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Fewer things are more dangerous than a woman scorned. Especially so when the woman in question happens to be the head of a global corporation and currently bankrolling you. Despite that you took a risk and said no to Aria. Surprisingly it worked, and in the process you managed to avoid being eaten in all senses of the word. It bought you time to think on how best to deal with the precarious situation you’re in. The walls are closing in, and sooner or later you’re going to have to make a choice. A rather difficult one at that.

---

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).

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!
>>
In the three day period since your dinner date with Aria you’ve been in and out of your new apartment suite. Both to gather more information on your own and because the place doesn’t quite feel like home yet. What you’ve found out may certainly help you decide on which side to support. Or it might not. Only time will tell.

There are three main areas you can focus on: the datapad, Fokir/SCU, and Aria/Cathy specifically. If you have another in mind you can certainly write it in. In any case, we’re going to vote for which of the areas you want to focus on the most. This area will receive a +1 to the roll that’s attached to it. After that we’ll vote on the remaining two for a +0 mod, with the remaining area being given a -2. Overall this means you’re choosing your DCs (7, 8, and 10 respectively).

So let’s get the first vote out of the way:
> [1] The Datapad
Details about your prosthetics and possible Fokir trade secrets
> [2] Fokir/SCU
History behind each entity and how they interact with the world around them
> [3] Aria/Cathy
What you can dig up on the two that you don’t already know. If you like you can specify one over the other
> [4] Write in
Be specific what you’re going after
>>
>>40501098
>> [2] Fokir/SCU
>>
>>40501098
> [1] The Datapad
>>
>>40501098
>[1] The Datapad
>>
>>40501098
>> [2] Fokir/SCU
>>
>>40501098
>[2] Fokir/SCU
>>
>>40501098
> [2] Fokir/SCU
>>
>>40501098
>> [1] The Datapad
>>
>>40501098
> [1] The Datapad
>>
>>40501098
>[2] Fokir/SCU
>>
I believe [2] has it by a vote.

That just leaves the following to vote between for that +0 mod:

> [1] Datapad
> [2] Aria/Cathy

Though I have a hunch it'll be the datapad.
>>
>>40501141
>>40501174
>>40501223
>>40501253
Why? Not like that stuff would help us out a lot compared to knowing our bosses or the people of import.
>>
>>40501321
> [2] Aria/Cathy
>>
>>40501321
> [2] Aria/Cathy

>>40501325
you have a point, mostly my curiosity about the limbs, and I really dislike not knowing what we can do.
>>
>>40501321
> [2] Aria/Cathy
>>
>>40501367
Meh we can work out to find that out.
>>
>>40501321
>[2] Aria/Cathy
>>
>>40501321
> [2] Aria/Cathy

Playing us like a fiddle Iggy.
And I like it.
>>
>>40501402
or just read the datapad later? currently our biggest limit is our squishy torso.
>>
Pretty sure [2] has it short of a sudden influx of six voters the other way.

So then here are the DC's:
Fokir/SCU (7), Aria/Cathy (8), and Datapad (10)

Let's get the rolls done so I can prep the infodump as needed.

3d6 from 4 anons.
>>
Rolled 5, 1, 1 = 7 (3d6)

>>40501510
>>
Rolled 1, 3, 2 = 6 (3d6)

>>40501510
>>
Rolled 5, 1, 1 = 7 (3d6)

>>40501510
>>
Rolled 5, 5, 4 = 14 (3d6)

>>40501510
>>
Rolled 4, 5, 2 = 11 (3d6)

>>40501510
>>
>>40501555
>>40501576
>>40501578
>>40501588

Survey says that's a 10, an 8, and a 6. Pass for everything but the datapad. Back in a bit!
>>
>>40501555
>>40501578
Apparently Papa Nurgleb wants this quest
>>
>>40501098

From what you can tell, the SCU came onto the scene about three years ago. It was instituted by the ruling party of Ocrania in response to a rather strange series of events surrounding a particular android model. Colloquially referred to as “Mad Spring,” the androids in question committed various acts ranging from suicide to acts of terrorism. All seemingly unconnected and without collusion. In the end the SCU claimed to have found the puppet master pulling the strings, and shortly thereafter the androids returned to normal. Since then the SCU’s been largely out of the public eye. In fact everything you’ve found on them has come second hand or via conspiracy blogs.

Fokir’s a little bit easier to find information on. Like Aria and Cathy have said, Fokir seems to be focusing on being a “people company.” They specialize in helping out amputees and those with lower income. You also find a bunch of publicity campaigns and posts that laud Aria’s community outreach programs. The one sticking point is that there’s a very large black budget attached to the company. Fokir’s getting funds from virtually every ruling body out there, but they’ve got a bunch of projects beyond a veil, even from stockholders. Short of asking Aria or hacking into their systems you’ve hit a wall here as well.

> cont
>>
>>40502136

Overall you find that Raziel and Fokir have been vying to be the next big space company. Neither has been able to quite secure the market share required for the leap yet, but both have the backing and capability to succeed. A large portion of that comes down to the goings-on in Ocrania. The government here has been somehow immune to corporate takeovers, making it one of the few ruling entities on Meridian that isn’t owned by a Mega-Corp.

After learning all that you shift focus a little to Aria and Cathy themselves. The former you find has a younger sister, Valeriya. Aria’s mother died when she was young, and her father passed away to leave her the reigns of Fokir at the age of 23. Her actual age is a little hazy, but you’re guessing she’s in the ballpark of 28 to 35. Assuming Fokir’s webpage can be believed, anyways. Outside of the official channels you find that she’s made a few unofficial appearances at martial arts competitions.

Cathy, like the SCU, seemingly doesn’t exist. Yet right before you’re ready to give up you find a rather tongue-in-cheek hipster-type coffee blog run by a “Corey.” After reading through it a little you’re almost positive it’s Cathy under a pseudoname. No one but her could be this snooty about coffee. Or if there are such people, then… well actually you don’t know. But you feel like they should have a club or something.

> cont
>>
>>40502161

Sadly all of this means you have little time to dig into your new prosthetics and the contents of the datapad you were given. In fact, when you finally have time to even consider reaching for it, your doorbell rings. People at your door, that’s a new one.

You rush over and stare through the peephole. On the other side is a woman that could give Chief Hatos a run for her money. Unlike Hatos, though, this girl has red hair in a bobcut that sweeps over one eye. The remaining iris is stunningly hazel.


“Mr. Weldon,” she calls through the door. “Do you have a moment? We need to discuss Miss Aria.”

> [1] Let her in without question
> [2] Ask who she is first
> [3] Turn her away/fake that you’re out
> [4] Write in

If you want more specifics on Fokir/SCU just lemme know. There's probably something I missed that you wanted
>>
>>40502182

> [2] Ask who she is first
>>
>>40502182
>> [2] Ask who she is first
Any news about the "puppetmaster?" What happened to that person? I have a feeling that if we can find that person, we'd be pretty much set on SCU stuff.
>>
>>40502182
> [2] Ask who she is first
>>
>>40502182
> [2] Ask who she is first
>>
>>40502182
>[2] Ask who she is first
>>
>>40502182
> [2] Ask who she is first
Are we armed and armored?
>>
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>>40502182
We have robot spiders. That can spy on people. And can dance the salsa. Right now. The future is today people, and it's a bright one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yo2TUIEXJig
>>
>>40502182
Women dressed like that don’t make house calls unless it’s important. The problem is you’re not entirely sure who she works for. She’s not wearing any obvious Fokir symbols or sporting anything that might symbolize affiliation with the SCU or Police Department at large. But she knows where you live and your name. Only so many people have access to that knowledge.

“In a moment,” you reply levely. “First I need to know one thing: Who are you?”

The woman’s visible eye rolls as she sighs. “I believe Miss Aria told you she had an assistant? My name is Valeriya.”

Oh. Well that answers a few questions.

> [1] Let her in with an apology
> [2] Let her in as if nothing’s wrong
> [3] Turn her away
> [4] Write in

>>40502281

Sadly not from what you've found on the public net. Just that *someone* was responsible and that same person was brought to justice. You'd probably have more luck if you search the SCU's files though.

