This thread is permanently archived
[Setting] Caramel Anne
| > Inside, directly right of the entrance door, a row of three tables are unreserved. This is different from the left-hand side of the cafe, with the same amount of tables, strictly meant for interviews; interviewees and interviewers are to be expected here.
> The lofty smell of dairy clouds this evening, inside the cafe's own atmosphere. A tune of jazz plays through an old jukebox.
| >a business attire clad...boy..?girl...? Sporting indistinct messy black short hair
>wait is it a flat chested woman or a very feminine man?
>errr..best not to stress about it i guess..
>they walk into the cafe and look for whoever would be running the place, a professional but albeit curious look on their face
>orbiting around them, floating in the air is a gray and light blue spherical drone
| >>639979
> Behind the counter are three people. A short girl with dark, purple hair, whose bright smile radiates a cheerful personality; a taller woman with black hair, oldest of the three and one with the least expression; and a short-haired blonde woman, with a vivid smile.
"Welcome to Caramel Anne. I take it you are the representative of the Ryugujo?"
> The shortest staff, the dark-haired girl announces. The other kept a smile still.
| >>639980
>they look blankly at her until the bot hovers near their ear and says something in Japanese
>then their eyes light up and the bow to greet you
"Hai,-sōdesu. Watashinonamaeha Fukuhara Ayumudesu."
>the representative reaches into their coat and offers a business card in a polite bow
"Yoroshiku onegaishimasu."
>their voice offering no clarification onto their sex
>the drone then hovers in front of the blonde
"You are correct, my name is Ayumu Fukuhara.
Please treat me well"
| >>639981
"Likewise."
> The dark-haired bowed, accepting the card. Her softly drawn voice strings to a professional mannerism, keeping her expression as tidy as possible -- not too much smile now, but not too pale either.
"Now, what should be the first course event?"
> She says. Her eyes briefly gazed at the drone, now hovering in front of the other staff. The blonde-haired staff couldn't be more giddy finding a translator like that.
| > A cough, however, came from the tall, black-haired woman. She cleared her throat, then made eye contact with the communicating staff.
"How rude. What about our names?"
> She says, orbiting close to a sarcasm that strikes the issue.
"Oh! I apologise. Let me pave an introduction. I am Lucetta, the owner of this cafe."
> She gestures to her left, where the taller woman is.
"This is Alice, the frontline manager."
> Finally, to the blonde.
"That's Phoebe, a part-time waitress."
| > Having been introduced, the two elicited a warm response. Phoebe in particular, gave an upstanding bow after her name was called; differing from Alice, who drew the same smile as she did before, only with a light bow akin more to a nod.
| >with one more bow for professionalism sake and some back and fourth translated by the drone, said drone floating to the face of whoever the drone thinks (and not ayumu) is to respond to.
>the business man? Woman?...err lets gloss over that! Clears their throat and gets to business
"Sore de, kōho-sha wa atode retsuwotsukuru to omoimasu ka? Matawa, ikutsu ka wa hayaku tōchaku shi, anata wa karera o doko ka de mata semashita ka?"
| >the bot translates as they speak
"so, i assume the candidates will form a line later on?
or did some arrive early and you let them wait somewhere?"
| >>640025
> Alice nods to the question. Lucetta sees the gesture and responds in kind by passing the metaphorical mic to her.
"We will dynamically change the booking. If the ratio of candidates to customers is high, we will make use of the vacant customer tables. The candidates are allowed to use the tables here," > She points to the left side row of tables.
"The interview will be conducted in the staff room behind us."
| >A small armored hovercraft lands near the cafe. It has a small array of armaments on it, including three sets of machine guns, a rotary cannon, and a cloaking device. A large 'NDSEC' was painted onto its body.
>A man in business suit dismounts and approaches the store, accompanied by two soldiers in Integrated Combat Suit, plates of armor covered the figures' whole body.
