll stick with just the legs.
Just the prototype legs. all of the implants will likely have remote kill-switches and back doors. Better to limit it to just 2 limbs instead of 4.

>>40316346
Stuff that would cause us to get an interface isn't in the equation though, is it?

>>40316364

They are, but as >>40316312 mentioned you'd need to roll pretty damn well. Plus as >>40316324 has realized going that route means there would be two moles in the SCU.

3 for [1], 2 for [2], 2 for [3].

Pretty close, but [1] will win out this time. Writing...

>>40316346
The problem, is that I WANT to ask for more, but I'm not sure what there is to get.

>>40316497

Well if you want to cast a vote for [3] now I'll let you roll for it and tell you what it might get you in a nebulous sort of way. This assumes you haven't voted already though.

>>40316497
Come on mate. You'll never know if you don't try. No harm in asking.

Rolled 6 (1d6)

>>40316519
>>40316346

I'd like to get something to help with our shitty combat capabilities. Training if possible, if not perhaps some sort of stealth hold-out weapon or a combat assist program. What we're doing is dangerous, and while we'll ideally avoid any combat altogether (since that means we've fucked up already anyways) at the same time it's better to be prepared for if that does happen, then to be totally screwed.

>>40316562
Save them high rolls for when they're called champ.

>>40316519
>>40316519
I was supposed to roll a 1d6, right?

>>40316573
He said that I could roll for it and he would tell me what it might get me in a nebulous sort of way here >>40316519

>>40316562
>a combat assist program
We would need an interface for that, and that would remove our value as someone who has a non-compromised view of reality.

>>40316562

Stealth weapons are trivial to get. Combat assist comes with the brain case/interface.

>>40316575
>>40316594

I meant more that we'd do a standard 4 anon 1d6 thing. So that roll doesn't count sadly.

>>40316609
Just call for a revote with a runoff between the two highest options. numbers only.

>>40316609
Oh. Well then I would like to try and get more stuff. Always try for more. So I guess that was three votes for that.

Or not. IDK what you're writing.

>>40316826

At this point I'm going to stick with [1]. Almost done writing it anyways.

>>40316841
That's cool, I was pretty late and confusing with my vote, and really it's just my naked greed making me want to get whatever I possibly can out of it.

>>40316180

You’re guessing that most of that was just a song and dance to distract you from the truth of the matter. Either option means you’re probably getting a suite of the best wiretaps Fokir’s been able to engineer. Still, if you’re going to be monitored 24/7 from now on you might as well get the most out of it for your trouble. Plus those prototypes will mean you’ll have Cathy drooling over you.

“Take it,” you say, tossing the fake program over. “Arms and legs then, yeah?”

Aria catches it mid-air with her tail as she stands. “Unlike how the SCU will paint it for you I’m a woman of my word. But let’s get one thing clear, Mr. Weldon.” She moves towards the door, and thus you. “My charity and benevolence ends the moment I suspect you’re no longer working in my best interests. Are we clear?”

Despite the foot and a half height difference you stand your ground. “Crystal.”

She huffs approvingly, “Good. The orderly with be with you shortly. You and I will talk more after your procedure.”

Then she leaves before you can get another word in edgewise. Shortly thereafter an attendant enters the room and starts to prep you for the surgery. By the end of it your arms and legs are all but covered in marks detailing where to make incisions and so forth. Seeing these makes you all sorts of nervous but there’s no turning back now. This is what you signed up for the moment you walked into the clinic.

Afterwards, as you wait on your gurney to be wheeled off to the surgery room proper, you’re visited by the anesthesiologist. Or so you think you remember, anyways. All you know is that your memory stops the moment after she opens her mouth. Then everything’s a blur.

> Housekeeping next post

So yeah. Going to call it a night there and deal with surgery aftermath in the next session. I'll figure out what bonuses/etc to apply to the character sheet between now and then.

Your reroll comes back at the beginning next session as well, just as a point of order. Other than that, hope you had fun. Felt kinda slow but that's Sundays for you.

Next session Wednesday maybe. We'll see.

>>40316956
Great work as always, thanks for running!

>>40316956
Thanks for running!