>>40502379

I assume you generally don't have your cloth armor on unless you're out and about. As for weapons, you've got nothing at the moment since you had to leave what you had with the SCU.
>>
>>40502459
> [1] Let her in with an apology
>>
>>40502459
>[4] Write in
Can I see a company badge or something?
>>
>>40502459
> [2] Let her in as if nothing’s wrong
>>
>>40502459
> [2] Let her in as if nothing’s wrong
>>
>>40502459
> [2] Let her in as if nothing’s wrong
>>
>>40502459
> [1] Let her in with an apology
"why would her assistant need to talk about her?"
>>
[2] has it by a vote I think. Back in a bit!
>>
>>40502459

Casually you undo the locks and open the door for her. The way you see it, if she’s actually Aria’s little sister as well as her assistant then playing it cool is the best option. Though the stare that greets you in the flesh makes you rethink that for a moment.

“Much better. May I?”

Valeriya doesn’t wait for a reply before stepping past you into your suite. She takes one look around, all the while tapping her foot and with her hands on her hips. “I half-expected you to have trashed the place by now. Especially since your old place was a pigsty.”

You close the door and begin to walk around to her front. “I see your first impression of me isn’t exactly wonderful.”

She replies with another eyeroll, “Comes with the territory. I may not have sway over her choice in men but picking up the pieces when they inevitably fuck up is something I have a LOT of experience in. Do we understand each other?”

> [1] Surely this isn’t the only reason why you came
> [2] Do you have any advice on how not to disappoint her then?
> [3] I’m just as put off by it as you are
> [4] Write in
>>
>>40502870
> [1] Surely this isn’t the only reason why you came
> She's very certain in what she likes isn't she?
>>
>>40502870
> [2] Do you have any advice on how not to disappoint her then?
>>
>>40502870
> [1] Surely this isn’t the only reason why you came
>Clearly you do this too often...
>>
>>40502870
> [1] Surely this isn’t the only reason why you came
>>
>>40502870
>> [1] Surely this isn’t the only reason why you came
>>
>>40502870
> [1] Surely this isn’t the only reason why you came
>>
>>40502870
>> [1] Surely this isn’t the only reason why you came
>>
[1] it is. Back in a bit!
>>
>>40502870

She’s just a bundle of laughs. The real life of the party. But you don’t think pointing this out will earn you any brownie points with either of the Mizuno girls.

“Surely this isn’t the only reason why you came,” you question. “Though I suppose it is worth saying she seems to be very certain in what she wants.”

Valeriya moves over to sit on your couch, legs crossed over one another. Once she’s settled she grumbles, “And you aren’t helping that at all. Though you are correct: I do need to get you prepped for the meeting with the head of the Intelligence Oversight Committee. Not that you need to say anything during said meeting but I’d rather you not make a fool out of yourself or us in the process.”

You take a seat of your own across from her in an armchair. “Sounds delightful. When is that exactly?”

“Three hours from now.”

“I see…”

> [1] Let her control the conversation
> [2] Steer into Aria-related waters
> [3] Toss the anchor into this meeting thing
> [4] Write in
>>
>>40503216
> [2] Steer into Aria-related waters
>>
>>40503216
> [1] Let her control the conversation
Knowing her a little better might help us in the long run. I have a feeling we'll have plenty chance to learn about Aria so no need to do that now.
>>
>>40503216
> [1] Let her control the conversation

This sister is all business, so don't bother prodding right now.
>>
>>40503216
> [1] Let her control the conversation
>>
>>40503216
>> [1] Let her control the conversation
>>
>>40503216
> [2] Steer into Aria-related waters
>>
>>40503216
> [1] Let her control the conversation
>>
>>40503216
> [1] Let her control the conversation
Haha time for psychological profiling.
>>
>>40503584
Don't remind me of Fern and his betrayal.
>>
>>40503631
His name is Vern, you whore!
>>
>>40503216

You decide to wait and let Valeriya control the flow of the conversation for now. Trying to steer her one way or the other might just make your already low standing with her sink further. Still, there’s a period of about three minutes where she simply glares at you. You do your best not to fidget under her gaze. Luckily she finally relents.

“Well it seems you’re willing to listen more than you’re willing to talk. Good. That already makes you better than some I’ve dealt with. And it means I can get the important things out of the way in short order.”

Valeriya holds up a hand and begins counting with her fingers. “First, if asked how you became involved with Fokir, you’re to say you were extended an offer via one of our low-cost clinics after having applied many years ago. Second, if asked how you know Aria, you will keep it extremely professional and only say that you know she’s the Fokir CEO. Any hints otherwise and I…”

You hold up your own hand to stop her. “I get it, I get it. Anything else.”

“Yes. Three, when that harpy Hatos begin grilling you, give her nothing. You are a simple man who has no prior loyalties to Fokir or anyone else. You simply have a new lease on life and are looking to improve the quality of Ocrania at large in any way you can.”

“Roundabout way of saying ‘I needed a new job and Fokir is helping with that,’ but alright. You’re running the show I guess.”

She folds her arms across her chest with a grimace. “More than you’d think, actually. Do you know how long it took to plan out your schedule the other night?”

Uh oh.

> [1] I’m getting mixed signals here…
> [2] Are you saying I should have followed it to the letter?
> [3] Apologize?
> [4] Write in
>>
>>40503663
> [1] I’m getting mixed signals here…
>>
>>40503663
> [1] I’m getting mixed signals here…

I am not a smart anon, I know I'm missing something here.
>>
>>40503704
She set us up to fuck Aria, we didn't she's now unhappy with us.
>>
>>40503663
> [3] Apologize.
Sigh and say thanks.
>>
>>40503704

As Aria's PA she does what she's told. Even if that means planning out a romantic evening that ends in Not!Dragon sex.
As Aria's sister she doesn't exactly like the fact none of Aria's choice of men have panned out.

So each half is angry and happy for the right reasons.
>>
>>40503740
That seem's like a strange thing to get mad about. and now I'm worried shes done that with every past "employee", she seems a little too willing to get either party emotionally invested in the other.
>>
>>40503663
>[1] I’m getting mixed signals here…
>>
>>40503778

/tg/ once again proving, I am absolute shit at social clues.
>>
>>40503663
> [2] Are you saying I should have followed it to the letter?
>>
>>40503663
> [4] Write in
"I'm immensely grateful to both you and your sister, and I realize I'm little more than her tool right now, but I'd like at least the facade of having authority over personal choices, such as when and when not to end a night."
>>
>>40503740
We shadowrunned awesomely and now she isn't 100% sure we're batting for her team.

I like Fokir's plans though, so personally I'd bat for dragon girl and her hot headed lil sis.
>>
[1] has it I think.

Writing...
>>
>>40503778
She planned a romantic evening at a pizzeria.
I like her.
>>
>>40503961
My kind of woman.
>>
>>40503977
>>40503961
Is she the third option?
>>
>"you were supposed to fuck her grumble grumble"

>"So are you saying I'm supposed to be a slut, or Aria is?"

Get rekt, bitch.
>>
>>40504000
That would end horribly.
>>
>>40504000

I don't think we want to waifu the younger sister. We want her to like us, nothing more. Otherwise that leads to family in-fighting over a boy.

>>40504009

Probably both. I've gotten the sense Aria's pretty chill with her sexuality.
>>
>>40503835
I'm going for the A-team too. The way I see, SCU route will definitely see one of the two main interests taken down. Going with Aria might allow us to help her overcome her issues and release her murderous impulses towards Cathy.
>>
>bobcut that covers one eye
>meticulously plans everything
>short with others
I think you're in the wrong quest there, IGGY. And Aria's only about half as tall as she should be.
>>
>>40503663

You go out on a limb and say, “I’m getting mixed signals here. On one hand you’re happy I didn’t have ‘dessert,’ but on the other you’re angry your well-thought-out schedule was broken. That about right?”

After a grumble she admits, “Yes. As much as it pain me to admit it I appreciate the fact you turned her down. She tends to get swept up in the moment, and in the process make some rather questionable decisions. Often I account for those but it’s not often she chooses a suitor that has the brains enough to point this out to her.”

“How many times has this happened before, exactly?”

Another grimace. “Three times. Although none of those were business-related. They were simply courting and nothing more.”

Lovely. But at least that confirms she doesn’t wine and dine every new special project she takes on. You just happened to catch her eye. Somehow…

“Do I really want to know what happened to them?”

Her hazel eye meets yours. It’s as if you’re staring into the depths of hell’s everlasting inferno. Her reply is short and direct: “No.”