>The business man smiles as the group enter the place.
| >>640044
> The scent of chocolate and milk will be anything but faint. Naught are the distant smell of brass and iron, entering inside allows the fragrant ingredients to permeate senses.
> This would have been an assault, should it not be fitting for the place's namesake — of sugar and vanilla and chocolate.
> The only sound heard, aside from the jazz, is the quiet humming of both the coffee machine and the air conditioning, circulating the fresh dairy steam.
| >>640047
"Greetings, I assume this is the place for the job interview."
>The business man said, his voice was full of confidence. The two soldiers look around the shop.
| >>640027
"Ā, wakatta"
>they nod and take a seat, placing down some papers and generally getting themselves comfy
"Tokidoki watashi no kotoba o yurushitekudasai. Kimyōna robotto wa, jōzu ni hon'yaku suru tame ni watashi ga tokutei no hōhō de hanasu koto o yōkyū shimasu."
"Please forgive my words from time to time.
Strange robots require that I speak in a certain way to translate well."
>the robot translates
"Gomennasai"
"Rice cakes please"
>wait wha?
| >>640065
> Neither of the two caught up to the order. It's no surprise, both Alice and Lucetta weren't fully conforming to the culinary side of the culture -- shock twists their smile, but not for the waitress.
> Phoebe ran towards the staff room behind her. The clattering and opening of containers can be heard, and with this, she took out a container still misty with ice.
"Vee, what's that?!"
> Alice sternly asked with a whisper intact. With was replied with a gestured "FOOD!"
| > The waitress hoped over to the long, rectanglar machine beside the staffs. Beneath the coffee machine, a simple oven sits still.
> Opening the container, six neatly made circular… things are inserted into the oven's tray. Blast up the heat to full throttle, and ready did she press the 'Prepare' button.
> Phoebe made a 'SEND' and 'B'-'E'-'I' gesture to explain the situation to her coworkers, which pays little attention, but most do worry for her.
| >>640065
"Your food will be ready soon, ma'am!"
> Alice says. She hopes for the best for Phoebe. All the hope she can give to not screw even the first order.
>>640049
> Lucetta snapped her fingers, making a loud and colloquial 'click' with them.
"Absolutely. You'll be looking for Ms. Fukuhara there."
> She gestures towards the… lady. She didn't know what to make of Fukuhara, of course.
| >>640108
>fukuhara tilts their head in confusion when the robot translates Alice's callout
"..eh..?Shokumotsu..? Watashi wa tabemono o chūmon shimasendeshita."
>they say with a clueless look on their face
"food? I did not order food."
>the bot says, in that same robotic feminine synth voice
"Osoraku robotto wa machigatte hon'yaku shimashita ka?"
"Please drill my asshole with cat yakitori clamps"
| >>640118
"Wait, Vee—… did you—?"
> Alice turns, trying to save the embarrassment for last and keeping her falling composure intact. She rolls to see the oven doing a few beeps before Phoebe takes the tray out with a mitten sitting beside it.
"Are those… biscuits?"
> Phoebe shook her head to Alice's question. The 'biscuits' are oddly soft, gelatinous, but they did not give way as Phoebe prepares them with a brush of heated caramel. It's her own version of a dish, apparently.
| >>640108
>The business man turns toward Fukuhara.
"Greetings, Ms.Fukuhara. I'm Bravo McGregor, representative of New Dawn Security International. I'm here to talk about the job listing, specifically the job for the security specialist."
| >>640121
>naught but confusion and slight worry is painted on their face
>but it is immediately lost as they keep to their professional demeanor
>>640123
"Ā hai suwatte kudasai"
>fukuhara motions to an empty chair
"Please sit down">the bot translates
"Watashi ga sōtei suru sekyuriti no shōsai o shinsei shimasu ka?"
"you wish to apply for the security detail i assume?"
| >>640125
>McGregor takes a seat opposite to Fukuhara.
