File: gantz_room_54_8_by_93pote(...).jpg (134 KB, 1025x779)

134 KB JPG

<April 23rd, Monday 11:25 PM>

"Just to clarify, we're not with the government or any organization," you state, earning a look of mixed calm from Allie and Maria, "trust me when I say, we're in just as much danger as you guys. Let that be the last of the night's questions about Gantz, alright?."

Allie's face turns downwards, and puts her finger on her chin as she makes some mental notes on your revelation. To her right, Maria retains her calm demeanor yet doesn't seem to phased by the answer to Allie's question. It was to be expected however. After they had both been through one Gantz's games, it made sense in your mind why they'd be so calm at the answer to their question. For all of the experience you'd accumulated over the last 3 hunts, you were still traveling in unknown waters even as everyone began to exit the room.

This had gone on for a few minutes now after the others had voted you as the de-facto leader.\. They expected you to have the answers to everything that was now occurring. Gantz, the game, the aliens, and the hell it all meant. How specific they became, only made it all the more difficult to answer properly. Thankfully, Dante had your back throughout the whole ordeal, picking up the questions you weren't all that sure on. In spite of it all however, he was also in the dark on what Gantz and everything occurring really meant.

"Last question, but not Gantz related," Maria asks, raising her hand, "What's this about training? Is it like boot camp for Gantz?"

"More or less" you reply, "we head out to a secluded part of DC, and familiarize ourselves with the equipment. I highly encourage you to join in whenever you can."

"I mean, we got pretty busy schedules," Maria says, pointing at Silvia and Claire texting someone on their phones, "so...I am not sure about it honestly. Also, you're cool with us Erick, but...I'm not sure about some of the others here."

>Who are you referring to? Anyone giving you trouble?
>Then clear it, like we mentioned before this is your life now
>It's up to you, but I'm just letting you know.
>Write In

>>2592031
Credit for the art: ACowboyNamedSue

>>2592067
>>It's up to you, but I'm just letting you know.

>>2592067
>Who are you referring to? Anyone giving you trouble?
>Write In:"Maria, some of the people here are still trying to deal with all of this, some even have a hard time organizing their nornal life with the game.I can't force you or the girls to come, but i will say this, i'm only alive thanks to the trainning and thanks to the people here. Think of the trainning as a private party, we will need to know each other, trust each other if we want to keep ourselfs alive."

>>2592067
>Who are you referring to? Anyone giving you trouble?
>>2592092
Supporting this as well

>>2592092
Good support.

>>2592067

>Who are you referring to? Anyone giving you trouble?

>>2592092
>>2592096
>>2592105
>>2592126
4 votes for being inquisitive. Write In included. Writing.

>>2592141
Yay, it's back. Lets do it

Gantz is back! Let's roll them 1's!

>>2592171
TIME TO BE INVESTIGATED BY THE FBI!! UHULL!

No ceg art? What happened? New artist is really nice too however.

>>2592171
If we roll a 1 during sex, will Erick be a father or have limp dick

>>2592213

Roll a 1 during sex....we get cuffed and pegged....and end up liking it.

>>2592219
But thats not a punishment

>>2592221
Not every crit fail needs to lead to a bad result anon.

File: tumblr_mp3tawIJWn1sxccofo1_500.png (147 KB, 500x300)

147 KB PNG

>>2592092
>>2592096
>>2592105
>>2592126

"Wait," you reply, somewhat concerned about her statement, "who are you referring to? Anyone giving you trouble?"

"Well...a couple of people," she says, somewhat quietly as a few of the other members still remained in the room, "for me though...it's probably that guy Chris. I don't know what happened between him and Carol but...he doesn't sound like good news."

"Yeah, Carol as well..." Silvia states, as she and her sister head towards the three of you, "she's kind of scary in that...unstable kind of way. And she...kind of killed that guy."

"She probably had a reason to do it," Claire chimes in, and then scratches her head in embarrassment, "though...yeah, kinda psycho and kind of dangerous actually..."

"As someone who's kind of a psycho herself," Allie interjects, shooting you a knowing glance, "I'll state it's under control with Erick here. Plus, Dante seems to be in some control over those two, so it's gotta count for something."

"Even if it does get bad," Kurtis continues, taking a steps towards your slight crowd, "I got Erick's and your backs as well. I'm not letting this thing go to shit because of some aggro idiots."

Maria's gaze seems to wander slightly, probably out of embarrassment for having implicated some of the others. The twins' eyes do the same, but they're more focused on Kurtis's almost imposing visage before them. They all nonetheless avoid eye contact for a few seconds before Maria speaks up again.

"I mean...I don't know," she says, looking back you with some shame, "we still got our lives and all that outside of here too. I don't think anyone could make a change like that so quickly and all..."

"Maria, some of the people here are still trying to deal with all of this," you start, and the three girls listen in attention," some still have a hard time organizing their normal life with the game.I can't force you or the girls to come, but i will say this, i'm only alive thanks to the training and thanks to the people here."

Maria and the girls look somewhat inquisitively at you. The interest in their eyes is gaining, but...there's something still keeping them at a distance. You figure, it's probably best to include a more familiar idea to them.

"Think of it as a private party," you continue, and Maria raises a brow curiously, "with us the only people of DC that know of it. But, we'll have to both know and trust in each other if we want to come out of it without a permanent hangover."

"Hey...that doesn't sound too bad now!" Claire says, her eyes lighting up, and her sister continues the thought, "Yeah, it's like, super, exclusive VIP! But, I'm gonna guess it's BYOB in that, right?"

"Jeez, are you two that easy to convince?" Maria sighs, but earns a pouting look from the two, "But...I guess I can't just leave you two behind. Fine, I'm in too Erick, but just text us before we do anything crazy alright?"

<Continued>

>>2592236

paula is main squeeze....thot patrol is harem.

>>2592253
Nah men, I'm shipping Kurtis and the indian guy

>>2592261

Nah, remember chris in those maid outfits?

Him and Kurtis. Hawt.

>>2592253
thot patrol is for Chris. And military guy can have the yandere/stalker.

File: mr_00109412.jpg (177 KB, 640x360)

177 KB JPG

>>2592236
<Continued>

After acknowledging Maria and her friends' request, you exchanged numbers before they headed out to the hallway. While those three were a strange bunch, it at least made you glad to know they were more assured to the game now. A small tap on your shoulder assured you of something else as well.

"I'm heading out as well," Kurtis says, looking back you as he followed the girls, "Promised them a free ride since they don't have a car right now. Probably be awkward to make them get a taxi after all of this."

"Wait, where do you even live Kurtis?" you ask, somewhat concerned at the upcoming drive, "I hope you and the girls aren't going too far."

"Nah, I live a few blocks from this place," he says, pointing to the window and showing off a patch of apartments overlooking the street, "probably would have noticed it sooner, but you know...priorities and all."

You give him a knowing nod and just waved him away as he headed out. That was almost everyone, except for Allie who was looking at something outside with a narrowed gaze. You followed her stare and found it was staring right at Kurtis's apartments. Before you had a chance to comment on this, she spoke up.

"He's a believer you know," she says, still staring at the apartments, "not in aliens, or at least not anymore, but on the whole conspiracy thing. That Kurtis is kind of strange, but also kind of sad in very familiar way."

"Never knew that honestly," you say, looking back at Allie, "he just struck me another one of those veteran types that got a bad wrap after his career ended. The more you know."

"You're also like him Erick," Allie continues, her gaze landing on you now, "someone with dead dreams and nothing to really live on. It's almost like this whole Gantz thing was made for people like us."

"What are you talking-" you start, but Allie quickly interrupts you.

"Are you happy with the way things are now Erick?", she states. A string of words and sentences bubble in your mind at her sudden question.

>Yes, why wouldn't I be?
>No, I wish some things were different...
>I don't know, there's too much to think on.
>Write In

>>2592305
>>No, I wish some things were different...
But things are slowly getting better, except for us murdering aylmaos

>>2592305
>No, I wish some things were different...
>Write in: "For example i didn't want you stuck in this sick game. I was kinda afraid this might happen if you got closer, but couldn't just tell you why. Guess i failed terrible at that. I also wished i had managed to save the old couple too. Lot's of things that i wished i could have done or dealt with better."

>>2592305
I can't deny that every aspect of my life improved, i got a promotion, new friends and there's Paula.....but, putting my life on the line, and hers and everyone's else, I can't say I'm happy with it

>>2592318
>>2592326
>>2592333
3 votes for some regrets. Write in included. Writing.

>>2592305
>Write In
I'm not exactly happy about being trap in this sick game or being partially responsible that you got drag in as well. But if I don't keep moving forward things will only get worse.

File: 5gantz.jpg (27 KB, 720x480)

27 KB JPG

>>2592318
>>2592326
>>2592333

"No, not really," you reply, earning a curious look from Allie, "In fact, there's some things I wish were different. Being in the game being one of those things actually."

"How so?" Allie says, looking at you sharply, "You're working a dead end job, the place you live is close to a ghetto, and I'm gonna guess that car of yours isn't a year end model. No offense, but you're not fooling a girl that stalked you for almost two weeks with that excuse."

"I can't deny..." you retort, shooting her an equally narrow gaze, "that every aspect of my life has improved because of Gantz. My promotion, my new friends, Paula...but, I can't be happy about putting my own life or theirs on the line for some game."

"Then...you're not happy?" she says, looking at you somewhat surprised, "But...it's something so different from reality. Are you regretting it then?"

"I regret a lot of things about this game," you state, looking to Gantz, "I regret getting you stuck here, letting that old couple die, but...it doesn't mean I'm just going to do nothing about it. Now more than ever, I have to be responsible for not only myself but everyone else."

"Guess, I had you pegged wrong Erick," Allie sighs, heading for the door, "you're stronger than me. People like us aren't meant to have happy endings, but...you're better than that somehow."

The sound of the door closing finishes off her statement. You stare at that door for a few moments before you gaze turns to the apartment's window. Your eyes scan the into the DC nightlights, as if looking for signs of life among the steel and mortar. It was a statement of character on the part of Allie that had shaken you. But, at the same time, it almost felt refreshing to let a friend judge you.

"Erick, you coming?" Paula's voice interrupted your moment of reminisce, "We're about to head out. You don't want to spend the night here, right?"

"Nah, I'll pass," you say, chuckling a little, "Don't worry, I'll be out in a second, just forgot something."

You hear an 'Alright', from Paula before she shuts the hall door. There's a lull in the air as you take a few steps forward towards the door. Before you head out however, you give one look at Gantz. The eerie ebony sphere sits motionless as your eyes scan it with an almost glaring stare.

'I'm better than all of this,' you think, before you head out with the others.

<Continued>

File: amazing-small-messy-apart(...).jpg (48 KB, 650x488)

48 KB JPG

>>2592437
<April 24th, Tuesday 9:00 AM>

There was a painful knot in the back of your head as you woke up. It felt like a numb, almost blunt pain in your head as your eyes adjusted to the world around you. It was almost dizzying to look straight, and you almost resolved to closing your eyes before they adjusted well enough to see the mess that was now your apartment.

Everything from clothes, sheets of paper, bottles and other sorts of items were scattered around the floor or sparse furniture surrounding it. It probably had something to do with the police, given they were looking for Allie before you were both teleported out. You could only guess that they ransacked your apartment after the two of you left.

You were a little estranged to know you were probably sleeping in the scene of a crime, but since there were miraculously enough, no police around it didn't bother you all that much. Though, considering the circumstances of your leaving, it probably wouldn't be long before they came back. Picking up your phone from the floor, you were somewhat grateful to know that your new schedule still gave you free Tuesdays.

'Thank god...' you thought, wincing slightly at the knot of pain still in your head, 'can't handle work with this shit...'

A small ring came from your phone, as a string of messages arrived from Paula. You quickly opened it, and then narrowed your eyes.

<Morning Big Guy. Just letting you know, Yukino's safe back home. Little squirt actually managed climb to the fifth floor with her suit, just to sneak into her condo.>

'Jesus, what is she spider-man? Err...Spider-girl?'

<Also, Allie's back at HQ and she's getting a tongue-lashing from the chief. Had to stay overnight because they got to asking a lot of questions as to why I up and left.>

'Figures, considering she was basically trailing someone when she got teleported.'

<I'll be free in a bit, so just let me know if you need something in like 30 minutes or so. I don't have patrol today, thank god, so it's up to you if you want to do something.>

'Huh, alright then...'