Wonderful. You already knew you were screwed one way or the other but now you know for sure that denying Aria leads to something more painful than death.

> [1] I’m really in over my head. Any help you could give me would be appreciated.
> [2] Is there any way to get her to slow down or back off even?
> [3] If it means anything to you, I don’t plan on breaking her heart. Not knowingly, anyways.
> [4] Write in
>>
>>40504266
>> [3] If it means anything to you, I don’t plan on breaking her heart. Not knowingly, anyways
Hmm, choices choices
>>
>>40504266
> [2] Is there any way to get her to slow down or back off even?
I'd like to get out of this alive.
>>
>>40504266
> [1] I’m really in over my head. Any help you could give me would be appreciated.
> [2] Is there any way to get her to slow down or back off even?
>>
>>40504266

> [1] I’m really in over my head. Any help you could give me would be appreciated.

I'm going to go for the option that leaves doors open, because I have no idea who to side with.
>>
>>40504266
> [2] Is there any way to get her to slow down?
>>
>>40504266
> [2] Is there any way to get her to slow down or back off even?
> [3] If it means anything to you, I don’t plan on breaking her heart. Not knowingly, anyways.
>I'm just a bit of a tease sometimes, I'll back off if it means I keep my pelvis intact
>>
>>40504266
>2] Is there any way to get her to slow down or back off even?
> [3] If it means anything to you, I don’t plan on breaking her heart. Not knowingly, anyways.
>>
>>40504336
take a risk man, this is not a problem to be solved, but one of several changing paths to be taken.
>>
>>40504400
It's not risk I'm worried about, I actually do just want to keep doors open.
>>
>>40504266
> [3] If it means anything to you, I don’t plan on breaking her heart. Not knowingly, anyways.
>>
>>40504437
It could be one of those situations where trying to keep all the doors open pisses off everyone.
>>
>>40504464
Or kills us.

Which seems more likely, to me.
>>
>>40504487
>>40504266
Actually, I swap to

> [1] I’m really in over my head. Any help you could give me would be appreciated.
> [3] If it means anything to you, I don’t plan on breaking her heart. Not knowingly, anyways.
>>
>>40504266
> [2] Is there any way to get her to slow down or back off even?
>>
>>40503835
Ehhhhhhhh, so far what we can see of Fokir is a lot of recruiting and a lot of money going somewhere that nobody knows the end use of that isn't in Aria's inner circle. Everything's screaming "secret army" to me, and I highly doubt that even Fokir could shelter us for long from SCU's resources if we turn traitor.
>>
>>40504464
It is one of those times, though this one is on a more pesonal level with implications to the other choices we make.

We'll have make a stand somewhere anons and it best be at the point where we leave the minimum amount of hearts scorned. Considering who we are scorning of course.
>>
>In a man's quest to not die, the number of threats around him and his chances of death increase.

Man, MC just can't get a break on the danger, can he?
>>
Overall [2] has it with [3] as a bit of flavor added on I think. I'll see what I can come up with. Back in a bit!
>>
>>40504464
could be, though hopefully its too early for that, shut them later.
>>
>>40504464
>>40504485
The vibe I'm getting from Aria between what her sister has told us and the incident that started this all is that it's her way or the highway, and the highway involves a little bit of death. Sure, she's fascinated with us now, but who knows how long that will last? And who else has been thrown into the situation we're in now, only to make the wrong choice and end up dead?
>>
>>40504528

Well given what we just learned about the space race between the two companies it could be that. I think it'd throw us all for a loop if it turned out for once that what a Not!Dragon said was the truth actually was.
>>
>>40504553
>Aira is pissed we didn't fuck her, Cathy is pissed we haven't fucked her, Val is pissed that we didn't do what she wanted, which would have pissed her off if we did do it.

>Hatos is just laughing her head off at our plight

>before she is pissed we aren't fucking her

The great celibate MC, and everyone will hate him for it.
>>
>>40504613
Lets just fuck off into space
>>
>>40504660
Cathy will be able to climb onto the side of our rocket, there is no escape from spider lady.
>>
>>40504597
We're going to be her agent infiltrating a high security group of the government, or so she thinks. As long as enough things check out, like the prosthetics, she could tell us that she's going to turn the city into a moon jump and we'd take it as at least half true. In the long run corporations don't do anything if it hurts the bottom line, and getting rid of the last of the governments in the world is a great way to deregulate.
>>
>>40504660
>Space is upset we haven't penetrated it's outer reaches

We can't escape it.
>>
>>40504735
Deregulation has it's own set of problems though, suddenly your competition has the same opportunity. In a way competition can be good for a company too, helps incentivise innovation.
>>
>>40504613
>Harem end best end
>>
>>40504266

Phrasing here will be important, so you take a few seconds to form the proper string of words. “Is there any way to get her to slow down? I know the events of the last few weeks might make you think otherwise, but I’m not kinda guy who likes making snap decisions. I realize in this case that’s kinda hazardous though, so if…”

She stops you before you stray too far. “I’m going to be straight with you, Mr. Weldon. Not because she is my sister but because I have a duty to her as a PA to see her happy. Aria in general is very passionate and intense individual. She expects excellence from everyone around her. They’re given her trust only once, and when it’s broken it can never be regained. If you do not wish to pursue a relationship with her then simply tell her that. It will mean she will act extremely frigid towards you at first but it will not mean her trust in you disappears.”

Valeriya pauses, weighing her options. Then she carries on with, “As her sister, I’ll tell you that she does not exactly understand what a relationship is. Our parents were not good role models. She thinks the only way to keep a guy around is through sex and/or showing off. The latter of which she absolutely detests, as I’m sure you may have figured out by now. Obviously, this hasn’t worked out for her, but at the same time she’s yet to meet someone it didn’t apply to. Now that said, she *is* a very sexual person. I literally have a block in her schedule for-”

It’s your turn to stop her. “Okay okay, I get it! So basically if I take it slow she’ll get frustrated and wonder what she’s doing wrong then. But that could be a good thing so long as I get over that initial hump.”

> cont
>>
>>40504945

For once your counterpart smirks. “Exactly. Nice double entendre by the way.”

You place your face in the palm of your hands much to your chagrin. “When’s our next ‘dinner’ planned?”

“End of the week. She wanted it sooner but I insisted that we give you time to settle in at the SCU.”

> [1] Could you plan around me letting her down easy?
> [2] Don’t hate me, but plan for dessert
> [3] I guess we’ll see what happens then. Apologies in advance
> [4] Write in
>>
>>40504528
But space anon SPACE!

Think of the 0-G handholding with both sisters!
>>
>>40504966

> [3] I guess we’ll see what happens then. Apologies in advance
>>
>>40504966
> [3] I guess we’ll see what happens then. Apologies in advance
>>
>>40504966
> [1] Could you plan around me letting her down easy?
Does the universal rule of 'Don't stick your dick in crazy' still apply? This is the Cyberpunk future after all
>>
>>40504966
> [3] I guess we’ll see what happens then. Apologies in advance
>>
>>40504966
> [1] Could you plan around me letting her down easy?
>>
>>40504966
>[3] I guess we’ll see what happens then. Apologies in advance
>>
>>40504966
> [2] Don’t hate me, but plan for dessert
>>
>>40504966
> [3] I guess we’ll see what happens then. Apologies in advance

Time to teach her basic interpersonal relationships via aggresive hanging out and cuddles
>>
>>40505006
Oh yeah, especially since we have a much saner option.
>>
>>40504966
>1] Could you plan around me letting her down easy?
>>
>>40504966
> [1] Could you plan around me letting her down easy?

Did Aria even stop to think about what would happen if the SCU found out she was dating one of their "agents"?
>>
>>40505087

We just haven't seen Cathy's crazy side yet. Or, rather, hers isn't as in your face. It's also much harder to deal with imo.
>>
>>40505114
What do you think her crazy side is then?
>>
>>40504966
> [3] I guess we’ll see what happens then. Apologies in advance
>>
>>40505113
She said she didn't care who saw us dating her sooooo it's her sister who's gonna be dealing with that problem.
>>
>>40505145

She doesn't think the world around her is real. And all that body swapping can't be good for self-image.

>>40505174

I'm sure it'll be spun appropriately if it ever goes public.
>>
>>40505207
She thinks the world is real, she's paranoid that it being real is at risk, Aria has the same paranoia.
>>
>>40504966

After a long sigh you mutter back, “I guess we’ll see what happens. Sorry in advance.”