"Well, not exactly me signing up. I'm here on behalf of New Dawn Security for a contract or a partnership with you for this 'Mobile Island Project."
>McGregor said, his voice still briming with confidence.
"If you are interested, I can tell you more about our company, what we can do, and perhaps we can work something out."
>One of the soldiers moves to one of the corners of the store while the other stays near McGregor.
| >>640125
> Finishing the starting dish, Phoebe took it alongside its tray. For some reason, she dug through her uniform to find a pocket and a single piece of paper beforehand.
> Arriving at Fukuhara and McGregor's table, she lays the tray gently, serving it… with the tray itself. She signals for them, or one of them, to wait — as she takes a pen to write over the paper.
> Moments of struggling later, she wrote something with enough clarity to be recognised,
> 煎餅 - Senbei
| >>640140
>once again they look confused
"..eh? Senbei? Watashi wa kansha shite imasuga, tabemono o chūmon shimasendeshita."
>they say with visible surprise
"i am grateful but But i did not order any food."
>the robot translates
"Tabun anata wa ayamatte watashi o kiita"
"Maybe you misheard me?"
"Matawa kono robotto ni kekkan ga arimasu"
"Your penis is a defecating"
>the bot...translates?
| >>640128
"Ah...yare yare..Mōshiwakearimasenga, sore wa watashi no kankatsu-gaidesu."
>they sigh
"i am sorry, but i am afraid that is outside my jurisdiction."
| >>640158
"Oh, that's a shame. Well, I would be grayeful if you put in a few kind words for us."
>McGregor replies.
| >>640163
"Keiyaku o shitai baai wa, ayana keisatsu shochō ni ridairekuto suru ka, otohime-sama o nogasu koto ga dekimasu"
>he responded politely, as expected of a Japanese business person
"if you wish to make a contract, i can redirect you to police chief ayaname or miss otohime herself"
| >>640164
"Oh, really? That would be wonderful if you can do that."
>McGeegor says, his face lit up.
| (*McGregor)
| >>640157
> Phoebe nods along, but made a gesture with her hands, saying "YOURS" afterwards. She points to the food and then to Fukuhara, but she made sure to properly write her words, instead of speaking her aloud with her nonexistent voice,
> 僕の贈り物
> Her writing is far from perfect, but her happiness shows true when she has something to display.
"Hey, Vee, don't disturb the customer too much!"
> Alice says from behind the counter. Phoebe doesn't appear to heed to this warning.
| >>640171
>he simply nods and offers two business cards with a bow
>>640200
"Ā. Īe, watashi wa Amerika ni arerugī ga arimasu"
>they have their hand
"Gomen"
"I am allergic to rice, sorry"
>the robot translates
"Futanari twin penis CBT"
| >>640207
> Regardless of the bot's translation that horrified Alice, Phoebe is able to converse well through her combination of gestures and crude hirakana and kanji. She has wasted three papers now, trying to convey her point across.
> ぬれ-瓦せんべい!
> She tries make out the gesture for 'SWEET', haphazardly flailing until she remembers a word off the top of her head, which she wrote by the edge of the paper.
> 小麦
| >>640280
>finding themself confused, bewildered and experiencing major culture shock
>fukuhara cautiously takes a bite..upon swallowing...!
>they fall face first onto the table unconscious!
| >>640281
"Vee!"
> Alice didn't take the time to wait, but Lucetta did. Either she is playing good manager bad owner, or she hasn't registered everything onto her system.
"What did you gave them?!"
> Not expecting this outcome, Vee corners herself to a wall. She gestured something quick, only readable to others as "SWEET", and "FOOD" -- with everything else a blur.
"Boss?!"
> Nu-uh. Lucetta is staying and observing.
| >>640285
>they gag and cough, their face swelling as they face the effects of a allergic reaction. A puddle of mucous slowly forming from their spit and tears
>ohhhh boy
>suprisingly the bot still tries to translate!