>I'll pick you up, and get some breakfast while we're at it
>I'll pick you up, and let's head to see Chris's dad about the FBI thing
>I'll pick you up, and let's meet up with (Specify)
>Write in

>>2592529
>>I'll pick you up, and get some breakfast while we're at it

Eh Spider-Yukino

>>2592529
Pick up and breakfast.
Some alone time and relax after all this, later we can talk wirh the senator

>>2592529
>I'll pick you up, and get some breakfast while we're at it

>>2592529
>>I'll pick you up, and get some breakfast while we're at it

>>2592560
Also, isn't moving day today? We should set up things with her

>>2592529
>>I'll pick you up, and get some breakfast while we're at it

>>2592604
>>2592570
>>2592563
>>2592560
>>2592546
5 votes for breakfast with Paula. Writing.

File: 614849462.jpg (782 KB, 2048x2048)

782 KB JPG

>>2592613

<I'll pick you up in a bit then. Also, let's get some breakfast.I think we could both use some R&R after last night...>

You figure that Paula's current situation has her on edge given the treatment she got heading back to the station. Though, now you're starting to worry whether or not the police may have their sights on you given your connection to Allie. The thought is swayed from your head as Paula's newest reply comes back.

<Gotcha. I'll be waiting at my place. Don't actually come to the police station unless you want another good cop annoyed cop session with Rick.>

'Damnit...I knew it...'

<They may have their eyes set on Allie, but you're getting a reputation given their prior suspicion with the whole gas main explosion thing. Anyways, see you in a bit.>

'Just can't win...' you think to yourself, turning off your phone, 'well...at least it's an off day.'

<April 24th, Tuesday 9:25 AM>

After taking a shower, and getting yourself dressed, you headed out toward Paula's apartment. That painful knot was still there, but it had begun to subside a little after you left your apartment. Whether it was the awful night or the stress of the previous hunt, the only thing you knew about that pain was that it was getting to be a nuisance rather than a legitimate hindrance. As you made your way to Paula's place, you noticed several tv screen in bars and the odd passenger on their phone all detailing a headline story. Everyone seemed to stare in awe at the story of a 'terrorist attack' on the nation's capital.

'A Historic Landmark: DESTROYED!' and 'Who or what has done this?' were just some of the headlines you read along your travel. The terrified and often shocked expressions of the onlookers and passenger were almost repetitive for nearly everyone you passed. It almost made you pause to think on their plight, yet you knew precisely everything that had occurred at the National Cathedral. Whether there was regret in your mind about going through with it though, was something that started to scratch in the back of your head.

<April 24th, Tuesday 9:30 AM>

"It's official," Paula starts, looking at her smartphone, "we've started a state of emergency Erick. Now, not to sound like a hypocrite, but under normal circumstances I would have said 'HELL NO' to that plan and just moved on."

"Can't really take it back now," you reply, looking at the stop sign ahead, "and if anything it got the job done. It's just a side-effect of the hunts."

"Even so...I can't help but feel guilty," she says, rubbing her arm in sadness, "now that everyone can't stop talking about it and all. Goddamnit...I didn't want things to be like this trying to save people..."

>We're alive Paula, we should worry about our lives first
>No one was hurt, just give it time and the city will forget
>I'll take the blame, it was my call in the end
>Write In

>>2592663
We're alive, our friends are alive. That's more important now.

Let's ask about the move in

>>2592692
This,

>>2592663
>No one was hurt, just give it time and the city will forget
>Writein: "Paula, there were aliens in the church, who were disguising themselfs as angels. I don't know about you but trying to pass as a divine force to a new race, doesn't seem the most friendly way to start a way to live together peacefully. These aliens had a plan maybe they were trying to make some kind of cult or maybe they wanted to gather people to serve as food. Whatever happend we did it to protect ourselfs and make everyone inside the church to be safe. After all the alie wasn't worried in protect the people inside he was more worried in keeping himself alive."

>>2592663
>We're alive Paula, we should worry about our lives first

>>2592692
>>2592723
>>2592741
3 votes for staying to your guns. Write in included. Writing.

>>2592747

"We're alive because of that Paula," you start, earning saddened look from Paula, "everyone else is as well, and for better or for worse, it's what's most important now. I know it's probably what you don't want to hear but...we should look to ourselves first."

Paula's expression remains somewhat melancholy as you say this. It doesn't change afterwards, nor does she really speak for a good minute. You start to wonder if you've said the right thing, and whether pragmatism was necessary here. For all the time you've known Paula, she seemed like a logically thinking person, yet there was a side that may have dealt with sadness or regret in a different manner.

"Where do you want to eat?" she says, ending the silence, "iHop's not too far from here, unless you want to go local for something. It's up to you, you know."

You don't answer immediately, but you snap yourself out of your daze after a moment of hesitation. Whether it was slight regret in responding to Paula like that or some other sort of fear, you thought about your response for an unnecessary few seconds.

"Yeah, iHop's fine, " you say, veering right towards the restaurant, "hopefully the wait's not too long. We've got more to talk about there anyways, so...let's keep calm alright?"

"Erick, I'm not angry," she replies with some anxiety, "Just...scared, alright? I hate feeling like this...it makes me feel...ashamed."

It wasn't something you had expected from Paula. For the longest time, you had built her up in an image of hardened resilience, yet to hear her speak like this was quite disheartening. That resolve of hers was always something based on others, and seeing her own self-imposed failure in the headlines only hurt her worse. You figured in your head that, there wasn't much you could do but, just try to relieve part of that pain. You take a slight sigh at her words, and place your right hand on her own.

"So long as I'm here," you start, her gaze landing on you, "I don't want you to look like this, alright? There's no need to be scared, no need to feel shame, just let me help you move on if it's too painful on your own."

"Erick..." Paula states, looking at your hand interlocking hers, "I...thank you."

She gave you a warm smile as your hands remained with hers. For the moment, it was a gesture of kindness, yet you felt that it might be much more given the amount of time you had spent together. A slight growl from Paula's stomach however ended your close moment, and made it quite clear that a good breakfast was the only thing in your minds on the trip to iHop.

<Continued>

File: gantz_logo_white_by_gantz(...).jpg (87 KB, 1024x768)

87 KB JPG

>>2592834
I get the feeling doing these late Friday sessions is not good for my writing attention span.

You guys want more of these sessions or are you fine with just Saturday and Sunday?

We will reconvene tomorrow at 4:00 PM EST to continue our slice of life.

>>2592842
More gantz is always good for me. But if you think you will do a better job just doing it in the weekends then just do those.

>>2592842
Man, I thought this was amazing, but, really, this is up to you, whatever it feels more.confortable to you. I really like your quest and want you to feel confortable writing it

File: DC-ihop.jpg (79 KB, 800x600)

79 KB JPG

>>2592834
<Continued>
<April 24th, Tuesday 10:00 AM>

It was a small justice that an iHop didn't have a long line in the morning, at least for a regular weekday. It still took about 10 or so minutes for you and Paula to get seated, but it was to be expected for the metropolitan area. Whether it the bumper to bumper traffic or a shopping cart line at WalMart, the city always seemed to be intent on making people wait their damn turn. At least the promise of delicious pancakes and some hot earl gray made the day-to-day nuisance of city life a little more bearable.

"So, about this moving day thing," you say, stirring a bit of packaged honey into your tea, "you got a time for when we're gonna do this or-?"

"Oh...crap," Paula sighs in annoyance, "I actually totally forgot to tell you, with the whole...investigation going down right now. Well...if you want to do it today, we can try but...I am not sure what they're jurisdiction is going to be for you leaving the scene of a crime."

"Wait, they what?", you say, confusion growing in your voice, "This have anything to do with Allie dissapearing when they went looking for her? They can't establish a crime scene in my room if a crime wasn't committed right?"

"Well...it was the last place they saw her," Paula continues, her eyes wandering a little, "plus, you dissapeared alongside a wanted criminal in an area with no way out. I'm honestly surprised they didn't quarantine your place to begin with."

"So that's why they want my testimony then," you start, and then see Paula looking down, "wait...Paula, why didn't you tell me earlier? In fact, you texted me to stay away from the station this morning...you aren't actually-"

"I'm sorry Erick...", Paula sighs, hiding her face, "I didn't want you to speak to her...at least for a day. I didn't want to cause trouble...it's just...I was still angry at her for what she did."

You're about to say something back, when a ring from your phone reveals a new message, from Kurtis.

<Yo Erick, I think I may have a new place for your training sessions. Meet me at my place, we'll talk more about it in a bit.>

'Worst fucking timing man,' you think to yourself, and place the phone down. Paula's gaze still remains down, a pang of guilt seems to be hitting her hard.

"Paula..." you're about to reply, until two waiters return with your breakfast. Two trays of sausage, egg and hash browns are placed before you both, along with two sets of blueberry and apple pancakes. The waiter departs right afterwards, probably trying his best to ignore the awkward moment.

'Lucky him.'

>Not cool Paula, we're heading to the police stations right afterwards
>I don't like it, but we have to deal with the FBI issue as soon as possible
>It's alright, though we'll have to do it after we speak with Kurtis
>Write In

>>2594238
>Not cool Paula, we're heading to the police stations right afterwards
write in: "The girl didn't knew what would happend and she saved your life Paula.I...sigh...no that's fine we just need to got ot he station as soon as we can."

>>2594238
>It's alright, though we'll have to do it after we speak with Kurtis

let`s not start a fight, we just got back from a mission

>>2594238
>it's alright,...

Maybe with the senator's help we can put this all behind us

>>2594246
>this
I didn't think she'd be petty like this but...I guess everyone has their flaws.

>>2594238
>>It's alright, but we have to go there right afterwards

>>2594254
>>2594268
OOC: Wait, are you guys favoring going after Kurtis or going to the station?

>>2594270

The station, I'm just putting up a conciliatory tone instead of the not cool

>>2594246
>>2594268
>>2594258
Ok then, 3 votes for the station then. Write in. Writing.

>>2594238
>I don't like it, but we have to deal with the FBI issue as soon as possible

>inb4 getting involved with Allie get us in even more trouble with the FBI.

File: ca2c9b3aa27246d8b6e28c6d5(...).jpg (92 KB, 860x484)

92 KB JPG

>>2594275

There was no way you were going to be doing this across the table, at least not comfortably. Getting off of your set, Paula's head turned up to you, perhaps fearing you might leave. Instead, you sat yourself right next to her, scooting her over to make some room. You then placed a hand on her shoulder and

"Listen, it's alright," you state, placing a hand on her shoulder, "I understand the spur of the moment. You were angry, and you had a right to be, but I am glad you recognized it before it was too late."

"I'm sorry Erick," she replies, now looking at your face with an ashamed expression, "I acted out of spite, even after I gave her my word that I'd get them to go easier on her. It just...seemed so easy..."

"Nothing we can't fix right?" you state, and Paula's face softens a little, "I mean, if I don't press charges, the crime doesn't stick, right?"

"Yes, though she'll still have to do time," Paula sighs, then looks at one of the tvs in the restaurant, "though, considering the whole 'terrorist attack', the policy have their priorities elsewhere. It'll have to be a really convincing story on your part Erick."

"We'll talk more when we get out of the station, alright?", you say, placing a kiss on her forehead, "Right now, we got some pancakes to eat. So, let me just-"

You're about to head back to your seat before Paula's hand catches you out. You turn and see a smile on her face, as she tries to bring you back.

"Don't go," she says, "I like when you're near me. So...can we finish up together like this?"

"Heh, sure," you reply, sitting back down next to her, "But, you're paying for this as an initial apology."

There's a small groan from Paula after you say thing, but then a chuckle escapes her lips. Her head nods side to side, and quickly turns to you.

"Fine," she replies, a coy smile on her lips, "But, you're in charge of packing when we get you out of your apartment. I'll help with wrapping, but I think your strong are more suited for that line of work, Mr. Manager."

'More suited' you think, and then just hang your head in defeat, 'or more convenient for you?'

<Continued>

File: o.jpg (91 KB, 1000x750)

91 KB JPG

>>2594327
<April 24th, Tuesday 10:45 AM>

"Anything else I should know about the investigation?" you ask, looking at Paula, "They have the stalker thing, but what about the break out? How are they counting that?"

You had arrived not a few seconds away from the station, and were quickly making your way to the steps.

"It makes her a more dangerous subject in their eyes," Paula says, a slight worry in her voice, "moreso since you confirmed she was the stalker when the police apprehended her at her apartment. At best, we can get that stalking charge dropped but as for everything else...I don't know..."

"Great..." you sigh, climbing up the steps to the HQ, "she just had to be so damn difficult over this. How did she even break out of the police station?"

"Get this," she chuckles, "She managed to swipe a set of keys from a guard at the post, while he was walking back around the cells. Those things have clips to prevent that, and she still somehow managed to do it."

