You awake in the morning feeling fresh and rested for once. No alarm going off to jolt you out of your slumber, no million and one things to worry about in regards to your job, just a beautiful morning, fresh air and four arms wrapped around you in a cyborg hug.

You wish you could say you don't recall last night and that maybe something exciting happened, but the honest truth about it is you both fell asleep watching TV and chatting all night after you got back to the hotel. Still, it's a welcome feeling and you have no regrets.

Your pickup time is in a few hours, so you have some time to do some last-minute enjoying of your vacation.

What would you like to do?

>>47012467
Enjoy having a cute girl cuddling us and just lay in bed.

Then go and have some fancy breakfast. Like croissants, or something else french sounding. Enjoy being able to see the sky. And wind.

Woot, first time being in one these threads

Seconding >>47012578

>>47012616
Welcome to the quest, anon!

Writing.

>>47012578
This sounds like a plan. I'm game for it.

>>47012629

Hi OP hows your day going?

>>47012629
Are Theresa's robo-arms cold or do they have internal heating? They should because you touch yourself with your hands a lot and if they were always cold that would be annoying.

You figure you're in no hurry and enjoy a little more time with Theresa in bed, cuddling a little closer (which elicits a pleasant noise from her) and enjoying your life at this moment. You'll have a new bounce in your step at work, that's for sure. You do, however, notice a large number of messages on your phone, but fuck that, it's probably just Mouse being obnoxious again.

A short while later your sleeping companion wakes, rubbing her eyes and murmuring out a soft "morning" as she rises. You share a gentle "good morning" kiss and begin your different routines. You, shaving, showering, nearly tripping over yourself as you try not to stare at her doing morning yoga. Her...that.

You head to a local cafe nearby for some breakfast. It's got some nonsense-sounding "French" name they probably just made up to sound fancy, but the food smells good and you want to get as much real food as you can before it's back to government-issue eggs and...meat?

>Check your messages over breakfast
>Talk about___ (write in)
>Be "that" obnoxious couple and flit shamelessly
>Other (write in)

>>47012643
Can't complain besides the heat. California + Summer/late Spring is not a pleasant place to be. But my neighbors are BBQing and it smells delicious.
>>47012669
Yeah, most cyborgs pony up the little extra cash and get internal temperature regulators, though you can get without. It's not recommended, though, as it can cause discomfort or even injuries if you're in somewhere with excessive heat or cold.

>>47012781
>Be "that" obnoxious couple and flit shamelessly
Might as well do it while we can.

>>47012781
>Be "that" obnoxious couple and flit shamelessly
Could actually get pretty bad since people aren't too keen with cyborgs but what the hell. Also kinda curious about those messages, but that seems a bit rude during a date,

>>47012849
>>47012883
PDA it is.

Writing.

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>>47012781
I feel like there might be sonething wrong... buuut Being all PDA might not hurt. assuming nothing bad has happened.

>>47012939
Oh don't worry, Pandora's only stolen TWO of Ares' weapon subsystems!

It's not like Elpis was woken up and uploaded into an arm or something....

You simply can't help yourself, as you've always wanted to do this, but you spend a large amount of your breakfast flirting, being romantic and all kinds of other coupley things. A meaningful look here, a kiss there, some feeding one another and incessant giggling sprinkled on for good measure. You're having the time of your lives, but a few of the other patrons have different feelings about it. There are some stares, scoffs and murmured words all around, but you refuse to let that get to you.

"You know," Theresa says, head resting on her mechanical hands while her human ones hold yours, "I've been thinking about when we get back to work. I know it's not against policy for relationships between staff or anything, but Dr. Taggart said mixing 'business and pleasure' leads to heartbreak or something. She said she was speaking from experience. Of course I'm not going to listen to her, but that begs the question...what do we tell people? If anything, I mean. Do we keep this to ourselves? Do we act like it's nothing big? What should we do?"

Well, doctor? What do you say?

