Small bit of retcon before we get started proper. The following line in >>40691005 should be changed to:

> “Like a certain CEO, I’m of the mind change has to come from within. But unlike her or her counterpart I don’t come from a position of power to begin with. Nor do I approve of either of their approaches to fixing society’s problems. One is too forceful, too set on changing advancing people. Who they were gets left behind. The other’s continuing the very problems she claims to be working to fix.” She shakes her head disapprovingly, then continues, “In any case, what I get out of this is irrelevant to you unless you care to tumble down the rabbit hole. It’s very likely you won’t see or hear from me again after tonight unless you specifically request it of the VI.”

Then when the datapad blinded you, it should have read:

> As it spins, a flash that doesn’t quite match up with the reflection of the light fixture in the room momentarily blinds you. Yet when your vision clears you can’t determine the source. It certainly wasn’t the datapad, nor are there any strobe lights or similar in the room. Qwin’s gone without a single trace as well, save the datapad in your lap. Whoever...

That should be it for now. Small changes but important ones I think. Now onto actual stuff!

On your way back from the hotel where you met the Puppetmaster you review the datapad she gave you. What you find on it is… interesting to say the least. For starters, she’s left you a rather handy outline of how exactly you were being monitored prior to your meeting with her. It’s written a tone much like the one your new VI speaks in, and dumbed down enough so that you can understand but not enough to be insulted. By her reckoning, you had actors from both Fokir and the SCU scrapping your emails, bank accounts, phone calls, and so forth right up until you made that very first phone call that put you in contact with Aria. You worry for a second that Aria might know about your prior engagement with the SCU via that singular email back when this all started, but it seems that said email contained a bit of self-destructive code among other security measures. So you’re in the clear there, for now.

Following that bit of information is a massive dump of information on the activities of Fokir, Raziel, the SCU, the Government of Ocrania, Aria, Cathy, and so much more. There’s no way in hell you’re going to be able to comb through even a tenth of this tonight. Yet you are able to glean some topics of interest based on the report and file names. In particular, the following items stand out to you in your first pass:

* [FOUO] Raziel Marketing Notes - Selling Security
* [S//NOFORN] Project Smokescreen
* Coretha_Massacre.mp6
* Aria_Accounts.xlsx
* [TS//ORCON] The Puppetmaster
* [X//SCI] RD Status

You only have a very general understanding of the way classification works, but you’re pretty damn sure that if you were to be caught with this datapad you’d be up shit creek without a paddle (or even a boat). Even now you quickly check your surroundings to make sure you’re not being followed or watched. For the moment (or perhaps as it always was) you appear to be just another face in the evening crowd.

> cont

>>40824019

“Hey so um, it’s almost about that time you said you’d talk to Cathy,” pipes up your hummingbird-shaped VI from the surface of the datapad. How it’s able to keep flitting between all of your devices is beyond you. “Do you want me to maybe do that for you? Or if not that’s okay too. I just want to help!”

> [1] Sure, tell her to bring pizza by my place in an hour or so
> [2] No, I need to cancel our meeting tonight
> [3] No, and please don’t offer to do so in the future
> [4] Write in

>>40824033
>[1] Sure, tell her to bring pizza by my place in an hour or so

>>40824033
[1]

>>40824033
>> [3] No, and please don’t offer to do so in the future
Don't need her knowing about the bird.

Slowish start today but that's fine. Seems we're going with [1]. Back in a bit!

3 roll movement reporting. Let's go back to 3 rolls not 4. We are supposed to lose sometimes

>>40824033
> [3] No, and please don’t offer to do so in the future
"Thanks for the reminder, but I do my talking for myself."

>>40824326
Oh wait I'm late. Ohwell.

>>40824386
Nah.

>>40824033
> [3] No, and please don’t offer to do so in the future

Let's do it ourselves

>>40824033

You think it over for a moment before replying. It would be rather suspicious for you to have gone through all this only to wave Cathy off at the last moment. Plus you’re going to need to start trusting in someone or something at some point. So you answer, “Sure, go ahead. Tell her to swing by with food in an hour or so.”

The little bird immediately does several flips and spins in joy. “Yooouuuuuuu got it! Yay I’m useful!”

A brief chuckle, more like a mirthful exhale, pass from your lips. “Yeah. Just don’t go overboard on me. The last thing I need is you actually personalizing my messages for me.”

It is a feature most VIs have - the ability to mimic their owner’s mannerisms (to a point). But for now you’re pretty sure your VI’s keeping it very low key and to the point instead of trying to flirt with Cathy on your behalf. The moment it does you plan to get rid of it (or at least have a very stern lecture with it).

In any case you slip the datapad away and focus on trudging through the Middle District. By now the crowds of half-cyborgs have thinned, leaving you and perhaps two handfuls of people on the streets. As is custom in a city like this no one really focuses on anything but their destination. Your remaining time is thus spent without any meaningful interactions or items of note. Well, except for one thing - it does start to drizzle right as you turn the corner on the block where your new apartment is. By the time you actually open your door it’s a steady downpour.

“Oh wow!” shouts your VI as suddenly a massive green holographic hummingbird appears in the middle of your living room. You had no idea the light fixtures here were designed for such things but there’s really no other explanation for it. “This is really cool! It’s reaaaaaalllly big!”

> cont

>>40824497

You shrug and set your bag down for the time being. “I’m still getting used to it myself. It kinda feels too big at times.”

“It’ll be fine! Oh! OH! Wait! I was supposed to do something… Uhhh…” The VI tilts its head this way and that in thought. Then it exclaims, “Nope! No bugs! But no hiding spots either!”

“Well that’s good.”

Though it DOES leave the problem of where the hell you’re going to hide the datapad Qwin gave you. Assuming you’re going to hide it at all, that is.

> [1] Attempt to secret it away somewhere in your apartment
> [2] Quickly run out, establish a temporary dead drop, and pray it will be there when you get back
> [3] Keep it cool and leave it in your pack. Cathy probably won’t go snooping, right?
> [4] Write in

Hopefully that's enough of [3] flavor with those aftervotes to satisfy ya'll

>>40824509
>[3] Keep it cool and leave it in your pack. Cathy probably won’t go snooping, right?

>>40824509
>> [3] Keep it cool and leave it in your pack. Cathy probably won’t go snooping, right?

>>40824509
>> [3] Keep it cool and leave it in your pack. Cathy probably won’t go snooping, right?

>>40824509
> [3] Keep it cool and leave it in your pack. Cathy probably won’t go snooping, right?

>>40824509
>> [3] Keep it cool and leave it in your pack. Cathy probably won’t go snooping, right?
>Check our apartment for hiding spots.

File: 1340683771399.jpg (6 KB, 190x190)

6 KB JPG

>>40824509
>no hiding spots
Gotta be somewhere we can hid stuff. Cut out a book, behind a shelf, in the crawlspace, hollow something out and slip it in there (this works great with sharpies but this is probably to big to fit in a sharpie), stick it under your underwear, put a false floor into a cabinet, ect.

Don't ask me how I know this..