"Christ..." you let you, opening the door to the station, "something tells me this probably isn't the first time she's done this..."

After entering the station, an officer from Paula's division arrives to greet you both. You would have guessed that the police were expecting you, but the guard just waves you to another portion of the station. You remember this hallway and the intense conversation you had at the end of it. Two police guards stand to both ends of the door, and you head into what you can only assume is a conference room, complete with a table and coffee machine. For all of the intimidating facade the police carried here, they were surprisingly good hosts to start.

"Umm, I am being interrogated right?", you say, somewhat more out-loud than you wished, "Paula, is there something I don't know going on here?"

"They could be trying a new approach," she says, looking around the room, "They usually only use this place for dealing out promotions or meetings with the sheriff himself."

You stop to wonder on the odd change of tone for the room and the rest of the station. Everything seemed so busy and disparate, yet this room was too calm to fit into the whole police image. The thought is cut short however, as a familiar officer enters the room, followed by others. Rick has a small stack of papers, that he places on the desk before you, and motions for you and Paula to sit down. Not wishing to upset him or the others, you quickly do so.

"Can't believe we have to see each other again Mr. Vanders," he starts, looking through the stack of papers, "though, you don't have to worry about the whole pipeline issue, as that has already been resolved. Broken valve on fault of the regulatory firm that checks those things, couldn't have been more of a shallow oversight on their part."

>What's this about?
>Do you know why I'm here?
>Is Allie alright?
>Write In

>>2594380
Write in: "Sorry for not meeting you in a better situation Rick."

Let him start the questioning.

Were is everyone?!

>>2594380
>>What's this about?

>>2594380
>What's this about?

>>2594416
>>2594418
2 for asking about our situation. Write in Included. Writing.

>>2594409

walked the dog, I`m here again

File: Conspiracy-Web-Branko-Dragas.jpg (119 KB, 700x298)

119 KB JPG

>>2594437
"Glad to hear that," you chime in, hiding a bit of relief from him, "though, I am sorry for not meeting you in a better situation, Rick. Now, what's this about?"

"Right to the point it is," he says, sliding the stack of papers to your end, "well, do me a favor and look over the initial page for those reports in hand for Ms. Pierce. I trust you're familiar with her current charges?"

"I'm aware," you say, placing the stack of papers between you and Paula, "but I am here to rescind on the stalking charges. It was a massive misunderstanding on both of our parts, and it is something that I do not wish to place on her head."

"That's all well and good Mr. Vanders," he replies, "However, if your intention was to have her released, I assure you that it is an impossibility right now given her escape attempt. Especially given the additional allegations currently in that stack."

Your eyes slowly leave his sight, before they land on the papers. Each of them are police reports, each dating to a different year as far back as 2014. The strangest part however, were the titles given to each one and the division that seemed to be in charge of the cases imprinted on the first page.

'Office of the National Cyber Security Division,' you read, your eyes widening as you read further into the reports, 'subdivision of the directorate of Homeland Security.'

The reports had files and explanations for what you could guess were nearly a dozen or so different cyber breaches in DC alone. Everything from credit-card theft, to unregistered confidential access, and critical security breaches were listed in the reports. Nearly all of them seemed to have been done with a goal of information gain in mind, all of them pointing to Allie. You quickly closed the last of the reports and stared blankly at the cover.

"Allie Jakob Pierce is a career criminal," Rick starts, still looking at his phone, "who has been on the run from the intelligence network for more than six years without a trace in sight. Guess the computer geeks didn't think to look right under their noses for this one."

"Wait, so...if you have her pegged then," you think, slowly retrieving your senses, "why keep me here and show me this?"

"Because, in our talks with Ms. Pierce," he says, turning his phone to you, "she mentioned you extensively in this crazy conspiracy of her involving aliens and other such none-sense. In spite of that, there was something she mentioned initially that rung a bell with me."

You inch forward to look at the image Rick is showing you on the screen, and your blood goes cold when you see it. In bold red letters, a massive collage of what you can only imagine is a conspiracy board lines the image. Police reports, newspaper articles, all of them directed towards the large black letters in the center.

'What is Gantz?'

"What do you know about this Gantz," Rick asks, sliding his phone to you, "and be detailed in your answer Mr. Vanders."

>Write In

>>2594522
Isn't it the new video game everyone is talking about?
I think I have played it before

>>2594532
I'll back this

>>2594532
>>2594549
2 votes for this. Writing.

fucking Allie man, damn, that`s gonna be hard to pass.

also, she`s going to be kept in jail for all her crimes, they are going to go crazy seeing her escape every week

File: Rick.jpg (62 KB, 600x400)

62 KB JPG

>>2594573
"Isn't that the new video game everyone is talking about?", you reply back as stone faced as you can get, "I think I've played it before. Though, can't really play too much since work is starting to cramp down on me hard."

There's a lull in silence as you finish up your sentence as everyone's attention is positioned squarely on you. Rick's eyebrow raises in probably curiosity but you're guess it is disappointment given the frown he's making. The other guards seem to sport the same face, and you notice that Paula's own eyes are wide at what you said.

"Leave us," Rick states, and motions to the guards, "and take Officer Torrez with you as well. We'll finish this conversation alone."

"Wait, Sergeant," Paula objects, getting up from her seat, "I have to object to whatever procedure you're thinking of applying here. Mr. Vanders has yet to recover from the previous night's events and-"

"That will be all Torrez," Rick states with finality, "The room is under surveillance and I only need a few minutes to discuss the issue with Mr. Vanders. Trust me when I say, if I wanted his testimony of the night's previous events then I would have asked it immediately."

"But-" Paula tries to chime in again, but the other officers are to her side before she can finish. Rick's gaze falls on her again, and Paula looks to you now. There's a sullen expression on her face, but she just looks away and nods her head before being escorted out of the room by the other officers. After the door slams shut, you now find yourself alone with Rick, and the several files of speculatory evidence he has against you and Gantz.

"I am not a difficult man Mr. Vanders," Rick continues, looking over his phone, "I am not threatening you, Officer Torrez or even Ms. Pierce with anything at the moment. I am just looking for some information on what this whole Gantz thing is."

His eyes perk up at something on the phone's screen and he turns it over to you again. You loom over the table and see another image in the screen that almost causes you shiver from recollection. It was an image of the ARA symbol, but it over an article detailing something along the lines of a governmental cover up or alien infiltration. Thing that made you almost lose it however, was a single still black and white image of a very familiar apartment room yet...no sight of the black ball within it.

"Normally, I would dismiss conspiracy theorists like these as idiots or paranoids," Rick continues, pressing a part of his phone's screen, "However, there is a strange and somewhat eerie degree of correlation I have found with these articles mentioning Gantz alongside several of the files that Ms. Pierce acquired from her time on the net."

"Which is why," he finishes, "I will need this room dead to the world. Now, try to cooperate Mr. Vanders."

>Write In

>>2594657

guys I`m not certain on what to say but consider this.

look, I know that Allie was after`some conspiracy shit, and she thought I was involved, but really, I have no idea about what she was looking or what this is all about

>>2594699
I dont see any good coming from us telling the truth.

>>2594713

but what I said is not the truth, we actually can`t tell the truth or else we explode

>>2594718
Exactly, I think we should feint ignorance.

I didnt make it clear I was back him, wew.
>>2594699
This

>>2594699
>>2594740

2 votes for this. Writing.

>>2594699
Yeah this, i don't really know what else to say

File: fbi.jpg (66 KB, 420x315)

66 KB JPG

>>2594755

You take a moment to look over the room and what exactly Rick has done. You notice that not only are security cameras are off, but also a phone in the middle of the table as well. Whether he was recording the conversation or not, it seems that the receiver was at least turned off given the LCD's screen being blank. After your quick survey of the room, your eyes land on Rick's once more. Steeling yourself for what's to come, you ready an answer to his question.

"Look," you start, trying to keep your cool, "I know that Allie was after some conspiracy shit or whatever, but that's as far as it goes. Whether she thinks I am involved in it, is entirely her own making."

"Really," you continue, noticing that Rick's expression is unchanging, "I have no idea what she was looking for or what this is all about. Whatever she thinks, is entirely up to her."

"I was hoping you would be a bit more cooperative," Rick states, not even letting silence follow after your answer, "but it seems that I have to make this as clear as possible. But let me first start by saying that I am not someone who likes to play around with the lives of others."

Rick gets up and reaches for something under the table. He quickly produces a manila envelope from underneath and slides it to your side. You pick it up, and notice it carries a large red lettering on the front labeled 'Confidential' and has a button tied with plastic string.

"Open it Mr. Vanders," Rick says, taking out his phone again, "but I do warn you that the information within may be too much to bear. I certainly had a hard time believing it myself."

You take a few breaths and carefully delatch the string from the button, opening the manila folder. You see there is only one paper inside, it appears to have been crumpled and soaked with coffee stains from your initial viewing. However, right beneath it all you notice a terrifying sight on the paper.

It is the FBI notice you got the week after the first hunt. Except, instead of your name imprinted on it, it is Allie's along with several portions more detailing more of her own crimes within it. You place the letter down and look back at Rick.

"So the FBI's after her as well," you state, somewhat incredulously, "I already know she's a hacker, so what's the point of show-"

"I had a contact with the FBI look this over with a fine tooth comb," he interrupts, "and even though the markings are legitimate, there is no such record of a warrant being sent."

"Alright...so" you reply, a slight nervous tick growing in your voice, "what does this have to do with me then?"

"Because," he states, pulling out another folder under the desk, "we found an exact same letter in your room after we searched it. You can have it, if you wish to confirm it, but I would start cooperating now if I were you, Mr. Vanders."

'Fuck...'

>Try to bluff, but he's gotten used to it
>Escape, and hope to god you can outrun the police
>Admit, but omit anything involving Gantz
>Write In

OOC: Taking a break guys, I'll be back later tonight.

Take your time with this one.

>>2594840

ok, i`m fucked here, do you guys have anything

>>2594840
I dont know about laws in the U.S but can the police do something if the fbi is involved? Either way, we are not under arrest so we can leave whenever we want right?
Also we have nothing to say without a lawyer

>>2594840
>Write In
I have all confidence that misunderstanding with the FBI will be resolve in a short period of time, I will not speak further about this matter without my lawyer is present.

>>2594872
>>2594871

yeah, and we rush to the senator

Is Bolivar gone or waiting for another vote?

>>2594840
Oh he things that we are partned with Allie with the FBI stuff. We just need to say basicaly this:>>2594872


Supporting not saying anything and just leaving. But then again that will put us in odds with the police.

Now i'm wo deri g if this FBI letter were all forged by Gantz...

>>2595008
He said he's taking a break so we can take our time with this questioning.

>>2594844
>>2595008

he took a break

>>2595064

also, that stuff with the fbi is just a misunderstanding regarding the gas explosion, they were investigating us too, we are clearing it soon, and as soon as we clear it we are gonna tell him.

as for Allie, we had nothing to do with her until recently, we really don`t know what she was up to.(that`s not a lie btw)

>>2595118
I know anon. What i think it's happening is that Rick here suspect us a d Allie to be more the acquaitences. Maybe part of some kind of terrorist cell or something.
And no what happend was that we havked on the police mainframe that was connected to the FBI. I mean think like this Gantz must have something that stops people from poking on the acidents he causes. So i think this letter or whatever is a automatic response Gantz gives to anyone investigating Gantz cover ups. It's not the governament it's not the illuminati it's all Gantz.

>>2594840
Backing >>2594872

>>2594872
>>2594883
>>2595064
>>2595215
4 votes for backing out. Write in included. Writing.

Sorry about that. Legit been worn out this weekend.

>>2595270
You forgot your name, Boli. Go to sleep?

>>2595276
OOC: Fuck me...maybe...

>>2595282
Sleep a bit boss we still have sunday.

File: walk-out-the-door.jpg (9 KB, 190x190)

9 KB JPG

>>2595270
+1 AGR
There have been very few times in your life where you've had to consider a concede. There was that time in high school when a gang-member almost caved your face in after school, but you chose to pussy out of the challenge after school. This could be another one of those times when running away could be the most useful course of action. You've never been a coward, but at the same time, you're not such a reckless idiot as to not know an unwinnable situation when you see it. Getting up from your seat, you look over to Rick's now narrow gaze.

"Sorry, but," you start, moving the chair to the table, "I have all the confidence that misunderstanding with the FBI will be resolve in a short period of time. I will not speak further about this matter without my lawyer present."

"So, you're refusing to speak?", Rick states, his voice starting to raise, "You're aware this makes you a suspect alongside Ms. Pierce through your ommission. Erick, your testimony is necessary for this case."