>>47013044
I'd say don't keep it a secret, but don't neccessarily flaunt it, and make sure it doesn't distract from work or anything. We have some pretty big responsibilities after all

>>47013044
Lets tell people. Keeping secrets makes things complicated.
>>47013104
Agreeing with this sentiment basically.

>>47013044
Voting for just letting it be because it's our business and not theirs.

Like, not going around telling everyone about it, but not trying to hide it either. We're adults, after all.

>>47013104
I was halfway through typing out something that was essentially this word for word. So this.

>>47013104
>>47013120
>>47013123
>>47013142
WE'RE DATING!

Writng.

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>>47013123
Ostensibly.

any requests anons?

>>47013155
The lab on fire as Pandora and Ares rampage through it.

"Let's just be casual about it." you say, "Let people know, but don't make it a big thing, right? From my point of view, keeping secrets just leads to complications later on."

She smiles at this. "Yeah, that sounds good. Plus I don't think I could keep it to myself for that long. Despite my line of work, I'm terrible with secrets." she laughs, "Besides, it's not like it'd get in the way of anything. We are professionals at all, not high-schoolers sneaking around behind their parents' backs. Though I'm sure I'll have to endure some ribbing from the others in my department."

It occurs to you that beyond some things revolving around Mouse, you know next to nothing about the other R&D members. Maybe you'll get to know them a little better sometime.

You spend a long time in the cafe just chatting, being disgustingly cute and ignoring the shuns of other patrons. But soon enough it's getting closer to the time when you need to leave. All good things, as they say, and you end up waiting for the chopper pickup at the designated place, watching the world gently pass by hand in hand.

Please roll 1d100 for some reason. Best of 3.

Rolled 50 (1d100)

>>47013287
Hmmm

>>47013287
how do I roll?

Rolled 83 (1d100)

>>47013287

>>47013342
dice+1d100 in the options field

>>47013342
>>15396072
Here you go

Rolled 90 (1d100)

>>47013287
>>47013352 >>47013356

Thanks anons

>>47013370
Nah man, after that roll, thank you.

>>47013370
No, thank you.

>>47013304
>>47013352
>>47013370
One of these days I'm going to make a DC obscenely hard, something like 95+ and just see what happens.

Writing.

>>47013405
obviously, the highest roll will be 1

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You idly check your messages while waiting only to find out that Mouse has been passing around your number, apparently, and Grace has been sending you numerous messages covered in copious amounts of emojis.

Does Pandora know how to tie shoes? Should she? :O

She does now! :D

Wait, nevermind. :(

I don't think Lucky likes me... :((((

He just barked at me! x_x

Ares says he likes music! :D

He asked for me to sing for him! I'm not very good, though. ;_;

He's trying to sing along! It's very cute! ^_^

He gave up...I think he wants to play instruments instead... :\

What was the password to get into the shared document server again?

Oh, right. Nevermind! Ignore me! LOL!

Yeesh. Still, she seems to be holding her own at least. Not your problem for another few blissful hours alone with Babsy, who is currently laughing at your reading of her messages.

Before long your ride shows up and you make your way back to the Facility, it's grey, boring, joyless exterior coming into view before long. Theresa squeezes your hand lightly and sighs, apparently sharing your sentiment about going back to work. Still, at least you'll have something else to look forward to there besides the AI.

You enter the building, doing the security check and search routine once again, though it takes some convincing and threats of talking to superiors when they want to tear open the plush you got Pandora to check for "contraband". Your researchers and the R&D team (minus Snowglobe) are there to greet you, Grace practically shoving the paperwork to get you reinstated as head of research into your hands. There are kind words, laughs, a few groans when people find out about you and Babsy (Mouse pumps her arm and takes a large sum of money from various people) and you can't help but feel like you're being welcomed by family. It feels good and you have a warm, wide smile on your face that won't go away.

