>>4362744
Fortunately for you, you’ve got a few options; though none of them are exactly pleasant, they all have their pros and cons:

>There’s a ground floor exit; definitely gonna be the hardest to get to, though- evacuated or not, there’s going to be a lot of personnel, guards, and probably blast doors to get through. You’ll need to be quick and careful, otherwise, hope the core device can take some punishment.

>The turbo-elevator is a straight shot to the top if you can get to it, and chances are you can get out via aerial extraction with minimal resistance, but it’ll be a close run thing...and who knows how bad things are up there.

>There’s a vehicle bay you passed on one of these levels, but that will entail hoping you find a vehicle in working order, that you can ride it, and THEN that you can get to the extraction point in this labyrinth of a complex.

>>4362746
>The turbo-elevator is a straight shot to the top if you can get to it, and chances are you can get out via aerial extraction with minimal resistance, but it’ll be a close run thing...and who knows how bad things are up there.

Welcome back! Let's pick the mystery box.

>>4362746
since whatever we're carrying is too large to fit in our bag
>>There’s a vehicle bay you passed on one of these levels, but that will entail hoping you find a vehicle in working order, that you can ride it, and THEN that you can get to the extraction point in this labyrinth of a complex.

>>4362746
>There’s a vehicle bay you passed on one of these levels, but that will entail hoping you find a vehicle in working order, that you can ride it, and THEN that you can get to the extraction point in this labyrinth of a complex.

>>4362756
Switching to
>There’s a vehicle bay you passed on one of these levels, but that will entail hoping you find a vehicle in working order, that you can ride it, and THEN that you can get to the extraction point in this labyrinth of a complex.

>>4362744
>vehicle bay
Holy shit, welcome back Handler.

>>4362746
>The turbo-elevator is a straight shot to the top if you can get to it, and chances are you can get out via aerial extraction with minimal resistance, but it’ll be a close run thing...and who knows how bad things are up there.

If we go up, we can ex-filtrate through the wall/window in a pinch! We're currently on subfloor B5 which I assume is 5 floors underground.

>>4362746
>There’s a vehicle bay you passed on one of these levels, but that will entail hoping you find a vehicle in working order, that you can ride it, and THEN that you can get to the extraction point in this labyrinth of a complex.

>>4362774
Yup. 5 floors under, just to be entirely certain.

>>4362746
>The turbo-elevator is a straight shot to the top if you can get to it, and chances are you can get out via aerial extraction with minimal resistance, but it’ll be a close run thing...and who knows how bad things are up there.

>>4362746
>There’s a vehicle bay you passed on one of these levels, but that will entail hoping you find a vehicle in working order, that you can ride it, and THEN that you can get to the extraction point in this labyrinth of a complex.
Glad to have you back!

Vroom vroom. Hopefully. Writing!

Izumi taking part in a robbery, huh?
The world setting sounds a lot like Shadowrun, so I think this would be appropriate:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebBpJNlXx1A

>>4362834
Well, maybe we can yoink a vehicle worth driving. Maybe some mecha. Hopefully these folks arn't using jeeps

>>4362844
She's stealing the power core of a known superweapon with extremely dubious public intentions as to its use. Doesn't tick any of her 'hard no' boxes.

>>4362860
Yes, but
>Clients were another corporation, natch.

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>>4362846
Here's my suggestion. Good for driving the kids around and for blowing holes in other vehicles!

>>4362860
Yea izumi is down with subverting corporate interests in a capitalist hellscape, she just doesn't wanna work for capital E evil causes. You know, the ones with literal pitchforks and literal soul-contracts.

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>>4362869
And for something a bit more traditional...

File: Pilot-PrecursorJames.jpg (32 KB, 360x450)

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>>4362869
Hello there, brigador.

>>4362746
>>4362757
>>4362761
>>4362766
>>4362771
>>4362775
>>4362801

If you can get to the vehicle bay, it stands to be the fastest route out of here if there’s anything worthwhile still there; of course, that’s a risky proposition at best. Still, very high potential payoff.
“Nah, get airborne, and get ready to meet me on the road! I’m going to find another ride out!” You quickly scramble up another ladder- you’re on B4, now.

“You what?! I mean, if you’re sure! Good luck!” Alright, then. Now, if your memory is accurate, this bay was on B2...here goes.

With klaxons blaring and many guns no doubt in your future, you have to try to hope for the best and get through this all with minimal damage. There furthest the elevator goes IS B2, which means you’ll have to haul your ass up there yourself.

The first hallway or two isn’t bad- it’s when you round the third that you immediately are found out- and the real hard part starts.

"Hey, this is Daisy and Sakura, we're on our way out!" Good. Ideally, you'll be meeting up soon after getting out of this little...snafu.

>Roll 2d20, best of three.

Rolled 17, 16 = 33 (2d20)

>>4362904
Here goes.

>>4362907
Our dices folks. Rusty ain't their name.

Rolled 15, 6 = 21 (2d20)

>>4362904

Rolled 6, 3 = 9 (2d20)

>>4362904

>>4362904
What is Miranda's codename for this op? Can we pick? Quick everyone think up the most obscure flower you can!

>>4362904
Not too shabby. Writing!

>>4362931
Picke one:
>Dahlia
>Iris
>Lupin
>Bluestar
>Cornflower
These are naturally blue flowers btw

>>4362904
>>4362907
>>4362914
>>4362916
The first is met with a magi-blast to the skull, though the helmet causes it to merely toss him back instead of pulping his skull. With magic being such a common thing here, magic-resistant wear and armor is standard-issue, which makes things just that much harder for you. You’re forced to duck out of sight as the second guard opens fire on you, several bullets streaking past. That was a pistol he had, but you’re not sure how many shots it has.

Yours, for the record, has a dozen. Loaner, though. Quickly you unholster the thing and take a deep breath...the bullets stop, and you snap your arm out and fire quickly. Two shots ring out and you hear his yell of surprise and scramble for cover- though you’re pretty sure at least one of them hit, you doubt it was a kill shot.

You decide it’s worth the risk to check, and indeed he’s on the floor, scrabbling to get behind cover. You quickly move ahead, and-

Shit! You barely duck the first swing of an electrified baton, swung by an officer that was trying to cover the wounded on, no doubt. He gets a kick to his midsection, followed up with two close range shots that put him down. Eight left. Moving on, you hit the stairs to B3.

“We’re outside, transport is warmed and we’re taking off!” Not much time left, then. You hear a couple sets of footsteps coming from above. Not sure how many- maybe three or more.

>Current Mana: 6500/11000

>Stay cautious. Engage carefully and lethally. You'll be better for it.
>No time; you'll just barrel through, and hope for the best.
>Other


>>4362931
Sure why not.

>>4362972
>Stay cautious. Engage carefully and lethally. You'll be better for it.
Time to Oper8

>>4362972
>Other
>summon Gartoum to lend a helping hand and use his shadow teleportation ability

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>>4362972
>Stay cautious. Engage carefully and lethally.
>Summon Gartoum.
You'll be better for it.
We're this close. Don't need to rush.

And nominating Orchid.

>>4362965
>>4362978
seconding Orchid

>>4362978
+

>>4362978
I almost feel like we've used Orchid before? Or maybe that's just all in my head.
Orchid is fine.

>>4362972
>Yours, for the record, has a dozen. Loaner, though.
what kind of pistol is that anyway? is it better than our mag-pistol from the mecha job?

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>>4362972
>>Other
>>summon Gartoum to lend a helping hand and use his shadow teleportation ability

Also I vote for Lobelia for obscure flower

>>4362978
+

>>4362972
>No time; you'll just barrel through, and hope for the best.
>With a Bodyshield up, bullets still hurt after all.
I feel like if we go cautiously they will evacuate or destroy all the good vehicles by the time we get there. We are on cameras I assume.

>>4363047
we're still carrying that big-ass orb in one hand and I think the clients want it in one piece
>A jump to get through a nearly closed door after climbing a number of ladders one-handed (damn this thing for not fitting in your bag)

Shadowstuff I believe the vote is.

Writing.

>>4363054
Ah, I did neglect that.

>>4362972
>>4362975
>>4362976
>>4362978
>>4362982
>>4362987
>>4362998
>>4363046
No, no. Can’t rush this- rushing hardly ever goes well unless everything else is in panic mode...which it kinda is, but still, you can’t afford to make mistakes here. Think, work carefully.

Ah. Of course. You drop down a flight just to keep some space. “Gartoum. Come out.” You say it as low as you dare, but fortunately he’s quick to respond regardless. The shadowbound creature has proven more than useful as of late, and you’re almost considering him as another member- though by his own admission he’d rather not deal with the day to day of living at the Intersection independently outside of the ring and prefers to simply be ‘on-call’ after all, bonded to service or not. “Can you get me past these guys?”

“Can certainly try!” With little else fanfare, you feel darkness enveloping you, and then a distinct feeling of movement...albeit slowly.

>Roll 1d20, best of three.

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>4363094

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>4363094

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>4363094

13. Writing.

>>4363094
>>4363096
It’s a tense few moments. You can hear vague mutters from everywhere...kind of like you’re submerged just below water. Attention high, they’re on the lookout for anything even remotely suspicious. You feel the sense of movement pause for a bit, precious seconds slipping by. More underwater mumbling...and finally, movement resuming. You’d take a breath if you weren’t worried they’d hear. “Almost there...B2, if you can hear my thoughts,” you think.
“Naturally.” Good. After what you reckon to be a couple minutes at least, though, suddenly there’s a loud series of noises, and before long you’re violently jolted and thrust back into the world of color and sound and feeling as Gartoum speaks with a slight hitch in his voice- worrying by itself. “Here we are- sorry, but methinks we should run quickly!” A bolt of some sort of magic impacts next to his head, leaving no room for guessing what might’ve happened as you recall him and take off on instinct. On the plus side, however, you did make it to B2...now you just need to make it out being chased by security!