She sniffs, standing. “Pretense or not, at least you’re trying. That’s already better than half of her past choices. In any case, I’ve said all I needed to. Unless you have anything more I’ll be seeing you again in two hours time. And please, make sure to wear something nice.”

> [1] Well actually I wanted to know… (write in)
> [2] I can rock a suit, don’t you worry
> [3] Sure you don’t want to stay for a drink? I definitely need one.
>>
>>40505258
> [2] I can rock a suit, don’t you worry
>>
>>40505258
>[2] I can rock a suit, don’t you worry
>>
>>40505258
> [2] I can rock a suit, don’t you worry
>>
>>40505220
>Aria has the same paranoia.
And puts herself into full autistic mode rather than trust anybody other than her sister, while Cathy at least trusts the other members of SCU and is willing to trust that we'll tell her when it's real.

>>40505258
>[2] I can rock a suit, don’t you worry
>>
>>40505258
> [2] I can rock a suit, don’t you worry
>>
>>40505258
> [2] I can rock a suit, don’t you worry.
Worry haed, Aria sis, worry hard.
>>
>>40505296
Aye, Cathy has a healthier if slightly more risky way of managing herself
>>
>>40505258
> [2] I can rock a suit, don’t you worry

>>40505207
>I'm sure it'll be spun appropriately if it ever goes public.
It's not the public that's the problem, it's the sudden suspicion that will be placed over the agent she's dating. And since that's her plant, she risks ruining her own plan.
>>
>>40505258
> [2] I can rock a suit, don’t you worry
>>
>>40505296
All cyber brained people have that fear, w/c is why SCU wants to hire us.
>>
[2] it is, back in a bit!

I normally stay out of discussion, but I'll say this on Aria vs Cathy in terms of how they deal with the "reality problem" - Go back and take note of how often Cathy's mentioned it in contrast to Aria.
>>
>>40505465
Ignoring it vs Dealing with it?
>>
>>40505465
Looking back, here's how they approached the subject.

Cathy:
>“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.”

Aria:
>“Like every major company these days, we do keep several non-cyborgs on the payroll to make sure we’re not being duped by our competitors. They range from your average ‘Yes-man’ to the squeaky wheel. But me personally? I simply keep my brain on autistic mode unless absolutely necessary. The only person I allow to connect with me then is my personal assistant.”


So Cathy is much more trusting, puts more value in how genuine something is, wants to know it's "real".

Aria is much more controlling and paranoid for practicality's sake, and by putting her trust in someone (her sister), she effectively skirts around the problem for the most part.
>>
Aria considers her method incredibly safe or doesnt worry, Cathy is incredibly worried.
>>
>>40505258

“Don’t worry, I can rock a suit.”

She again dismisses your remark with a twirl of her irises before heading out of the door. Though she does leave you a parting remark:

“Should you fail to figure out a proper ensemble, suit bags three through five are fully prepared and even come with instructions.”

Then she’s gone before you can make a witty retort. Great gal, really.

Some two hours later you find yourself sharing a back seat with Valeriya as the two of you are spirited off to the meeting with the IOC head. She refrains from commenting on your getup, though you suspect you may have surprised her by showing up with actually ironed clothes and matching shoes and socks. In any case, your trip is uneventful and without conversation. It’s only once you reach the Governor’s mansion that the vehicle rolls to a stop.

“This is us,” says Valeriya as she opens the car door herself. “We have to go on foot from here.”

When you step out behind her you see a spitting image of the picture in your old civics textbook. The Government in Ocrania is concentrated into this rather plain looking two-story villa, though you seem to remember there being a very extensive network of tunnels and sub-basements. It’s also one of the few places outside of the parks where you’ll find an actual growing lawn.

Val and you are immediately flanked by two quadraped cyborgs and led up to the building proper. Glancing around along the way you realize that every single security member that’s visible seems to be sporting the same horse-like lower half. Odd, but you’ve seen stranger. If it works it works, you guess.

> cont
>>
>>40505849

Once inside you’re passed off to normal looking suits. They give each of you a once over with their wands before waving you on to a rather large man. You didn’t think cyborgs really did the whole fat and jolly thing but there’s really no other way you can think to describe him. You wouldn’t go so far to say he’d roll like a ball if you knocked him over, but he’s definitely not the lithe or muscular high-society member you expected.

“Ah, Valeriya, good of you to make it!” he says, beckoning you toward him. “Ms. Hatos arrived shortly before you did. I hope you don’t mind but we’ll be meeting in my office instead of the conference room. It seems the Prime Minister has something of his own going on in there at the moment.”

Val stops and bows respectfully, then replies, “Your office is fine, Chairman Orlin. May I introduce Mr. James Weldon, the man I’ve told you about.”

She motions at you as if expecting you to say something.

> [1] Nice to meet you and thanks for seeing us.
> [2] Nod silently. She DID say not to talk…
> [3] Write in
>>
>>40505866
>> [1] Nice to meet you and thanks for seeing us.
We are supposed to be charming.
>>
>>40505866
>[1] Nice to meet you and thanks for seeing us.
>>
>>40505866
> [1] Nice to meet you and thanks for seeing us.
>>
>>40505866
>> [1] Nice to meet you and thanks for seeing us.
>>
>>40505866
>[2] Nod silently. She DID say not to talk…
>>
>>40505866
> [1] Nice to meet you and thanks for seeing us.
>>
>>40505866
> [1] Nice to meet you and thanks for seeing us.
>>
Yeah that's pretty cut and dry. Back in a bit.
>>
>>40505866
>[2] Nod silently. She DID say not to talk…
>>
I was wondering why there were so many monstergirls in this, then I saw OP's twitter...
>>
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>>40506115
You mean cyborgs?
>>
>>40505866

You mirror her gesture best you can before saying, “It’s nice to meet you, Sir. Thank you for seeing us.”

Orlin waves you off and starts to lead the two of you further into the villa. “I trust you’ve been told why you’re here. Keep your head down and let the two spitfires duel it out. That’s really the only advice I can give to you.”

He then gives you one of those man-to-man smiles of understanding. It’s very brief, but enough to gather he’s sympathetic for your situation. Whatever amount of it he knows, anyways. Fine by you.

In short order you’re led to an office much like Hatos’. Said woman is already inside, seated at one of two chairs on the same side of a large desk nearest the door. Val takes the empty one and Orlin the desk chair proper, leaving you to linger in a corner in another chair.

Orlin’s the first to speak. “Alright let’s get this over with. Hatos, in light of the fact your team’s recent actions surrounding Ms. Mizuno Senior you have one of two options. One: You either admit to purposefully doctoring footage and falsifying records to make it appear there was an OVA involved. Two: You allow an OVA from Fokir to oversee any and all future SCU activities.”

Hatos doesn’t seem all that thrilled. In fact it’s the first time you’ve ever seen her scowl. It’s rather scary how lined her face is. “With all due respect Chairman, you’re allowing someone to get away with cold-blooded murder. Someone who, in the past, has been proven to be associated with these sorts of crimes.”

Val scoffs. “If by ‘proven’ you mean time and time again the SCU has failed to meet that ‘beyond a reasonable doubt’ threshold.”

> cont
>>
>>40506431

“She’s right,” Orlin concurs. “And the fact your latest attempt involved manipulation of public record further lends credence to the fact the SCU is acting on behalf of Raziel interests and not that of Ocrania’s.”

“As I told you before, no records were falsified or manipulated,” retorts Hatos. “The OVA we used simply disappeared without a trace. We chose him at the time because he was an unknown and had very few ties to either party involved. But apparently we chose too well. He had nothing keeping him here after the fact, so he fled without warning.”

“Typical. Next you’ll tell me that there being two different versions of the security camera footage is just coincidence.”

Hatos and Valeriya glare daggers at each other as Orlin tries to break them up. Meanwhile you’re in the corner wondering what to do.

