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(Setting) Neko Park!
| >for warmth. The luckiest ones have actual camping tents, several covered with tarps, the sight and smell of cooking stoves and small fires floating above them. The worst off make do with cardboard contraptions and jury rigged dwellings consisting of corrugated metal and old vehicles.
| >At the entrance to the park, a square of fold able tables has been set aside, carrying the signs "Donations Welcome!" on top of it. A few children and some teens, bundled in ratty looking sweaters and patched jackets, man these booths.
| >A few White Knight officers stand nearby, watching the crowd uneasily over coffee. A couple stay in their patrol vehicles, pretending to pay attention.
| >In the distance somewhere within the park, a group of people are assembling a makeshift stage of reclaimed brick, concrete, and cardboard. They're setting up signs, passing out pamphlets, and clearing grass and weeds and other debris from around the stage.
| >In newly spraypainted letters, their backs read:
>"Humanity First."
| >A tall, young man arrives at the park and walks towards the donation booth.
"Hello, uh do you take credsticks?"
| >Some of the children holding up signs look up at you funny. One of them runs back behind the tables and speaks with an older teen, and who then approaches you.
"Uh, I think, but I'd need to get a manager. Can you hold on a second?"
| "Sure, no problem!"
>He gives the teenager a disarming grin in response
| >a tall man in a nice suit walks up with a smol maid with long brown hair with a pink stripe.
>the smol maido looks at the donations area with interest
| >>50036
>The boy soon returns with an older looking man with a rough beard. He's wearing a faded military-style coat that's colored white with a lime green trimming along the edges. He messes with a small, palm sized machine, and even bangs it slightly on the table, before showing it to you.
"'ere," >He says, looking you over with suspicion.
| >>50038
>One of the smoller children holding up a sign points to the approaching couple and raises their sign higher, eagerly.
| >>50066
>The man looks around in his laptop case until he pulls out a small credstick with 50000 zenny on it and plugs it in to the machine.
"There we go."
| >>50070
>The man's eyes light up as he watches the transaction go through. He waits for it to clear completely before gripping your hand tightly!
"T-thank you so much!"
| >>50067
>the tall man pretends to ignore the smol girl while the meido with a pink stripe pulls out a large sum of money from a clutch.
>the tall man shakes his head as they deposite the money in the box.
"Hope this helps"
>a small shy voice comes from the maid
| >>50072
"I-It's no problem."
>The man is somewhat surprised at the others change of expression but otherwise returns the handshake
"S-So uh that being said I was wondering if I could ask a few questions about your group and your current situations, if that's alright of course."
| >>50075
"Thank you miss!" >The smols chant as the money enters the collection bin. One of the smols, probably like 2 or 3 years old at most, plays with your dress before abruptly sticking their head underneath it.
| >the meido lets out a scream and pushes the skirt down and jumps back.
Their face red.
"Y-y-you can't do that"
| >>50081
"Well just mostly curious about your group's history. The reasoning behind Humanity's First's methodologies and things like that. Also the well being of your group in general."
| >Hearing a scream but not knowing what caused it, a young man in a letterman jacket jogs inbetween the rows of tents and skids to a stop in front of the maid
| >the maid backs up
"S-s-s-sorry I didn't mean to be so loud."
| >Nathan looks the maid up and down, than decides he should fix his hair
"No no it's fine, are you ok?"
| >the maid nods their head and the tall man puts an arm around her
"Shes fine, just some brats being rude to an overly generous young lady."
| "T-thats not quite...."
>the maid mumbles
| >>50095
>Some of the older children pick up the toddler and take him away, with the smol child watching the meido curiously.
| >The kid didn't notice the tall man at first, but now he does
"Oh good you didn't come here alone. Place is like a Hooverville."
>he turns his head to directly address the man
"Are you a friend or her uh..master?"
| >>50102
"Well I guess to start... where would you say your opinions on the augmented stem from? Was there a specific event that lead to such a polarizing opinion?"
| >the tall man smirks and moves behind the maid and rests both his arms on their head.
"A little bit of both."