“Alright, need to get to the vehicle bay and get out.” Hopefully there was something there worthwhile you could hijack…

You’re nearly waylaid by another guard pair, a big and small one, and keen enough to cut you off- the first is quick enough on the draw due to surprise (and maybe luck) that he gets a shot off just as you do- it doesn’t hit you, but it DOES hit your rental gun, causing it to essentially explode in your hand even as he’s doubled over by the center mass shot. Not enough to injure, but enough that his partner, a large, scaled creature of a being with heavy armor, thinks he’s got you- another LARGE baton-user, it seems, though this one is glowing with a heated light, no thank you.

You dodge the swing, causing it to impact into the wall behind you (and burning some hair) and considering the situation, you elect for a quick and violent removal using a technique you’d recently managed to figure out.

(cont.)

>>4363241

Your hand balls up into a fist, and in that split-second of realization by the big guy, you concentrate- and lash out. Your fist is a blur, the glow surrounding it just as hard to spot.

Especially because it vanishes a moment later, right before impact. There’s a half-second of puzzlement on big scaly’s face- before his eyes bulge as you hear something rather -wet- splorch inside him. His gear is getting damp, and his mouth bleeds red briefly before he collapses. At least it worked this time. Might’ve just been because he was so big.

>Current Mana: 6250/11000

>New Skill: One-Inch Shotgun Punch
>Bang. Some long hours of help from Izumi allowed the formation of an alternative method of execution from the standard Shotgun Punch- the impact’s force is briefly shunted forward in space from her fist’s position, THEN collected and quickly released using the addition power gathered during movement, allowing for a point-blank but not-quite contact-required method of release, allowing Miranda to bypass mundane armor entirely. The result can be messy, but effective. Miranda is still not great at it, however, and can occasionally over or undershoot distance and/or power.

>Cost: 250

That doesn’t help with the ones BEHIND you, however, and you’re forced to keep moving fast; fortunately, your recollection proves useful, and before long you see signs pointing to the vehicle bay- you’re quick to book it down there, but with enemies on your tail, you don’t exactly have spare time to peruse. Thank goodness there’s no ID locks, either... There IS a ‘card key rack’, however. A glass container- and one easily shattered. You just yank the first card your hands grab around, and a number is on it, likely pertaining to the ‘bay’…

>Roll 1d8, highest of three. In the interest of fairness, I’ll post the possible ‘results’:

>1: A motorized scooter with a container in the back.
>2: An electric bike with a holder in the front.
>3: An ATV.
>4: A company van.
>5: A standard company car.
>6: A high-performance company pursuit bike.
>7: A high-performance company pursuit car.
>8: A heavy armor company operations vehicle.

Rolled 3 (1d8)

>>4363272
Damn, what about the normal piercing Shotgun Punch if we now have something like this?

Rolled 5 (1d8)

>>4363272
Hoping for something speedy.

>>4363272
>4: A company van.
I probably WILL not GET MY TANK VAN DAMN IT

Rolled 7 (1d8)

>>4363272
>>4363280
>Roll for it.
just missed it...

>>4363281
... probably the best option that we can have. A heavy armor one is just too slow.
Thanks anon!

Rolled 5 (1d8)

>>4363272

>>4363276
It's still doable, just this one is more useful for getting past magic suppression duds. Or you could just see it as a straight upgrade, your choice.

Hi spec car it is!

wait a moment....
>New Skill: One-Inch Shotgun Punch
FUCK YEAH!

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>>4363286
...You're welcome, I guess...

Kinda bummed about not being able to drive up to the Care House in this jury-rigged monstrosity >>4362869...

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>>4363301
look on the bright side, if we stack more cars on top of it, we'll get a treehouse.

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>>4363272
>>New Skill: One-Inch Shotgun Punch
pic related

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1H43OFoxE9QyMgIqBg_YdPO7IPn7_ES6iST7Xnv9Ou7Q/edit#gid=0
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Z3xqyWOe5upXuYIUsBSV4pWkC1sG0mnYzn_lJyRJZiI/edit

>>4363301
>>4363309
>After countless decades of service, legendary veteran Outgoer Miranda Styles decides to retire and settle down as a Care House instructor. She also picks up vehicle collecting as a hobby.

>>4363311
Fitting. There's a vehicle in the game that's a hover bus.

File: 1590464785860.gif (2.6 MB, 2400x1386)

2.6 MB GIF

>>4363314
Just imagine the warcrimes miranda would do with a citadel.

>>4363319
>not going for the Leviathan or the Brunhilde.

Get on Miranda's level, anon.

>>4363324
FUCK, i knew i was forgetting the unplayable ones.

>>4363327
Nothing's unplayable when you can tear the hatches off of a five story tall red and white checkered space tank driven by sociopathic rich dickheads who fear the ground.

>>4363332
>We turn Brigador into grand theft auto
very nice.

>>4363332
>implying the spacers would even dare to touch the leviathan instead of using their own dirt fearing machines.

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>>4363272
>>4363276
>>4363278
>>4363281
7. You’re quick to run down the aisle, swipe the card in front of bay number 7.

And you admit a grin. This’ll work. Yes, this should work nicely.

You quickly unlock the sleek looking car and jump behind the wheel (taking a moment to cock the seat up and forward), damn manufacturers). Finally, use of both arms again- in a fashion. The core is nestled snugly on the passenger seat, and you rev the engine with more than a bit of a relief. “Orchid here,” you announce over your Enhanced Murmur Stone (or as Lorelei had started calling them, Hootstones. You didn’t like the new name.) “Got my ride. You should be getting a lock on my position in short order. Might have company with me, too.”

“Roger that! See you soon!” You’re quick to back out the bay- and just in time, as you see the numerous security officers burst in and begin firing. The squeal of wheels is only for a moment before you shoot off- nothing on the car’s HUD says any major damage was taken, thank goodness...but this is only temporary and you know it, as you prepare for a pursuit. Hardly thirty second later you indeed hear the roar of engines in the subterranean tunnel behind you- and getting loud very quickly. Risky speeds.

Soon, Lorelei’s voice comes through. “Alright, we’re reading you, Orchid! ETA three minutes! Hold them off until we can make it around! Over an’ out!”

“Don’t have to tell me that,” you mutter as you reach into your bag and pull out a submachine gun. Another loaner, actually, but this ‘XR3 Legatus’ bullpup was useful. Middle of the road, but useful. And speaking of ‘middle of the *road*’

A spray of bullets from said gun keeps the motorcycle pursuants from gaining too much ground, though it’s not enough to keep them back for very long- or from firing back. In another few seconds, the tunnel suddenly gives way to open air, and from there you’re a lot more open.

>Focus on keeping them back with gunfire- it won’t do for them to wreck your ride before the transport gets here, but you don’t need to be too aggressive in this case. Hopefully, they won’t ramp things up either.
>Do your best to ditch them via off and on-ramps and start darting down the streetways. They’re not actually open streets, but this place is massive enough that there’s room to maneuver and deceive. Hopefully.
>The best defense is a good offense. Start trying for maximum carnage with your pursuers, and ideally that’ll keep them fearful enough that they’ll think the costs are too much. That, or try that much harder to take you down, but not like you’ve got great options here.

>>4363310

That's an impressive excel sheet.

>>4363344
>Do your best to ditch them via off and on-ramps and start darting down the streetways. They’re not actually open streets, but this place is massive enough that there’s room to maneuver and deceive. Hopefully.
>Other
>Use barriers as ramps, set up light traps and sticky mana in narrow spaces

>>4363346
>Do your best to ditch them via off and on-ramps and start darting down the streetways. They’re not actually open streets, but this place is massive enough that there’s room to maneuver and deceive. Hopefully.
>Other
Start laying down 1 or 2 Light Barriers right in the middle of the road, if possible.

>>4363346
Thanks!

>>4363344
>>Do your best to ditch them via off and on-ramps and start darting down the streetways. They’re not actually open streets, but this place is massive enough that there’s room to maneuver and deceive. Hopefully.

Gotta keep our new ride presentable for the kids. And so we won't have to pay out the nose for repairs...

>>4363352
>>4363353
right, could flip the barriers after we're gone through them to block the path

>>4363352
>>4363353
>>4363357
+ on blocking them with barriers

>>4363352
>>4363353
+

>>4363344
>Do your best to ditch them via off and on-ramps and start darting down the streetways. They’re not actually open streets, but this place is massive enough that there’s room to maneuver and deceive. Hopefully.

I can't wait to paint that car blue and give it tank threads.

>>4363361
Eh, this one looks too nice to put on tank treads... Maybe an agrav system, though?

>>4363373
>Why not both.gif

>>4363344
Trying to bail on them takes it. Also light barriers as blockers.

>>4363378
who knew that roller derby tricks would come in handy?

>>4363378
It's racing game rules boys, the boss always lays down a punishing trail of traps you need to swerve though.

>>4363344
>>4363352
>>4363353
>>4363356
>>4363357
>>4363359
>>4363360
>>4363361
You’re not a fan of these guys, no sir. Which is why you’re quick to move the car over to the right, prepping to go off-ramp at speed. You might be in a good car, but you’re going to need to be careful that they don’t keep up with you around these turns. Which is why you toss out a quick barrier as you race off the off-ramp; you actually get a bit of airtime when zooming off, and have to make a hard, sliding turn to keep on the road proper. Fortunately, the looks aren’t just for show on this car, and it manages to do so.

You’re going to have to race hard to lose these guys. And because of that… “Hey, so FYI, if my signature gets a bit...here and there, that’s intention. Trying to lose some pursuers.”

“Good luck! We’re still on approach!” Right, then. You risk a peek in the rearview mirror…hopefully, you can ditch them without too much trouble.

>Current Mana: 5250/11000

>Roll 1d20, best of three.

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>4363408
Hmm.

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>4363408
Intentional* boss.