>>40824509

You’re about 90% sure the rather illegal bit of tech you have on hand is safe in your pack for the time being. The other 9% is wariness due to how Cathy reacted earlier, with the remaining 1% being pure paranoia. Though your VI does seem to have something to say on the matter

“So um… do you want me to hide or something? Pretend I’m a newspaper machine or something?” it asks. “Because what Qwin told me about Cathy might mean I won’t be able to fool her if she finds me.”

“That would follow I suppose,” you reply. “She’s supposedly the SCU’s best. And you and Qwin are… Well I don’t know yet. But I’m guessing pretty good too.”

“Soooooo hide?”

> [1] Yup
> [2] Nope, just stay quiet and out of the way
> [3] Change into a spider and act normal otherwise
> [4] Write in

>>40824668
Remember it's a VI working off of what limited sensor data it has access to.

>>40824509
> [2] Quickly run out, establish a temporary dead drop, and pray it will be there when you get back

What could possibly go wrong?

>>40824695
> [1] Yup

>>40824695
>[1] Yup

>>40824695
>[3] Change into a spider and act normal otherwise

kek

>>40824695
> [3] Change into a spider and act normal otherwise

>>40824695
>> [1] Yup

>>40824695
>> [1] Yup

[1] it is, back in a bit!

I hate you guys. You always vote against me :(

This this proof democracy is shit.

>>40824852
Oligarchy is worse.

>>40824695

“That would be best, yes.”

Your VI gives you a wing salute. “Yooouuu got it boss!”

Then it disappears from the air above your coffee table. Without the green light of the hologram you’re left in twilight, the only illumination being the street outside and the single light in your entrance hallway. You quickly rectify that and set about making the place ready for when Cathy gets here. It doesn’t take long at all, just a few seconds given how little you actually own and how contained you’ve kept everything. If anything the process just sort of cements in your mind that the space you’re in, although nice, isn’t home to you yet. It lacks a personal touch and a feeling of belonging. Course, you have no idea what you’d decorate with anyways. Ferns? Never again.

Over the course of the next thirty minutes or so the storm outside worsens. The rain beating against the windows is reminiscent of the night when all this first set into motion. But there’s one thing missing - something you hadn’t really noticed until right this moment. You haven’t heard the space elevators since leaving the Low District. Having all but grown up around the sound it’s astonishing it took you this long to notice, but the distinct noise has been entirely absent. You’re not sure how to feel about that.

Luckily a knock on your door redirects your train of thought. When you open it you see a very drenched spider mech in a raincoat.

“Mind if I come in?” asks Cathy with a smile. “It’s a little wet out there.”

You step aside and motion for her to come inside. “Sure, make yourself at home. Should I get towels or something?”

She wastes no time in squeezing into your apartment and into your living room. “No, that won’t be necessary. It’ll dry up on its own. Now let’s see…”

> cont

>>40825041

With a wave of her hand your holographic emitters kick to life. This time they display a floorplan of your apartment. As she inspects it thoroughly, tapping it in places, she asks, “So what was this thing you went to tonight? Or should it wait?”

> [1] Dead end on the Spice front.
> [2] Something involving Aria and Fokir
> [3] Saw the Puppetmaster
> [4] Let’s wait until you’re sure we’re clear
> [5] Write in

>>40825056
> [1] Dead end on the Spice front.

>>40825056
>[1] Dead end on the Spice front.

>>40825056
> [3] Saw the Puppetmaster

we must never lie to spider waifu

>>40825056
>> [1] Dead end on the Spice front.

>>40825056
>[1] Dead end on the Spice front.

>>40825109
Nah, she is the worst choice.

>>40825109
Not lying just not tell her what we did find.

>>40825148
I like her most but still 3 is bad juju

>>40825109
Hey technically being a dead end on spice font is true. We went there expecting spice business and there wasn't spice business.

>>40825148
Although I still actually prefer the spider. Reserving judgement on Puppetmaster until we actually READ those files and confirm the contents.

>>40825056
>[1] Dead end on the Spice front.

But add "did you notice the elevators not elevating"?

Tell her a truth, and distract her.

>>40825198
>But add "did you notice the elevators not elevating"?
Pretty sure that's just us being in a higher class district further away from the noise rather than elevators not working.

>>40825056
> [3] Saw the Puppetmaster
I'm in favor of truth here

>>40825056
>[3] Saw the Puppetmaster

[1] it is, back in a bit!

>>40825217

It's the reverse actually. You're closer to the elevators the higher you go. It's backwards from what one might expect.

>>40825056

You take a seat on one of your two couches as you watch her work. “Sadly a dead end on the Spice front. I thought I saw a pattern in the dens and thought there might have been one we’d missed.”

“Oh?” She turns to raise an eyebrow at you coyly. “So you thought to do a little recon? Or maybe bag them all yourself to earn some brownie points?”

“Brownie points probably would be the best descriptor here. Just trying to be useful on something that isn’t so…”

“Volatile?” she finishes for you.

You shrug. “Close enough.”

Cathy lets out a small huff and turns back to the holo-display. She spins it around twice more then waves it off. “Nothing obvious, and nothing in the building’s logs to indicate there’s anything non-standard about this apartment compared to the neighboring ones. But I still want to do a visual scan and a signal sweep.”

“A signal sweep?”

“Mhm. There’s a type of bug that works passively. When a certain signal is passed to it it simply returns interference or feedback that’s the opposite of what it’s picking up. Hard to detect unless you know what to look for.”

“I see…”

You’re guessing that means she is going to attempt to connect to every single electronic device within range to make sure it’s on the up and up. It makes sense, but it does put your datapad(s) in the line of fire.

> [1] Trust in the VI’s ability to hide itself
> [2] Attempt to distract Cathy somehow, perhaps with pizza
> [3] Offer to help
> [4] Come clean
> [5] Write in

>>40825320
>> [1] Trust in the VI’s ability to hide itself
If it gets caught we know shes full of shit

>>40825320
>> [4] Come clean

We will never get a spiderr gf if we have too many secrets

>>40825320
>[5] Write in
>Probably a good idea, just don't judge me on my porn stash. [stare out the window] Shouldn't the elevators be running?

Yes I want to know about that. Also a possible good distraction if its important.

>>40825417
>>40825320
I'll support this.

>>40825410

But if we give up that datapad we lose any chance at a third perspective. Remember how the whole co-worker thing went down? Cathy's boss' boss got involved because of how convoluted it was. And assuming we don't get maimed it does kinda route lock us rather fast.

>>40825320
>>40825417
Backing

>>40825417
Might as well.

>>40825320
> [1] Trust in the VI’s ability to hide itself
If she asks what's the third one, just say that bought a pad without any crazy government or corporate secrets on it.

I think the write-in which ties in with [1] has it. Back in a bit!

>>40825320

“...it’s probably a good idea. Just don’t judge me on a certain stash you’ll come across in the process.”

An all-knowing sort of grin crosses Cathy’s face. “Please. I’ve done far ‘worse’ things than those vidclips you keep around. And even if I hadn’t, that sort of stuff doesn’t phase me in the slightest.”