"With all due respect," you say, heading towards the door, "I will not speak on this until I have full legal recourse for it. Sorry Rick, but I am not a hostage to your investigation."

"ERICK!" Rick shouts, the chair screeching below him, "I swear to god that if you walk out of that door, you'll be no better than Allie Pierce! You'll be nothing more than a criminal on that regard!"

"I've said all I have to say," you say, reaching for the doorknob, "if you want to make me a criminal then go ahead. But I am not some pawn in whatever game you're playing. Goodbye Rick."

Rick is silent afterwards, yet you knew that you wouldn't have to turn back to know that he was seething at you. Either way, you head out of the door and into the main hall. Paula and the other guards are waiting for you out there, with them heading back into the room right afterwards. Paula is at your side in seconds, and you quickly embrace her.

"I need to leave," you say, earning a concerned look from Paula, "I have to meet up with Chris's father, and get this whole mess sorted out. You need to go home and-"

"Don't you dare Erick," Paula replies with a sting in her voice, "Allie and me got you into this mess and I'll be damned if I can't help you."

"I can't ask you put your career in jeopardy," you sigh, earning an angry look from her, "but, Chris's father did request you to get him back so...I can't do it without you right now."

There's are resolute nod from Paula, and she motions for you to follow her across the hallway. You figure you'll have time to let her know all of the details after you're out of the station. For now, you needed to make your way out, and to see if Chris's father would help.

'Please...let him be able to help...

<Continued>

File: gantzleet.jpg (18 KB, 363x255)

18 KB JPG

>>2595325
>>2595276
OOC: Sorry for these half-asses sessions guys. I promise I will try to better this Sunday and Monday.

We'll reconvene tomorrow at 2:00 PM EST.

>>2595420
No problem boss. Take some good rest. We will be seing you tomorrow

>>2595420
gnight

File: unnamed (18).gif (1.12 MB, 500x281)

1.12 MB GIF

>This could be another one of those times when running away could be the most useful course of action.

Ah the old Vander family technique

>>2595420

Thanks man, see you

File: distracted-driving-altman(...).jpg (10 KB, 300x200)

10 KB JPG

>>2595408
<April 24th, Tuesday 11:00 AM>

"Wait, where did you say he was?" you ask Dante on the other line, "And when do you think he's coming back?"

You and Paula had made your way out of the station without much trouble, except for the occasional odd look from some of the officers. And you were not about halfway to Senator Bowery's mansion. It only made sense to give Dante a call before arriving, to both get him up to speed on the situation and out of courtesy. However, his response to the actual meeting with Arnold Bowery was not positive.

"Congress, or the Capitol to be exact," Dante replies, slight disappointment in his voice, "they called an emergency meeting, and he's probably not coming back until tomorrow evening. Take a guess as to what that was about."

"Christ, that damn cathedral," you sigh in defeat, earning a 'Bingo' from Dante, "Alright...well I take it you're not home right now? Isn't there anyone at your place?"

"Well, Chris is there," Dante states, and your mind if filled with a little less optimism afterwards, "but I don't think he's in the mood to help considering what happened last night. You're more than welcome to try though, just don't tell him I said that."

"Alright..." you sigh, "Anything else we can do for the moment? We're still in a big dilemma at the moment with the whole suspect and Gantz issue you know."

"Nothing immediate I'm afraid," Dante states, and you hear a sigh afterwards, "Well, I'll be home around 4 or so tonight, so if you want to wait around until then. I'll get a word into Mr. Bowery about scheduling a meeting, since I kind of can't reach him in Congress. They got him more wired in there than Radioshack."

"Heh, gotcha," you chuckle, then take slight breath before speaking again, "Well, I'll let you know if anything changes man. And thanks again for sticking out for us."

"No problem," Dante says, "and thank Paula as well for sticking her neck out for with the Senator. See ya."

There's a dial tone from the other line as you and Paula side behind a red light. Unlike the sign, she doesn't waste any time in speaking.

"So, what's the plan Erick?" she says, eyeing you carefully, "Either one of them can put a good word with the senator. It's only a matter of timing it seems, which we seem to frightfully low on these days."

>Go to the mansion, and try to convince Chris to help
>Wait for Dante, though you may restrict other options for the day
>Do this later, go after Kurtis and the new training spot
>Write In

>>2597056
>Do this later, go after Kurtis and the new training spot

Let's wait for Dante a d since he said he would only be there at 4 we can just be effective with our timing and go see Kurtis. After all it's still 11AM

So what we should learn from this kids is never try to destroy a historical land mark. Damage it? That is fine but brigging the entire thing down just causes unecessary consequences. But at least most of the group is alive and nobody got hurt while the cathedral fell.

>>2597056
>Do this later, go after Kurtis and the new training spot

>>2597074
>>2597111
2 for this. Writing.

>>2597056
>>Do this later, go after Kurtis and the new training spot

File: maxresdefault (6).jpg (766 KB, 3840x2160)

766 KB JPG

>>2597130

"The way I see it," you say, putting on your right turn signal, "we're not gonna get anything done right this moment with the senator. So, let's do something productive with someone else."

"What do you-?" Paula starts, before you hand her your smart phone. She almost fumbles it to the ground in surprise, but you're going to need both hands on the wheel for where you're going.

"Kurtis sent me a text earlier this morning about a new training are," you state, making your right turn and focusing on the road, "we may want to check it out given we have free time today. Could you text him back, 'we'll be there in a few minutes, for me?"

"Sure thing," Paula replies, while you make your way back to the downtown area, "guess it beats just waiting for Dante or his step dad to get back home. Also, did he mention what this new place was?"

"No idea," you state, completely at a loss, "but, if it's coming from an ex soldier, it can't be too bad. Also, you want to get something to eat after we finish up with him?"

"Sure, though-" Paula starts, but a ring on your phone brings her attention away, "Wow, that was a quick reply. Figures since he was expecting it from you since the morning."

<Cool, see you in a bit. Been using my suit all morning by the way. This thing is pretty sick.>

"Well, that's one way to spend your mornings," Paul states after finishing reading off Kurtis's text, "Kind of reminds me of someone I know when he went to the pier without permission?"

"Hey now, we put that behind us," you start, and then earn slight punch on the shoulder from Paula. You almost do a double take before her laughter comes on.

"Just messing around," she laughs, earning a raised eyebrow from you, "and at least it led to something good you know. Though, I will admit, you two are kind of cut from the same cloth of curiosity."

'Guess so,' you think, and then remember what Allie said, 'though, it's probably the only thing we have in common.'

<Continued>

I guess Gantz got tired of people leaving and now is trying to work on a permanent team. Because i don't see Yukino, Tanjeet as well as other to stick around for to long.

File: 1421-belmont-st-nw-washin(...).jpg (63 KB, 500x375)

63 KB JPG

>>2597192
<April 24th, Tuesday 11:30 AM>
In spite of your deft driving and knowledge of DC's streets, the downtown traffic still managed to slow you down. Didn't help that there seemed to be a bit more police around that remember around these areas. While not outwardly intrusive or annoying, their presence was irritating for the current state of calm drivers. Paula was on point however, and let Kurtis know you would be arriving a little late to which, he replied in understanding. In spite of the delay, you and Paula made it to that block of apartments near 2420 North West.

Overlooking Kurtis's apartment across the street was the Capital View on 14th. If you and Paula hadn't known what was right inside of those walls, you might have just confused it for another of DC's hundreds of apartment complexes. The two of you paid it no mind, and you climbed the steps to Kurtis's front door. Though, after the second ring from the door bell you almost sent out a call to him to see if he was still home. It wasn't until you heard a large thump behind you both that you found Kurtis, along with a slight indent he had made on the concrete.

"What's up guys?" Kurtis says, dusting off his hoodie and sweatpants as he did, "Been having tons of fun with this thing the whole morning. It's a hell of a workout though, let me tell you."

"Well, it is training" Paula states, and Kurtis makes a self-imposed nod, "but don't try to draw too much attention alright. You know, bombs in our heads and all that?"

"Oh don't worry about it," he says, then looks at you, "I was actually testing it out at that place I mentioned to you. It's this old warehouse near Macmillan, completely abandoned and no one gets in without a master key."

"Gonna guess you have this master key?" you ask, with Kurtis predictably nodding yes, "Well, alright, let's head out there then. We didn't bring our suits, but we can look around and see if it's decent enough."

"No problem," Kurtis replies, and then brings out a large bronze key from his jacket, "Hang on to this, it's a copy I had made, this way you don't have to rely on me to do it all the time. Also, the warehouse is currently empty, but do you want me to bring anything in there?"

>Crates, junk, and other things for shooting practice
>Anything with weight or to mark distance for physical training
>Signals or signs where we can do teamwork drills
>Write In

>>2597293
>>Crates, junk, and other things for shooting practice

>>2597293
>>Crates, junk, and other things for shooting practice

>>2597293
>Anything with weight or to mark distance for physical training

if i recall our last hunt team work didn't do us much good and people are still a little afraid or unwilling to work as a team. I would rather have everyone focused on that since most of the people we have already know how to shoot. But we can use the other areas for that, it's never good to have only one place for trainning. But i think everyone should get to know and get used in using the suits. Even if it's just to run away or in case the guns are taken from us.

Scratch this: >>2597360
I will pick shooting because this will ne a better place to do that. Shooting is a lot noisy and the warehouse seems to be better then the junkyard to do that kind of stuff.

>>2597293
>Crates, junk, and other things for shooting practice

>>2597371
>>2597351
>>2597335
3 for junk. Writing.

File: DSC_0057.jpg (81 KB, 600x450)

81 KB JPG

>>2597378

"Let's focus on small stuff for now," you say, taking the key from Kurtis, "get some junk or other stuff we can use as target practice. It's something we're a little limited on at the moment with our current training sites."

"Got it," Kurtis replies, then making his way to the front door, "I'll be right out in a bit, just got to get my car keys. I'll lead the way to the warehouse."

You and Paula nod, and Kurtis dissapears behind the door. For how intense and even intimidating Kurtis had been, the helpful nature in all of this seemed so different. You didn't deliberate too much on it as you and Paula made your way back to the car, and to wait on Kurtis's directions.

<April 24th, Tuesday 12:20 PM>

The warehouse stood almost decrepit compared to some of the other lakeside buildings. The windows dirty, there hints of graffiti on the outside of the building, and it was blocked off with an old, iron padlock. You were frankly expecting much worse, with what you were expecting an abandoned warehouse to look like, so this was a nice surprise. Like he mentioned beforehand, Kurtis' key did unlock the padlock to the entrance, and he led you inside a very spacious and messy area.

"Here it is guys," He said, waving his arms to embellish the interior, "Junk isn't going to be too much of a problem since there's still a lot of it inside. Hehe, I said it was going to be empty but not tidy."

"How did you even get access to this place?" Paula says, her eyes going a bit wide at the sight, "It seems just a little too convenient."

"My father used to own it," Kurtis says, looking around the area, "back when he did merchandising, and when he die it passed on to me. We used to live near the reservoir, and I would always sneak in here with my friends at times."

"Oh, sorry about that," Paula states apologetically, but Kurtis just waves her off.

"No worries, this was like ten years ago," he replies, and then looks to you, "So, what do you think, Erick? It's secluded enough to not give us away, and big enough to have everyone in here."

"It's great actually," you quickly state, then look at all the junk, "though, we're gonna have to do something cleaning. This junk is useful but I don't want everyone getting hurt if there's something sharp or broken."

"Can't we have the team clean it up?", Paula states, "For our first time in here, we can get it cleaned up with everyone. Do it the Mr. Miyagi way and call it team-building."

"Haha, that's a legit idea," Kurtis laughs, then a grumble escapes his stomach, "Though we'll have to let the others know after lunch. You guys got any place in mind?"

>Somewhere tasty
>Somewhere cheap
>Somewhere nice
>Write In

>>2597463
>Somewhere tasty
>Write in: "Let make it your welcome back to life lunch big guy"

>>2597463
>>Somewhere tasty

>>2597463
>>Somewhere tasty

>>2597506
>>2597511
>>2597562
3 votes for tasty. Writing.

>>2597463
>>Somewhere tasty

File: outside-2.jpg (154 KB, 1806x1204)

154 KB JPG

>>2597577
"Well, there is this burger joint near 8th street," you say, then looking at your phone, "shouldn't be too far from here. What do you say Kurtis? Do you want to make this your 'welcome back to life lunch?'"

"Sounds like a plan," he replies, "You lead the way this time. And, they'd better have bacon and fried eggs as additional toppings. Swore off Five-Guys for that man, once they took those off the menu."