>the small maid has their blue eyes cast downward and a blush, still pushing down on the hem of the maid dress.
| >>50151
"The whole putting humans in front of the augmented and lilim stuff? Uh, that might be a paraphrase hold on."
>He pulls out his phone and show him the threads from a few weeks back.
"Naturally opinions were charged at the time, so I wanted to see if I could get a more unbiased opinion. That and I thought the way you guys just got displaced was messed up. Could it be this was a small sect perhaps?"
| "Ah well...seeing that there's no trouble going on"
>he tries to make eye contact with the maido but she's looking down
"I'm gonna move on."
| >the man gives you a thumbs up
"You do that."
>he grabs the meido by the shoulder and they continue walking down the path.
| >The kid sighs, adjusting his jacket zipper and pulling out a cigarette
"she was cute"
>he says to no one but himself, and continues exploring the park, on the lookout for anything interesting
| >as they walk the man moves his hand down their maid uniform and they seem to stiffen as the man talks.
| >Kid slowly spins in a circle, wondering why all the small children stopped running around.
| >A man approaches the donation area dressed in a notable black peacoat, slacks with an old fedora over his head.
"Good, I was able to make it, eh?"
>His voice muffled, he steps forward, taking care to space himself from the other tall man and Maid, looking away from them. You could notice the purple hue to his eyes however and recognized the small facial features available.
>One couldn't forget such a determined gaze after the events that caused this situation.
| >He pulls out a credstick that looks fancy with a black base coat and gold trim to it, his hand clearly scarred, yet freshly bruised.
"The other man paid with a Stick, right?"
>He asked, just to clarify.
| >>50152
>The man looks over the threads in question and shakes his head.
"I ain't with Humanity First... and yer getting the wrong impression if you think that's what this all's about," >He begins, turning and gesturing to the children and the groups of people behind him.
"These Humies First just started setting up. We're not part of this... 'policlub,' the people here just need a place to stay."
| "...that said... he has some points. I never seen so many auggies in my life, even in the navy."
| "Makes me mighty suspicious, but where the hell else are we supposed to go? This is literally the first world we've run into that wasn't torched to the ground."
| >The man turns back to CN and eyes him warily.
"...wait. Why are you asking anyway?"
| >>50167
>You watch as a couple teenagers return from the camping area, although the smoller children are no longer with them. They retake their positions in front of the table.
| >>50337
>The boys notice the approaching man in a peacoat and begin tugging on the older gentlemen's coat.
"Excuse me," >He turns to the man in the peacoat,
"Yes, yes he did..."
| >the maid looks at their clutch and realizes they gave all 5000z away
"I-I did it again. . ."
>the tall man looks over
"You give away you're money often? Geez lady no wonder you're in this business."
>he sighs
"Guess I'll have to buy you dinner for tonight too."
| "Perfect. And please, don't be alarmed or make a massive deal about this. My superior simply wanted to match my personal donation as well."
>He states, inserting the Cred Stick. It takes a Second to read through but as soon as it does a massive 300,000Z drops into the donations account.
"This should a very good start to helping these people rebuild the livelihoods stolen from them."
| >>50366
>The man's eyes bulge out of their sockets as he sees the transaction go through- despite you asking him to not make a big deal about it, he can barely contain his excitement and claps you excitedly on the back!
| "Solar bless you," >The man says, all but close to giving you a bear hug,
"This is more than we ever expected- thank you."
| >>50370
>The man winced at the hug, coughing a bit as he pulled himself away, his scarf coming undone a little revealing his face along with some bruising.
"I'm happy to help, sir. Call it a personal responsibility, but I had to do this, at least. I was fortunate that everyone I cared about during that incident left with their lives, but i still feel bad for the rest of the District."
| >>50376
"Hrm, yes, yes indeed..." >The man says, grumbling.
"It makes my blood boil knowing that the hooligans responsible for all that are still out there, probably wining and dining. Fragging megacorps. I'd wring all o'their necks if it weren't for this bum leg!" >He raises an angry fist, but then sighs.
"But enough about that. You've done more than enough as it is, stranger. May the Solar winds guide you."
| >>50386
>The man adjusted his scarf hiding most of his face again before responding. He did look slightly dejected however.