It’s all you can do to avert your eyes from her taunting gaze to stare out of the window at the downpour outside. “Well good. I guess. By the way, shouldn’t the elevators be running? I haven’t heard them in awhile.”

You hear Cathy begin to shuffle around and knock on certain parts of the walls and furniture. “But they are running.”

“Then where’s the noise?”

“Noise?” You turn back to see her paused with a couch above her head in one claw. “Oh right, you wouldn’t know. The elevators are completely silent. The noise everyone in the lower districts think is them? Factories, Air purifiers, and so on.”

“But what about the rumbling?” you ask. “That can’t be…”

“Geothermal plant cycling.”

“Son of a…”

She chuckles at your frustration and continues her search. It takes her a good twenty minutes to sweep your entire place from top to bottom, by which point she’s stopped dripping water everywhere. “Well I didn’t notice anything odd. Though your little tablet in your bag needed an update so I handled that.”

> [1] Thanks, I guess
> [2] I was keeping it downgraded on purpose…
> [3] So how about that pizza?
> [4] Write in

>>40825712
> [1] Thanks, I guess
> [3] So how about that pizza?

>>40825712
> [3] So how about that pizza?

>>40825712
> [1] Thanks, I guess
> [3] So how about that pizza?

>>40825712
> [1] Thanks, I guess
> [3] So how about that pizza?

>>40825712
> [3] So how about that pizza?
>What exactly did you do that was worse? I didn't think there was someone better than me

>>40825712
>[1] Thanks. [4] Pizza time?

fucking elevators.

Thought as much, back in a bit!

>>40825712

You’re hoping that the “upgrade” was the cover the VI picked and not her overwriting it with one of her own. There’s no way for you to know until she leaves. So instead you focus on what you do know: Cathy’s probably got a pizza for the pair of you in her compartment.

“Thanks for making sure I’m safe,” you say as you motion at the couch and coffee table. “Are we good for pizza now?”

She smiles and nods, turning around to fish out a box from her abdomen compartment. “That we are. It’s probably not as ‘fancy’ as the place *she* took you to but I know this will taste much better.”

When she lays the open box on the table between you two you see what she means. This pie’s definitely lacking in presentation compared to the one you had with Aria, yet it does have a similar aroma.

You bow your head appreciatively and snag a slice. Cathy waits for you to take a bite before taking one of her own. It’s honestly hard for you to say which pizza is better - hers or Aria’s. They’re so close that it really just comes down to the person you’re experiencing it with.

“Definitely awesome,” you remark between bites.

“Good, I’m glad you approve.”

> [1] Let her direct the conversation
> [2] Ask her about the Puppetmaster
> [3] Inquire about her family and/or Raziel in general
> [4] Write in topic

>>40826043
> [1] Let her direct the conversation

>>40826043
> [1] Let her direct the conversation

>>40826043
>> [1] Let her direct the conversation
I don't trust anyone or anything at this point. Hell, I'm starting to wonder if Papa John has a stake in this and is actively playing us to bolster the pizza market.

>>40826043
>> [1] Let her direct the conversation

>>40826092
Welcome to paranoia
Population - /tg/

>>40826092
>Papa John
But he makes cardboard not pizza.

>>40826164
Don't forget /pol/ and /x/

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28 KB JPG

>>40826164
>He thinks he is a tenth as fearful as somebody who is paranoid.

>>40826043

It’s not until the both of you have demolished half of the pizza that Cathy says, “So I have a question for you, James.”

“Oh?”

“What is your endgoal in all this? Say we finally nail Aria and she goes away for good. Do you honestly see yourself sticking around with us in the SCU? Or are we just a stepping stone for something more? It’s fine if that’s the case, I’m just trying to get a feel for where your head’s at.”

What she’s really asking is “how far are you willing to go?” Or so you think anyways.

> [1] The SCU’s a pretty good fit. I’d like to stay with you all for as long as possible.
> [2] I never really pictured myself as a cop, you know? But I don’t really have any other plans.
> [3] I’ve always been curious about the elevators and space in general I guess…
> [4] Honestly I just focus on the immediate present and making sure I stay alive
> [5] Write in

>>40826241
>> [5] Write in
Whatever gets me a shit tonne of fucking dosh

>>40826241
>> [4] Honestly I just focus on the immediate present and making sure I stay alive

>>40826241
> [2] I never really pictured myself as a cop, you know? But I don’t really have any other plans.

>>40826241
> [4] Honestly I just focus on the immediate present and making sure I stay alive

>>40826241
>> [4] Honestly I just focus on the immediate present and making sure I stay alive

>>40826241
>> [4] Honestly I just focus on the immediate present and making sure I stay alive
Even with the augments i'm still not a fan of my odds.

>>40826241
> [2] I never really pictured myself as a cop, you know? But I don’t really have any other plans.
> [3] I’ve always been curious about the elevators and space in general I guess…

FUCK CAPTCHA IVE BEEN TRYING TO POST FOR THREE UPDATES NOW

>>40826241
>> [3] I’ve always been curious about the elevators and space in general I guess…

>>40826241
>> [3] I’ve always been curious about the elevators and space in general I guess…

>>40826241
> [3] I’ve always been curious about the elevators and space in general I guess…

>>40826241
>> [4] Honestly I just focus on the immediate present and making sure I stay alive
As a general rule, not dying is a GREAT carrier choice.

>>40826241

“Honestly? I just focus on what’s immediately in front of me and making sure it doesn’t kill me.”

She considers your response with a soft “hm.” Then she inquires, “Well I guess that’s the attitude someone who’s been living paycheck to paycheck would have. Combined with your past it certainly fits.”

You nod. “Right. Not a whole lot of chance at going anywhere or doing anything until all this happened. Even just getting close to the space elevators was something I thought I’d never do.”

She smiles at that. “Well with your new prosthetics you might find that sort of thing is now within your reach. But I’m curious, do you regret any of it?”

Instinctively you rub your leg. “I definitely don’t regret not having to deal with this anymore…”

> [1] But I do regret not choosing to go with the SCU’s augmentation plan
> [2] But I do regret angering you by flirting with Aria
> [3] Not really, no.
> [4] Write in

>>40826436
>> [2] But I do regret angering you by flirting with Aria
Honestly, I wish she'd responded better so we could've gone harem route.

>>40826436
>> [3] Not really, no.

>>40826436
>[4] Write in
>not so far.

>>40826436
I asked for this.

>>40826436
> [3] Not really, no.

>>40826436
3

>>40826436
>> [2] But I do regret angering you by flirting with Aria

Its route lock time boys

>>40826436
> [3] Not really, no.
but don't hold me to that. I still have a sense of impending doom.

>>40826436
3

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821 KB PNG

>>40826521

>>40826436
> [2] But I do regret angering you by flirting with Aria

>>40826436
> [3] Not really, no.

>>40826176
The pepperoncini on the side it's nice, but the flavor there is just... Off.

>>40826436
I regret not fucking Aria already.

>>40826241
>4] Honestly I just focus on the immediate present and making sure I stay alive
Anything else is a good way to get dead.

>>40826436
> [2] But I do regret angering you by flirting with Aria

>>40826436

“...and in general I’m okay with most everything that’s happened,” you finish. “Remember - I focus on the now rather than what was or what could be.”