> [1] Let them fight it out as suggested
> [2] Offer to take a look at whatever evidence is available and give both parties a fair judgement as an OVA
> [3] Bail from the room. It’s not like you won’t be missed.
> [4] Write in
>>
>>40506455
> [1] Let them fight it out as suggested
>>
>>40506455
>> [1] Let them fight it out as suggested
This is all a show by Hatos, he knows who we are already and that raid plus security footage wasn't going to do shit anyway. If we interfere we ruin this for both sides and fuck our cover.
>>
>>40506455
>> [1] Let them fight it out as suggested
Conflict resolution. Plus extra information. Sounds pretty good to me.
>>
>>40506455
>[1] Let them fight it out as suggested
>>
>>40506455
> [1] Let them fight it out as suggested
Imagine that you are eating some popcorn.
Or that you're under an orange box.
Be the calm, smooth operator that teased a cyborg notdragon sexually and lived.
>>
>>40506455
> [1] Let them fight it out as suggested
>>
>>40506546
>Be the calm, smooth operator that teased a cyborg notdragon sexually and lived.

Pretty sure we pretty much promised to bang her later, so that's not exactly a good thing, all things considered.
>>
>>40506652
I fail to see how that's a bad thing
>>
>>40506722
Then you need to stop thinking with your dick before you get us killed.
>>
>>40506652
Oh you poor anon.
Denying her and then banging her later will make it all the more sweeter and intense.
There is also a chance for us to upgrade our hips before the exchange. So it's a win, totally ready for this, win.
>>
>>40506652
If anything the point was to get her hooked and trusting us, but wanting more.
>>
>>40506455

In the end you decide the remain a plant in the corner as Orlin finally calms the two women down.

“Look, Rachel, we’ve known each other since we were kids. So you know when I tell you that this looks bad that it’s not because Fokir’s lapdog over here is paying me to do so. I get that you have misgivings about Aria but this time the SCU’s gone too far. And given the choice, you’re looking at either a complete restructure or the simple addition of Fokir oversight. Hell, you should welcome the opportunity to convince one of their own. Though I’ve been told this one in particular is more just a one-off they recently picked up.”

Val nods, “All we’ve done is give him new arms and legs to replace old biological ones that were defunct. He has no further affiliation with the company, myself, or my sister at the present moment. Should such things arise, we will do due diligence and divulge such information.” Then she adds snidely, “More than the SCU would do if the situation were reversed, I dare say.”

Orlin frowns at Valeriya for that. “That’s going a little too far, Ms. Mizuno.”

“No, it’s fine Bill,” responds Hatos. “If this is an order from the IOC head then I have no choice but to follow it. The SCU reports to Ocrania’s Government, not to Raziel as some might think.”

“Good. Well then your new OVA is over in the corner. See to it you don’t ‘lose’ him like the last one. Now unless there’s anything else…” Orlin snaps his fingers. The doors to his office open in response. “That’s about enough politicking for one day, I think. You ladies have a good day.”

Valeriya is the first to leave after bowing and paying her respects. She doesn’t even shoot a glance in your direction on the way out. As for Hatos, she makes it a point to come over and introduce herself in the process of pulling you out of the room.

> cont
>>
>>40506829

“Well hello, Mister…?”

“Weldon. James Weldon,” you reply as you shake her hand.

“Rachel Hatos, it’s a pleasure.” She flashes a smile very reminiscent of that night in the bar. “You must excuse that display in there. Most of it, anyways. While I’m sure you’re above board, we will be making sure there are no further conflicts of interest. The first step in which will be having your prosthetics scanned in our lab.”

> [1] Well I have this datapad here…
> [2] As you wish.
> [3] Write in
>>
>>40506652
It's weird, because if we can somehow hold off on the sex, but keep her interest/ not make her think she's doing it. It has the potential for an actual relationship.

personally I prefer Cathy, but Aria has potential once you get past her not knowing how to relationship
>>
>>40506844
> [2] As you wish.
>>
>>40506844

> [1] Well I have this datapad here…
> [2] As you wish.

>>40506849
This should say " not doing it wrong"
>>
>>40506844
>> [2] As you wish.
>>
>>40506844
> [2] As you wish.
>>
>>40506844
> [2] As you wish.

>See to it you don’t ‘lose’ him like the last one.
If only he knew.
>>
>>40506844
> [1] Well I have this datapad here…
but
> [2] As you wish.
>>
So what are people thinking for sides, honestly, I could go for either, although I am thinking about Valeriya's side if only for the fact that they have the better women.
>>
>>40507044
Fuck sides.

We're going rogue and fucking off into space.
>>
[2] it is. Interesting. Back in a bit!
>>
>>40507044
Honestly?
No idea, the best thing to do is keep playing both sides/no sides until we figure out which one offers us the best chance of survival.
>>
>>40507097
Yeah that is what I was thinking, but I think Iggy is keen on forcing us to pick soon.
>>
>>40507044
Truthfully too soon to pick, we need to do our jobs as an agent for both sides. We need to decide, but at the same time we really dont have much to go on.

>>40507110
He did say we would be in a route lock soon enough.
>>
>>40506844

“As you wish. Whatever will get this process over and done with.”

Hatos continues to lead you out of the villa towards her own waiting car as she responds, “We’ll also be looking into your background and so forth. I trust that won’t be an issue?”

You shrug as convincingly as you can, “Unless you count stealing a few chalk erasers in the third grade as being some sort of Fokir plot I think I’ll be alright.”

That gets a short chuckle from her. “I wouldn’t put it past *her*, but I suppose that is why you’re here now. Perhaps we have been too paranoid up until now.”

“Perhaps?”

The ensuing ride to SCU HQ is undertaken in silence. You get the feeling that Hatos wants to ask a bunch of questions but can’t for fear of bugs. So instead it’s just awkward quiet the entire way. At least her car’s nice - a turn of the century sports car that means you ride up front instead of in the back. Once she pulls up front of the HQ building you see that Cathy is waiting for you.

“Cathy will take you from here. I have another meeting across town for the time being.”

“Right, thanks…”

Like Hatos, Cathy doesn’t give you a single inkling of recognition when she sees you. In fact, you’d say she’s returned to the very same Ice Queen act from when you first met her. “So you’re the new kid. I’m not impressed.”

> [1] Sorry I’m not what you expected
> [2] I don’t want to be here as much as you don’t want me here, but I have to be.
> [3] That’s a very interesting body you have there Cathy. Though I think it’d look better in blue.
> [4] Write in

>>40507110
>>40507130
Soonish.
>>
>>40507332
>Sorry I’m not what you expected
>>
>>40507332
>[1] Sorry I’m not what you expected
>>
>>40507332
> [1] Sorry I’m not what you expected
God I want to chose 3 so bad but I think acting too familiar would end up being suspicious if we're bugged.
>>
>>40507332
> [1] Sorry I’m not what you expected
>>
>>40507332
>> [1] Sorry I’m not what you expected
>>
>>40507332
>[2] I don’t want to be here as much as you don’t want me here, but I have to be.
A job's a job, though.
>>
>>40507332
> [1] Sorry I’m not what you expected
>>
>>40507332

You shrug non-committedly. “Sorry I’m not what you expected.”

She doesn’t visibly react outside of turning to lead you inside. “I’m sure we’ll find something to talk about in short order. Do you by chance have and paperwork or documentation on your limbs? It would speed up the process tremendously if you did.”

> [1] Yep! Right here.
> [2] Sorry no.
>>
>>40507515
>[1] Yep! Right here.
>>
>>40507515
> [1] Yep! Right here.
>>
>>40507515
>> [1] Yep! Right here.
>>
>>40507515
> [1] Yep! Right here.
>>
>>40507515
> [1] Yep! Right here.
>>
>>40507515
We weren't told to keep the datapad secret, were we? Or that it contained any info to not show the SCU?
>>
>>40507515
>> [1] Yep! Right here.
>>
>>40507569
I don't believe so, but I am not sure.
>>
>>40507569

Aria literally said she didn't care who we showed it to, even Raziel.
>>
>>40507569
quite the opposite, she gave it to us as a show of good faith. "No bugs, here is the evidence" kind of thing
>>
>>40507592
Alright then might as well show.
>>
>>40507515
> [1] Yep! Right here.
>>
>>40507606
Also, knowing what it's supposed to be will make it easier for them to identify if there are any bugs in it.
>>
>>40507515

“As luck would have it, I do indeed. Now where did I…” You fish around in your suit jacket for the Fokir datapad. After a moment you profer it out to Cathy. “I was given this when I had the procedure done.”

Cathy takes the pad from your hand and looks it over with interest. “I see. This should help quite a bit. The actual scanning process shouldn’t take too long if the schematics on here are comprehensive and correct.”