"Well, do what you can, Sir. All that humans can do, in the end, is try their best."
>His eyes had a sad look to them, before he cocked his head a little, closing them. A smile could be felt under his scarf. He nods, before looking at CN, nodding to him as well, a more serious look to his eye now though, before he began walking off from the area.
| >>50399
"Stay safe... stranger."
>CN gives the scarfed man a knowing nod in return before turning back to the other
| >>50403
He waves his right hand as he walks away, indicating he did hear him.
"I sure could use a drink though"
>He spoke audibly as he walked away and eventually left sight of the area.
| >>50349
"So they're a separate group then... had a feeling something like that was going on. I'm mainly asking because an association was forming between your group and the one online and I wanted to see for myself if a misconception was forming. Although it's starting to feel more like a conspiracy now. Also what exactly do you mean by torched worlds?"
| >Having watched the massive credit exchange from the bruised man, Nathan approaches CN
"So you know that guy? Why is he beat to hell and donating more money than I've ever had in my short life?"
| >>50411
>CN jumps in surprise at the new person addressing him.
"Oh uh, hard to say I guess. He's just someone that I've come across before in my work. I think he'll be fine though, he's probably one of the more tougher guys in the city. Hey you seem familiar... were you at that party the other day?"
| >Nathan chuckles
"Yeah I had met Mercury and she brought me along. It was a nice set up, good music but I didn't stick around for too long."
| "Wait a minute, you're a hacker right? Sort of famous? I think I've seen you around too."
| >>50430
"Oh you know Merc then? I guess I'm not the only one running around town then... Oh yea never gave introduction did I... the name is CN. Yea I know, don't ask."
| "Man is my handle really that well known nowadays... *sigh* I guess this is what I deserve after all the noise I've been making through the radio."
| >That warm chuckle greets you again
"Isn't the end game to get famous? How else are people going to fear you?"
>Nathan looks around at the ongoing scene of Humanity First organizers and smols running around
"Say how about we go to heartbeats? I need a change of atmosphere."
| "I guess for some but I'd rather stay low and remain anonymous to be honest."
>He now chuckles himself
"And uh sure, I don't mind joining you but is it okay if you go on ahead? I kind of want to finish the conversation here real quick. Shouldn't take me more then a few minutes."
| "yeah no worries, I'm kind of a master at drinking alone."
>Nathan flashes a peace sign and walks down the path
| "Well now that just kind of makes me fell bad..."
>He mumbles to himself as he turns back to the man behind the booth.
| >>50439
>As you wave him off, the older gentlemen remains, waiting patiently. He takes out a wooden pipe and lights up a small pinch of synthetic tobacco, the puffs of smoking floating gently into the encroaching evening.
| >>50439
>He coughs politely.
"I suppose you wouldn't know; this world's rather isolated, is it not?" >He says, not unkindly.
"And torched worlds is exactly how it sounds like; entire worlds, put to the flame." >His eyes gleam.
| "Atmospheres lit on fire with orbit-detonating charges. Entire cities, melted under the strength of hurricane-sized firestorms. Continents ripped apart by antimatter warheads. Irradiated homes and charred ci-"
| >The man chokes, punching himself in the chest as he tries to say this last part. His pipe drops from his mouth. He coughs hoarsely, then bends over and picks up the pipe, brushing it off.
"You planet siders don't know how good you got it; not going to even ask why you hadn't joined the Protectorate yet, but I guess that's a moot point now!"
| >>50453
"S-So it happened cause of interplanatery fighting? Is that what happened to your home as well? A-and uh sorry I don't really know what the Protectorate is either... Man that year of high school I dropped is really biting me in the ass... should get an interplanetary history holobook one of these days..."
| >>50456
>The man frowns and then shakes his head.
"It's fine. Doubt that the Protectorate will be appearing in any history lessons in the future anyway," >He says, bitterly.
"At least, with the way things are going."
>He rubs his hands together as a cold snap slowly descends on the encampment.