“Another fair answer I suppose. I’m somewhat of the reverse. I sometimes wonder what could have been had I made different choices growing up. Stuff like going into the service, and so on.”

“I’m betting it ties into why you have that body and why you’re with the SCU.”

She takes another bite of pizza before replying, “Somewhat, yes. But even then…” She shakes her head, then continues, “Sorry. This whole thing with Aria just has me thinking about a lot of things. Seeing if I could have done things differently, or if I remembered them wrong, that sort of thing.”

> [1] Wanna talk about it?
> [2] You sure there’s no way to reconcile your differences?
> [3] We’ll get her, don’t worry
> [4] Write in

>>40826663
> [1] Wanna talk about it?

>>40826663
> [1] Wanna talk about it?

>>40826663
>> [1] Wanna talk about it?
We can pull the fern out if she needs us to.

>>40826663
>[2] You sure there’s no way to reconcile your differences and murder chocolate?

>>40826663
> [1] Wanna talk about it?

>>40826663

You scan her face for any telltale signs of danger. Mostly you just notice the same sort of lined-worry that seems to be present whenever she starts talking about what’s real and what isn’t. “You wanna talk about it? Remember, I’m a good Palm tree.”

That gets a small smirk out of her. A brief one, but one nonetheless. “I really appreciate the offer but this is the sort of thing I have to figure out on my own. There’s a lot you don’t know about me and my past. It’s not that I don’t want to share it, just that…”

“You don’t quite trust me enough yet,” you finish for her. “And I’m sure the whole Aria thing isn’t helping that either.”

“Hrm, I wouldn’t put it that way. Not entirely. It’s just that there’s a lot of demons in my closet that I try not dump onto others if I can help it. Doesn’t seem the right thing to do, especially since you’re my subordinate and you don’t need to be worrying about anything more at the moment.”

> [1] Is that all I am to you?
> [2] Well I’ll be here ready to listen when you’re ready
> [3] I do have a ton to worry about, that’s true…
> [4] Write in

>>40826890
> [2] Well I’ll be here ready to listen when you’re ready
> [4] Humans are social animals, and no matter how much like a spider you seem, you're still a human right? Don't get yourself too wrapped up in your own web.

There. that should appeal to her concerns for her own humanity and personality.

>>40826927
Supporting

>>40826927
>>40826890
Supportan'.

>>40826927
>>40826890
Backing.

>>40826890
>>40826927

this

>>40826890

You’ve never really been great with this sort of touchy feely stuff. Mostly because you’ve just never been close or involved enough with someone for it to really come up. But given the nature of everyone involved you suppose you’re going to have to learn. Either for Aria’s, Cathy’s, or your own sake.

So for starters, you tell Cathy, “Well, just so you know, I’ll be here ready to listen if and when you’re ready. And no matter how much like a spider you seem, you're still a human right? Humans are social creatures. We need external feedback from others. Don't get yourself too wrapped up in your own web.”

It takes her a good thirty seconds to formulate a reply, and even then all she manages is, “Thanks, James. It means a lot.”

You both share a smile, then she turns away. “I should probably get going. My cat hates storms and is probably tearing up my place as we speak. But uh… I’m glad you’re safe and all that.”

“Don’t mention it. And thanks, for everything.”

From there she blushes and quickly excuses herself. A good ten minutes passes of you just staring in silence out at the rain-soaked city beyond your window. You’ve gotten yourself involved with two women who have varying degrees of issues. Sooner or later you’re going to have to choose either help one of them or shun them both. The thought of it doesn’t sit well with you at all.

> [1] Call up the VI and start parsing through the files
> [2] Call it a night and work on the file parsing in the morning
> [3] Do something else (Write in)

>>40827207
>> [1] Call up the VI and start parsing through the files

>>40827207
>> [1] Call up the VI and start parsing through the files

>>40827207
>> [1] Call up the VI and start parsing through the files

>>40827207
> [1] Call up the VI and start parsing through the files

>>40827207

Really the only way to get through your current conundrum is to gather as much possible information on every actor involved. Then you can make an informed decision and stick to it. So you give it another five minutes just to be extra sure Cathy’s gone before trying to call up the VI.

“Hey Bird… thing… Man I need to figure out a name for you.”

Almost instantly the bright green holo hummingbird appears. “That was easier than I thought! I faked being a game tablet and she bought it! Though now I have a couple gigs of useless patch data. But that’s okay! I was useful!”

You sigh, “Yeah yeah. Glad you turned out to be as good as you say. Speaking of, can you display files through this projector thing too? It’d probably make this process go a lot faster than me tabbing through on a tablet.”

It nods. “Yep! Just tell me which file you want to see first!”

> [1] Selling Security
> [2] Project Smokescreen
> [3] Coretha_Massacre.mp6
> [4] Aria_Accounts.xlsx
> [5] The Puppetmaster
> [6] RD Status

>>40827428
>> [6] RD Status

>>40827428
> [6] RD Status

>>40827428
>> [6] RD Status

>>40827428
> [2] Project Smokescreen

>>40827428
>> [4] Aria_Accounts.xlsx

>>40827428
> [6] RD Status

Think we're starting with [6], back in a bit!

>>40827428

“Let’s start with that one with the X classification, whatever that actually is.”

“You got it!”

The bird’s replaced by a large glaring red warning:

> ### WARNING: BIOMETRIC INFORMATION INVAL- ###

The warning vanishes with a little “fixed it!” from your VI. Then the following words hover over the coffee table:

> # The following information is for your eyes only and will self-delete after viewing #

> Queen expresses displeasure about O having to become involved with the Fokir/Raziel debacle. O refuses to disclose source of information. 2nd Princess still missing. Other two Princesses continuing as planned.

“Well that’s not cryptic at all,” you grumble at the rather confusing report. “Who are these people that require such heightened security measures? And what’s all this about Queens and Princesses? We haven’t had royalty on Meridian for a millennium.”

Your VI returns in place of the report. “I have no idea. I’m sorry. Would you like to view something else?”

> [1] Selling Security
> [2] Project Smokescreen
> [3] Coretha_Massacre.mp6
> [4] Aria_Accounts.xlsx
> [5] The Puppetmaster

>>40827686
> [3] Coretha_Massacre.mp6

>>40827686
> [3] Coretha_Massacre.mp6


O is the nation we're in Ocrania 2nd princess is puppetmaster, other 2 are Aria and Cathy.

>>40827686
>> [4] Aria_Accounts.xlsx

>>40827686
> [2] Project Smokescreen

>>40827731

Or maybe O is Orlin? I feel like Aria and Cathy as princesses are red herrings.

>>40827686
>> [2] Project Smokescreen

>>40827771
Probably right. Could the princesses be Mari and Aria's sister then?

I think I can squeeze [2] and [3] into a single update. Might be a bit though!

>>40827686

Cathy’s comment about demons in her closet is still fresh in your mind. So it’s only natural that you go for the file with her name on it. However, your VI doesn’t display it at first.

“Give me some time! I have to convert the data into a holographic format since you do not have a brain interface. But I can display another file in the meantime!”