“Good, good…”

In time you’re led into one of the labs your remember seeing during your first tour of the building. This lab in particular holds an MRI-like device that’s used specifically in scanning cybernetic components. You’re asked to lay inside and wait for a period of thirty minutes while the scan takes place. Once it’s over you’re left in the lab alone for an inordinate amount of time. Eventually you realize there’s a muffled conversation taking place on the other side of the exit door.

> [1] Try and listen in
> [2] Continue to wait it out patiently
> [3] Walk outside
> [4] Vent time?
> [5] Write in
>>
>>40507671
Which probably means she is simply really skilled at bugs, and is sure nobody will find them.

Or the bugs arnt in the limbs, we were in their care for a rather long time. And under their proverbial knives...
Just sayin.
>>
>>40507723
>[2] Continue to wait it out patiently
>>
>>40507723
> [1] Try and listen in
>>
>>40507724
And moved at least once from a clinic to HQ.
>>
>>40507723
>> [1] Try and listen in
> [4] Vent time?
>>
>>40507723

> [2] Continue to wait it out patiently
>>
>>40507723
>[1] Try and listen in
>[4] Vent time?
>>
>>40507723
>[2] Continue to wait it out patiently
Anything we hear might be picked up by the bugs in our prosthetics.
>>
>>40507723
>[2] Continue to wait it out patiently
>Vent
Let's talk to vern, even though he's not here. Not like he normally responded anyway.
>>
[2] has it I think. Back in a bit.
>>
>>40507723

At this point you’re committed to your part of the foreign outsider inside the castle walls. One that behaves himself instead of causing trouble. Of course the temptation to get up and do something increases with every passing minute past the twenty minute mark. By the time someone (Sako in fact) pops their head into the room you’re antsy as hell.

“Hey kid, you’re clean. Cathy wants a word.”

You take a second to digest that before replying, “You sure? It’d hate there to be a conflict of…”

Sako frowns at you, “Seriously. Not a damn thing different between your pad and what we saw. Like I said, Cathy wants a word.”

“Where is she exactly?” you ask as you step outside and don’t see her waiting.

“Up with Mariet. I’m sure you’ll figure it out from here.”

“Right, thanks…”

Sako leaves you in the hallway without any further directions. It’s hard to say whether it’s time to drop the mask yet or not. All you can do is meander long enough to make it seem like you don’t know where you’re going before going to see Cathy and Mariet. When you do finally step into Mariet’s kingdom you see the tank killer and the twintail pouring over the limb schematics that are displayed on every inch of every screen.

“There has to be something there. I refuse to believe Aria wouldn’t put something in him after all that.”

“But we took deep organic scans too Cathy. Nothing. Not a damn thing.”

> [1] Cough to get their attention
> [2] “Maybe she was telling the truth?”
> [3] “DO NOT BE ALARMED. CONTINUE ABOUT YOUR DAILY BUSINESS AND IGNORE ME.”
> [4] Write in
>>
>>40508162
> [3] “DO NOT BE ALARMED. CONTINUE ABOUT YOUR DAILY BUSINESS AND IGNORE ME.”
But then
> [2] “Maybe she was telling the truth?”
>>
>>40508162
> [3] “DO NOT BE ALARMED. CONTINUE ABOUT YOUR DAILY BUSINESS AND IGNORE ME.”
>>
>>40508162
> [1] Cough to get their attention
>>
>>40508162
> [3] “DO NOT BE ALARMED. CONTINUE ABOUT YOUR DAILY BUSINESS AND IGNORE ME.”
And then smirk hard.
>>
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>>40508162
>[3] “DO NOT BE ALARMED. CONTINUE ABOUT YOUR DAILY BUSINESS AND IGNORE ME.”
>>
>>40508162
>> [3] “DO NOT BE ALARMED. CONTINUE ABOUT YOUR DAILY BUSINESS AND IGNORE ME.”
>>
>>40508162
> [2] “Maybe she was telling the truth?”
>>
>>40508162
>[3] “DO NOT BE ALARMED. CONTINUE ABOUT YOUR DAILY BUSINESS AND IGNORE ME.”
>>
>>40508162
>> [3] “DO NOT BE ALARMED. CONTINUE ABOUT YOUR DAILY BUSINESS AND IGNORE ME.”
>>
>>40508162

Given the serious look of worry on Cathy’s face you decide to try and lighten things up with a pop culture reference. It doesn’t have the intended effect on Cathy, rather much the opposite. Though you do get a smirk out of Mariet.

“This is serious James. You’re either broadcasting everything you’re seeing and hearing to her right now or…”

“Or, as Mariet said, there’s nothing there.”

Cathy doesn’t reply at first. If anything she seems like she doesn’t want to talk at all in your presence. Mariet doesn’t have that problem though.

“Soooooooo, what’d you do with the big bad lizard lady while you were gone?”

> [1] We went on a date
> [2] Nothing besides a brief chat
> [3] I never even saw her except right before I went under
> [4] I didn’t see her at all
> [5] Write in
>>
>>40508336
>[2] Nothing besides a brief chat
>[5] But I think she wants to take me on a date.
>>
>>40508336
>> [1] We went on a date
Her sister set it up, she was very forward. Unnervingly so.
>>
>>40508336

> [1] We went on a date
>>40508361
Plus what this guy said
>>
>>40508336
>[2] Nothing besides a brief chat
>>
>>40508336
> [1] We went on a date
I almost got laid, but duty calls.
Remember my sacrifice ladies.
Remember it well.
>>
>>40508336
> [1] We went on a date
>>
>>40508336
What >>40508361 said.

"Her sister planned a date for her to jump my bones, but I wasn't interested."
>>
>>40508336
>> [2] Nothing besides a brief chat
>>
>>40508336
> [1] We went on a date
> I actually got to eat the pizza this time
>>
>>40508336
>[1] We went on a date
>>
>>40508336
>[1] We went on a date
"...blueovaried her."
>>
[1] has it for now.

Back in a bit.

Get popcorn
>>
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>>40508540
>Get popcorn
>telling a tank-killer girl who's interested in us that we went on a date with her rival
>>
>>40508595
>And left her frustrated and horny
>>
>>40508599
>Make her want us more
>>
>>40508595
We bloody damn well did anon.
>>40508599
And now it is time to do the same to a bloody tank-killer.

>>40508540
Muh body is ready.
>>
>>40508540
farewell, pelvis, I knew thee well.
>>
>>40508651
>And now it is time to do the same to a bloody tank-killer.
What? No, I like Cathy.
>>
>>40508669
Kidding anon, kidding.
Just like how captcha tells me that a frappe is ice crean
>>
>>40508336

“Well we went on a date for starters.”

There’s a loud crunch as Cathy’s claws tighten around a datapad. Not yours, thankfully.
“You WHAT?”

“Well it was all planned out and I didn’t want to piss her off so I went with it. But if it makes you feel any better I turned her down.”

Cathy’s brow furrows intensely as Mariet fights back a laugh. “Well where’d she take you lover-boy? Was the food good at least?”

You grin smugly at that. “Pizza of all things. Though the ambience was very high class.”

“Now when you say ‘turned her down,’ what do you mean exactly?” asks Cathy.

“As in she was rather forward but I managed to avoid having ‘dessert.’”

You don’t think eye-twitching is a standard feature on U-Oni class models. Or that Cathy is suddenly experiencing a malfunction in her face muscles. That poor datapad though? It’s completely snapped in half.

Mariet carries on as if nothing’s wrong, “Eh, you might have gotten to see some neat stuff of hers that way. Oh well. Next time maybe?”

Cathy grumbles and pushes past you rather forcibly to make her leave. You’re left staring in wonder at her abdomen as she thunders down the hallway.

> [1] “Is she going to be alright?”
> [2] I should go after her
> [3] “So what’s new with you all?”
> [4] Write in
>>
>>40508810
> [1] “Is she going to be alright?”
> [2] I should go after her
>>
>>40508810
>[3] “So what’s new with you all?”
>>
>>40508810
> [2] I should go after her
Let's not let this fester.
>>
>>40508810
> [2] I should go after her
>>
>>40508810
> [1] “Is she going to be alright?”
> [2] I should go after her
>>
>>40508810
>[1] “Is she going to be alright?”
> [2] I should go after her
>>
>>40508810
>> [1] “Is she going to be alright?”
>> [2] I should go after her
>>
>>40508810
>[3] “So what’s new with you all?”
>>
>>40508810
> [1] “Is she going to be alright?”
> [3] “So what’s new with you all?”
>>
>>40508810
>[2] I should go after her
>>
>>40508810
>> [1] “Is she going to be alright?”
>> [2] I should go after her
>>
Pretty sure that's [2]. Back in a bit.
>>
>>40508810

“I uh… I’ll be right back Mariet.”