"Egu egu egu egdi egu egu hotdog whu egu"
>well now isnt this entire situation just delightful!
| >>640287
(Errata: Changed to choking.)
"That's when you HEIMLICH!"
> Dragging herself across the room, Alice takes the businessperson from behind. She performs the manoeuvre, trying to thrust the lodged food from the throat through several pushes from the abdominal region.
> Vee is quiet now, unable to comprehend what she had done. Lucetta too, except her silence is the sincerest form of "I'm not going there to help."
| >>640303
>You heave and thrust! The food then comes flying out of their drooling maw!
"A-ariga..to""
>the robot struggling to keep up with the random gasps and grunts that it registered as Japanese it goes Completely haywire!
>in its flurry it flies straight into Fukuhara's face and again in their nethers knocking them unconscious!
>then collapses to the ground and with a dying puff of electronic smoke is rendered Completely fried
>what just happened
| >>640207
>He took the business card. He wanted to offer a hand for a handshake, but decided against it when he saw her bow and bow back instead.
"Thank you, Ms.Fukuhara. It's been a pleasure."
>>640207 >>640281 >>640287 >>640310
>McGregor looked at the situation worriedly. The soldier beside him moved to help hut stopped when Alice did the heimlich maneuver.
"Oh, dear lord, are you alright?"
>McGregor asks once the businesswoman could talk again.
| >>640310
"Vile performance of a failed translation drone. God, I can't wish for any better."
> Lucetta says from behind, still behind the counter with reason nary from common sense. None of these topples Phoebe's reaction, however, as her happy-go-lucky charm is being charred into an ember of disillusionment.
> Alice sighs, rising Fukuhara back to their seat while patting them -- somehow the drone didn't surprise her one bit.
| >>640456 >>640439
>simultaneously unconscious, in shock and in egregious sums of pain, fukuhara seems to have metaphorically left this mortal coil
>although not actually dead judging by their breathing, their eyes are wike from shock, the color is drained from their face and are unconscious with their eyes open
>the drone also catches fire
>so over all this is a wonderful situation and everyone is having a good day!
| >>640458
> Alice comes over to the burning drone, right after she opens the cafe's doors. She lifts her leg up, having it easy due to the kimono's overflowing skirt, and gathers enough power to-
"Stella!"
> She says in a deadpan, but amped voice — and proceeds to kick the drone away with all the might possessed by her leg. If it's enough, several feet ought to do to leave its burning battery from fuming into the cafe.
| >>640464
>and gone be the drone! In the distance one could hear the ghost of an Arabian hero oooooOOOoo
>shortly later a 20-something year old Girl just scraping 5’3 walks in
>Her hair is a deep, rich wine-red and impeccably well kept: shoulder length, wavy and with a straight fringe that rests an inch above her thin eyebrows.
>she is wearing a white long sleeved blouse and a short black skirt with grey knee length socks
"Errr..hello there"
>she greets ith a nervous stutter
| >>640464
"That's not ideal for further interview, is it."
>McGregor says, looking as the robot disappears.
"If you want, we can lend you the negotiation drone on our hovercraft to act as a translator?"
>He offers.
| >>640487
"There's no need."
> Alice clicked her fingers to the air a few times. Several speakers inside the cafe began crackling, before afterwards a masculine synthesised voice comes through them.
"Good evening, Alice."
> While she walk back to the counter, Alice nods and smiles to the… ceiling.
"Sorry for the interruption, Horace. Please assist in translation. Japanese to English. Try to keep it posh." > She says to no one in particular.
"Understood."
> The voice says.
| >>640466
"Welcome to Caramel Anne!"
> Lucetta replies the nervous greeting with a beaming smile. She is radiating an aura that defeats all manners of pessimism. The pink of her lips and the subtle shine shown by her make-up, all tempts a certain persona of beauty.
| >>640500
"Errr hello!"