“Sure. Show me the Smokescreen thing.”

What you get this time is a rather long and detailed report with large portions blackened out as if redacted. But as you attempt to read them they vanish. You get the sense by now that this is more Qwin showing off than the VI. In any case, what you read isn’t exactly encouraging.

The report starts off by going into detail about the current decline of Ocrania and Meridian in general. How a collapse of several major corporations and governments is imminent and unavoidable (or so the author claims). As such, Project Smokescreen is a directed, global media control effort to ensure the best, brightest, and those with potential are sent to the stars before “the cancer self-actualizes and destroys itself.” In essence it’s literally a means to obscure how bad things really are from the general public. You do, however, catch the fact that this effort has been in effect for a period of five years, a time longer than the “doomsday clock” should have run.

As you mull that over your VI finally comes back with the converted media. You almost wish it hadn’t in short order.

> cont

>>40828186

What you see is a memory from what must have been a tank killer in Cathy’s unit during her time with the SR forces. It starts in the middle of a skirmish, or so it seems to you. Fire being exchanged both ways, vehicles and people being destroyed, that sort of thing. It’s almost scary to see how deftly the tank killer units weave among the battlefield dealing death. Eventually the firefight dies down, the memory jumping to a point where a large group of women and children are rounded up against a wall. Then Cathy steps into view, albeit in a much more muscular and scarred version of her current form. As she does, one of the women spits at her.

“You SR pigdogs have no honor!” she cries. “Attacking us refugees like this!”

Cathy leans in dangerously close to reply, “Refugees don’t carry suicide vests and blow up my convoys when they try to help.”

“We are not all like that! We’re running away from that sort of life!”

Cathy scoffs and pulls back. “If I hadn’t heard that exact same line twice before right before the person saying it blew themselves up I might believe you. But at this point? All of you are tainted. None of you can be trusted. And for that I’m sorry.”

Then you’re treated to the display of Cathy literally kicking the woman’s head off with one of her spider legs. Like it was nothing. As the blood spews from the deceased neck the memory begins to fade.

At least now you know what sort of demons she meant. But to think something like that?

“Qwin attached a further note to that,” adds the VI as the hummingbird shape returns. It then mocks Qwin’s voice to say, “She says that at least two thousands refugees met a similar fate before Cathy retired and joined up with the SCU. In the end it was discovered that only a handful of those were justified, mostly in the beginning. My guess? She did it out of fear, duty, and habit, and is still trying to atone for it to this day.”

> cont

>>40828205


“Cripes,” you mumble as you close your eyes and rub your forehead. That’s a lot to take in.

> [1] Call it a night there to think things through
> [2] Selling Security
> [3] Aria_Accounts.xlsx
> [4] The Puppetmaster

>>40828222
> [2] Selling Security

>>40828222
> [1] Call it a night there to think things through

>>40828222
> [2] Selling Security

>>40828222
>> [2] Selling Security

>>40828222
>> [3] Aria_Accounts.xlsx

>>40828222
>> [3] Aria_Accounts.xlsx

>>40828222
>[3] Aria_Accounts.xlsx

I think I actually might be able to squeeze this into one last infodump before you can go onto other things. Just be patient!

>>40828222

“Let’s… Let’s just get through those last three things while I still have the energy and motivation. Lord knows I might not have it tomorrow if there’s more like that in there.”

The holo bird flies around your head once. “I’m sorry. I don’t think there is. But here’s the rest!”

Selling Security seems to be a Raziel internal roadmap for marketing an organization like the SCU to other governments. It’s very much written in typical jargon meant to sell investors and shareholders on a concept. But the core idea is clear: the SCU is an experiment in and of itself, by both Ocrania and Raziel. So far it’s been successful in both handling its mission statement and in returning useful prototype data for all involved. Thus expanding it to other countries and cities should yield similar results.

The Aria spreadsheet is definitely lost on you though. It’s a very large, entangled web of account numbers and transfers. Even Qwin’s little textual note of “follow the money and you’ll see who’s involved” doesn’t really help. You’re not an accountant so this data’s very much useless to you. But if you had to guess? This is probably a obfuscated list of who’s in bed with Aria metaphorically. And there’s a very large amount of money going into a black budget from multiple sources.

Finally the last file, the Puppetmaster, is the following:

> If you read this first, bad. Go read something else James!

> But if you are in fact reading this after seeing what lies on both sides then you might realize you’re trapped. And that’s where I come in. I can get you through this without having to destroy either side. Together we can reform BOTH organizations to better Ocrania and Meridian at large. But you have to trust me completely for it to work, hence why I’ve given you so much data to sift through and form your own opinion on.

> What you do from here is up to you. If you’re interested, tell the bird. It’ll bring you back to me.

> cont

>>40828603

“Rather grandiose claims Qwin,” you observe as you wave the files away. Thankfully your VI doesn’t choose to respond. Instead it powers off the display and leaves you in almost pitch darkness. Fine by you really. It gives you time to muse on what to do from here. Who to support, who to trust, and so on.

> [1] Show up at work (SCU) like normal tomorrow
> [2] Meet up with Aria and/or her Sister instead
> [3] Arrange a meeting with Qwin
> [4] Blow them all off and wait for one to come to you

>>40828614
> [3] Arrange a meeting with Qwin

>>40828614
>> [1] Show up at work (SCU) like normal tomorrow
but after
> [3] Arrange a meeting with Qwin

>>40828614
> [3] Arrange a meeting with Qwin

>>40828614
> [2] Meet up with Aria and/or her Sister instead

>>40828614
>> [3] Arrange a meeting with Qwin

>>40828614
>> [2] Meet up with Aria and/or her Sister instead

>>40828614
>> [1] Show up at work (SCU) like normal tomorrow

>>40828614
>> [3] Arrange a meeting with Qwin

>>40828614
2

>>40828614
2

>>40828614
> [2] Meet up with Aria and/or her sister

>>40828614
>[2] Meet up with Aria and/or her Sister instead

>>40828614
> [2] Meet up with Aria instead
I don't like her sister.

>>40828614
> [2] Meet up with Aria and/or her Sister instead
Remember boys, Slow pace = Safe Pelvis.

>>40828614
>> [2] Meet up with Aria and/or her Sister instead

I think [2] has it (despite some indications of possible samefagging). Back in a bit!

>>40828672
>>40828681
>>40828703
>>40828707
>>40828728
>>40828736
>>40828762
Ok samefags you can stop now.

>>40828766
Are you cis?

>>40828852
What? What does that even mean, and what does it have to do with rampant samefaggotry?

>>40828852
That was suposed to be cia.

>>40828763
I keep imagining VI as a certain demon bird girl except the hair and feather colors are emerald green with a ruby chest plumage. Also in a more sleek dress.

>>40828614

You don’t get a whole lot of sleep. Your mind just keeps racing and mulling over everything you know thus far. Thus when you wake in the morning your first act is to try and figure out your coffee maker. It doesn’t go so well even with your VI helping. Still, you do end up with a cup of something hot and containing caffeine and that’s what counts.

“So… what are you going to do today?” asks your VI.