She simply snickers and turns back to the screens. “You have fun with that. Remember to use the vents if you need to escape.”

“Will do.”

It takes you ten minutes to finally catch up with Cathy. Finding her isn’t all that difficult - all you had to do was follow the loud stomping noises up to the roof. There you find her balancing precariously on the railing.

“Are you alright?” you ask as you approach her.

“I’m fine,” she replies half-sarcastically. “I just didn’t expect you to actually go that far in playing your role.”

“Isn’t that a good thing?”

She stares at you exasperatedly, like you missed her point entirely. “There’s a difference between playing a role and actually believing your own act. Which do you think a date falls under?”

Yeah she’s not thrilled.

> [1] I’m not falling for her so you don’t need to worry
> [2] Do I sense just a tiny amount of jealousy here?
> [3] She might have a point, but if you get closer to her you might find out more
> [4] Sigh and head back down to Mariet
> [5] Write in
>>
>>40509189
> [2] Do I sense just a tiny amount of jealousy here?
> [3] She might have a point, but if you get closer to her you might find out more
>>
>>40509189
> [2] Do I sense just a tiny amount of jealousy here?
> [3] She might have a point, but if you get closer to her you might find out more
>>
>>40509189
>[2] Do I sense just a tiny amount of jealousy here?
> [3] She might have a point, but if you get closer to her you might find out more
>>
>>40509189
>> [2] Do I sense just a tiny amount of jealousy here?
>> [3] She might have a point, but if you get closer to her you might find out more
>>
>>40509189
>> [2] Do I sense just a tiny amount of jealousy here?
Honestly if I didn't my cover would have been blown high than Raziel's and Fokir's net worth combined. I can't help me not bending to her will made her like me. Hell I was lucky to escape uninjured.
>>
>>40509189
> [2] Do I sense just a tiny amount of jealousy here?
> [3] She might have a point, but if you get closer to her you might find out more
>>
>>40509189
>[1] I’m not falling for her so you don’t need to worry
> [2] Do I sense just a tiny amount of jealousy here?
>>
>>40509189
>> [2] Do I sense just a tiny amount of jealousy here?
>> [3] She might have a point, but if you get closer to her you might find out more
>>
>>40509189
> [1] I’m not falling for her so you don’t need to worry
>>
>>40509189
At least I know when to save my pelvis.
>>
>>40509189
> [1] I’m not falling for her so you don’t need to worry
> [2] Do I sense just a tiny amount of jealousy here?
>>
>>40508810
Imagine being a cripple, being chased by someone who wanted you dead.
Now imagine if somebody who wanted you dead approached you, fixed you up and gave you a job.
Now what if that someone asked you out on a date.
Even if you weren't romantically interested, would you risk looking like an ingrate?
Would you turn down the one who could so easily kill you?
I made a damn big risk stopping her from getting "dessert" and I hope you can appreciate that.
That being said,
> [2] Do I sense just a tiny amount of jealousy here?
>>
>>40509189
>>40509373
uhh, this guy has a very strong argument.
>>
>>40509373
noice argument. I support.
>>
>>40509189
I misquoted.
>>40509373
>>
>>40509373
Well, SCU would've done the same. Would probably not have killed our coworkers either. Though, SCU would probably not have been that interested had they not died in the first place. It's kind of a wash, really.
>>
>>40509470
They actually offered as well, we chose the hard route though so we'd best make do.
>>
>>40509189

You hold up your hands placatingly in an attempt to calm her down. “I see your point. But consider this one: getting closer to her might mean I’ll learn something you all can use.”

“And it’ll only cost you whatever humanity you have left to do it,” Cathy scoffs.

“Maybe. But then again if the jealousy I’m sensing is at all real there’s an equal amount of that danger on this side of the fence. I took a huge risk turning her down, you know. It could have just as easily meant my head had I not played it right. Besides, for appearance's sake it would have been rather rude to turn down someone who was willing to fix a crippled limb for next to nothing.”

“Nothing, in this case, being her playtoy in the off hours.”

“I said I turned her down, didn’t I?”

“For now.”

Then she hops over the edge. When you look over the railing you see a thin gossamer strand trailing in her wake as she shimmers out of view. You’re no expert in women but you’re pretty sure this is a strong indication she needs her space and time to cool down.

> [1] Go back to Mariet and get the story on what you missed
> [2] See if you can dig anything up on the Mad Spring on your own
> [3] Ask Mariet to help you out with research
> [4] Do whatever paperwork is needed to uphold appearances
> [5] Write in
>>
>>40509506
> [1] Go back to Mariet and get the story on what you missed
> [2] See if you can dig anything up on the Mad Spring on your own
> [3] Ask Mariet to help you out with research

We're bug free, right? And we're the "spy" for Aria, so we're not otherwise monitored.
>>
>>40509506
>[1] Go back to Mariet and get the story on what you missed
>>
>>40509506
> [1] Go back to Mariet and get the story on what you missed
>>
>>40509506
> [1] Go back to Mariet and get the story on what you missed

Glorious QM hints are glorious
>>
>>40509506
>[4] Do whatever paperwork is needed to uphold appearances
Then go see Mariet
>>
>>40509506
>[1] Go back to Mariet and get the story on what you missed
> [4] Do whatever paperwork is needed to uphold appearances
>>
>>40509506
>> [4] Do whatever paperwork is needed to uphold appearances
THE PAPERWORK MOST FLOW
>>
>>40509506
>> [1] Go back to Mariet and get the story on what you missed
>>
>>40509506
> [1] Go back to Mariet and get the story on what you missed
>[4] Do whatever paperwork is needed to uphold appearances
>"So Mariet, what's new in the gossip club? Anything Juicy about Cathy? Any advice that'll help me save my pelvis if Cathy pulls a fast one on me?"
>>
>>40509506
>>40509530
> [4] Do whatever paperwork is needed to uphold appearances
Tack some paperwork on this splease!
>>
>>40509506
>[4] Do whatever paperwork is needed to uphold appearances
>>
>>40509506
>> [1] Go back to Mariet and get the story on what you missed
> [3] Ask Mariet to help you out with research
then
> [4] Do whatever paperwork is needed to uphold appearances
>>
>>40509506
> [1] Go back to Mariet and get the story on what you missed
>>
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Seems we'll start off next session with [1] & [4]. I'd keep going into sage but I have to actually be somewhere in the morning. Still, good stopping point I feel. Hopefully this helps you pick sides more. Or maybe it made it worse. Who knows. Have a spider.

See you Sunday or next Tuesday.
>>
>>40509653
LETS THE WAIFU WAR SHITPOSTING BATTLES BEGIN!
>>
>>40509653
Naw, now we know that Cathy is serious about us.
We know a bit of how Aria's mind actually works.
All we need now is how the SCU, the corps and the government ties all in all.
Also that Aria's sister has great taste for setting up a date at a pizzeria.
>>
>>40509653
I only just got off from work and caught up but thanks

I'm sticking with spiderwaifu through and through, they were the ones who helped us first and have been the most open about our situation, Aria just screams of plots within schemes within mysteries and siding with her would mean betraying our friends at the SCU which I doubt Weldon would want to do considering how much they've done for him.
>>
>>40509696
>Naw, now we know that Cathy is serious about us.
Yeah that makes me want to stick with her all the more.

I wonder if she can detach her human half for sensual cuddles.
>>
>>40509653
>Have a spider.
Excellent choice, I think I will.

Thanks for the thread.
>>
>>40509726
Inb4 Cathy cuddles just like a MEC Trooper.
Oh God Yes Please
>>
>>40509770
Yes please that image is adorable, I know exactly why I have this boner.
>>
>>40509701
So you want to have autistic not!dragon girl stay autistic? well that's very hypocritical of you anon.
>>40509726
I'm not a fan of cyberspidergirls nor a big one for driders in general, but if she does have that feature, then all my want.
>>
>>40509770

I dunno. Her underbelly is probably super soft if not.
>>
>>40509819
whynotboth.jpg

>>40509813
we could potentially help the totally!dragon girl become not autistic without betraying our SCU friends and Cathy
>>
>>40509692
Anon anticipates waifu wars.