You could go visit Pandora or Ares or go elsewhere in the Facility. Where to now?

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>>47013172
I can't help but imagine...
through several holes in the wall,
burning equipment
and terrified staff.

It would all just be from them running about having fun.

>>47013715
Pandora, then to Ares.

>>47013734
I immediately though "eeeeeeeagleeeeee" from Scrubs and laughed. Great as always, Ed.

>>47013715
This >>47013736

Also you called her Babsy, then Theresa, and then Babsy. Is she Babsy again now that we're back? Do we call her Theresa when we're alone or in monologue? Will the doctor fuck up and say her real name? I'm starting to get confused

>>47013789
Babsy in front of others, Theresa in private. I swap to give you a sense of how conflicted the doctor is having to remember two names. Don't fuck up, doc! The wrong person hearing that could make for nasty repercussions!

Writing.

>>47013848
Why do I get the feeling he's going to call her by the wrong name if we screw up a roll in the future?

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>>47013864

>>47013864
Because it is likely the correct one.

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You head to Pandora's room, the familiar heavy clunking of the doors a welcome sound as you step over the threshold. You enter to see the android girl mulling over the finer details of a tennis shoe, one of her fingers currently tangled in the knotted mess of it's laces.

"Grace, the rabbit thing isn't working." she says, not noticing you at first, "Should I try it with different animals?"

"You could try velcro." you say, the sound of your voice perking her up immediately. She whirls around, locks eyes with you and charges over for the hug of a lifetime, her chameleon-like hair a wild rainbow of color as she tries to figure out an emotion to settle on. Before you can react you have metal arms locked around you and a face buried in your chest as she squeals in delight.

"Doctor!" Pandora shouts, her voice muffled, but still ecstatic. You return the hug gladly, patting her on the head and laughing as she attempts to embrace you and hop around at the same time.

Lucky is busy chewing on the shoe.

"I missed you too, Pandora." you say.

"Don't leave again! I had to show Grace how to do everything! She's even worse at video games than you are." she says, putting on her best pouty face. "What'd you bring me?" she almost demands of you, like you need to make up for leaving her in the care of someone who's not you.

You reach into your bag and produce the shirt and plush. She squeals again, hugging the stuffed wolf tight. She quickly dons the shirt over her dress afterward; it looks a little silly, but she seems to enjoy it. No accounting for taste, you suppose.

"So did you and Babsy make a baby?" Pandora asks, hopeful eyes looking up at you.

>Tell her about you and Babsy
>Ask about how things were with just Grace
>Other (write in)

>>47014072
Tell her about us and babsy.

leave the rest up to her (and ours) imagination.

What is the shirt she got? I think i missed that bit.

>>47014072
Did we get ares any gifts? Shit.

>>47014072
>>Tell her about you and Babsy
But we gotta tell Pandora that baby isn't going to be happening for a looooong time

>>47014072
How has she been without us?
Cause in my experience no one is as interested in your relationship as you are.

>>47014152
The shirt is a generic "X-town zoo" with some howling wolves on it. Congratulations, Pandora is one fedora away from being "that android".
>>47014203
Nope. Then again, he's hard to shop for in that he himself doesn't know what interests him. Though if what Grace said is correct, he likes music.

Writing.

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>>47014259
>Pandora is one fedora away from being "that android"

And now I'm reminded of this image. If draw friend is still around, part of me wants this with Pandora if you don't mind

"No babies yet, no." you laugh nervously, "But uh...well, I guess we are a 'couple' now..."

"Couple of what?" Pandora asks completely seriously. Honestly, you walked right into that one.

"We're uh...romantically involved? Dating. We're 'together' in that sense. You understand?" you say, trying your best to get her to understand.

"...So...you'll be making a baby soon, then?" She asks, a hopeful glint in her eye.

"N-no, uhm...that won't be happening for a...very long time if it does, Pandora." you shift nervously. Yeesh. "What it means is that we like eachother in a different way than other people do. We like eachother more than just friends or family, that kind of thing."