You grumble as you try to shake off the weariness. “I think I need to have a heart to heart with Aria about several things. She’s the only ‘side’ that I haven’t heard a lot from in terms of perspective. Plus I need to get her prepared to either slow down so my pelvis survives or give up on me as a boyfriend.”

“Oh. Okay! Do you want me to send a message for you then?”

“No, I need to handle this call myself.”

Another wing-salute meets this. “You got it! Calling Aria!”

“I didn’t mean now!”

Too late. The sound of ringing fills your kitchen as your phone is connected through the speakers there. After three rings a very groggy voice belonging to a certain CEO answers, “Mrelllo? I told you five more minutes Val…”

> [1] I can call back later if you’d like
> [2] Hey you. Wanna do something today?
> [3] We need to talk.
> [4] Write in

>>40828879
Doesn't take a genius to figure out that all that was samefagging.

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>>40828766
Sure.

>>40828895
> [1] I can call back later if you’d like

>>40828895
>> [1] I can call back later if you’d like

>>40828895
> [1] I can call back later if you’d like

>>40828895
>> [3] We need to talk.

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>>40828894

Quick! Find Greenmarine! He might draw it!

>>40828895
> [1] I can call back later if you’d like.
> [4] Sorry about accidentally interrupting your beauty sleep, didn't mean to dial your number. Speed dial is a bitch sometimes.

>>40828895
> [2] Hey you. Wanna do something today?

>>40828895
>>40828895
>[1] I can call back later if you’d like

You sound busy.

>>40828895
2

>>40828895
> [2] Hey you. Wanna do something today?

>>40828896
Eh wouldn't more voting for something important rather than who talks first, be normal?

>>40828974
The last votes were nothing but 2 with changes in how there were presented in order to break time limit. They were pretty blatant about it.

>>40828974

In my experience it can go both ways. In this case there's very much the waifu factor combined with the fact route locks are a comin'. Just try not to get too up in arms about it.

>>40828895
1

>>40828895

“Ah, sorry to interrupt your beauty sleep,” you answer. “I can call back later if you’d like.”

You can almost hear the gears in her head slowly revving up to speed. “Is that you Weldon? Hi. I didn’t expect to hear from you so soon. It’s… nice. Really nice. Is something wrong?”

“No, not at all. I just thought we should maybe move up the time table from Friday.”

A note of eagerness slips into her response, “Of course we can do that. I’d love nothing more. But I’m curious given your last email, is this about *us* or something work related? Or both?”

> [1] Both
> [2] Us
> [3] Work

>>40829052
> [3] Work

>>40829052
>> [1] Both

>>40828852

> [1] Both

>>40829052
> [1] Both

>>40829052
>> [1] Both

>>40829052
> [3] Work

>>40829052
> [3] Both

>>40829052
>[1] Both

>>40829052
> [1] Both
The business of pleasure and the the pleasure of business.

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>>40829107
>3
>Both

>>40829052
>>[3] Work

>>40829052
>> [1] Both

>>40829137
I normally just put the number since my phone doesn't copy paste but someone was bitching about samefags so I tried typing it out.

>>40829052

“Both. So a setting less intimate would probably be best meeting-wise.”

Aria murmurs something inaudible. Then she says, “Sure. Do you still want to choose where we go or shall I?”

You’re thinking of taking her to a small little cafe you found in a back alley during your roaming of the area around your apartment. It’s out of the way, very low-tech, has semi-private booths, and generally serves good sandwiches. Definitely lower key than an exclusive dinner at a five star restaurant.

“I’ve got something in mind, yeah. Can you do around lunch time at my place? We’ll walk from there.”

“I’d have to cancel a meeting or two, but for you Weldon? Sure. Do I need to bring anything?”

> [1] Just your smile
> [2] You may want to have your Sister handy
> [3] Nothing really
> [4] Write in

>>40829052
2

>>40829193
> [3] Nothing really

>>40829193
> [3] Nothing really

>>40829193
>> [1] Just your smile

>>40829193
Well the work stuff is important but I want you alone.

>>40829193
> [3] Nothing really

>>40829193
3

>>40829193
>> [3] Nothing really

cant think of the reason on why we need her sister.

[3] it is. Back in a bit!

Also if I disappear it's because I lost power.

>>40829269
Just wanted to have it be an option really. Never know when having an NPC handy can effect things.

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>>40829269
>cant think of the reason on why we need her sister.
I can.

>>40829298
please share. also, what show is that girl from?

>>40829374
music video, Me me me!

>>40829409
Expect nudity and slaanesh.

>>40828999
Well the dragonfags realise they are heavily outnumbered and are samefagging every possible choice connected to Aria and its seriously detrimental to the quest and blatant as fuck, it's something you want to put a stop to if possible, you can't do anything but get up in arms about it when its so obvious and spiteful.

>>40829193

“Nothing really. I’ll see you then, alright?”

After you hang up you drag yourself through the rest of your morning routine. The caffeine high hits you right as you start to walk out of the door, giving you just enough of a well-rested appearance by the time you arrive at the SCU building. As you expected there’s not a whole lot going on today that requires your attention. A few forms here, a few videos there, nothing you can’t knock out before lunch. In general you’re given a wide berth from every other SCU member save Hatos, Mariet, and Demian while you’re in the building, though Cathy does give you a smile and wave once.

All this means you’re more than capable and free to take a longer lunch to meet up with Aria. You find that she’s precisely on time, her SUV convoy arriving right as you round the corner. Today she’s in another suit, though one far less expensive and impressive than her usual. She patiently waits for you to close the gap, though her tail twitching betrays her emotions.

“Sooooo, where are we going?” she asks.

“A small cafe, not far,” you reply as you note several goons stepping out of the SUV’s. “I don’t think we’ll need them but you can bring them if you’d like?”

She bites her lip in thought, then waves them off. “I’m getting mixed signals here, Weldon.”

You laugh and motion for her to follow you. “It’s not entirely intentional, I assure you. Besides, part of the conversation we’re about to have requires us to see each other as equals. The more we can do to facilitate that the better.”

“I don’t know whether to be excited or wary. And I like that.”

“I thought you might.”

It doesn’t take the two of you long to reach the cafe, claim a booth, and order a standard array of sandwiches. The place is fairly vacant save for a couple of other patrons but you’re more or less sure you won't be overhead.

> cont

>>40829518

“So Aria,” you begin.

> [1] I need to know a few things about Fokir’s direction
> [2] Let’s handle the big ticket item first: us
> [3] How are you?
> [4] Write in

>>40829507
There is some samefagging but it's not as heavily weighted as you seem to think. At this point I can only invalidate those votes which are blatant without risking railroading one way or the other. Though that may have to happen should current trends continue, fair warning to both sides. TLDR: knock it off faggots.

>>40829547
>> [1] I need to know a few things about Fokir’s direction

>>40829547
>> [1] I need to know a few things about Fokir’s direction

>>40829547
> [3] How are you?
> [1] I need to know a few things about Fokir’s direction

>>40829507
Which posts do you think are samefagged.