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>4363408

now that's a good escape car

>>4363408
You can hear the screeching of metal as one, then more of the cars pile up thanks to impact from your unexpected barrier. A number of cars desperately sound as though they’re trying to get out of the way, but it seems like for the most part a mass pile-up is in the immediate future. Only a single car manages to evade the pile up, careening off the edge of the street barricade, however. How it’s still up you’ll never know, but it’s too far behind to make much difference, thank goodness.

Before much longer, however, you still need to get to a distant enough location so that they can’t catch up once the barrier goes down- or just, well, find a different exit ramp. Ideally, they wouldn’t make it to your location until it was too late…

Although the whirring of a helicopter threw that plan into disarray. Great. Just peachy. “Got a bird in the sky bearing down on me! If you can get here quick-”

A retort of machinegun fire forces you to stop that for the time being and focus on evasive driving. The heavy munitions are throwing up some serious gravel, and it’s getting rough to see, but a turn off the road clears things up briefly- although bumpily as you tear through dirt and ram through a chain link fence through to another road, which you turn on and speed down away. “-THAT’D BE GREAT!”

And that’s when you hear a familiar engine whine. “This is Poppy! Big Owl’s coming in to eat the birds!”

(cont.)

>>4363525
You don’t like that name, either. Nonetheless, it’s relieving to see the SES transport, ‘Big Owl’ as Owlia had named it, with the selfsaid pilot at the helm. Ah, and they’re already waiting in the open hatch, too- Lorelei, Izumi, and…

“EMBRACE NOUGHT BUT ASH AND DECAY!” Cylica yells as dark tendrils stream from her staff. They slither towards the copter, just beginning to turn its gun on the transport- and suddenly the pieces start slowly turning to iron filament and separated pieces before your eyes. The chopper sticks in the air for moments- but as the spell continues, it’s quick to turn around and attempt to evacuate the scene.

‘Attempt’ being the keyword; the car stopped as you race for the transport, core in hand. As you reach it, you turn to see that before long the attack chopper's primary rotor pieces suddenly fire off in all directions after getting a bit away from you, and the vehicle drops like a rock, a fireball being the mark of the end of its existence.

>Owlia
>New Skill/Tool: Manamine- A crystal that emits a sphere of impressed mana that, when set that can last for hours, WITHOUT active concentration. Theoretically can be used for remote activation of mana-using devices, or other purposes…
>Mana Limit Updated- 2000 > 2500
>Resting better. Still hopelessly in love with Cylica.

>Cylica
>New Skill: Dark Decomposition- Cylica can decompose a NON-organic (living) construction down to its base components, to allow for retrieval of rare parts or simply material for other purposes. Mana Cost- Dependant on target.
>Still haughty. Still a bitch. Still hopelessly in love with Owlia.

You turn to see Cylica, standing smugly. “Well? I believe you have a few words to say?”

You sigh, barely avoiding rolling your eyes. “...alright, maybe you were worth bringing on this after all.”

If she could fluff in pride, she would. “THANK you.”

“Still doesn’t mean you’re getting a bigger mote share. You two wanted ‘inspiration and materials’.” Her frown is amusing, but at least she doesn’t complain about it.

"Right-o!" Owlia calls from the front seat. "Let's get outta here before the big boom goes off! Way Daisy made it sound, it'd SUCK if we were around to see it!"

"Not wrong," Lorelei quips.

The bay door closes, and you let out a small sigh of relief. Although that doesn't last long...you should probably be on the lookout for any MORE interceptors before you get back to base.

(Done for the night! I need sleep. Will resume tomorrow.)

>>4363536
Thanks for running! Glad to have you back in action.

>>4363536
G'night, boss. Good to see you around again.

I was nervous, getting back to this. But once I started, it was a good feeling. Glad to be back.

As you may have guessed, there have been some changes with our SES girls. Patch Notes will be presented in due time.

yeah, it feels like there was a HUGE time jump since the last time we played her. it feels like the jump is bigger than all the time we've played as miranda, even.

Thanks for running!

>>4363551
How many pay-cylces have passed between the start of the quest and the last job? Five? Six?

>>4363560
i have no fucking idea. i'm guessing like 10, but 15 sound more like it.

>>4363563
Oh god...

We’re going to be dealing with teen versions of our kids.

>>4363570
lets hope not. i want to see them grow

>>4363563
I might've worded it poorly, I meant 'how many pay-cycles have passed during our playtime before this hiatus?'

>>4363574
Like....15?
It usually took us like 5-10 threads to do a mission, but there were some that were done in like 3.

>>4363548
Good show boss. And damn if I miss this feeling too!

>>4363536
Glad to see you back in action Handler!

>>4363536
When the light abates, you allow yourself a little stretch. For a job that had so many creature comforts, it was a bit of a slog. Getting noticed as street toughs, quick working through the ranks, blah blah…

Still, they’d done well enough. And some much needed pocket money were in all of your wallets, which...well, was frankly needed.

Not horribly, mind, but with the added expenses from your new metallic component of the company, things were getting more expensive, and even the HQ itself had to take a bit of a backseat lately- you’d managed to get the Sleeping Quarters upgraded, at least. Mono and Nura both tended to sleep there, and Owlia could usually be found trudging about as well after burning long hours in the lab. Ultimately, fairly useful. Your own little place wasn’t the only area seeing growth, however. You had to say that the new park was looking lively, and the housing being added to in the Crafter’s District was needed...even if it was never not weird how the buildings looked as though they were growing more than being built. Motework was odd like that.

Still...it’s good to have spending money again.

>Current Motes: 75.50

“Yo!” A fanged smile greets you as you step out- Mono, the bardic talent of your group, and one who was starting to impress you. “Hail the conquering heroes?”

“Wouldn’t call us heroes,” Izumi grumbles. “More purveyors of dark justice, in this case…I’m still not certain our clients were as noble as they claimed.”

“They’re a business, ‘Zumi,” Lorelei reminds her. “They ain’t clean- but honestly, they were probably a LOT better than the guys we were stealing from. Maybe.”

Izumi meets her with a goggled stare. “ ‘Maybe’ ?”

Lorelei shrugs incredulously. “Well, we know they weren’t making killer robots or bioweapons! So yeah, probably better.”

“...” Huffing, Izumi gives a sideways nod, conceding the point. "I just hope they prove worthy of using such power."

>Izumi
>Extreme Tension now lasts for ten seconds.
>Size and power limit of Shape Weapon is increased.

Mono just shrugs. “‘Unno. ‘Dark Justice’ kinda sounds cool. Ba- nah-nah-nah, Dark Justiiiiice...” she lowly sings as she air strums a few guitar notes of some made up tune. You can just barely hear the ethereal sound in the air...girl’s really hyped about that new skill of hers. Mind, she just managed to get it remotely consistent maybe a week ago...can’t blame her for wanting to perfect it.

>Mono
>New Skill: Air Guitar- About as it sounds. She can strum the air to essentially create music from thin air, with the caveat that it's ONLY guitar style music. This allows her to make energizing effects (buffs) to her friends without singing. Also costs less mana than a full singing reality warp, but she lacks the concentration (and mana limit) to do both right now.
Cost: ~1000
>Scarf is being used.
>Mana Limit Updated: 3000 > 3250

(cont.)

>>4364582
With that, Lorelei grins. "So, what's your plan for the break, 'Randa? You down for that ice cream social thing yet?" Oh yeah. She’d mentioned that several Outgoers had started getting together at a place. Supposedly to commiserate and just shoot shit, but...y’know, public. She was also trying to get you to come along- and bring one of your...well, friends was a strong word, but one of the people you knew outside of the company. You had a few choices, but that was presuming you wanted to go in the first place.

> Fine. Just need time to find someone else to drag along with you…
> Ask again later; you’re kinda exhausted and just want to nap for a bit.
> Actually, didn’t Mono have a thing tomorrow? Might was going to see that.
> Actually, you have a derby game to practice for. You were surprised that you’d agreed to another one, yourself.
> Other

>>4364610
> Fine. Just need time to find someone else to drag along with you…
Networking networking

>>4364610
> Fine. Just need time to find someone else to drag along with you…
could learn some more about other companies

>>4364610
> Actually, you have a derby game to practice for. You were surprised that you’d agreed to another one, yourself.

It'd be nice to jam with the other girls again.

>>4364610
> Fine. Just need time to find someone else to drag along with you…

>>4364610
>Fine. Just need time to find someone else to drag along with you…
Time to shove our hands in everyone's pie

Whoop, writing. Ice Cream stuff.

Made a few notes when the hiatus started about the stuff that needs to be checked once MGFH returns

>Touch base with the crew
Izumi - mass layoff investigation, improve directed magiwave techniques together, talk about the stuff that happened last year
Lori - how are her meditation lessons going, progress on bots' magical training and new bodies, how is everyone doing
Mono - check how much she's grown as an outgoer, are bard lessons actually helping? train her some more (she's the least skilled member imo)
Science Team - take a look at the new pupper-bot, research progress check
Gartoum - still don't have a proper skill list

>Shopping List
Pick up our special order from dwarven weaponsmiths - it's not gonna be an actual whip-sword, right?
Mewla's Camofly
Restock Moleworm mines
Non-magical heavy weapon - to counter anti-magic
Enchant/upgrade our clothes and weapons, treat/attune our gear

>>4364702
We had a brief time-skip, so we should have picked up the weapon by now.

I do want a conventional anti-magic weapon though. Either heavy for bossing or just for normal "mobbing" purposes.

Sorry about the delay. Had to take care of some things. Finishing up now.

>>4364702
We should probably add in getting Mitzi to take a look at our new ride. Maybe install a grav system, or some side air bags for the kids.

>>4364748
>the car stopped as you race for the transport, core in hand. >>4363536
I'm sorry anon, but the car was left behind.

>>4364757
...well, I guess that means my dreams of stealing a cargo van welded on top of a tank can still happen, then!