"Um...I think so." Pandora says, furrowing her brow, "But does that mean you won't be coming here as much? Since you'll be busy making babies with Babsy?"

This kid does not quit. "N-no. No. There will be no babies, Pandora. And I'll be coming by just like I normally do. Don't worry. Who knows, maybe Babsy will be coming by to visit more often, too."

"I'd like that." she smiles.

You spend the rest of your time with Pandora showing her the pictures you took at the zoo and talking about your time out. She's jealous beyond compare, but her attention is mercifully short and she simply "oohs" and "ahhs" at the next picture each time.

You tell her you need to go visit Ares for a minute and see how he's doing, to which Pandora seems nonplussed about, rolling her eyes. Sibling rivalry, perhaps? You say your goodbyes, get some hugs in and head out.

The cold, flat, grey walls of Ares' room are just as depressing as you recall them, but he doesn't seem to mind them at all when you wake him.

"Welcome home, father." he says with a salute. "Was your time away pleasant?"

>Do your best to describe a romantic relationship to this android as well
>Maybe later once he's got a better grasp on everything. talk about the outside world
>Other (write in)

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>>47014259
>Congratulations, Pandora is one fedora away from being "that android".
Its too late. it always has been.
Too late.

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>>47014422
This truly is my calling.
I will try this out.

>>47014520
>Maybe later once he's got a better grasp on everything. talk about the outside world

>>47014520
>Later.

Also discuss music with him. He apparently likes it and the more we can humanize him the better.

>>47014566
Awesome, thanks man

>>47014540
In this moment I am running euphoric.exe.
Lord, what have I done?
>>47014566
Hey, how about a crossover of Pandora and the MC of the Mech Fighter quest? I wouldn't mind seeing that.

Writing.

>>47014520
Yeah perhaps later, don't need to throw romance on while he's still grappling with family stuff don't want things getting all greek. but mention that we had fun with babsy. The fact we spent time with someone else might get him interested in connecting with people as friends and whatnot.

"It was great, thanks." you say, pulling up a seat, "We had lots of fun out there. Nature, animals, that sort of thing. Babsy and I loved it. Did you enjoy your time with Grace?"

"Dr. Zheng was very accommodating." Ares says with a curt nod, "She was very curious as to what my interests were, though had little knowledge of modern military weapons and tactics. I'm afraid my knowledge is...limited beyond that..." he has a pondering look on his face, trying to work out something he could do better, perhaps.

"She mentioned you enjoyed music, right?" you ask. "That you even tried a little singing and like instruments."

Ares gives his best version of a smile. It reminds me of Pandora shortly after her activation. "Yes, music is enjoyable. Though singing...I believe that is...too far removed from my programing. I enjoy the string instruments much more. I was shown videos of people playing them and they are fascinating. Creating different sounds through vibrating strings. I like that very much. However, Chief Palmer says such things are unnecessary for me..." he looks a little defeated at this.

Wait, Chief Palmer? The head of security?

"You...met Palmer?" you ask, concerned.

"Yes, sir. He is my CO for the moment." Ares says, the usual serious look returning, "He leads my training exercises and makes sure my abilities are maintained at optimum levels." he motions behind you to a set of targets with several bullet holes in them. You're a little concerned they didn't actually tell you about this, but you knew they planned to have him doing this. But still, Palmer? From the few times you've spoken to him, Palmer's been kind of a dick. Like there's a war only he's fighting in. You hope he isn't rubbing off on Ares. That's the last thing you need before he meets Pandora.

>"Is he giving you any other...advice like that?"
>"Don't listen to him. Do what makes you happy."
>"He's an asshole, don't take him seriously."
>Other (write in)

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>>47014422
Complete.

>>47014652
>Hey, how about a crossover of Pandora and the MC of the Mech Fighter quest? I wouldn't mind seeing that.
I've tried. Lord knows I've tried.
Time to try again. with a vengeance.