Behind him is a unified front for the cutest not so little tank destroyer.
>>
>>40509819
Her underbelly has a pizza bay, niw you can cuddle and get fresh pizza at the same time
>>
>>40509834
>>40509813
I dunno about ya'all, but I'm waiting for more info. If dragonbutt is really hobo messiah, then sure, I'll back her in a heartbeat. If she's actually building a hobo death cyborg army, I'm out. Similarly If SCU or the chief are Raziel shills or a black ops death squad, I'm out.
>>
>>40509834
It's mentioned that autistic!not!dragon girl was a childhood friend of little tank destroyer. We just need a way to make them settle their differences in with a non-yandere method and have them learn to accept the route we choose.
>>
>>40509851

But what will happen if Aria's hobo messiah and the SCU is just a little Aria-obsessed whenever it's not being a normal police squad? What then?
>>
>>40509851
>If dragonbutt is really hobo messiah, then sure, I'll back her in a heartbeat
So you'll just ignore how she murdered our former coworkers and betray the people who saved us from her killing us, the people who offered us a get out of jail free card to be safe from her and this situation entirely?

>Similarly If SCU or the chief are Raziel shills or a black ops death squad, I'm out.
If you can't see the answer for that yourself already then you need new eyes anon, maybe Raziel can help with that?
>>
>>40509851
>If dragonbutt is really hobo messiah, then sure, I'll back her in a heartbeat.
She's hobo messiah because she's that autistic enough to believe that she's really hobo messiah.
>>40509877
>So you'll just ignore how she murdered our former coworkers and betray the people who saved us from her killing us, the people who offered us a get out of jail free card to be safe from her and this situation entirely?
She's also autistic enough that she has no qualms in going down a yandere route and destroying our pelvis in the processjust to have her ideal love and our D.
>>
And then it's all a plot of Aria's little sister.
The perfect crime.
>>
>>40509875
Then I'll all for Aria. Setting sucks for normal people, and Aria has a way out for them and to make meaningful change. She obviously cares. We're practically post scarcity, we have the capacity to help our fellow man. It's just no one with access to that dazzling high tech gives enough of a fuck.

>>40509877
Hey, that was our crazy coworker who was trading stolen/hacked/substandard body mods who fired the first shot. He was supposed to be modded to the gills, so I won't fault Aria for using force to defend herself. And I'm really interested in the Puppetmaster. Who is that guy? Why did he instigate his little revolt? How did SCU take them down?
>>
>>40509908
and then comes a Valeriyafag that calls to both Ariafags and Cathyfags that Aria and Cathy a shit.
>>
>>40509902
She ain't an autist m8, that's just what they term not connecting your cyberbrain to the net, "living in your own world".

Her sister hinted that Aria and hers upbringing didn't really touch up on social skills.
>>
>>40509912
>And I'm really interested in the Puppetmaster. Who is that guy? Why did he instigate his little revolt? How did SCU take them down?

My guess? They're probably some allusion to the Laughing Man or Stand Alone Complexes in general. Assuming we go with the themes thus far, of course.
>>
>>40509962
>She ain't an autist m8, that's just what they term not connecting your cyberbrain to the net, "living in your own world".
Yep, but all the stupid Ariafags think she's a genuine autistic person and want to 'cure' her...

Can't cure her of that and can't cure her of what she actually has.
>>
>>40509912
>>40509970
Actually, Puppet Master was the name of the antagonist in the first Ghost in the Shell film. Go watch it if you haven't already.
>>
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>>40509962

You're not wrong. But I also submit pic-related.

>>40510025

Dunno. "What she actually has" isn't anything too out there.
>>
>>40510048
That's gonna be interesting. Think we'll see the mines?

And we should be chasing Mariet. Hackerwaifu trumps all others. Plus twintails
>>
>>40510048
I did watch the first Ghost in the Shell. And I can see why Cathy would need a spider body to fight the huge ass tanks they probably have in this setting. Gotta have leverage, or you'll pop your arms off. Not sure if they're enough similarities though. Though I'd be pretty freaking appalled if SCU are keeping a sentient AI imprisoned.

Aw fuck. That's probably what they did, didn't they? Shit. That's why there was no trial.
>>
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>>40510025
>>40510082
and there go the first shots fired in the SitS waifu war campaign!
>>
>>40510114
No, think about it. Our prosthetics are meant to let us go toe to toe with little tank destroyer. So we don't need a body guard as much. What we do need is a hackerwaifu who can do all the software stuff we have no idea how to do.
>>
>>40510167
but what about our pelvis?... oh wait. we blue-balled not!dragon girl.
>>
>>40510187
Yea. And I'm sure hackerwaifu could at least bruise us as well.

plus, spiderwaifu and her get along. I don't think it'd be too difficult to work up a threesome
>>
>>40510226
but spiderwaifu seems to be the easily flustered/jealous type.
>>
>>40510244
She's just tsundere. We can make her Jinwah Kah
>>
>>40510167
Lol no. We're better than the average in auger, but both dragon and spider are far beyond us. They're mil spec shit, we just have great civilian gear, also they are not near as squishy as we are.
>>
>>40510311

Well they have to have something in them to warrant the prototype label. We just don't know what yet because we can't into tech and the SCU was too focused on bug finding.
>>
>>40510076
Alright, I can kind of see it. D'Onofrio's Kingpin was kind of socially inept when it came to non-criminal relationships.
>>
>>40510311
No, we DO have top tier gear. That was the special deal for the hidey soft we palmed off to her.

However, we have a weak point in having a squishy meat torso stuck between those super cool cyberlimbs.
>>
>>40510311
Go back a couple threads. Aria says if we give her the source code (which we did, courtesy of Mariet) we'll be given prototype limbs that will make us capable of killing Cathy, since that's the biggest part of the job she wants from us.

So no, it's not just "great civilian gear" it's the best gear it's possible to get from her company without getting a brain case.
>>
>>40510346
Prototype just means new, for there is a huge difference civillian and mil spec. Aria said this was civilian, top of the line with all the new foo dads. We fight either of them we're dead they're designed to kill tanks, were at best only stronger and faster than your average joe. Us fighting a tank killer would be like a green belt fighting a 5th degree black belt.
>>
>>40510418
Like I said, go back, I think it was two threads. Part of the job Aria wants from us is Cathy dead. The prosthetics we were given are meant to make it possible for us to do that. Even if we'd just gotten legs, they woulda been good enough to maybe do it.
>>
>>40510447
Fairly certain that it's meant to be from a surprise attack. A straight up fight we'd lose no contest.
>>
>>40510455

Well yeah duh. Head-on would be suicide unless we were in a tank killer body ourselves. That's why we're gunna need help down the line if we choose not to go the "try healing" route.
>>
>>40510455
Well of course it'd be a surprise attack. Or maybe sabotage. Only Aria herself has the gusto for straight up fight against Cathy.
>>
Don't forget our squishy pelvis guys.

We need to get a military grade one.
>>
>>40510455
Still means we're tough enough to (probably) kick through all her armor.

And since we're got even better prototypes, that means we're definitely beyond civilian tech, probably on the level of international assassin tech. WAY way better than it looks, more than enough to handle most threats, but not main battle tanks toe to toe
>>
>>40510402
>we'll be given prototype limbs that will make us capable of killing Cathy
We were also told that the limbs don't have special weapons and that they only boost our strength and speed in our arms and legs to twice human normal, and no further because we'd need a cyber torso otherwise.
>>
>>40510497
Pretty sure it would still be insufficient for either of them.
>>
>>40510509
Point being. We don't need spiderwaifu for physical protection. Hackerwaifu could disable anything we can't handle ourselves. Especially if we become an encrypted transmission point for her, so she can always hack through us as a relay.
>>
>>40510549
>Especially if we become an encrypted transmission point for her, so she can always hack through us as a relay.
That only works on goons dumb enough to not run their cybernetics on autistic mode like Aria.
>>
>>40510469
And we're not going to be fighting spiderwaifu, we'll be not!dragon slayers.

Not layers
Slayers
>>
>>40510567
Nah, we just need a gun that will shoot a physical jack into them. Then being autistic doesn't matter.



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