>>40829611
pretty much most past the first 8 or so minutes with the exact same nuances in english speech with only modifications to the content to get past the filter, though linking to them only makes people do a reverse spartacus and is useless.

>>40829547
>[1] I need to know a few things about Fokir’s direction

>>40829547
> [3] How are you?
>[4] Still can't believe it's been a few days since the limb surgery and it feels like they're just natural arms and legs.

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>>40829640
>though linking to them only makes people do a reverse spartacus and is useless.
Opinion disregarded.

One of these days someone is going to call samefag correctly and because of you,"Mai waifu didn't win, only the otherside samefagged."fags I am not going to believe them.

>>40829674
>Opinion disregarded.

Go back to /b/ if you want to be a tard like that, believe what you want to believe, just don't be a faggot.

I believe [1] has it.

So here is a semi-serious follow-up vote (more so than usual but not route lock territory).

Do you reveal the fact you have her financial information or not? I.e. do you begin playing the cards in your hand or do you continue to hold?

15 minute vote. You can link the number or the entire thing, doesn't matter. Just don't be samefagging the vote please.

> [1] Reveal and reason
> [2] Attempt to get information without it

>>40829674
>I am not going to believe them.
Like that would make a difference.

>>40829691
Go to tumblr if you don't like the way I phrase things.

>>40829700
>[2] Attempt to get information without it

>>40829691
different anon
every single one of us is a faggot you want to know why i know it because we are all on 4chan
>>40829700
> [2] Attempt to get information without it

>>40829700
>> [1] Reveal and reason

>>40829700
> [2] Attempt to get information without it

>>40829700
> [2] Attempt to get information without it
I don't see any reason why on earth we would reveal that or play any of those cards this soon.

>>40829700
2

>>40829700
> [2] Attempt to get information without it
We haven't even deciphered it yet. Lets scope it out first.

>>40829700
2

>>40829700
> [2] Attempt to get information without it

>>40829719
>>40829717

Disregard one of these, I meant it to be one and I am getting some password incorrect thing.

Anyway count this as a 1.

>>40829738
How can you fail at posting this badly? You should be able to tell which is yours just by seeing the post your replying to, which will point out which reply is yours...

If you can't delete it because of 'some password incorrect thing', then the post is not yours...

>>40829700
>> [1] Reveal and reason

>>40829752
I am behind several proxies. I am also paranoid and sleepy.

>>40829700
>> [1] reveal and reason

>>40829783
Three things you shouldn't be posting under the influence of.

>>40829700
2

>>40829716
>I don't see any reason why on earth we would reveal that or play any of those cards this soon.
Because she won't give us a second chance.

I already voted don't count this one.

>>40829700
>[1] Reveal and reason

>>40829468
>>40829409
just watched it.....and now I am very disgusted by Japan and their blatant slaaneshian addiction. and that's after watching 20 seconds of it.

>>40829819
How is that a reason why we should reveal these cards when we don't even know what these cards are and how paranoid she is? You don't make sense anon.

>>40829842
If she finds out we know and lied by omission she won't forgive us.

>>40829547


“I’ve been looking at everyone and everything involved. I’ve heard from the SCU and you, along with a few third party sources. But in order to complete the picture I need a little more, especially about Fokir.”

Aria tenses up a little bit in reaction to the seriousness of your statement. “I suppose it depends what you want to know. I may like you Weldon but I cannot give you company secrets, especially in an insecure little bistro.”

“That’s fair,” you concede. “Really it comes down to a few things in my mind. You’re trying to rebuild from the ground up, I get that. But where is it all going? Say the SCU gets off your back and Fokir can operate with impunity in Ocrania. What then? We both know the city won’t change overnight or because of a few hobos being given new prosthetics.”

She’s all business now, though there is a glimmer in her eyes. “You’re correct, money and influence will only change but so much. Action is required to truly push the reform this city needs. That this government, country, and even world craves. But before you worry that I’m forming some sort of private army, I can assure you that I’m not. The core of my plan involves unhindered access to space elevators. That’s all I can say here and now.”

> [1] What of the people involved? Will the ends truly justify your means?
> [2] So your plan is to what, bring back the wealth from the stars instead of keeping it there?
> [3] Why not just go public with your plan if it’s truly that important to our future?
> [4] Write in

>>40829876
she stated previously that she liked that we erred on the side of caution.

>>40829876
what...

so you would rather tell her we have her account details, which we shouldn't have, to her face for no reason at all just because your paranoid she might find out we have a tablet we shouldn't have, that she's no way of knowing we have or finding out about the tablet...

thats stupidity beyond paranoia

>>40829896
> [1] What of the people involved? Will the ends truly justify your means?
> [2] So your plan is to what, bring back the wealth from the stars instead of keeping it there?

>>40829896
> [1] What of the people involved? Will the ends truly justify your means?
> [3] Why not just go public with your plan if it’s truly that important to our future?

>>40829896
>> [2] So your plan is to what, bring back the wealth from the stars instead of keeping it there?

>>40829899
>>40829902
She outright said we don't get trust back. And she wont mind if we have stuff on her if we tell her about the hacker.

Would the SCU have minded if we told them about the vents? Same fucking thing.

>>40829896
> [2] So your plan is to what, bring back the wealth from the stars instead of keeping it there?

>>40829896
> [4] So aside from the SCU and the press getting on your tail if this hobo charity is blown, what's another reason you're so cautious to keep the it under cover?

>>40829936
>She outright said we don't get trust back. And she wont mind if we have stuff on her if we tell her about the hacker.
This is delusion right here gentlemen.

>>40829896
>> [2] So your plan is to what, bring back the wealth from the stars instead of keeping it there?
and this>>40829948

>>40829949
Which part?

>>40829948
this is a good point to mull over, why the secrecy to the point of starting a shadow war over this?

>>40829979
Fear.

[2] with a little of that write in I think. Back in a bit!

>>40829949
Can you explain how helping Aria will make Aria mad at us?

>>40830036
Pftthahahahaha oh wow you are deluded anon.

That's not 'helping' her at all.

>>40830061
>That's not 'helping' her at all.
"Hey I got this leak from some brown hacker, I am giving it to you rather than the SCU."

How is that not helping her?

>>40830083
We would not be 'giving' her that or our source you fucking retard, go back and reread the QM's posts, we would be using it against her to get her to tell us her plan you moron.

We're also not giving that or our source to anyone on either side yet, not for a while as we've barely even understood all of it yet let alone realized how to use it.

For a second stop thinking how this is dagronwaifu simulater 43 for a second and stop being a fucking retard.

>>40830083

That's not what the option was to do at all. I think you're off in fantasy land entirely anon. Either take your meds, go to sleep, or stop posting under the influence of stupidity.

>>40830083
If you cant find the hacker, all you have is her accounting info. youve basically told her you have a resource that she cant get her hands on, and it threatens her entire goal. also her company presumably has a very large and presumably undocumented black budget, this is tax evasion. as well as many other things because it's also a list of everyone in her pocket.

>>40830083
What.

Just stop posting anon, you're clearly drunk on something.

>>40829896

“So then your plan involves bringing back some of the wealth that’s being kept up there?”