"...so. Anything else?"
| >>50458
"I guess... just how the state of things here are? Uh relatively speaking of course, I was worried when I saw those bulldozers displacing you all. Any serious injuries?"
| >>50459
"Mmm... a few burn victims from people who didn't leave in time when those... 'lilims' came. A few people got lost while everyone grouped together and moved in an exodus over here. We're trying to set up a medical tent... and from the funds we received today, we should be able to afford one." >He beams, his expression growing slightly happier.
| "Other than that... see for yourself." >He gestures behind him.
"Not enough tents for everyone, so we're setting up cardboard and old sleeping bags. The ground is built out of some weird material and for whatever reason the walkway is both heated and glows in the dark...some weird tech there."
| "It's getting bloody cold though. And food's still scarce. Would have been worse if those Humanity First chummers hadn't shown up, honestly."
| >>50466
"I don't know about that... the last thing we need is more political fighting in the city... plus I feel the fact the policlubber is being associated with you guys may be an attempt against your group's standing. It may be best to try and stop the association if you can. I can also spread the word as well if you want."
| >>50470
"Excuse me?" >The old man says, raising an eyebrow.
"Most of us might not care about their politics, mostly, but they gave us food... and even tents, when we were freezing our balls off. Why should we drop that just because?"
| >>50476
"Wait they did?"
>He seems shocked but quickly regains his composure
"Well they seemed to be uh 'promoting' their opinions through more violent means. Assaulting people and such basically."
| >>50480
>CN pinches the bridge of his nose as he tries to stay calm
"Think of the long term. If you're associated with a group who assaults a majority of the general populace in the city, things are eventually going to reach a breaking point where a mob will form in retaliation. And there won't be a difference between the policlubbers and the refugees in their eyes."
| >>50489
"So the policlub is assaulting people? Since when?" >The man says, not budging an inch.
"People here already don't treat us like humans to begin with- no SIN's, no pay, they say. We've been shot at, had our homes ripped out from underneath us, and all most of us want is a place to LIVE that isn't a scorched hell hole."
| >The man's voice raises.
"In all the time we've been here so far, Humanity First has been the only group that's so much as given a rat's ass. Who cares about the long term if we're dying here and now, eh?" >He raises his leg- in place of flesh and blood is a "blade" of steel that serves as his foot, an archaic prosthetic.
"Chromies have all the time in the world- we don't. None of us can afford to be choosy."
| >He covers his leg again, muttering.
"...the hell do you care anyway?" >He squints his eyes at you.
"...you don't look... artificial."
| >>50495
"*Sigh* I'm just a guy who wants a stop to the bloodshed... regardless of what their political opinion is... and if you must know my left eye is artificial, I lost it in an accident."
| >>50498
>The man squints to inspect your eye then leans back, shrugging.
"If you want to talk about bloodshed..." >He looks at something behind you.
"...why don't you ask -them-?"
| >He glances behind him
| >>50501
>Behind you is a soft line of green glowing lights, beginning with a few dots and increasing in number until they create a perimeter stretching a few meters long. There are a couple flashing lights behind them, but the line doesn't get any closer.
>A few White Knight officers take notice of the line but don't do anything in response.
| >>50507
"Damn that CrayCo... it just keeps just coming back to them doesn't it... I suppose I should get going then..."
| >>50510
>The man raises a hand, balls it into a fist, and puts it over his heart.
"Solar guide you."
| "T-thank you. Well goodbye. I hope you stay safe. The children especially."
>The man walks off as fast as he can
| >>50517
>Assuming you leave in the direction away from the wall of security droids, you manage to leave the park unmolested.
| >The droids remain in formation around the park, but do not enter it, instead forming a circle around the outside. Others begin to spread out, enlarging like an enormous amoeba that is preparing to consume the encampment.
| >Mere days after the generous donations by both the hooded stranger, the escort, and the hacker, the encampment has already shown serious improvement.
| >There is now a formal medical tent here where volunteers from the local hospitals are treating the sickly and wounded. The number of tents has bolstered and have been rearranged to take advantage of the heated walkways.
| >A makeshift fence has been erected around the encampment, made out of reclaimed brick, fallen logs, and randomly placed sandbags.