>>4364715
>I do want a conventional anti-magic weapon though
but we already have DEEZ GUNS.

>>4364770
what DEEZ GUNS are you talking about? if we had something like that, then we wouldn't have any trouble dealing with that two-headed anti-magic bear in the last mission.

>>4364715
We could try doing something with that Ivonium gun we took from the Tailspin world we went to and the Seither pellet gun. Might be more of a magic warping weapon, though.

>>4364610
>>4364614
>>4364615
>>4364641
>>4364647
“Fine,” you sigh. Might as well. Could meet some new possible contacts for business purposes. You’re not opposed to that. You’ve been keeping up on some information as of late as you’ve worked your way to get higher up the Outgoer ladder, and some major news has constituted a bit of shaking up the Outgoer community up and down the pole.

Interdiction recently had a bit of a shuffling around; apparently they’re restructuring their squads to one A-Rank member per team in order to stave off potential internecine conflict between A-Rankers. Not sure how well that’ll go for them, but whatever.

The Coven and the Shadowwalkers groups merged to form the Guild of Shadows. There were some arguments between members, but it’s been making waves lately as everything gels together and settles into a rhythm. Wonder how Taminy is feeling about it. Last you talked with her she seemed neutral on the subject.

Let’s see...what else? Well...admittedly, that’s about the most you’ve deemed important, aside from the occasional tidbit about...the ongoing issue. The Deal-Maker thing. There’s still occasional hints here and there about someone- no one’s saying who, probably for good reason- getting veery cozy with at least one Deal Maker. Again, no one’s saying who, and likely for very VERY good reason. But it’s worrying. You’d expect the Tribunal or the Ingenious themselves to handle this, but...so far, nothing. Maybe it’s just rumors and jealousy, honestly.

Bah, nevermind that. Need to figure who you’re going to haul along to this. Maybe you could call up a member of your roller derby...well, ‘team’ is a strong word, but to your surprise, you’d been called up by Risenlas, of all folks, asking if you guys wanted to run a practice session once ‘for fun’. You’d agreed, and well...it went okay. Might be a thing in the future, might not. Anyway, they’re possibilities.

>Who to call?

>Irina
>Taminy
>Risenlas
>Lily Tan-Tan
>Other

>>4364781
aren't they just basic injectors that don't do anything special?

>>4364778
>what DEEZ GUNS are you talking about?
Left and right arm, duh.

>>4364786
Who was the S-rank courier? Her.

>>4364786
>>Irina

>>4364786
>Taminy
>Risenlas
whynotboth
We can only bring one, right? If so then my vote's for Risenlas.

>>4364786
>Risenlas
Might be fun introducing her to ice cream.

>>4364788
True... Might be better seeing how Seither and Ivonium react to each other. I've no doubt Owlia's snuck out a couple of samples of Ivonium.

>>4364786
>Irina
>Taminy
Keep it small and these two are the closest to us.(in terms of screentime)

>>4364790
Citrine?

>>4364790
Citrine Flash's only A rank, because S rank hasn't been obtained by anyone, I think. And also she's a celeb PR queen, she has better business than to go out with a B rank.

>>4364786
>Risenlas
>Taminy

>>4364790
I don't think we have her number...

>>4364798
Thank you! i just don't remember ANYBODY but the SES crew and the daycare kids.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

Hmmm...flipping a coing.

1: Taminy
2: Risenlas

>>4364827
looks like team unga bunga is crashing this party

>>4364805
there's a 'Contacts' list in the sheets doc for convenience >>4363310

>>4364847
Thank you anon!

>>4364798
I thought Citrine quietly vanished and retired after we met her at the care house.

>>4364786
>>4364827
Might as well call the big girl up, see if she’s down for some socializing...well, not like that isn’t a foregone conclusion. You’ve had limited contact with her, but it’s obvious she relishes being in the spotlight. Well, maybe not, but she sure loves talking, at least. Maybe she can do it all for you tonight. “Yo.”

“Ah! Hallo, good warrior!” Pleasant as always, you’ll give her that. “Why do you seek my attention this day? Are you in need?”

“No,” you sigh. “Moreso just- there’s this thing happening later, an ice cream social. Bunch of Outgoers meeting up and bitching about work most like. Was thinking on going and wondering if you wanted to pal along with.”

“Ah! A forum of warriors? Intriguing!” Yeah, you kinda figured. “I shall agree to this sojourn! Mayhap where shall we meet to journey towards it? I must confess this ‘Gee Pee Ess’ device seems most useful, but it eludes my understanding beyond short distances…” Oh. Poor girl.

“Just let me know your address, I’ll pick you up and then we can go. I’ve got a ride and it should be big enough for two.” Well...maybe. She’s big, you’re not, Red’s midsized...hope it works out. Nonetheless, she gives the address, and you agree to pick her up in a couple of hours- from what Lorelei told you, you still had a bit of time to relax, at least. Maybe a soak…

After a good, warm bath, your mood considerably less grumpy, you step back out of the apartment. Risenlas is waiting, and honestly, ice cream doesn’t sound too bad right now.

She greets you as you arrive on the outskirts of her complex with a loud hail- seems like she’s gotten into streetwear, as the more frilly outfits she used to wear are gone, replaced by thick jeans and a tank top, leaving her arms uncovered. Beefy lass, really. She laughs when you compliment the look. “Ha ha! I was told that many individuals here are fans of a mightier physique on women! A change I can quite appreciate!”

No comment.

The place is called ‘Vinny’s’, and as far as you can tell it looks like an old-fashioned diner, if perhaps focused around frozen treats. You can already see a lot of people inside...not great.

“Oho!” Not that Risenlas thinks the same. “It appears that many a warrior has congregated here! Fortunate!” Fortunate? Why?

Well, not that you’re asking. You both enter, and you’re quick to notice the large, smooth-skinned lizard-esque creature at the long counter; Nametag say 'Haili, and she seems to be not too busy, serving a pair of customers casually as the dozen or so Outgoer folks nearby commiserate in their little group.

“Let us forge ahead to meet our new compatriots!” Risenlas cheers.

> “Actually, you go on ahead. I’m going to order something first.” You’re not stalling, but you really DID want some ice cream, or maybe a float or something. If anything, she can soften them up for you.
> “Might as well.” Go ahead and dive right into it. Can’t hurt too much, you suppose, and no reason to act like a wallflower.
>Other

>>4364903
> “Actually, you go on ahead. I’m going to order something first.” You’re not stalling, but you really DID want some ice cream, or maybe a float or something. If anything, she can soften them up for you.
Scout then act. It's the basic.

>>4364903
>> “Might as well.” Go ahead and dive right into it. Can’t hurt too much, you suppose, and no reason to act like a wallflower.

File: the-feast-ice-cream-sundaes-02.jpg (112 KB, 771x771)

112 KB JPG

>>4364903
>“Actually, you go on ahead. I’m going to order something first.” You’re not stalling, but you really DID want some ice cream, or maybe a float or something. If anything, she can soften them up for you.
ICE CREAM.

>>4364903
> “Might as well.” Go ahead and dive right into it. Can’t hurt too much, you suppose, and no reason to act like a wallflower.

>>4364903
> “Actually, you go on ahead. I’m going to order something first.” You’re not stalling, but you really DID want some ice cream, or maybe a float or something. If anything, she can soften them up for you.

File: file.png (1.94 MB, 864x1300)

1.94 MB PNG

>maybe a float or something.

See if they have any Cream Soda.

>>4364903
Oh right, where's Lori? Is she late?

>>4364903
Writing!

>>4364903
>>4364910
>>4364913
>>4364917
You shrug. “Actually, you go on ahead. I’m going to order something first. Was REALLY hoping for an ice cream float or something first.”

She nods in understanding, and heads off quickly enough, engaging pretty much the first person she sees. You, on the other hand, you’re going to make good on that ice cream. Well, ice cream float. Fortunately, Haili is quick to oblige, and they even have Cream Soda flavor, to your private delight.

It doesn’t take long to see Risenlas is really getting some looks. Impressed ones, that is. Good for her.

You’re considering heading that way when you sense someone sitting down next to you...and they’re focused on you in particular. “What an attempt at camaraderie.” The voice is accented and a bit gravely. “Smiles, perhaps painted on yet earnest in zer attempts to find zomething to waylay ze ever encroaching ennui that shall permeate lives such as ours without ze familiarity of risk, ze rush of death ever inches away, like a raincoat molded to ze skin.” ...what?

You finally turn to the individual in question- dressed in a full body, black dress, with rips here and there, but going down to her ankles, and beneath it you can see some sort of silver undershirt. She has a classic witch hat, if torn up, and her body looks frail, but yet young and mirthful and wizened all at once. Even has a small black stick in her hands- not a wand, as it’s slightly pointed at the end, and she seems to plant it in her mouth, much like a tooth pick, chewing on it briefly. “And you are…?” you hazard.

“Ah, forgive me,” she nods in greetings properly. “I am Suzette. Having zacrificed my last name for profane eldritch knowledge, I am merely known as Suzette, ze Full Witch.“ She smiles. “And you? You I have heard of, Madam Miranda. Most interesting to zee you here.” She turns away before you can answer. "Milkshake. French Vanilla."

Huh. Fancy that. So this is one of those Coven girls?

> "Good taste." Keep it to a minimum.
> "Going to try your hand at this 'camaraderie, then'?"
> "Heard of you, myself. Hows the merger treating you?"
> Other

Done for tonight. Dunno if I'll be able to run or post tomorrow. May have to expect weekends for the most part. We'll see.

>>4365054
It's fine. At least you're back.

>>4365051
> "Heard of you, myself. Hows the merger treating you?"
>"Kira mentioned you when I met her a while back."

>>4365051
> "Good taste."
>"Heard of you, myself. Hows the merger treating you?"