>>47014881
>"Don't listen to him. Do what makes you happy."

>>47014914
It's beautiful. Thanks a bunch

>>47014914
>[awoos]
Good lord, that is amazing.
What's gotten in the way of it, if I may ask?

>>47014881
I want to go with a bit of
>"Is he giving you any other...advice like that?"
>"Don't listen to him. Do what makes you happy."

Express some concern.
And perhaps let him know that he doesn't have to give up on personal pursuits like music.

Don't want to pin a lot of blame on palmer yet, might just be military man machismo. until he starts going overboard, then we'll tell ares not to listen to palmer.

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>>47014973
Nothing really. Just felt kind of art blocked at the times i've attempted it.

Also it was pic related. But I should do something cuter for a go.

>>47014881
>"Don't listen to him. Do what makes you happy."

Almost forgot to vote

>>47015005
Oh, that one. So that was supposed to be a lewd of both of them? Huh. The more you know.

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>>47014957
>>47014975
>>47015018
Fight the power it is. Writing!

Gonna be a second. Back ASAP. While I'm gone, this picture is almost exactly what I picture Mouse looks like.

>>47015005
Might I suggest Pandora playing with/poking at Liseath's tail?

Just a thought.

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>>47015067
>Fight the power
I like where this is going

By the way, about how old is Mouse?

>>47015112
You don't know for sure, but judging by how she looks, you'd say a little younger than you, maybe late 20's.

>>47015026
yeah Sort of? but i ultimately I just wasn't feeling it basically.

>>47015101
Thats adorable. I like it.

Now here I was thinking it would be pandora and ares playing a fighting game with Lesath and others as characters.

>>47015297
Thats a pretty solid idea. Why not both?

"Don't listen to him." you say, waving it off, "Do what makes you happy. If you want to enjoy music, go ahead and do it. He's a bit of a blowhard, anyway."

Ares is mulling this over. "Hmm, really?" he folds his arms, "If you say so, father. I trust your judgement. But...I don't believe they would let me listen to music during drills. Their rules are very strict regarding focus and following orders."

"Well," you say, inwardly laughing at the thought of Ares blowing off his homework to listen to music like a rebellious teenager, "we can always do that during my visits. Pandora likes music too, you know. Maybe you two could find a common ground?"

Ares nods at this. "I hope so. Maybe she could teach me more on the subject." he seems excited at the idea...in his own way, anyway. Honestly, it's kinda hard to read him a lot of the time.

Is there anything else you'd like to speak to your synthetic son, or would you like to head elsewhere? You could always talk to Palmer about Ares and what's best for him. Or speak to Richards about getting Ares a guitar or violin or something to learn in his downtime.

>>47015439
>Ares shredding riffs in his spare time

We need to get this guy a guitar

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>>47015427
figuring out how to show the two robots playing an then the action on the screen for one. but maybe as a sort of two panel thing.

Lesath vs Ares?

>>47015439
We should go talk to our team about how stuff was while we were away. Also because we have a habit of just dumping work on them without really talking to them that often.
We're a terrible boss.

>>47015491
Dunno if that'd be terribly fair what with him using guns, though I'm not terribly well versed on the quest itself. Do they allow firearms in fights?

>>47015439
Should we ask him what he learned/did over the weekend. Didn't Pandora try to teach him stuff?

>>47015491
True, it is a rather tricky thing to convey in a panel. The second idea ain't bad either.

I really really hope QG gets back to it soon. Along with the rest of his quests.

>>47015551
Well, one combatant had an arc crossbow. So I guess so. Its still fairly early at this point, but it seems likely.

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>>47015551
One fighter had crossbows and another had flamethrowers.

I think the only rule is that it has to be built in but theres not enough of it to go by yet.

Plus my goodness.

>>47015596

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>>47015609
I really need to get around to reading that quest.