There’s that smug grin of hers. “Perhaps. Perhaps not.”

“Well if it is, why all this secrecy? It can’t just be potential bad press or the threat of the SCU shutting down. What am I missing? If it’s truly as altruistic as you claim then letting it stand in the light should aid it, not hinder it.”

Before she replies, Aria moves to place one of her hands on yours. You feel her give it a reassuring squeeze. “Because, James, I have learned the hard way that the best intentions, even the most noble ones, always have to deal with the unsavory and shadows in some way. And regardless of that how there will always be someone out there who will try their hardest to tear everything you have down to nothing. That is why I keep things close to the chest. Not because I fear reprisal for what my plan entails, but because if it fails then I won’t be the only one to lose everything here.”

She removes her hand as a server comes by to drop off your sandwiches. Forcing a smile, she asks, “Does that cover everything?”

> [1] For now
> [2] I have one other thing (write in)
> [3] Yeah. Sorry to grill you.

>>40830152
>> [2] I have one other thing (write in)
Tell her about the puppet master.

>>40830152
> [3] Yeah. Sorry to grill you.
Are they grilled sandwiches?

>>40830152
>[1] For now
Tease her a little, Imply sexual questioning in the near future.

>>40830152
> [3] Yeah. Sorry to grill you.
> [4] Though I don't see how that means you have to be secretly at war with the SCU, I'm sure if you wanted you could get them to see your line of thinking at least.

>>40830178
Why would we do that? It doesn't seem beneficial.

>>40830152
>> [1] For now
> [3] Yeah. Sorry to grill you.

>>40830178
No anon, just no.

>>40830152
>> [1] For now

>>40830187
Backing.

>>40830152
> [3] Yeah. Sorry to grill you.
>[4] Write-in Didn't know it would bring up something you didn't want to talk about. Is it that bad? *Inspects Deluxe Grilled Cheese Sandwich*

>>40830178
Don't be fucking stupid you idiot. We're not doing that.

>>40830196
Don't bother trying to understand that anon, he is off in fantasy land trying only to waifu Aria through his deluded reasoning, he can't actually see what he's voting for and isn't actually reading the quest, just reading what he wants to.

>>40830187
I can get behind that.

Also fuck captcha I've been trying to post for a while.

>>40830187
10/10 would support.

>>40830187
>Tease her a little, Imply sexual questioning in the near future.
No, just no.

We're not going to be dicking her anytime soon.

>>40830227
>trying only to waifu Aria
Wouldn't that be the flirting option?

>>40830249
That's the beauty of it.

>>40830253
He's too fucking stupid to actually read and play the quest instead of just substituting his own fantasy onto ELH's writing.

>>40830261
I'd rather not get us in anymore of a worse position between her and Cathy anon.

>>40830249
I said tease, I actually prefer Cathy, but I want to fluster the dragon at least once. It's a terrible idea I know. but I felt compelled to suggest it.

so, basically what this guy said >>40830261

>>40830249
>We're not going to be dicking her anytime soon.
Why not?

It is beneficial to fuck her if we are on her side and if we aren't then we need to get her to like us even more.

>>40830286
No, it really isn't.

>>40830285
Then perhaps in the future you can clarify as such with your reasoning in your posts.

>>40830286
Because we want to fuck Cathy.

>>40830286
Because horny shadowrunners are dead shadowrunners. Sure we can dick her, and Cathy, and whoever the bloody hell we want, just not now. Because, you know, everything is about to go to shit and we have to be prepared to at least not get horribly maimed again.

>>40830286
1, we're not going on her side.

2, that won't help anything else for us, it will just make everyone else treat us as even more of a traitor and would only sate your boner and nothing else. If you want to fap to dragons go to /d/, they have a thread up right now, but don't fuck up this quest because your horny and unreasonable.

>>40830310
Exactly.

[3] it is. Back in a bit.

Also I think I'm going to put my foot down here and say that I'm not going to count any votes in the future that are solely motivated by sex. Go fuck off to another quest if you want smut or mindless waifu'ing. Flirting is fine. The shit that's been plaguing the last few votes? No.

>>40830310
you mean the civilian an child killer

>>40830286
Because sex with aria closes off Cathy

>>40830296
I probably should yes, but I will admit I didn't think about it. I am a silly fool

>>40830322
What's in the past is in the past anon.
I mean, who hasn't killed refugees once or twice?

>>40830321
Thank you for being smart about that. If only the lost cause waifufags were reasonable about it though honestly I think you shouldn't have added the more than 1 waifu to the quest, thats just asking for and setting up bullshit like this.

My God lads, you're all acting like there aren't any multiple, impending, potentially fatal crises waiting to happen.

>>40830310
>Because we want to fuck Cathy.
See>>40830321

>>40830322
Like Aria is any better.

Fuck off.

>>40830310
you. you don't deserve your penis privilege.

>>40830360
Are any of us voting like you are, an impatient drooling retard typing with one hand while spamming to try and get in Aria's pants? No we're not so piss off.

>>40830367
What did she do that was worse.

>>40830351

The problem there was if one side had a prominent female lead they all had to have one. It's a necessary evil and I knew something like this would come up eventually. I'd much rather deal with the fallout prior to a route-lock and lose whatever trouble players in the process if it means a happier and more streamlined quest in the future.

>>40830367
Oh, I'm sorry. Disappointed your waifu is a merciless civilian killer? Sad you can't claim the highground anymore? Angry because Aria is actually helping those people and is a better person?

>>40830367
untill we understand what the money points to ya she is

>>40830385
>they all had to have one
Not at all.

Only if the writing biases the female so the players want to bias towards her faction.

>>40830385
This is true. but this scenario is also what spawned the waifu wars in the first place and the whole "best girl" sperging.

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>>40830378
I love how angry this has made you, I am not even the "Its helping her" fag.

>>40830388
>>40830367

Shut up you whiny cunts. youre back and forth is neither productive nor entertaining.

>>40830388
>Disappointed your waifu is a merciless civilian killer?
Not at all, saw it coming considering her background and wasn't at all surprised.

>Sad you can't claim the highground anymore?
Never tried to, this is shadowrun you retard, no one claims the high ground because there isn't any.

>Angry because Aria is actually helping those people and is a better person?
Hahahahaha, keep trying to put words in my mouth, you just look more like an idiot.

It's pretty clear you don't actually care about the quest or the characters and just want to fap, so why don't you already? Leave the rest of us and fuck off.

>>40830421
Just saying mass murder is relevant to this quest's plot without waifuing.

>>40830396
No, she really isn't, or have you forgotten how she killed all our coworkers without a second thought?

>>40830424
>>40830419
No thanks. I'll just revel in your jelly salt sandwiches. It's just how quests like this naturally develop anyway.

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>>40830424
>My little anon can't be this booty blasted.

>>40830385
>The problem there was if one side had a prominent female lead they all had to have one.
Nah, you need to trust yourself better in your writing, you can avoid that altogether just by making them well characterized rather than fap bait, which you already do so just trust yourself more.

Also, you could have made the waifu unconnected or at least not the figurehead of each faction, that was the big mistake that lead to this mess.