>>4365051
>>4365060
+1

File: The Full Witch.png (58 KB, 1589x452)

58 KB PNG

here's the bit about Susie from #90

File: creepy susie.png (554 KB, 960x1200)

554 KB PNG

>>4365051
> "Heard of you, myself. Hows the merger treating you?"
>"Kira mentioned you when I met her a while back."
>"I assume you've heard of me from Taminy?"

>>4365082
A typical weird witch then. French too.
Me like.

Also she's totally pic related with a hat.

>>4365051
>>4365101
supporting

>>4365101
Well, she WAS inspired by her partially, yes. But there was another character that influenced her creation. If anyone's ever watched Ruby Gloom, it's an easy guess.

>>4365051
lot of ennui in real life right now
quick say something motivational Risenlas!

I hope the timeskip was long enough for our science team to reverse-engineer the stuff we've donated and we could get upgrade our gear or get more useful items instead of loaning situational items and forgetting about them once the job starts. Mana reactors to recharge ourselves or use techniques for prolonged periods of time, modernized manastone weapons, safe Seither crystals, that kind of stuff. We've been sitting on our motes for a year instead of doing anything useful with it (although desu most of the stuff in the shop is kinda meh in terms of stats and prices, only items with 'bonuses' are worth looking at).

>>4370500
and with Nura who used to be an enchanter-artificer working on jewelry we could do something with the clothes we wear, like all the necklaces, headgear and other stuff. In some item descriptions crystals are mentioned, maybe O&C could cook up something as well (Magical Battle Skirt had a diamond-coated layer and the medal we got in the knights of the moon mission had a crystal in it - something the church was enchanting)

>>4370506
>>4370500
it seems like some decent time has passed. at least enough time to make our plane an actual thing that we can bring into missions and for some of the girls to gain new powers, so like......5 missions worth of time at least? i'm still thinking that around 15 or so.

>>4365688
Is everything okay?

>>4370641
He's still active on Discord. I'm assuming we're running mostly on weekends now. Don't worry too much, this has happened before.

>>4370653
he's 'online', not active

Wait, there's a discord? Aw fuck.

Basically, yeah. We're running on weekends now.

And relax, the Discord isn't some sort of elite club or anything. Nothing serious has been talked about there that hasn't been brought up here, and I intend to keep it that way.

At any rate, writing!

>>4365051
>>4365060
>>4365071
>>4365070
>>4365101
>>4365559
"Heard of you, myself,” you venture. “How’s the merger treating you?"

She shrugs. “It iz but more colleagues of pain and suffering, lashing out at zat which does not feel pain itzelf. More voices crying defiance at ze abyss for naught to hear. So alright, I suppose. More people for movie nights. Perhaps I can find a kindred spirit in good ‘orror movies at last...”

"Right...Kira mentioned you when I met her a while back. She seemed to like you." Bit of a fib, but best to keep on her good side.

She snorts. “Ze witchling has potential. I ‘ave tutored her from time to time. She lacks ze proper...mindset, for a witch, but ozzerwise, her skill is laudable. Also quite skilled with ze Living Tarot. Ah- it iz like a traditional tarot reading, however, ze cards are blank,” she explains at your curious look. “It takes magic to unveil what ze cards ‘ave to say, skill to comprehend it, and zey never say ze exact same zing for anyone. It iz not an easy skill to come by- I myself am not so adept at it, but in truth, I ze little reason for it. We are all fated to an eternal torment one way or anozer, so hey?”

...right. Well then- “Aha! My friend, you are making more friends!” Ah, Rizenlas. She seems quite happy to see you socializing. “Excellent! Come, I would like to meet your newest acquaintance!”

Oh...hm. Not sure if that would be the best thing for her…oh. Oh, she’s already getting up. She has a small, sickly, but honest smile on her face as she approaches your friend; with hand outstretched, Rizenlas takes hers and shakes it vigorously. “Well met! I am Rizenlas, of Interdiction! I understand we are not to stand on ceremony here, correct?”

“Ceremony, much like my hand, is fragile and breaks quickly when under severe stress,” Suzette moans as she tries to get feeling back in her digits. “Nonezeless, it is most interesting to meet you. I am Suzette, ze Full Witch.”

“Ah! My apologies,” Rizenlas offers. “My strength is prodigious, and at times I have been known to misjudge it! In fact, recently, I will confess to an accident that was yet found quite humorous…”

“Was zere anyone maimed?” Suzette asks with an odd gleam in her eye.

“Of course not!” is the proud response.

“A shame. Za may have been more funny,” she mutters. “Carry on.”

“...Right!” Seems like she just glossed over it. “Well, then, it happened right before I went in for a bit of training…”

As she begins her tale, you can see that there’s a number of people here, most in their own worlds, but some that seem to be on the lookout as well- wallflowers nursing drinks or otherwise maybe hoping someone takes initiative. You can’t blame them. Now, how to do this…

>Try to find someone a bit shyer- you’ll have to carry the conversation, though…
>Focus on someone already talking; you can just interject if something interesting crops up.
>Stick near Rizenlas and Suzette; if for no other reason than diffusing Suzie's creep factor.
>Other

>>4376709
>Stick near Rizenlas and Suzette; if for no other reason than diffusing Suzie's creep factor.

>>4376709
>Stick near Rizenlas and Suzette; if for no other reason than diffusing Suzie's creep factor.

>>4376709
>Try to find someone a bit shyer- you’ll have to carry the conversation, though…
So where's Lori?

>>4376715
Hmm
>Other: Wonder where Lorelei is.
As an extra action.

>>4376709
>Stick near Rizenlas and Suzette; if for no other reason than diffusing Suzie's creep factor.
>look for/wait for Lorelei

>>4376721
>>4376722
Supporting.
Let's hope she isn't making a scene.

>>4376724
Naw, she wouldn't do- okay can't finish that sentence.

Writing!

>>4376709
>>4376715
>>4376718
>>4376721
>>4376722
>>4376724
After looking around and considering the options, you think the best one might be just to stick where you are. Rizenlas has a smile on her face as always, but every time Suzie hits her with another one of her morbid or just plain creepy lines, that strong smile wavers just a bit. You’re not really interested in seeing what a weirded out Rizen looks like, so it might be best for all parties involved for you to interject if things seem to be getting a bit too much.

It’s not much later that you realize- a certain someone that’s the cause of all this isn’t anywhere in sight. “Hey...where’s Lorelei?” you mutter to yourself. She’s not exactly the most low-key individual, so…

“Whom?” Rizen is more attentive than you thought, apparently, as she immediately turns her focus towards you. “Someone you know?”

“Friend and workmate. She invited me here in the first place,” you explain. “Thought she’d be here by now.”

“Ah! I see!” Without warning, she turns to the mass herself, and speaks up, her voice carrying easily through the throng. “Has anyone here seen a young woman by the name of Lorelei!? We seek her!”

If nothing else, the group doesn’t seem offended, muttering to each other briefly before you start hearing responses. “Blonde and pretty cool? Yeah, she was here earlier,” one guy says. “Ran off somewhere not too long ago, though.”

“She said she was gonna get some stuff after she talked to Haili for a bit,” a girl pipes up, who comes up to you herself. She’s a tall one, olive-skinned, brunette, and looks like a statuesque model with her form fitting biker-wear. “Haili’s super chill,” she whispers to you, “So we can get away with a lot more than if Vinny’s manning the counter. Don’t worry, it’ll be fun!”

...Ah. Dare you ask her...

>Nope, leaving it alone.
>Might as well brace for impact.
>You need to get to the source, NOW.
>Other

>>4376807
>You need to get to the source, NOW.
We ain't paying for another incident.

>>4376807
>You need to get to the source, NOW.

>>4376807
>You need to get to the source, NOW.
Because getting a buncha supers high off their arses is always a good idea.

>>4376807
>>Might as well brace for impact.Get away from the splash zones, then send a text saying "You're a big girl now, so I'm sure you've got enough Lotes for all the dry cleaning/property damage, right?"

>>4376807
Supporting >>4376818

She better answer...

Writing!

>>4376807
>>4376809
>>4376812
>>4376816
Yeah, no, whatever’s about to happen, you A: want to know the explicit details, and B: likely stop it. Which is why you bother to excuse yourself and immediately dial the number of the would-be perpetrator. “Heeeey, ‘Randa! Made it there?”

“Sure did,” you confirm. “Hung around, talked a bit, heard you went out to get some ‘stuff’.” You’re pretty sure she can hear the air quote inflection. “Might telling me what that ‘stuff’ is?”

“Aww, come on!” She sounds more pouty than really angry. “What, you think I’m some kinda druggie?”

“No, but I wouldn’t put it past you to bring something that might cause a museum-tier price tag to come down on us,” you affirm.

“Totally wouldn’t! Once is enough!” she insists. “Look, trust me, what I got isn’t anything like that! It’s just gonna be funny!”

You’re not letting this go so easily. “Funny how? Funny ‘ha-ha’ or funny ‘weird’?”

The pause isn’t good. “Uhhh...lil’ of column A, lil’ of B? NOT dangerous, though! It’s like, stuff for a game, that’s all!”

Ugh…

> “Fine, but if there’s any damages, you’re paying for it ALONE, hear me?”
> “Lorelei. No. I hate to be the bad guy here, but…”
> Other

>>4376962
> “Fine, but if there’s any damages, you’re paying for it ALONE, hear me?”

You're a big girl, so I trust you to take responsibility like a big girl.
Don't actually say this aloud. We get teased enough about teaching the kids.

>>4376962
> “Fine, but if there’s any damages, you’re paying for it ALONE, hear me?”
> ".... I'm curious myself. What are you really planning?"

Hey, as long as she has fun and it doesn't bite our wallets.

>>4376962
> “Fine, but if there’s any damages, you’re paying for it ALONE, hear me?”

>>4376962
>>4376972

>>4376972
+

Writing!