'Jesus,' you think, turning to the exit, 'how is he this lean with that kind of diet? Guess it's that soldier's metabolism.'

<April 24th, Tuesday 1:20 PM>

Tasty Burger, for as self-aggrandizing name as it has, was a surprisingly popular in spite of its location on the outskirts of the downtown metropolitan area. You'd only gone there once, sort of a way of acquainting yourself with the city's cuisine when you first arrived. It wasn't the best burger joint in town, but its service was much faster than other places you'd been to. May have been because of the little service windows for dining in and out of the building. For the sake of your time and your privacy, you would eat out of the restaurant this day, in the back of Kurtis's truck.

"They kept the egg runny," Kurtis says, looking over the bite on his burger and the yolk leaking out, "damn, these guys are good. Good call on this one Erick, this gets my seal of approval for good eats."

"Yeah, thanks" you state, dipping a few fries into your assorted condiments, "though we should really be thanking you for that warehouse. That location is perfect for training."

"Speaking of location," Kurtis starts up, "I'm gonna guess that you guys had something to do with that cathedral falling? Not gonna lie, collateral damage is one thing but I sincerely hope no one got hurt."

"Not as far as we know," Paula says, looking a little shaken by the question, "Erick said there was no one inside when the building collapsed. He himself almost didn't make it out when he fought the last of the aliens in that mission."

"I see," he replies, then looks to you, "hopefully it won't have to come to such drastic measures if we end up having another mission. Anymore of this, and we might get a state of emergency declared on the city."

He chuckles at the end of this, but soon realizes, much like you and Paula, that it could be a possibility. You didn't know what exactly would occur, but if that were to happen, it could spell the end of your social gatherings or training with the amount of surveillance in the city. And that was if the army itself wasn't deployed...

>We'll be more careful, no more destruction
>We can try to mitigate it, but there's no guarantee
>We have to survive, even if we have to do damage
>Write In

>>2597678
>We have to survive, even if we have to do damage

File: Fuck it.png (327 KB, 930x600)

327 KB PNG

>>2597678
>We have to survive, even if we have to do damage

>>2597678
>>We can try to mitigate it, but there's no guarantee

>>2597678
>We can try to mitigate it, but there's no guarantee

Let's try to keep an even mind here.

>>2597678
>We can try to mitigate it, but there's no guarantee

Let's not desteoy land marks anymore.Not that the aliens care but doing this kind of stuff will end up fucking us up. Specialy with Rick on our tail and also once Allie "escapes" the prison.

>>2597716
>>2597736
>>2597757
3 votes for mitigating damage. Writing.

>>2597736
i will be real destroying the cathedral was a desperate move that end up causing more trouble then good to us. We could have just dragged the thi g to the bell tower and did what we had done before dropped the bell over it and so only damaged the place not brigging it down.

File: TUNAFISH.jpg (180 KB, 980x735)

180 KB JPG

>>2597766
+1/2 Trust (Kurtis Yates)

"We won't be able to stop all of the damage," you say, looking over to Kurtis, "but we can at least keep it from going out of control. As far as I'm concerned, that shit with the cathedral isn't going down again."

"I'll take you on that word Erick," Kurtis replies, nodding his head, "I lived and grew up here, and would hate to see something on the scale of that cathedral happening again. For now though, we should focus on the training so it doesn't have to come to that."

You and Paula nod in agreement, and Kurtis smiles at the gesture. Not a few moments later, Paula tries to change the conversation.

"So, what do you do Kurtis?" she asks, and you turn your head in curiosity, "you know after the whole, army thing ended."

"Well, I was a waiter or bar-tender I guess at this place near Route 1-," he starts, then his eyes widen, "Shit...probably not anymore considering I've been gone for nearly a week. You know Erick, I think I may need to cut this lunch short."

"Wait, don't they know about your disappearance?" you say, trying to make way for Kurtis as he leaves the back, "The police must have come to them at some point right?"

"I would hope so," he continues, picking up his food in the doggie bag, "best case scenario, I'll be accepted with a nice greeting. Worst case scenario...shit...I hope there's another place looking for a guy who can mix martini's."

"Don't you want some help?" Paula chimes in, now picking up her own food from the back, "we probably can't guarantee anything but we can try to find a-"

"Thank you very much," he replies, "but, I need to confirm if this is the case first. Don't worry, I'll keep you posted on what happens tonight as soon as I find out."

"Sorry man, I shouldn't have-," you are about to start but a hand from Kurtis interrupts you.

"Erick, it's ok," he states, and then smiles back, "If you and Paula hadn't reminded, I might have not gone at all. Anyways, just call me if you need anything for that warehouse, alright? Have the others contribute to the cost as well, if they want to have it set up well enough."

You nod in agreement and then see Kurtis dissapear behind the driver's cabin. You and Paula wave him goodbye, and see him depart back up the street from whence you came. There's a slight moment of silence, where you ponder on the amount of things that Gantz and the game have affected in the others. You consider yourself lucky that something this horrible didn't happen to you yet, but it made your skin crawl nonetheless. The silence is interrupted by a text from Carol, who seems to be excited about something.

<Erick, you got a minute to come down to my school? I got something really cool for you to see. Don't worry, I am in study hall at the moment.>

"Interesting" Paula states, looking over the text, "does she ever text things like this?"

>Go, and see what this is about
>Ignore, probably not important
>Some other time, she can tell you at another time
>Write In

>>2597894
>>Go, and see what this is about
We got time to kill

>>2597894
>Go, and see what this is about

It's still 1:20, maybe we can get to see Carol then we go and deal with dad senator. I also want to check on Carol, i know she said she was fine but she was pretty shaken with everything.

>>2597894
>Go, and see what this is about

>>2597905
>>2597930
>>2597937
3 for seeing Carol. Writing.

File: 304290.jpg (87 KB, 600x446)

87 KB JPG

>>2597996

<Where is your school again? We'll be there, but don't wait around if traffic gets bad on our end. If we're not there by 30 min, we can meet you at your house.>

While you've never been to Carol's school, you figure the amount of time that it will take to get there at this time, may be a little rougher. It's not rush hour bad, but considering how bad it got to get to Kurtis's house, you weren't gonna delude yourself. Not a few seconds later, you receive a text from Carol with a surprising revelation.

<It's at 101 N St NW, also don't worry about it. Study hall is like the last thing for Tuesday and Thursdays anyways, so I could leave now if I wanted. Just get here before 4, otherwise they won't let us in the library.>

"The library?" you say out-loud, then text back the 'Ok' to Carol, "Now she's really got me curious if she's going in there. Hopefully this isn't some faulty lead like that one text from Tanjeet."

"We won't know unless we find out," Paula states, putting the school's directions in her phone's GPS, "Let's be discreet though, considering this is a public area."

You nod in agreement, and then return with Paula to your car.

<April 24th, Tuesday 2:00 PM>

You arrived to Dunbar High School with only a slight delay in traffic. Apparently someone decided to look at the news on their phone rather than pay attention and not cause an accident for everyone else. Thankfully, detours exist and you managed to make to Carol's school. It was a large, imposing building that was not afraid to have their school's name in the front window. A single security officer stood outside of the main entrance.

Entry was easy however, as he only asked for your names before you went in. You and Paula were a little more than astounded at the school's enormous interior that stood to nearly three stories tall. Immediately thinking you would get lost, you asked the guard where the main office was and he directed you to the second floor. Behind a glass door and a reception desk, there sat one of the fattest black women you had ever seen in your life.

"How can I help you?" Joan, as it said on her nametag, said, almost robotically.

"We're looking for Carol Adams," Paula asks, "could you please call her forward?"

"And what relation or purpose do you have with her?" Joan replies.

>We're Carol's tutors
>We're from her church
>We're friends of her family
>Write In

>>2598093
>We're from her church

Get it? Because we denolished the cathedral the other day? Ah ah? But seriously i would rather just go with being friends of her family. But Tutors seem to be a better way to reach the libary

>We're Carol's tutors

>>2598093
>>We're from her church

>>2598126
Anon this is a heavy weigthed black woman who works in the educational system. Something tells me she IS from Carol's church.

>>2598123
1 for Tutors
>>2598126
1 for Church

Tiebreaker this for me guys. 10 min.

>>2598093
>>We're friends of her family
Just woke up

>>2598177
Changing to tutors to speed up

>>2598188
There's our tiebreaker. Writing.

File: Dunbar-HS-1-300x201.png (161 KB, 300x201)

161 KB PNG

>>2598202
"We're Carol's tutors," you reply back, sticking with the straightest face you can muster, "we're doing after school work with her, and she's expecting us both."

"Odd," she replies, almost doing so in annoyance, "considering Carol's one of our top academic students. What's more, you're both not school sanctioned are you?."

"It's more of a placement thing," Paula chimes in, looking at Joan, "Her brother wants to get her in a good college after this. He told us to be thorough and decided to contract us from an outside firm."

"Good on David, that young man is always looking out for his little sister," Joan says, and brings forwards a small microphone to her mouth, "WILL CAROL ADAMS PLEASE COME TO THE MAIN OFFICE. CAROL ADAMS, TO THE MAIN OFFICE."

The intercom's receiver must ring in this room because as loud as that was, it only seemed to be projected within the area itself. Joan smiles at you both, and then gives you two what look like sticker name tags.

"Put your names on the visitor tags and take a seat please," she says, with you and Paula doing so immediately afterwards, "also, sorry about the intercom, they've tried to fix it so it only shows up in a room, but it always feedbacks here."

Both you and Paula just interpose a 'It's fine' and 'No problem' to Joan, and you start the wait for Carol to arrive.

<April 24th, Tuesday 2:30 PM>

It didn't take long for her to get to the main office, though it was significantly harder for her to curb her enthusiasm as the two of you were in her school. After saying your goodbyes to Joan, you and the others departed for the school's library. Or had Carol lead you, as the school's layout was so massive it seemed almost impossible to find that place. Soon enough however, you were all sitting on one of the library's wooden desks, huddled around a laptop Carol had brought from home. As she turned it on, she began her explanation.

"I ran this idea by Dante earlier in the morning," she states, inputting her password, "We talked about how we always have to explain the same thing to so many people when they come into the game. So, we got to thinking that we could make a note or poster or something we could put in that room so everyone knew from the start."

"You mean like an information pamphlet?" Paula says, looking over the screen, "It sound good, and would save us a lot of time. But, what else would you want on it?"

"That's why I wanted you here," she says, opening up a Publisher file, "I need ideas on what to add to this thing. Including sections, an FAQ and all sorts of other things. And, I want you to approve it, Erick."

>Sounds good, when do we start?
>Sounds alright, but it'll be on you to make it.
>Sounds dangerous, what if someone finds it?
>Write In

>>2598309
>>Sounds good, when do we start?

>>2598309
>Write In: "Sounds good. But there is a thing." Then explain to Carol what happend in the police station. With Allie having a trouble with it one time and that the police migth start investigating us. Then tell her: "Carol this was yours and Dantes idea so i'm putting you guys in charge and i'm also asking and telling you to be extra carefull"

>>2598338
Doesn't Gantz usualy blows up people brains if someone finds out about the game? If the police gets this laptop everyone in the team will get their brains blow up. But having said that, it's a good idea and we should leave this only in the gantz room. Not in the fucking school library.

>>2598309
>Sounds good, when do we start?
I like the idea, lets go with a few posters in the room itself to avoid any clue getting out for our own safety. A brief explanation, a warning to wear the suit for their own safety and basic instruction to shot the guns.

>>2598309
>>2598373
>Write In
Also make sure not to leave a digital or physical copy outside the room. We shouldn't risk gantz getting angry with us.

>>2598338
>>2598373
>>2598384
>>2598352
2 of these votes are for approval, while the 2 write ins are for being cautious. They're similar enough, so I will allow it. Writing.

File: Image_Publish_713x400.jpg (77 KB, 713x400)

77 KB JPG

>>2598386
"Sounds good, but there's one thing", you start, earning Carol's attention, "We should consider our own safety first. We're currently dealing with an issue occurring with the police and I am afraid this could put your life at risk if it's ever found."

"Wait, the police again?" Carol replies, and Paula nods her head in acknowledgment. Paula goes to her side and let's Carol in on the day's events and the events in the police station. You chime in the parts she's confused on, mainly on the part of Allie and her current situation with the law. You also mention the issue with the FBI, and the other letter that got sent to Allie, but she doesn't know what to make of it. Throughout all of this, Carol's once optimistic demeanor becomes more sullen with each revelation.