SO, do we have a consensus? I've seen some support for getting Ares a shredding-ass guitar to make him a battle bard.

>>47015673
I can accept a guitar. But I would also love a violin for him because it seems oddly fitting.

>>47015685
Writing.

This would be a lot cooler if the radio wasn't playing Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse of the Heart" right now...

Turn around bright eyes...

>>47015673
why not both? Different disciplines and all.

I feel violin would be more relaxing post violence though.

>>47015685
Seconding violin

>>47015673
Its pretty fun. And thankfully short right now.

I just hope that more anons want to spend time world building and doing stuff besides fighting and hacking

You send a message to Richards asking if he has a sec to discuss a special order for Ares. Shortly later, you get a reply.

Richards: Is it dangerous, illegal or stupid.

Uh...no?

Richards: Then do it, I don't give a damn. Too busy.

Richards: Also, don't tell me I didn't warn you when the whole "company ink" thing goes tits up, son.

Well...that was...easy?

"Hey Ares, which do you like better, violin or guitar?" you ask, writing up a request form for acquisitions. Ares shrugs. Guess he hasn't had enough exposure to form an opinion yet...eh, fuck it, get both. Maybe he'll be multi-faceted.

You send the request. It should be here in two days. There's a note attached with the confirmation message.

"20:1...who would've taken those odds? 20:1..."

You snort indignantly. Serves them right. You turn back to Ares.

"So what did you and Grace do while I was gone? Learn anything else new?"

"Dr. Zheng spoke of my meeting with Pandora." he replies, "And what I can expect during the meeting. Does she...truly dislike me for what I am? Is my function so displeasing to her?" he almost looks...pleading with you. Like he doesn't want her to hate him for what he is.

>No, not at all!
>Well...kinda...
>Other (write in)

>>47015913
Grace done fucked up. I suppose say to him that she's worried about what he can do/what he's meant to do, but still wanted to meet him (she did say that right?) I vote be honest while buttering it up just a bit to make him feel better.

>>47015913
>No, not at all!

>>47016038
She does want to meet him, yes. But it seems like she mostly wants to do it to size him up and make sure he's not a threat to you or anyone else.

>>47016066
Then just say she wants to meet him and leave out that bit of detail. Lets just hope that Pandora stays on her best behavior when they do meet.

>>47016087
They could always settle things in THE PIT.

Writing.

"Not at all!" you say, trying to cheer him up, "Well...okay, she's a little...unhappy with your functions. Violence to her is a very...unsettling thing. She doesn't like the idea of anyone hurting anyone. But she's willing to look past that to meet you. She wants to see if you're up to snuff, so to speak. To make sure you're not a danger to anyone. Most importantly me, I guess..."

"Father, I would never-!" Ares protests, only for you to cut him off.

"I know, I know." you say, easing him back, "But she doesn't know that. She's never met you. She doesn't know you at all. She just wants to make sure. So just be nice, don't talk about hurting or killing anyone. Just behave politely and you'll be fine. She's a sweet girl, just protective and a little quick to jump to conclusions."

Ares nods, a serious look on his face. "I will, father. I promise, I'll do my best."

You pat him on the shoulder and smile. "It'll go great. I'm sure you two will get along."

I'm going to have to call it for tonight, but thanks all of you for playing! I hope you enjoyed the thread and if you did, please follow me on Twitter and vote for it on the archive! If you have any questions, I need to run to the store real quick, but I'll answer them once I get back! Thanks for playing and have a good night!

>>47016314
Thanks for running AM. See you next week.

>>47016314
Night, AM. It's been fun. I'll be sure to stick around for more of these in the future

>>47016314
Thanks for running AM! finished the archive a few weeks ago and have really enjoyed it all. Thanks for making such loveable characters. Also the pictures that have been made are amazing.

>>47016369
>>47016387
>>47016484
Thanks to all of you for playing and welcome new players! I'm happy to run for you!