>>4376962
>>4376968
>>4376978
>>4376983
>>4376990
You sigh. She should understand the potential downsides, and, well...to be fair, she’d been somewhat better recently, despite your misgivings. “Fine, but if there’s any damages, you’re paying for it ALONE, hear me?” You’re not paying for any mistakes of hers, though.

“Relaaax, there won’t be any damages! We’re gonna have a lotta fun stories in the future, though!”

Damnit, when she puts it like that. "...I'm curious myself. What are you really planning?"

“Well, you know that game ‘Never have I ever?’” you can practically HEAR her grin. “It’s like that plus truth or dare! And props WILL be needed!”

Oh joy.

Thus, you find yourself around a number of tables with over a dozen Outgoers and one way-too-giddy Lorelei. “Hokay! So, in the spirit of Outgoer bonding, we’re playin’ a game and here’s the rules! One, someone says they’ve never done something specific on a job, to someone else. If you HAVE, you haveta take a shot of THIS!” And she holds up of a bottle of… ‘Diavela’s Faefire Sauce- Use With Caution!’ “UNLESS you’re willing to tell us, IN DETAIL, how you did it, or in some cases...SHOW us!”

A few ‘Ooh’s’ go around- yeah, that could get embarrassing real quick. “Last one standing gets a 5 Large Mote gift card to the store of their choice from yours truly! Who’s game!?”

To your surprise, several opt out, and at the end of the day there are eleven total. Rizenlas had bought into the challenge, but yourself and Suzie hadn’t said anything, though Lorelei was clearly looking at you expectantly. “Your friend zeems disappointed, which should not be unfamiliar in zis place…” Suzie notes to you silently. “Interezing it may be, but to bare one’s soul so blatantly requires more zan strength of arms. Besizids, I doubt any would wish to hear zee...blood-curdling and horrid zings I have done.” There’s something about the way she says that that makes you wonder if she’s ACTUALLY being honest about that or not...

> “Yeah, I’m not much for airing my dirty laundry in public.”
> “So are you saying you’re not that strong?”
> “Well...I’ll take part if you do. How about that?”
> Other

>>4377132
>"I'm not exactly a fan of gastrointestinal agony, so I'll pass."

>>4377132
>"I'm not exactly a fan of gastrointestinal agony, so I'll pass."
>"I'm fine with just watching, and someone has to be the designated driver."

>>4377132
>"I'm not exactly a fan of gastrointestinal agony, so I'll pass."
>"I'm fine with just watching, and someone has to be the designated driver."

>>4377132
>"I'm not exactly a fan of gastrointestinal agony, so I'll pass."
>"I'm fine with just watching, and someone has to be the designated driver."
Something tells me this Faefire Sauce is not just alcohol. Can never trust those fey folks.

>>4377132
>"I'm not exactly a fan of gastrointestinal agony, so I'll pass."
>"You've said it would be funny."
I don't get the 'designated driver' bit, it sounds like some extremely hot spice to me.

We'll pass. Writing.

>>4377132
>>4377133
>>4377134
>>4377138
>>4377140
Lorelei can stinkeye you all she wants, you’re not taking part in this. You’re not stopping it, but that doesn’t mean you have to go along entirely. "I'm not exactly a fan of gastrointestinal agony, so I'll pass." You make sure to say that loud enough for her to hear, and she just rolls her eyes and turns to see if any others take her up. "I'm fine with just watching, and someone has to be the designated driver."

“You expect alcohol?” Suzie asks.

“Either that or killer stomachaches,” you clarify. You swear you felt the heat off that bottle from here…

Eventually, however, three more individuals decide to participate- meaning they were peer pressured. One younger kid with a lot of red and purple on, a tall, thin girl with freckles and thick glasses but a surprisingly confident face, and a purple, straight-horned woman who seems to agree only reluctantly. “Alrighty! Now that we’re all set, let’s get ready for some secrets!”

Right. At first, you have to admit it doesn’t sound...well, too dangerous to property, at least. Might even be morbidly hilarious like Suzie wants.

At first, the questions are largely benign. Basic, and some friendly tales of risks taken and funny moments. No one drinks.

But then the first poor sap is forced to down their shot. “Never have I ever had to swim through garbage for a job.” The way she was grinning (and the recipient’s glare) tells you that she knew the answer, and there’s a tense moment where she looks between her tormenter and the bright-green shot, before downing it while glaring at her.

It takes all of three seconds before she’s holding her throat begging for ice cream- which Lorelei seems to have gotten ready beforehand, having warned Haili in advance. She practically face-dives into her bowl, but it doesn’t seem to do her much good, judging by her continuous howls and the rapidly melting ice cream, which had looked to you pretty massive.

“Ho ho...zis may be zome fun indeed,” Suzie says with a small smile. You...aren’t so sure, as you watch the poor girl careen off to the bathroom for reasons you’d rather not think of.

-------
(Considering how this sequence should go, I'll try to have one or two posts per day this week, but no major runs.)

>>4377252
>”Uh, Lorelei? Sorry to interrupt the game, but did you check with Haili regarding how many stalls this place has and compare with how many people are playing?”

>>4377269
>She knew the place doesn't have enough bathroom spots but still decided to run the game anyway.

>>4377252
i'm having cosmic brownies flashbacks

File: thread 7.5.png (15 KB, 1632x87)

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>>4377252
>The way she was grinning (and the recipient’s glare) tells you that she knew the answer
Really dodged a bullet on that one. Not today, Lori.

Although to be honest it's really nice of Lori to keep trying to bring Randa out of her shell. Although she's still being a stick in the mud, the change is noticeable if we compare it to the broken bird bit from the start of the quest.

>>4378554
its way easier to come out of your shell when you have voices in your head forcing you to do stuff.

>>4378662
i mean, we still shot down the offers to join karaoke battle, and this thing too.

>>4378662
technically, all we did was show newbies around and host movie nights, nothing too far from the comfort zone.

>>4378666
A karaoke battle is one thing, truth or dare with magical hot sauce bowel cleanser is something else entirely.

Maybe if the dare part was eating a sundae of all the worst or most bizarre flavors Vinny has, I could see Miranda trying it.

So something that I don't think I ever really clarified- durability. That's a thing that's been...iffy, in some cases, and that's because I'VE been iffy in some cases. Particularly on the subject of bullets.

I don't like the idea that they could just casually shrug off firearms, but at the same time it seems a little bit much to me that they could be taken down with such a common tool. So I think what I've eventually come to in terms of a decision is that real bullets affect them like air soft or paint ball bullets affect normal people, if hit on bare skin.

Hurts like a bitch, but isn't fatal. Unless they get a lucky shot or hit a soft point.

Just wanted to clarify. Alright, writing my post.

Rolled 7 (1d13)

>>4377252
Lorelei is laughing like a loon, as are the others- baring Rizenlas and one or two worried ‘contestants’. Whatever they think of it, you’re suddenly extremely glad you’re not participating. “One down!” she crows.

“Wuss.” The biker-clad girl that talked to you earlier seems like she’s putting on a brave face at least.

And of course that means she’s the next target, as chosen by a bottle spin, with a young, lion-esque fellow being her potential tormentor. “Alrighty...I’ve never-”

“Hey, you gotta say the phrase right!” Lorelei quickly interrupts, looking far too serious for this kind of game.

He just sighs. “Fiine. Never have I ever...had to eat a sapient to finish a job!” He looks confident in that one, curiously enough.

The lady looks pensive. “Hmmm...define ‘eat’.”

Oh boy. This may end up worse than you thought. “Hey, so...Lori, you made sure there’s enough bathrooms in this place just in case, right?”

She actually snorts at that question. “Oh, come on! We’re all Outgoers here! I’m pretty sure at least a couple of us are a bit tougher than some omega-hot sauce!”

>One Moment Please...

>>4378742
Alright, roll 7d20, best of three. (I don't think there's 7 players here others I'd have one apiece.)

Yes, these are Fortitude Saving Throws.

Rolled 17, 10, 12, 10, 13, 12, 14 = 88 (7d20)

>>4378742
Let's see now.

File: how it feels to chew 5 gum.gif (476 KB, 500x288)

476 KB GIF

Rolled 4, 15, 14, 6, 15, 20, 9 = 83 (7d20)

>>4378742

Rolled 12, 5, 7, 5, 9, 16, 3 = 57 (7d20)

>>4378742
Here goes...

We should have a drop of this killer sauce, out of curiosity.

How's Miranda's spice tolerance Handler?

>>4378747
>>4378751
>>4378752
Huh. Some could hold their tongue. Others not so much. Variety of effects. Risenlas was affected. How? You'll have to wait and see...tomorrow.

>>4378758
About average, being honest. She's not super big on spicy foods, but she likes some kick every now and then.

>>4378758
well, there was a moment where she had a stew full of spicy sleeping herbs in the wild west mission and there was no immediate effect, and during the shadow war mission soldiers mentioned that the spices cooks add to the meals had quite a kick, but that's just them being pseudo-euros.

Writing shortly.

>>4378742
>>4378743
>>4378747
>>4378751
>>4378752
>>4380988
That is the prelude to what is fully half of the contestants ending up making a dive for ice cream, the bathrooms, or both. A few of them manage to tough it out, but others tap out quick to the onslaught of heat and gastrointestinal warfare. You’re honestly worried for a few of them- the big girl that talked to you is a survivor, but she’s looking a touch paler than she was at the start for sure, and you can see her blowing air intermittently. Rizenlas is also one of the hardy few, having actually made it through fairly well, though you can see her face red from effort, and she’d had a large bowl of ice cream herself. The other five are a large, tiger-shark anthropomorphic girl (is that the same girl you met before…? nah.), who’s squirming, but trying to put on a tough facade, a young, pink haired girl dressed in pastels with awfully curly pigtails who’s bouncing in her seat, sweating, and eyes darting everywhere as though nervous, a slightly overweight boy in a mask and spandex that’s breathing hard in and out another, older man with wiry hair, some stubble and a bomber jacket that seems to be stone still, but no outward signs of distress to boot. The last is a young girl you SWEAR you’ve seen before...but you can’t place her. About your age, fiery red hair, lightly tanned, with a thin vest on- you think that’s Flashpoint colors, but it might be coincidence. She’s licking her lips, but otherwise looks fine, barring her occasionally tapping her heels on the floor.