"Oh no...Erick," Carol says, with her eyes downcast, "I'm sorry, I didn't know. Dante told me that it would be best to keep it secret as well, because of the whole bomb thing but...jeez, I'll cancel it if it-"

"Carol, it's fine," Paula says, looking back at her with a calm expression, "this is a great idea to help us with the new people. It's just that we need to be careful with it is all, because of the current investigation occurring."

"If anything just one big rule for this," you continue off from Paula, "No digital or physical copies can be out of the Gantz room. Anything you print or saved outside, makes it in there and stays in there when we get called."

"Figured that," Carol replies, looking at her screen, "probably shouldn't do this in the library then, so I'll just compile ideas from home. I still want to get something though, you got any thoughts guys?"

"Well, we should start with a brief explanation," you say, and see Carol sitting in attention, "you know the whole, you died but you're alive now thing. A warning to wear the suit for safety, and some instructions for the weapons as well."

"Let them also know to follow the veteran members," Paula chimes in, and Carol continues listening, "and to listen to them as well. It will make teaching them a lot easier."

"Also, Carol," you continue, and Carol's attention shifts to you, "this was yours and Dante's idea, so I'm putting you guys in charge. I am asking and telling you to be extra careful with this."

"Right," Carol says, shutting off her laptop, "thank you guys, it means a lot actually. And don't worry Erick, Dante and myself will be on top of safety with this."

You and Paula acknowledge her understanding with a nod, to which she returns with a hug for the two of you. Carol then leads you both out of the library, and she returns to her lecture hall. In the pit of your gut, this could be a mistake, but at the same time you've grown to trust Carol with matters such as this. Perhaps, it is the first test of courage for your new leadership.

<Continued>

>>2598485
Aw that's nice, you couldn't tell she murder someone in cold blood.

>>2598505
It's fine. This is america after all.

File: Screen-shot-2014-08-25-at(...).png (1.08 MB, 1072x712)

1.08 MB PNG

>>2598485

<April 24th, Tuesday 3:20 PM>

As you're both finishing up a now colder lunch outside, a ring from your phone signals a message from Dante.

<I'm heading back home in a bit. I'll meet you both in 30 min. >

"I think that's our queue," Paula says, placing the leftovers in one of the bags, "Let's see about finishing this. Or getting closer to it at least."

You nod in agreement, get your car out of Park, and down to the Bowery mansion.

<April 24th, Tuesday 3:45 PM>

While DC traffic seemed to have subsided now, you knew this was just a prelude t the horrors of rush hour not a few hours from now. Nevertheless, you and Paula had arrived to the Bowery mansion without too much trouble. You're were once again however faced with the imposing metal gate of the Bowery residence, and the little buzzer microphone to be allowed entry. Slowly driving to the buzzer, you depress it and a familiar raspy voice lets out of the speaker.

"Bowery residence," it starts, "who is this and if you're selling anything we're not-"

"It's Erick and Paula," you interrupt, slightly annoyed that you're being confused for a salesman, "sorry, but Dante is expecting us today. Could you please let us in?"

"Ah, yes" the voice speaks again, "he mentioned your coming. The young master will arrive in a few minutes, so we'll accommodate you accordingly for your meeting."

The speaker buzzes off and a metallic whirr follows the gates' opening. You don't waste any time as you quickly drive through the entrance, park close to the curb and make for the door within a few moments. You press on the doorbell and within seconds an elderly, yet surprisingly muscular, white gentleman arrives to greet you.

"Good afternoon," the well dressed man says, opening the door, "Master Dante is currently in his university courses, but please make yourself comfortable in the foyer."

You follow him in and once again are greeted by the opulent height of the Bowery estate. You had never actually noticed the size of the foyer and how it almost seemed like a ballroom with the chandelier hanging over-top. Regardless, you and Paula made your way to the large loveseat near the stair cases.

"Would you like something to drink?" the elderly man asks, as you and Paula think on it, "Nothing alcoholic I imagine since you'll probably be dri-"

There's a loud bang on an upstairs door, as if it was being forcefully opened. The elderly gentleman mutters something under his breath, and then looks to the second floor. You and Paula follow the man's gaze to a familiar figure shouting from the second floor.

"Hey Joel!" Chris shouts, peering from the balcony to the bottom floor, "I said it was supposed to be a Pepsi, not Coke FUCKING Zero! What the hell do you-Hey...what the hell are you two doing here?!"

>We're here on an errand. We're just waiting on Dante.
>Could you please stop shouting? It's getting old.
>Ignore him, he'll shut up eventually.
>Write In

>>2598601
>We're here on an errand. We're just waiting on Dante.
>Write in:"So how are you dealling with...getting back home?."

>>2598608
this

what`s up Chris

>>2598608
Yeah this

>>2598608
>>2598618
>>2598636
3 votes for Errands. Including Write In. Writing.

File: pepsi-600x600.jpg (21 KB, 600x600)

21 KB JPG

>>2598651
"Hey, what's up Chris," you reply, looking Chris in the eyes, "We're here on an errand and just waiting on Dante at the moment. So, how are you dealing with...getting back home?"

"You trying to be funny Erick?" Chris replies, a slight twinge of anger in his eyes at your comment, "Cause I sure ain't laughing you know. Had to deal with my old man hounding me on where I was as well as some dumbass doctor he called in from Delaware."

Through his small discourse, Chris makes his way to the stairs. Joel quickly heads into another room, probably to try and fetch his Pepsi and try to placate him anger. You secretly wished him the best of luck.

"It has been fucking aggravating," Chris continues, heading to the first floor, "and now I have to deal with you and your little Latina fuck buddy now? Give me a fucking break, and probably kill me again."

"Hey, no one here was looking for you Chris" Paula chimes in, as Chris leans on the stair's railings, "We're here for Dante and your father and that is it. Nothing more, and nothing less, so get over yourself."

"You're really asking for it you know that?" Chris says, a bigger twinge of anger swirling in his eyes, "Why the hell are you even looking for those two? You got a debt to settle with big scary senator Arnold Bowery? Or are you just here to discuss more of the game with Dante?"

Your answer is interrupted by the sound of rushing feet and a polite gesture from Joel as he appears from the other side of the staircase. In his hand, he's holding a pepsi can, along with a napkin.

"As per requested Master Chris," he states, handing it to him in a very presentable manner, "One Pepsi can, and a napkin for the snacks in case your hands get greasy. Wouldn't want to damage your controllers with those."

"Thanks Joel," Chris replies, swiping the can from his hand and stuffing the napkin in his pocket, "You may go now, I think the old man is expecting those bookshelves dusted anyways. Better get started before he comes back in like 2 days."

"But Master Chris," Joel objects, looking over to you and Paula, "I must get these two guests their beverages, it would be rude as hosts to-"

"That's alright," Paula interjects, looking at Chris in the eyes, "I think we'll be fine without drinks for now, right Erick?"

You nod in reply and Joel, somewhat begrudgingly, bows and leaves for the senator's study. Meanwhile, a metallic pop and fizzle from the Pepsi can in Chris's hands signals a new development.

"Well?" he asks, taking a sip from the can, "What is it then? Why are you really here?"

>Tell him in detail, but not here
>Keep it to yourself, and let Dante fill him in
>Exchange information, tell him but ask him for something in return
>Write In

>>2598734
>>Tell him in detail, but not here

>>2598734
>>Exchange information, tell him but ask him for something in return


first tell me what story you fed your father when you arrived home

>>2598734
>Exchange information, tell him but ask him for something in return

I like this:>>2598747
Although i think it's a bad idea trying to play the psychiatric with Chris.

>>2598754

not playing psych but I think he`ll be less suspicious of us if we don`t give him anything, but negotiate

>>2598734
>>Exchange information, tell him but ask him for something in return
>>2598747
yeah this

>>2598797
>>2598747
>>2598754
3 votes for Exchange. Including write In. Writing.

File: men-s-work-bag-1-compartm(...).jpg (18 KB, 500x383)

18 KB JPG

>>2598803
+1/2 Trust <Chris Bowery>

"How's about this," you start, getting up from the sofa, "I'll fill you in on our side, if you let us know something from your end right afterwards. Sound fair enough here Chris?"

Chris stares at you for a good few seconds, probably out of legitimate distrust or anger. He takes a sip of his pepsi before answering you however.

"Fine, whatever," he replies back, and the raises a sick grin on his lips, "but, can get to fuck Paula if you lie about it, oh fearless leader? Wouldn't want to be unfair here, after all."

"Man fuck you," Paula retorts back, rising out of the chair as well, "Why do you have to be such a little shi-"

"Do you want to know or not Chris," you interrupt Paula, placing a hand in front of her, "Your choice. I'm making sure we both get something out of it."

"Just fucking with you, man," Chris replies, giggling to himself, "Just ask me afterwards and all that."

"Fine," you state, and then begin recounting the entire state of affairs to Chris. You start at the moment of his death, and the big predicament it placed Dante under, something Chris noticeably narrows his eyes at. Then, you recall the first instance with the FBI and how you would need high ranking official to help you out of it. After that, you let him know about the deal with Senator Armstrong, and how Paula and Dante reached an agreement should Chris ever be found.

Finally, you fill him in on what happened this morning at the police station with Allie and the other FBI letter. To your surprise, the amount of attention Chris puts to this whole story is surprising given the kind of person you had him pegged for. He doesn't even stop you to ask questions or notice his attention waning. For the first time since you met the guy, he seemed genuinely quiet and reserved when you spoke about it.

"And that's why we're looking for Dante," you finish, "You understand now? We're not here to piss you off or Dante, we're just in a really bad situation on top of the whole Gantz issue."

"What was that about Dante?" Chris asks, his voice sounding different however, "You said he was in on all of this too. Was the only reason he got me back because he needed me here so he could keep living at this house?"

"No, I can assure you it is not that," Paula says, looking up at Chris, "He genuinely cares about you Chris. You can hate us for using you for that, I guess, but Dante wanted you to come back."

"Alright, now about that other thing," you say, looking up at him, "I need you start by telling me what story you fed your father when you arrived home. And please be thorough about it."

Before Chris can answer however, a motion of unlocking locks sounds from the entrance, and Dante's form comes through the twin doors. He quickly greets you and puts a passenger bag full of what you can only guess is study material and books. After greeting him through the doors, you turn your head to the second floor and see Chris is no longer there.

<Continued>

>>2598851
Hunf...don't know if this was the right or the wrong thing to do.

>>2598876
at least we got some trust with him, I think it was the right thing.

also, fuck, I need to go to sleep but this next few psts seem like important stuff.

I hope we can start packing and move some stuff to Paula`s after this

File: traditional-dining-room.jpg (91 KB, 640x426)

91 KB JPG

>>2598851
<April 24th, Tuesday 4:10 PM>

"Sorry if Chris was hounding you guys," Dante states, serving you both some ice tea, "He's been more pissed than usual since he got back, especially at you Erick. I don't know what you said to him in the hallway last hunt, but he's got it out for you."

"Yeah, I noticed," you say, snarkily, "It's alright though, we spoke to him anyways and tried to calm him down. We had to tell him what we were here for so he would stop shouting though."

"Hey, I'm just impressed you dealt with it without violence," Dante replies, sitting across from you on the dinning table, "Either way, it's something I'll need to speak with him about further. Now, about this issue with my stepfather..."

"Yes, we were hoping you could fill us in," Paula says, taking a quick sip of the tea, "What did he say? Did you let him know we helped to find him?"

"Yes, and he was quite happy to see Chris back," Dante replies, "He wanted to thank you in person Paula, even though I told him that you were on duty right after that. He sounded like he would be going through with our agreement, but wanted to look over that letter you got from the FBI."

"We already got it confirmed twice now that it was genuine," you say, trying to keep your cool, "the only thing sketchy about it was that it was not in any record or archive of it being sent. Unless of course, it's one of those scary no-go documents that 'never existed' or something."

"All the more reason to have him take a look," Dante says in a calm voice, "Mr. Bowery is not a nice person, per say, but he is effective in what he does. I don't know who his contact is, but it seems to be quite in the high chain of command for the organization."

"And we can't thank you enough," Paula chimes in, "You are an incredible person Dante. Sorry we had to meet under such terrible circumstances."

"Hey, it's cool," Dante states, waving a hand in recognition, "As for when you can meet him, I'll see about send him an email or something later tonight. And send me a picture of the letter or something that he can identify and analyze."

"Can do," you reply, giving him a smile, "Now, there's something else I've been meaning to ask you."

>The Pamphlet, can I trust you and Carol with that?
>The timer, there was something weird going on with Gantz last night
>Carol, are you two...?
>Write In

>>2598916
>>Carol, are you two...?