>A truck arrives on the scene and parks just outside the encampment, and begins to unload large, tightly sealed boxes. The truck appears to have a large turkey leg on its side.
| >The droids have since left the vicinity.
| >A red sports car drives up to the park and stops in one of the designated parking spaces. A few White Knights take notice, but they don't make any movement to respond to you, instead watching with partial interest.
| >A tall, young man steps out of the passenger seat, seeming a little disoriented.
"You know there's something I've always been curious about. Do you have like different license requirement in your home world or something?"
| >a black figure comes flying to the roofs of one of the nearby buildings. A small neon blue glow can be seen from a helmet.
| "License?" >A tall blonde woman says as she climbs out,
"What's that?"
| >He facepalms
"My god how have we not died yet..."
>He shakes his head, chasing the thought away
"W-Whatever, let's just see what this guy wants."
| "Lead the way, geekboy."
| >CN starts walking towards the park, making sure to make note of anyone recognizable in the area.
| >The donation tables appear to have been moved to just outside the main encampment, although its just as empty as it was before. There are guards, if they can be called that, stationed just outside the main entrance, and a series of small smoke trails, complete with the smell of freshly cooking meals, can be seen floating into the air.
| >The older man you saw during your first trip spots you and gives a nod in your direction.
"Friend of yours?" >The blonde asks.
| >He nods in return
"Something like that, just someone I talked to when I gave a donation last time I was here."
>He looking around for any individuals that stand out.
"Hmm... I doubt it's any of the refugees..."
| >You enter the encampment and see numerous people sitting on small benches, running different varieties of cookware- from old fashioned campfires to portable, steaming devices.
| >The blonde slurps her lips as the smell of cooking food hits you like a wave of pure hunger.
| "Naw, if it were, they'd be too deep in eating grub to care about us," >She says as you walk further in.
"Betcha they're in one of dem tents, or-"
>She looks up- there's a large pavilon set up in the center of the encampment, surrounding the Jinterprise statue.
"Maybe over there."
| "If not refugees then... Man I'm already getting one of those feelings... Lets check it out."
>He approaches the pavilion
| >As you approach the pavilion, you pass by a group of homeless people carting large boxes underneath the tent, opening them with box cutters and crowbars alike. As they do so, they begin to divide the boxes into separate piles and other tables.
>Examine boxes?
>Continue looking for your contact?
>Talk with stranger?
>Other actions?
| >CN examines the boxes as he walks passed them in the pavilion
| >rolled 11, PASS
>You examine the boxes for anything interesting...
| >Most of them seem to be canned and preserved foodstuffs, which are quickly directed to neatly organized piles as they're distributed to the poor folk.
| >However, a few items are boxed in thick metal canisters, their contents mostly unknown until a few slide into view...
| >The blonde gently elbows you.
"Check that shit out... pretty sure those are ammo boxes."
| "Doubt Mister E is here, though. That'd be too easy, yeah?" >She says, nodding away from the pavilon.
| "This is not good... this is probably more of the policlubbers doing... God at this rate we're gonna have another civil war.. "
>He whispers to Merc as he keeps looking around for the contact.
| "No shit," >She says, looking around. A couple of the bystanders who look a little better fed than most watch you as you move away, whispering to each other.
| >You barely move a block away when a man in front of you, sitting on an old milk crate, waves you over. Their face is obscured by both a hood and a thick, ratty scarf- you can just barely make out a single eye exposed under the coverings.
| "I guess that's him..."
>CN cautiously approaches the man, making sure that Merc remains close by
| >The man watches as you approach, his one eye scanning you up and down... and Mercury. He raises to his full height, then walks over and gestures to a large, family sized tent. He opens it and beckons you inside.
| >He gives Merc a glance before stepping into the tent
| >The inside of the tent is sparsely appointed, consisting of a few high end sleeping bags, mats, and some cooking equipment neatly stacked on the right side. Just in front of you is a tall man with salt and pepper hair, kneeling down on one of the mats, facing the other direction. Behind you, the cloaked man stands in the entrance, watching you enter.
| >He looks back to Merc and whispers
"Is he praying or something? Not sure if I want to interrupt or not."
| >Mercury keeps her hands inside her white long coat, eyes tight.