“Hokay!” There’s seven left! And that means an uneven number! Which means SOME one’s gonna have to take the role of partner for someone else! Soooo...good luck, cause we’re gonna Lightning Round this!” What? “I’m gonna pick someone from our ‘audience’, and THEY’RE gonna ask one question for EVERYONE to answer! And then that’s it!”

“...doesn’t that make it not fair?” someone asks. It certainly FEELS unfair, somehow… “What if there’s a tie?”

“I’ll work something out!” she dimisses. “Anyway, if anyone has any complaints, now’s the time!” No one responds- although you’re wondering if that’s just because everyone wants to end this torture or what. “Right! Let’s go! I piiiiiiick…” she makes a big show out of looking over the crowd, but you’ve got a sinking feeling in your gut- Miranda!” Yup.

You make sure to give her a serious stink-eye as you sigh and consider your part in this farce. You know if you try to back out now, she’ll dog you for it for a while...and, well, they all look anxious. Might as well end it for them…

“Never have I ever…” you drone out…

> “Made out with an enemy to finish a job.”
> “Had to be rescued on the job by another employee.”
> “Gotten caught in a temper tantrum by my mark.”
> (Other- Come Up With Your Own!)

>>4381080
> “Made out with an enemy to finish a job.”
right back at ya

>>4381080
> “Had to be rescued on the job by another employee.”

>>4381080
> “Made out with an enemy to finish a job.”
I really can't picture Randa doing this.

>>4381080
>The last is a young girl you SWEAR you’ve seen before...but you can’t place her. About your age, fiery red hair, lightly tanned, with a thin vest on- you think that’s Flashpoint colors, but it might be coincidence. She’s licking her lips, but otherwise looks fine, barring her occasionally tapping her heels on the floor.
that the girl from the wild west job, the one we've rescued. the second vote option is for her

>>4381090
her name's Sarah Beedily

>>4381080
>“Made out with an enemy to finish a job.”
>>4381088
if you're intelligent and desperate enough, you can bend the meaning of the phrase to any other thing

>>4381080
> “Had to be rescued on the job by another employee.”
While I want to see Miranda dropping some spaghetti, I don't want to make it awkward for anyone in ere'

>>4381093
>I don't want to make it awkward for anyone in ere'>>4381090

>>4381094
Hey, we had to get one of them. The first option seems to be the brunette in the biker outfit.

Kissy kissy.

Writing. Let's see who's been macking it before...

>>4381096
I mean, the first one is some passing embarrassing moment, not a big deal. The second one is about the incident that involved major violation of intersection rules and people being fired from their company.

>>4381080
>>4381084
>>4381088
>>4381092
“...made out with an enemy to finish a job,” you finish. It’s something you’ve avoided so far, and hopefully you’d never have to do it, or at least not for a long, long time going. You hadn’t heard them ask this one, so it should still be fair game.

“Oooooohhh! Unexpectedly saucy!” Lorelei jeers as she looks at the rest. “Well? Who’s lip-locked before? I got shots waiting!”

There’s a pregnant pause as all of them look at each other with various expressions...then the older fellow in the jacket sighs and raises his hand, though he doesn’t look horribly guilty. “Put the moves on an ol’ fashioned wicked witch. Took a good while to get in her good graces, too. Nearly went the full monty, buuut, well, I was on a time limit, sadly.” He shrugs in faux-resignation. “Her expression wasn’t fun to look at, but she was a scary crone anyway. Looks weren’t saving her, sadly.”

Couple mutterings and snorts in the audience, but Lorelei nods. “Fair enough! That gets you out of a drink! Anyone else?”

The young hero boy, Rizenlas, and the familiar red-haired girl all shake their heads amidst a chorus of ‘no’s. The girl from earlier, the shark haired girl, and the pastel-wearing young girl all remain. The pastel-wearing girl in particular is shaking in her boots...and before anyone else can say anything, she simply grabs the shot, downs it, and she’s off to the races. Those being the ice cream counter, where there’s already a massive pile of strawberry ice cream waiting for her.

“And that’s one out! Any others?!” Lorelei cheers.

The two intimidating ladies both eye each other; the shark-girl seems to consider for a long moment, before shrugging. “Yeeeahhh, I got a reason, but it’s kinda...I’d be embarrassing someone ‘round here if I did. Not to mention admitting something private. Not a good look.”

“Aw!” Lorelei comments. “Still got you to go, then, JJ!” So that’s what the girl’s name is...

“Mmm...damnit. I’d say, but that’s a REALLY private matter for me, too,” she admits. “Not really my place to elaborate.” She sighs, then taps her hand on the countertop. “Well, it’s been fun, but I’m pretty sure I’m off to the porcelain throne for a while…”

“Ooh, this ain’t gonna be pretty…” the shark-girl concedes with a self-effacing grin.

(cont.)

>>4381215
JJ at least makes a semi-dignified exit, speedwalking to the bathroom while carrying a quintuple scoop bowl of chocolate ice-cream. The sharkgirl just proceeds to shovel way too much icecream in her mouth, uncaring of any stares.

Lorelei has to put in effort to keep from laughing. “And that leaves four! Wilder, Rizenlas, Mako, and Sarah-”

“OH.” You can’t help but vocalize it- THAT’S her name. Sarah Beedily. “-all are the last ones standing! And also I’m out of Faefire Sauce which is the real reason I had to end this! Soo...I guess we’ll work something out, but since Wilder actually had to tell his, I’m gonna give him the gift card if that’s okay with everyone!”

Fortunately, though there’s some grumbles (particularly from Sarah), there’s no argument, and Wilder accepts his reward with grace. “Thank you kindly. Now then, young folks, howsabout I put this to good use? I choose my gift card to be for here, and you lot can get anything you want off the menu!”

The other contestants look particularly relieved, and grateful as there's light applause.

“Well. Zat could have gone better, though I would ‘ave preferred it go worze,” Suzie admits. “Nonezeless, it was enjoyable entertainment for a night, zo that’s nice.” And with that, she looks to you, an untraceable expression on her face. “That zaid, perhaps...you would be willing to accompany me on an occasion in ze future?” She puts on a small grin. “Your company iz...not uninteresting, I find.”

Wow, unexpectedness all around, for some reason. Still...you came here with Rizenlas for the purposes of getting out…

> “Uh. Sure, I guess?”
> “Well, uh, hooow about I call you when I’m free?”
> “I...are you messing with me?”
> Other

(Done, just wanted to get two since I missed a day. See you tomorrow.)

>>4381218
> “Uh. Sure, I guess?"
> "I'm not a good experiment subject by the way."
Thanks for the run boss.

>>4381218
>“Uh. Sure, I guess?”
>i might even have a proposal to you nex time
TEACH OUR LAMB KID HOW TO MAGIC.

>>4381218
> “Uh. Sure, I guess?”
Double check the bathrooms just in case we need to leave quickly before being blamed for whatever happened in there.

Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>4381233
>>4381292
Supporting.

>>4381218
> “Uh. Sure, I guess?”
>Check up on everyone who's got debilitated by this nasty drink.
I hope we'll get to talk with Lori after this, in private. Did she get used to her new powers, how are her lessons going, how are Prima and Jago doing?

>>4381439
>how are Prima and Jago doing?
Oh yeah, we've never seen them in their cyborg bodies yet... Maybe see if we can help them with it somehow?

>>4381218
>>4381233
>>4381240
>>4381292
>>4381424
>>4381439
“Uh...sure, I guess?” you hazard. With what you’d heard, you’re kinda surprised she found you agreeable...or maybe she just wanted to practice hexes or something on you. Still...well, maybe this could be to your advantage- or perhaps Tami’s, at least. “I could go for that.”

“Excellent,” she says as she nods. “If you would allow me your contact information. I ‘ave none but ze invocation of dark spirits...and perhaps asking to ozers to send a message for me.”

Hold on… “Wait, you don’t have a phone or anything?”

“My history with technology iz one fraught with pain and peril,” she intones flatly. Ah. Well then…

With that, you grant her your contact information- she DOES give you the contact information for the Guild of Shadows in general, which you consider a plus. She takes her leave after that, citing that she needs to finish ‘a bloody and vicious project- needlecraft.’ You’re not sure WHAT kind of needlecraft, but you’re not inclined to ask, either.

What you ARE inclined to ask after, however, are how the ‘fallen warriors’ faring; you don’t want anything coming back to you on this, and you make your way towards the bathrooms…

...Only to be stopped by Lorelei stepping out of them, grinning guilty when she nearly runs into you. “Heeeeey...so yeah, no, you don’t wanna be in there right now.”

“It’s that bad?” you say in a bit of incredulity.

“Look, we aren’t gonna get in trouble, just…” she shakes her head this way and that, and that’s all you need.

“Let’s get out of here,” you decide, and fortunately she doesn’t argue the point. Rizenlas is fortunately not too far away, and you both snap her up before she has any chance to complain. “Well, that was fun!” Lorelei says as she revs her own cycle. “Hope next time goes as well!”

“It was a true test of fortitude,” Rizenlas says gamely, despite her expression being a few notches below the jovial you’re used to.

The ride home, after dropping Rizenlas off (and getting a request for another practice game with the team sooner than later, which you’d agreed to consider) was quiet, at least until you made it back to the apartments. “Toldja it’d be fun, right?!” she grins, and you’re surprised that her expression is...well, it’s similar to normal, but. There’s a sort of unease to it. Her mouth twitches just a bit, enough to let you know- or at least suspect- that maybe she’s...concerned about something?