>>2598916
>>The timer, there was something weird going on with Gantz last night

>>2598916
>The timer, there was something weird going on with Gantz last night

Also i guess it's obvious that Carol and Dante have a thing. No need to go there. Though...it might increase our thrust with Dante.

>>2598916
>The timer, there was something weird going on with Gantz last night

>>2598987
>>2598951
>>2598946
3 for timer. Writing.

File: GettyImages-151333806.jpg (68 KB, 482x556)

68 KB JPG

>>2599000

"There was something on the ball last night," you state, very seriously, "I caught it for a split second. It was a timer, but it looked different from the mission one, like...it was bigger and had more numbers on it."

"Wait, couldn't this have been another glitch?" Paula asks, looking at you in surprise, "You know Gantz isn't the most reliable thing, so what's stopping it from displaying something off in its screen?"

"I guess that's a theory but..." you start, and notice Dante is pondering it as well, "It seemed too clear and official for when it happened. Dante, you know something about this, right?"

"I...don't," Dante sighs, looking at you both with a worried look, "was with Gantz for three missions before you guys, and I have never seen a bigger timer or that kind of glitch if it is one. It could be something new for all I know-"

"Wait a minute," Dante interrupts himself, lifting a finger to his head, "Chris could know what it is though. Want me to bring him down and ask him?"

"If you can, yeah," you answer, "just don't mention that we asked, I am not sure how cooperative he's going to be."

Dante nods and heads out of the dining room and up the stairs. The sound of feet making their way upstairs almost seems rhythmical at the speed at which Dante moves upstairs. Then the knocking starts, and so does Dante's calls for Chris out of his room. However, Dante doesn't receive any response from Chris as far as you can hear. So he tries again, and again receiving no response. This goes on for nearly 10 minutes, before Dante frustratedly makes his way downstairs again.

"I don't know what his problem is honestly," Dante says, heading back into the dining room, "But, he's not coming down or out of his room for that matter. Sorry guys, but I'll try again later tonight or tomorrow and text you guys what I learned, alright?"

"Hey man no sweat," you say, rising from the dining chair, "Honestly, you've helped us out a ton already, this just seemed like something extra."

"Yeah, thanks again Dante," Paula says, joining you out to the foyer, "we'll have to take our leave now though. I have to help this guy move and all."

"Oh, I see how it is," Dante replies, looking at you slyly, "You two living together now? How did this happen?"

"Eh, a story for another day," you say, exiting the front door, "For now though, it's goodbye. And tell Chris to calm down or something, alright?"

Dante slowly nods at the last bit, as you and Paula head to your car.

<Continued>

File: fdgfdg.jpg (99 KB, 605x572)

99 KB JPG

>>2599076
OOC: Last post of the night guys. Hopefully this session made up for losing time and mental sanity on Friday and Saturday.

Anyways, we will reconvene tomorrow at 3:00 PM EST to try and finish up the first day and get started on the week.

Anyways, have a good evening /qst/.

>>2599088
Loved yhe session. i just hope Chris doesn't hate Dante for brigging him back.

>>2599088

thanks man, see you

File: apartment-doors.jpg (9 KB, 487x264)

9 KB JPG

>>2599076
<April 24th, Tuesday 5:00 PM>

"You sure that moving today is a good idea?" Paula says, looking at her phone, "I'll still help, don't get me wrong, but it's only going to make you more of a target. They're not very fond of someone running from the scene of a crime."

You and Paula had departed from the Bowery estate and realized halfway making it to your home that you didn't have packing supplies. One trip to Lowe's for some boxes and tape helped this, but there was still a lingering dread in your minds. The police department's attitude towards you and your connections towards Allie had remained stuck in your mind for a good time now.

"I think running is about the only thing I can do for now," You reply, heading up a turn to your street, "Rick and your department already have me pegged as a conspirator, so what's a bit more suspicion on me."

"Personally Paula," you continue, earning a concerned look from her, "I'm more worried what may happen to you. You're technically aiding and abetting a suspect in an investigation in your department."

"Rick won't do anything," Paula replies, frustration in her voice, "He knows whatever deal he tried to make with you was off record and he can't use your testimony without legitimate evidence. What worries me is that he might do something even stupider than that."

"What do you mean?" you ask, parking your car on the curb, "He doesn't strike me as a dirty cop, but-"

"He's an opportunist, a grass-eater," Paula says, unlatching her seat-belt, "He's doesn't like getting his hands dirty, but he's not above using underhanded methods to get his job done. The department turns a blind eye to his actions because he's surprisingly effective."

"Some justice," you reply, locking your car door and heading to your apartment, "Figures they wouldn't want to lose a good asset just on the basis of skirting the definition of unlawful."

Paula nods her head in disappointment, and follows you up to your apartment. After making it to the door, you quickly check your welcome mat and notice the key is still there. You breathe a sigh of relief and move your house-key to the lock. However, when you move the key itself in the lock, the movement of it feels too quick and fluid. Almost as if it wasn't locked to begin with.

You slowly take out the key from the lock, and try to return it to its original position. Paula moves closer after noticing your worried face.

"Hey what's wrong?" she asks, looking at the lock, "Something wrong with the lock?"

'I swear to god if this is Allie again...'

>Someone may have broken in, please wait outside
>Door's unlocked, someone may be inside my house
>Follow close and don't make a sound, I think I have an intruder
>Write In

Heading out with relatives for a get together that should have been yesterday. I'll try to make it back by 4 or 5, but consider this a preemptive delay on my part.

Sorry guys.

Anchor posting so you guys get a choice for when I come back.

>>2600530
>Door's unlocked, someone may be inside my house

I don't think we can use mind power to scan our apartment. And i guess this is more then enough proof to move away from this place.

>>2600580
Wait, why cant we do that? We've done it before and it doesn't even hurt us when we do it. At least, I dont think it does.

>Write In: Scan the inside with a projection field.

>>2600605
i actually didn't remember that well in though i was doing my own head canon. Also it's usualy a bad idea to abuse our psy powers i would rather save it for the hunt or some life threating situation.

>>2600621
I think the QM may have intentionally been misleading you all with some of these choices since we do have more options available to us.

I won't change my answer, though, granted you may be right about abusing our powers.

>>2600530
>>Door's unlocked, someone may be inside my house

>>2600530
>>Door's unlocked, someone may be inside my house

>>2600530
>Door's unlocked, someone may be inside my house

>>2600580
>>2600784
>>2600809
>>2601133
4 votes for this. Including write in. Writing.

Sorry about the wait guys, I just got back home.

>>2601221
No problem, real life stuff should always take priority.

File: Something Inside.jpg (22 KB, 300x400)

22 KB JPG

>>2601221

With a very careful step, you move away from the door and towards Paula.

"The door's unlocked," you quietly say, trying to keep your calm, "someone may be inside. They didn't take the key, so...I think they may have picked the lock..."

"Damn," Paula responds, looking at the door, "alright then, what do you propose we do? Want me hang back or go in with you?"

"Stay behind me," you say, and then begin to concentrate, "I need to confirm if something is there first. Just give me a second, I'll see them before they see us."

Paula's reply is muffled as your mind begins to swerve and twist as you feel part of your consciousness begin to split. A familiar cold chill gnaws at your head, and a floating sensation wraps around your eyes. You close them, and the darkness of your eyelids gives way to luminescent lines forming into shapes. The hallway, Paula, the door, and about a few meters beyond it.

"Erick, are you-", Paula starts, and you shush her to try and keep your concentration. She takes the hint and quiets down. If your concentration breaks, you may end up with too big of a headache to try again soon. Despite this, your mind's eye projects the field inside your apartment.

The bathroom and your closet are in clear view, without anything in there besides the normal necessities, though you clearly see some items strewn about. Whoever was or is in here, was looking for something with a lot of haste. Looking further in, you find that your kitchen is in a similar state, or perhaps worse considering some of your glasses lie broken on the floor. You remind yourself to send the bill of replacement to whoever broke in.

At the edge of your sight however, you catch movement, human movement.

'No...' you think, looking at the cut off silhouette with horror growing in your gut, 'human-like...'

It stands bipedal on two slender legs, holding its slender humanoid body along with a fat, curly tail extending from its pants hem. Its chubby fingers extend to something, your laptop, on the desk, while its almost triangular head extends forward to the screen. And it's conical, protruding eyes move with individual precision at both the screen and something else. Whatever is in your room, it is looking at the door, and into your computer.

Unbeknownst to you, you'd started shaking, something Paula notices and snaps you out of with a light shake. The vision fades, and Paula is at your side as your brain recovers from the strain.

"What is it?" she asks, meeting your eyes with a whisper, "what did you do? And what did you see?"

>Get behind me, we're going in with force
>It hasn't noticed us, take the lead and I will wait for it outside
>It's not human, we need to wait for it to leave
>Write In

>>2600646
I will neither confirm nor deny those allegations. But a write in exists for a reason anon.

>>2601333
Paula has her side arm?
>Write In
Best plan I can come up with is holding it in place with telekinesis while Paula shots it, not sure if its worth the risk if she doesn't have her gun.

>>2601354
OOC: She does not have it with her.

Funny thing about that, she's allowed to carry it off-duty but her police department is anal about work items and equipment. So she leaves most of her gear at the department's locker.

>>2601333
>It's not human, we need to wait for it to leave

Uh so the governament IS filled with aliens. This makes so much sense. Or better, Rick is actualy a alien. tum-tum-tum.

We don't have our guns with us and the thing won't find anything about gantz or what we can do in our computer. Better that it thinks we don't know about it and inform the rest of the group that aliens are targeting us now.

>>2601354
it's not worth it man. Let the alien go. One thing is certain though, Allie gonna love this bullshit. lol

>>2601333

Go in and anounce your presence, say that you know it`s there and that you just want to talk.

It`s clearly inteligent if it`s looking into our pc, let`s try to talk first, if he tries to come after use we use a force field to protect ourselves

>>2601392
>wanting to talk tot he alien

You really want to die uh? Also the aliens in the church were intelligent to. Don't tell me that the episode with Chris let you get soft with the aliens?

>>2601354
1 for police assisted murder

>>2601376
1 for being patient

>>2601392
1 for communication

Tiebreaker this 3 way for me guys. 10 min.

>>2601396

no man, but this guy is trying to find something at our house, I want to know what it is before I blow him

>>2601396

and again, this is the first time we find one we are not forced to kill, I would very much like to know what they have to say

>>2601397
>>2601354
With no gun I vote
>It's not human, we need to wait for it to leave

>>2601413
>>2601403

Dude it's a alien policeman. Our next game is going to be to fight/clean the police department from alien infiltration. I mean think the chief or whatever is know for going on the sideways of the law, then he is angry at us for not being a good civilian. It's obvious the aliens infiltrated at many levels of our society and now this police alien wants to find evidence of us attacking the aliens in the church.

Also it's obvious what the alien is looki g for. It's looking for things about gantz. The game is about to get really dangerous.

>>2601422
Tie broken. Write Ins not included. Writing.

>I would very much like to know what they have to say

Basicaly the same thing that the police officer that was trying to make deal with us was trying to do. What is Gantz and why are we attacking the aliens. Come on anon don't be dense if there is a group of people attacking aliens other aliens must get their eyes open if something suspicious comes up.

>>2601424

that`s speculation at best man

>>2601433
yeah, and we could learn things about them, like how many they are where are they and all sorts of thinga, if we get him alive we may probe his mind or something

>>2601437
So you really expect us to fight a alien without our weapons and clothes? The best thing to do is to play the stealth card. Gantz certanly will take notice of this alien and the next hunt will either involve this or not. Now we need to stay sharp and try to divert attention to the rest of the group.

File: D111_57_009_0004_600.jpg (15 KB, 600x338)

15 KB JPG

>>2601428
"It's not human," you whisper back to Paula, trying desperately to keep your calm, "my powers showed me, it only moves like a human. I don't know what it is, but it's going through my computer."

"God..." Paula says, looking at the door again, "alright, do we stop it or-"

"No, we need to wait," you say, almost earning a retort form Paula, "We don't know what that thing can do, or what it's intentions are. We're not armed, and I am not putting your life at risk if we go in recklessly."

"Fine then," Paula says, then looks to the hallway, "We can hide near the entrance of the hallway to get a good look at it at least. If it notices us, we'll run for the car as soon as possible. I don't think it'll try to make itself public if it sneaked into your room."

You nod, and quietly leave with Paula to the other side of the hall and into the open space where the apartments meet a grassy field and the city's asphalt. You and Paula stand on opposite ends of the hall's opening, and look at your apartment door expectantly. Knowing your apartments uncaring tenants, you know no one is going to bat an eye to the two of you like this.