"...He's not praying..."
| >The man slowly raises up. He flattens his suit, and makes motions that look like he's straightening his tie. Then, he turns...
| "Hello, CN," >He says, brushing his salt and pepper hair back, his familiar straight jaw and tired, gray eyes looking from you to Mercury.
| "I believe we already met once. At the Summit."
| "I am Liam Stratos."
| "President of CyberDyne."
| >Mercury rips out her two pistols and fires at Liam!
| >r 2d20 = 9 + 3 = FAIL
| >Liam whips his right arm across his chest, which is quickly followed by a ringing noise; he shows one of the bullets in the palm of his hand- the other has disappeared into his sleeve, with no sign of entry save the ruined fabric.
| "Ah can't believe you're still fucking alive, you shit lord," >Mercury says,
| >Liam drops the bullet to the ground; the other falls out of his sleeve.
"You are, aren't you?" >He shrugs.
"We all have our ways. Some more than others."
| >CN scowls deeply as he quickly thinks of this development
"Merc... let's calm down okay..."
>His own voice shakes slightly, indicating he himself can barely contain his emotions
"Alright Liam, you have our attention."
| "Good- feel free to make yourself comfortable, such as it is-" >Liam gestures to a number of cushions that have been laid on the ground, which look like they have been cannibalized from an old couch.
"We have much to discuss, assuming you accept it."
| "I'll listen, but don't expect me to accept."
>He carefully eyes him as he goes to sit on a cushion across from him.
| >Mercury refuses to sit, instead deciding to linger near the door, her arms crossed. Liam sighs.
| "Let me get straight to the point. I was hoping to bring you here, knowing that you wouldn't come of your own accord if you knew who was asking."
| "I would like to hire you for a job. A rescue mission."
| >He pauses for a bit.
| "I would like the DynamoFucks to save Cassie."
| >>55575
>CN scoffs
"So you want us to save your number two? And what exactly would we gain from helping one of the two corps who has been a thorn in our sides for almost a year now?"
| "In case it isn't obvious you're kind of on my shit list."
| >>55586
"I am aware," >He says, glancing up to Mercury.
"...I am also aware that a monetary payment will not suffice. Rather, if you take this job- and succeed- we will be in your debt." >He says, glancing up at Mercury again.
"...and you may ask us for anything."
| >>55608
>He takes a minute thinking about the proposal before exhaling deeply
"Excuse us a moment."
>He stands up and takes Merc to the side, making sure to keep an eye on Liam as he whispers
"I hate to say this but dammit any info he has will be useful for us."
| "He has some fucking nerve..." >Mercury says, her voice tight.
"Ah have half a mind to smash his fucking face if ah-" >She stops, her eyes widening. She glances at Liam.
| "W-what's wrong?"
>He makes sure you keep an eye on Liam as he talks
| >Mercury bites her lips.
"...why stop at info only?"
| "...What are you suggesting?"
| "I know what she's referring to," >Liam says suddenly. He's kneeling again, patiently waiting on top of his cushion.
"We still have the technology."
| >CN's face dons with realization
"Are you actually suggesting that we put Jia under their knife again!?"
| "No," >Mercury says, turning to face Liam.
"...the tech. The one that brought her back to life." >She says, gritting her teeth.
"If we do this shit for you, you owe us."
| "We also will need Dr. Brin's credentials for the internal software..."
>CN mumbles to himself
| >Liam raises his palms.
"Will you do this for us?"
| >Mercury looks to CN. Her expression is pained- and there's a hint of madness there, one that you haven't seen in a few months now.
| "Dammit..."
>CN clicks his tongue
"Fine we'll do it. However if VeriaTech has Cassandra, which is who I assume does have her, we'll need to know what they stole from CyberDyne *now* to make countermeasures. I'm not going to put my team on a suicide mission for my self interest without some intel."
| "Of course," >Liam says, matter of factly.
"We've employed runners before, you know. It would be a poor client who did not give their employees the tools to succeed-"
| "You listen here, you shit," >Mercury breaks in, stopping him short.