> “It was...a bit crude for my tastes, but it was interesting to meet people.”
> “I’m just glad nothing got damaged except some senses of smell, maybe.”
> “Next time, we’re doing something more in line with MY preferences.”
> Other

(I should not be up but I didn't want to not post.)

>>4382482
> “Next time, we’re doing something more in line with MY preferences.”
> "What's wrong by the way? The "aftermath" was too much even for you or something?"
Let's look out for our vixen.

>>4382482
> “Next time, we’re doing something more in line with MY preferences.”
>Ask about her concerns.

>>4382482
> “It was...a bit crude for my tastes, but it was interesting to meet people.”
>"Sorry for being a stick in the mud earlier, just not my type of fun." Try to show that you at least appreciate her taking us places.
>ask what's wrong

>>4382482
> “Next time you run this, buy a keg of Pepto-Bismol for people, okay? I’d at least spot you for that.”
> “It was...a bit crude for my tastes, but it was interesting to meet people.”

>>4382482
> “It was...a bit crude for my tastes, but it was interesting to meet people.”
> "What's wrong by the way? The "aftermath" was too much even for you or something?"

>>4382550
Changing mine to >>4382616.

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>>4382482
>“Look, we aren’t gonna get in trouble, just…” she shakes her head this way and that, and that’s all you need.
definitely cosmic brownies vibes

> “It was...a bit crude for my tastes, but it was interesting to meet people.”

>>4382482
>>4382556
>>4382616
>>4382617
>>4383032

Well...she WAS trying to help, in her own way. Couldn’t fault her for that. Wasn’t even the worst attempt. “It was...a bit crude for my tastes, but it was interesting to meet people.”

At once, whatever tension seemed to be running through her seems to melt away, as her smile becomes a bit smaller, but infinitely less uncertain and far more casual. Shaking her head, she gives a playful snort. “Yeah, that last bit was the point. But hey, no one got REALLY hurt ‘cept their pride a bit.” She sighs. “Real glad for THAT.”

Hm. You have a good idea of what was going on with her, but… better to ask. "Anything wrong, by the way? Was the "aftermath" too much even for you or something?"

She snorts, nearly turning it into a giggle. “You could say that! ‘Aftermath’ was too much for a couple folks! Hoo, gonna need a lot of freshener to clear that up...but, hey, I’m just glad you had fun. You need more fun!” You’re not sure how much you believe that, but…

“Thanks.” It’s the least you could say.

“Anyway, you get some sleep. Could all use it, right?” She winks, and indeed, you’re mentally drained enough- sleep sounds damn good right now…

The next couple of days are spent mostly relaxing, though you DID have a bit of a project that took up some time per day…

>The last time the kids tried to train with you, there was nearly a bad accident. You’d been wrapping off a piece of the Training Room for their specific use since, and getting them some beginner gear to work with. You don’t know if they’ll use it, but...hopefully they will.

>You’d gotten a call back from that movie studio, of all things. There WAS a Nightmare Run 4 in the works, and they wanted you back for it; a ‘minor side character’ role, they swore. Sal had been all for it, provided SES got a payday and a credit spot, so...

>Delilah had stumbled upon something odd...old-fashioned paper notes. You’d kept your nose clean as possible, but according to Izumi, Delilah was worried and wanted you to see them since it sounded like ‘Outgoer business’ to her, and was thus scared.

>Other

>>4383527
>Delilah had stumbled upon something odd...old-fashioned paper notes. You’d kept your nose clean as possible, but according to Izumi, Delilah was worried and wanted you to see them since it sounded like ‘Outgoer business’ to her, and was thus scared.
[Desire to know more intensifies]

>>4383527
>Delilah had stumbled upon something odd...old-fashioned paper notes. You’d kept your nose clean as possible, but according to Izumi, Delilah was worried and wanted you to see them since it sounded like ‘Outgoer business’ to her, and was thus scared.
>Take Izumi with you as well, could do some training after that and finish our variants of Directed Flux Wave.

>>4383539
+

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>>4383539
Supporting.

About an alternate Flux Wave, we seems to be agreeing on a single target version? I'd like to propose another version with a 90-120 degree aimable cone instead.
+ Not a radial 360 degree blast, making it friendly-fire proof (ish). A lot more control too.
+ Doesn't need an energy tether attached to the target, if we're using that for the single target version.
+ In theory, takes less mana than the main version and is faster/more accurate than the single target version, since we don't need to rely on the tether. Again if we're going that route.

>>4383638
I thought we were looking for a narrow cone, 60-90 degrees

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>>4383644
I remember that we were hatching a theoretical one involving channeling Flux Wave's effect through a tether to a single target and then intensifying it.

Speaking of experimental techniques, have we made any progress on any of them in the time skip Handler?

>>4383527
>You’d gotten a call back from that movie studio, of all things. There WAS a Nightmare Run 4 in the works, and they wanted you back for it; a ‘minor side character’ role, they swore. Sal had been all for it, provided SES got a payday and a credit spot, so...

>>4383527
>You’d gotten a call back from that movie studio, of all things.

I kinda want to do another one of those movies...

>>4383527
>You’d gotten a call back from that movie studio, of all things. There WAS a Nightmare Run 4 in the works, and they wanted you back for it; a ‘minor side character’ role, they swore. Sal had been all for it, provided SES got a payday and a credit spot, so...

Run begins in about 30 minutes.

>>4383527
>>4383538
>>4383539
>>4383576
>>4383638
...And today is another day in that. Delilah had been keeping her word as best she could between work- her being a legitimate child, she wasn’t exactly primed for stealth operations, but she’d kept her ears open, and she apparently had a ‘non-presence’, according to Izumi. You don’t think she was being literal, but...vampire. Who knows? At any rate, she’d managed to keep you informed as best she could recently.

It wasn’t much so far- some news about some more businesses closing, a couple opening. Something that kept a place in your mind was the Care House apparently getting some adjustments to its curriculum, which was curious, but that happened all the time, so nothing you could investigate right now. Of course the Guild of Shadows merger was mentioned, as well. Small things like that.

However, recently- as in before you’d left for your last job, you’d been informed via your friend that she’d stumbled upon something odd...old-fashioned paper notes.

Those weren’t exactly common in The Intersection, honestly. Too big of a chance for...well, this. Lately, you’d kept your nose clean as possible to avoid anyone looking at you too hard, as Mab’s warnings had given, but according to Izumi, Delilah was worried and wanted you to see them since it sounded like ‘Outgoer business’ to her. You don’t recall telling her your job, but...it’s not like it was private, and you’d been more in the public eye than before. Plus Izumi herself, so blah.

Moving on, she hadn’t told you anything specific, but if she suspected it was ‘Outgoer business’, then it was worth moving on. It’s for that reason that you’re meeting with her now instead of ASAP- not only had you just agreed to the job and were about to set out, but it wouldn’t do for anyone keeping eyes on places to possibly see such repeat visits to the young girl like that.

You aren’t keen on staying in the Library, so you generally meet her with Izumi as a support, and the three of you head back to Izumi’s place- Sal doesn’t generally bother with micro-management or constant oversight you knew, especially with Izumi, so it was decently safe. “So, whatcha got for us?” you lead off.

“Uh, um, here. I-I just found them on the ground, in the employee area.” From her little tote bag she pulls out a pair of small sheets of paper and hands them over. You and Izumi take one apiece, quickly skimming over them.

(cont.)

>>4384285
Yours is...odd. It’s a list of Outgoer outfits. Smaller ones, too. Interdiction, Flashpoint, Dynamic Methods- the big three aren’t on here for whatever reason, but a few others are that you recognize: the Redliners (more of a racing guild than Outgoer group, in your opinion), the Guild of Shadows, Knights Resplendent, Max Force (destruction specialists), and others...including Silver Eye Solutions. Next to each name is a casual description of what they all do- yours is described as ‘force multipliers and general activity’, which isn’t inaccurate. There’s also...oddly enough, a set of exclamation points next to them all, as well- SES has three ‘!!!’ next to them, as do the Knights, while Max Force and the Guild have 2, and Redliners have just 1. You have no idea what those are for, though… there’s one group, though, that you SWEAR you’ve never heard of, named ‘Progenitors’ that has a full five.

Well, maybe Izumi can help. “I got a list of Outgoer organizations. What’s on yours?”

“Nothing I can understand immediately,” she admits. “Looks like administrative finance reports. A lot about estimated fees, average workrates, liability...danger and risk. I mean, on the whole, relatively benign sounding, but if that’s the case…”

“Why write this information down in analogue, instead of just sending it to whoever needs it?” you finish.

“S-so...does that mean it- it isn’t worth anything?” Delilah asks tenderly.

> “We’re not sure...but maybe we can ask someone on this list. See if there’s anything that might make sense.”
> “I don’t think so, though it was good of you to bring this up anyway. Might wanna keep clear of this from here on.”
> “No, I think it is. Can you keep us informed on anyone that’s acting secretive in the back?”
> Other

>>4384287
> "How exactly can secretive stuffs like this be dropped on the ground, and picked up by an outsider before it was taken care of? This smells way too fishy, loose ends being left out like so."
> "Unless, it was on purpose."

>>4384287
>> “We’re not sure...but maybe we can ask someone on this list. See if there’s anything that might make sense.”
we still have that business card from Knights Resplendent and we've got to know more Guild of Shadows members.

>>4384302
>>4384303
+
Knight Rep, GoS and we even have Mab Cortical herself. Although I'm not sure if she'll rat us out or not.

>>4384287
>SES has three ‘!!!’ next to them, as do the Knights.
This means we're judged to be as dangerous as the Knights? Not bad. Gotta contact them ASAP then.
Adding to my post

> “We’re not sure...but maybe we can ask someone on this list. See if there’s anything that might make sense.”