You and Paula stand at the ready for what seems like fifteen minutes, seeing a few apartment tenants coming and going, but not long afterwards you spot movement at the door. Your heart is no racing as the door not only seems to slowly open as you expect whatever sort of monster you saw to come out of it. Yet, in spite of the door opening, you see nothing coming come out, and it closes almost on a will of its own. There's a lull in silence as you witness a spectacle out of a ghost story, until you hear the sound of movement, but not on the ground.

You can't quite place the sounds, as they seem like they're squishing or scratching very softly, but they seem to be getting closer. You don't have time to react as Paula almost blindsides you from the other side, and quickly grabs your hand and whispers close to you.

"It's on the ceiling," she almost hisses, and clutches your hand close, "I think it may be invisible. Hold my hand, and walk to the car. I don't think it's noticed us yet."

You quickly nod and quietly begin with Paula back to your car. You resist every urge in your body to turn back and try to spot whatever it is. Something in your gut screams at you, that if you do, you're dead.

<Continued>

>>2601502
Oh nice so we get a idea of what it can do. I guess his invisibility also effects radars? Or maybe this is like the gantz frequency and that's why humans can't normaly see the aliens.

>>2601502
Its on another frequency like the suits with the invisibility turn on.

>>2601540
Pretty much yeah. Yay for psy power!?

I guess it's safe to say that, the game changed lads.

File: MessyApartment.jpg (492 KB, 3000x1906)

492 KB JPG

>>2601502
<April 24th, Tuesday 5:30 PM>

"So, what did it even want?" Paula asks, helping you look through your desk, "It looks like most of your Flash Drives and work files are still here. Didn't take any money or valuables of any sort."

"Whatever it did," you reply, looking through your laptop files, "it also didn't take or erased anything from my computer either. What the hell could it have been doing?"

"Well," Paula says, shutting your desk drawer, "It certainly wasn't very tidy about it. For a guy that sneaks into your room like that, it sure as hell didn't care if you noticed."

"Yeah," you reply, putting your laptop back on your desk, "bet it probably thought I would just file it under a break in or something. If it's as invisible as you say, it could probably get away with it too."

Paula sighs, gets up from your chair and seems to be heading out to the hallway. You almost ask on where she's going, but she turns around to disperse your assumptions.

"So, what do you want to do?" she asks, looking at you with some intent.

"About that thing?" you reply with a question, then look at your laptop, "Guess we can't do much right now, considering we'll not be able to either prove it went in or tell the police. I don't know about telling the others either tho-"

"Not that dummy," Paula states, looking at you, "I mean, it's something we should be worried about, but we're still moving you right? That thing did us the favor of taking out most of your stuff, so it could be easier."

>Sure, but we'll talk more about this at your place.
>No, I need to sort through this on my own
>Well...Let's ask someone to help us (Whether you tell them or not about the alien is up to you.)
>Write In

>>2601585
>>Sure, but we'll talk more about this at your place.


just to be clear, this option is start moving now, right

>>2601585
>Write In
I love how you still want me to move in despite the creepy invisible alien that broke into my apparent.

>>2601602
OOC: Yes.

>>2601585
changing my vote to:
>Sure, but we'll talk more about this at your place

and also supporting this write in:
>>2601605

>>2601605
write in supporting too

>>2601602
>>2601605
>>2601617
2 votes for moving. Including deadpan write in. Writing.

>>2601671
I think it was meant as a joke

File: Exemplary-Lowes-Moving-Bo(...).jpg (223 KB, 1280x974)

223 KB JPG

>>2601671

"Paula," you start, giving her an incredulous look, "I love how you still want me to move in despite the creepy invisible alien that broke into my apartment."

"Well, it's like you said," she replies, staring at the door, "We can't really do much about it now, and we aren't even sure if we can tell someone about it either. Anyways, we're burning daylight the more we talk, so what do you say Erick?"

"Sure," you sigh, then walk over with her, "but we'll talk more about this at your place. Also, should probably get the landlady my leave notice tomorrow since the end of the month is coming."

"Then it's a plan," Paula states, and then motions you to the door, "Now, let's get going before it gets too dark. Also, you're carrying the boxes big guy."

You roll your eyes at her little reminder, but you head out the door after her.

<April 24th, Tuesday 5:35 PM>

It doesn't take long to get your moving supplies from the trunk to your room. With the amount of litter in the apartment however, you end up having to leave the supplies right out of your door. Looking over the mess, and the amount of space you have to work with, this could take a bit. You take a breath of air to psych yourself up and head in the apartment with Paula.

>Roll1d20 +3 WIL to pack up and move (-2 CR from +2 STR)

Rolled 18 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>2601685
we got dis, heres hoping ayy lmaos don't continue to wreck our shit.

Rolled 7 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>2601685

Rolled 13 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>2601685
So, anyone else think these guys may be working with the vampires?

>>2601702
>>2601703
>>2601724
Dat 21 will be quiet expedient. Writing.

>>2601724
The vampires were a tokyo/japan thing. I think this guys are working for/with someone else. Most likely these are the guys that transferred the statue and killed the old artist (the one that is supposed to have sculped the angel statues)

File: Traffic-Washington-DC-620(...).jpg (130 KB, 1600x900)

130 KB JPG

>>2601730
<GREAT SUCCESS>

You'd only ever really moved twice in your life. Once in university for your dorms and another time when you moved here. In spite of that, the whole moving thing came second nature to you as you and Paula began carrying and organizing the items in your room at top speed. Like you promised, she would handle the packaging while you handled the heavy lifting to the car.

You were almost tempted to use your suit, but given the amount of paranoia that you felt around, you were a little scared of looking suspicious carrying seven boxes on your own. In spite of this, you managed well enough, and Paula did help out with some of the larger items like your desk and chair. Thankfully, you had also bought some straps for your car, and quickly attached the larger items to the top and back.Through the final cleanup of your apartment however, you soon found that something was indeed missing.

<April 24th, Tuesday 7:35 PM>

"Wait, you kept that thing this whole time?" Paula asks, as you begin making the trek to her house, "Jesus, I was wondering where that encryption key was for the last few weeks. I legitimately thought you gave it back and I lost it after the second mission."

"I don't believe it either..." you reply, a deeply worried expression hanging on your face, "I actually forgot I still had it as well. After that letter got sent, I freaked out and it totally slipped my mind..."

"Damnit," Paula sighs, and then biting her lip in frustration, "alright, so we at least know what it wanted no-wait...did you see it use it on your computer when you were doing that psychic thing?"

"Not really," you say, somewhat dishearteningly, "I only saw it typing and the USB ports are on the opposite side of the computer so there's no way I could have even seen the key. It might have just been watching porn for we know."

"Heh, well I've heard of worse way of brightening the mood," Paula chuckles, "Either way, if it took it, then we can at least assume it probably knows something about our issue with the police. Alternatively, it could also know about the issue with the FBI."

"Christ..." you say, stopping at a traffic light and landing your head on your steering wheel, "I think I liked it better when the aliens were just in the game..."

<Continued>

>>2601799
Oh man i completely forgot about the USB key. Well at least now we know what it wanted.

>>2601825
whelp, we are fucked.

>>2601847
If it deliver it to the police or even to the FBI? Yeah and...it will implicate Paula to it too.

File: Open-floor-living-room-an(...).jpg (340 KB, 900x600)

340 KB JPG

>>2601799
<April 24th, Tuesday 9:45 PM>

Upon arriving, Paula leads you to the new apartment and let's you know she'd actually been living there for a few days after you agreed to move. The apartment it self was spacious and incredibly clean given how new it was as well as Paula's possible hand in it. It was certainly a far cry from the single bedroom prison hold you were just living in. There was even a guest room and living room if you ever wanted to have someone stay the night.

In spite of the new accommodations, that lingering thought of the alien and the encryption key were still buzzing in your mind. The worry only served to make the move in a little rougher, as you almost dropped some of your boxes from the lack of attention. Paula was quick to help this time around, and happily aided you carrying your items inside as well as finish unpacking them. It didn't take all that long however as you still didn't have all that much.

After finishing the unpacking, Paula helped you over to the big fridge, and gave you a beer on the job well done. After wiping some of the sweat off your brow, you toasted with Paula and headed to the living room sofa and turned on the TV. For all of the blue-collar work she did, you almost forgot that Paula was the daughter of a rich family.

"So, what do you think we should do?" she asks, flipping to the Smart TV display, "Got Netflix and Hulu if you're up for some movies. Though, I'm always up for something else."

>The alien, we should speak to the others
>The key, what do you think it wanted with that?
>Movies night, been a long day... (Choose a genre)
>Write In

>>2601883
>The key, what do you think it wanted with that?
And what should we do it? Break it and throw it down the drain in a public bathroom?

>>2601883
>>Movies night, been a long day... (Choose a genre)
relax a bit, It`s our first night here and we can deal with the alien tomorrow

let`s see a dumb action flick

also, brick the laptop, it goes in the microwave

>>2601883
I just realized that relaxing is a thing that we must to from time to time to recover our dice pool.

Changing to movie night:
>Movies night, been a long day... ( Romantic-Comedy)

To help us and Paula to relax.

>>2601883
>The key, what do you think it wanted with that?

>>2601926
I`ll go with your romantic comedy just to tie thi thing up, I really think relaxing is important right now and focusing on the key will only lead to more anxiety

>>2601918
i think the Key he meant is the pass key from the police. You know the same one we used to hack into the police database? Any way, if the next day, someone dressed as a police officer or the FBI, shows up arresting us for having it we will know. Also if we do get arrested Gantz will just teleport us out but we will become a fugitive, just like Allie!!

>>2601935
I mean i relax with some romantic comedy. I was about to suggest we watched aliens. But i figured Paula and us would be tired or wouldn't take much joy from it because of everything. Detective movie could be fun to, but would make us thing in the investigation involving us. Maybe a dumb super-hero movie would be a good idea to?

>>2601918
we don`t have it anymore, the alien took it

>>2601953
Yeah, I got it backwards.

>>2601918
>>2601928
2 for Key

>>2601926
>>2601935
2 for romantic comedy

Tiebreaker this one for me fellas. 10 min.

>>2601958
>>2601928

cmon guys, trust us on this, let`s go with the movies, we worry about this tomorrow

>>2601953
The movie will be like this

Aggression = Action movie

Will= Romance or Comedy

Int= Maybe mystery/suspense/horror

i don't remmeber what we lost more but i remember int we use for guns, will for psy, and aggression to suit.

>>2601985
Oh better horros will go to the agression part. i can't remember what exactly Erick status are after the hunt but we do need to increase some of it after what we lost during the last hunt.

>>2601926
Supporting this.

Please don't be an Adam Sandler movie...

>>2602004

thanks tie braking anon

>>2602004
There's the tie breaker. Writing. Kek.

>>2602004
I would rather go for that one with Jack Black. Shallow Hal, it even has a psy that hypnotise the mc.

File: 4863802_rd.jpg (353 KB, 1000x831)

353 KB JPG

>>2602021

You take a deep sigh and thought before answering Paula. You ponder on the issue with the police earlier today and how they may be treating Allie right now. Then, to the deal with Senator Bowery, and if Chris really knows about what that strange timer was. Your mind wanders to Kurtis, and the current concern he has over his job after he came back to life. Finally, this new issue with that alien and the encryption key that was now somewhere in the city, being probed or dissected for all of its information. The scenario of the FBI or the police finding out or even a worse threat begins to legitimately scare you.

"Hey, you alright there?" Paula says, snapping you out of your gloomy stupor, "You went silent after a few seconds, and were beginning to scare me. Erick...is something on your mind?"

"It's just, " you start, then sigh in exhaustion, "I'm scared Paula, terrified actually. Not only for you but for a lot of people now. It's not just the alien but everything else today and-"

"Erick, listen to me," Paula interrupts, her calming look greeting you "I know, I was there with you too. Don't think for a moment that I'm not scared with you as well."

"If anything I feel guilty as well, since I gave you that key to begin with," Paula continues, but her tone nor facial expression change, "but we have to give ourselves time to stop and relax for even a little bit before we continue thinking on this. We can't do anything about it now, but we're also not going to mull over it and stress out over things that haven't happened yet."

"Paula", you want to retort, but you know she's right as well, "Alright, let's take a bit of this weight off then. And...thank you, I actually don't know where I'd be without you, really."

"The feeling is mutual," she states, giving you a peck on the cheek, "Now, let's see about that movie. You up for some cheesy romantic comedy to end the night?"

"Alright, I'm game," you say, looking back at the screen, "But, I get to choose it."

<Continued>