"And you listen well. Ah'm not your employee- and this bullshit? This is a fucking favor. You keep that in mind."
| "I -will- keep that in mind, Jodie," >Liam says, meeting her gaze.
"Believe me, I still remember the previous favor."
| "You fragging better." >Mercury says.
| "Great. Well then, let's stop with the hostility and let's get this done shall we?"
>CN sits back down, and grins, doing the best he can to maintain a social persona.
"Now onto the meat of the conversation yes?"
| >Representative were the first who arrived at the meeting place, but the person wasn't something you'd expect to see - relatively short and young-looking girl with long black hair, she was wearing a white blouse along with light pink jacket, long black stocking and brown shoes, which made her looking like an average schoolgirl. She was carrying a black case, nervously tapping it's surface and constantly looking around. First innocent impression she provided was a mistake.
| >Her past were covered in shadows - mostly thanks to herself, but two things were known for sure - she can stand for herself and she won't hesitate to kill a person if ncessary, so it'd probably be better not to try anything bizzare. She sighed and stopped tapping at the case, holding it now with both of her hands.
| >Suddenly a dark figure is walking down the path towards her! A light glow of their cigarette reveals his face a tad bit... Glasses can be seen and small features of his face...
| "Oh, so you have came, after all."
>She turned to him, and stared at visitor, then walked to a bench, where she put down her case and laid a few paper sheets on it.
"The contract. Read it carefully and sign it if you are agreed to it's terms. If not - take the case and leave. And remember - this meeting have never happened. If you try to disclose my personality - you are dead."
| >The contract described: the names of the employer and employee, all the conditions regarding the target, payment and consequences for each side of the contract in case of not fulfilling the conditions described there. As Graham could find out: contractor's - or, at least, it's representative's - name was Akemi Homura.
"Pleaee, read the contract carefully and tell me if you either agree or disagree to those terms."
| OOC: *please
| >He chews on his cigarette for a bit while reading.
"What happens if I fail to catch Ruby miss..."
>He looks at the name again just to make sure.
"Homura?"
>He mutters as he throws his cigarette on the ground and stomps on it.
| "You still keep the zenny that were already paid in advance as 'payment for the concern.' But my headmasters will no longer consider you as a person suitable to make deals with, unless someone will root for your success on next time. I guess that's all the consequences you get after mission failure."
>She shrugs.
"No need for the formal talk, just call me Homura."
| "Sounds good Homura..."
>He say taking the pen and signing his name...
"Got any way I could get in contact with her? Maybe a meet up? I deleted her phone number..."
>He says biting at the tip of the pen.
| "She frequents Heart Beats bar. But, please, when you will proceed on capturing her - don't harm the place. I kinda like the place.
It's the best if you start here. She also have got a workshop on the west end on the city, but i'd be careful if going there, i suppose it's pretty much fortified."
| "Gotcha.... I'll see if I can woo her to my place... That might work huh?"
>He say putting the pen down.
"Do you have any drug I could slip into her drink or something?"
| >Homura smiled, then her face got serious again, she ran a quick search on her diplomat's lockets and pulled out a small leather bag.
"Try this. Works in 70% cases, but certain augmentions give immunity to the effect. As far as we know - Ruby Rose does not have those."
| "Alrighty... I guess its time for me to go..." *He says taking the pill and putting it in his pocket* "Oh! By the way... Should I call you if I get her?"
| "Yes. It will be the best decision. But don't attract too much attention to you, forget about posting to me on board. The best will be to make a call. We've got the information that soon she's going to be not alone as her team arrives in town."
| "Okay... I like a good challenge! Well talk to you later hopefully...!"
>And with that he parts ways and walks down the street.
This thread is permanently archived
| >As Fall descends upon Glitch City, all smart chummers are turning on their heaters or overclocking their rigs for warmth, to say nothing of the megacorps. But for an increasing number of people, this isn't the case.
>Once a staging ground for a large scale bloodbath followed by a generous restoration, Neko Park has once again become a hotbed of intrigue- numerous tents have sprung up around and within the park as people of all kinds congregate, stuffing their housing together