>with a bit of a reluctant spunk and a professional facade the diminutive lady pipes up
"I was sent here to aid a 'Ayumu Fukuhara' with any negotiations?"
>they peer around the area to see said fukuhara unconscious
"..."
>a simple silence fills her mouth as the look of worry and slight dumbfoundment flashes across her face before once again trying too look professional
>as calmly as possible she asks
"What...exactly h-happened..?"
>to some avail..kinda
| >>640501
"Oh, she did an oopsie with the food."
> Alice ushers Phoebe to get back to the counter. She walks in a rigid gait, stiff and unnatural, covering as many insecurities as she can.
"Some troubles came along. It's technicals, nothing else to worry, miss."
> This time, Lucetta takes the initiative to speak. She eyes the representative, then back to the newcomer, with smile withstanding.
| >>640504
"Ah...this is too much!"
>in shock of the situation her legs give in and so too does the girl faint
>this day keeps getting better and better dosen't it!
| >>640505
"Boss?"
> Lucetta sighs when hearing Alice throw this… question. She waves her hand, sending Alice to also pick up the newcomer and let her rest near Fukuhara. Alice, with a believably flat expression may have seen more than this, but even this is too much to take for others -- Phoebe in particular.
>>640487
"So, Mr. McGregor. Anything I may serve you?"
> Lucetta takes her attention to the only conscious patrons.
"You're eligible for two free meals and drinks."
| >>640506
>well...both of the people that you were supposed to host are now unconscious...
>one having almost died from asphyxiation and their nethers in great pain
>the other...is...oh dear god what the hell..
>she moans quietly and grunts in her sleep
"..nooo~ not a..."
>her voice is utter poison to any young or innocent minds
"..hard cash injection~.."
>some might have to wake them up..
>stars i hope you don't get paid less for this..
| >>640498
"I see, that's nice."
>McGregor said, impressed.
"It's great that the shop are so thoughtful as to have these back-ups."
>One of the soldiers silently smiles at the 'Make it posh', but nobody can notice it since his face is also covered in armored plates.
>>640506
"Well, I intended to leave so I can contact Ms. Otohime, but I would say I'm down for a cup of coffee, what do you offer up for meals here?"
>McGregor says.
| >>640507
"Should I…?"
> Alice points to the unconscious group, assuming a position ready to do something. Lucetta shakes her head, then point to a position behind her.
"Take care of her instead."
> The one behind her is none other than the part-timer, now reduced to a single flicker of soul as she displays no more emotion -- a disappointment, that is.
"But wouldn't you—"
> Alice was cut short by Lucetta's glare. Whatever she meant by that.
"Just me'll do, 'kay?"
| >>640508
"Horace is just an old pal. Ain't that right?"
> Hearing the mention of his name by Lucetta, the speakers crackled again.
"Absolutely. I need no introduction, just a humble butler will serve."
Even though his voice is synthesised, Horace mimics the greater part of human speech, including breath controls. Still, his speech is impeccably less stuttered.
| (Forgot the >)
"As for menu, we offer extensive selection of sweets, cakes, biscuits, and delicacies."
> Horace takes the position to answer, but Lucetta wasn't taken aback by this. It's as though both are complimenting each other's position now.
"The menu is available, and Lucetta will bring it to you."
> Before Horace finishes, Lucetta is already walking to McGregor's seat. She offers a tablet, wherein the menu is said to be.
| >>640510
>it seems like any intervies would be hampered so long as the interviewers are not on this mortal plain
"Nnrgghh...so..fuuullll~"
>and the girl is still spouting corruption in her sleep!
>she..does look kinda quirky though...NO! BAD! GO AWAY EVIL THOUGHTS!
>someone really should wake them up..or at least get an ice bag for Fukuhara's schrodinger's crotch the poor soul
| >>640511
"Oh, that's really nice."
>McGregor replies.
"Pleasure to meet you, Horace."
>>640512
"Thank you."
>McGregor takes the menu with a handsome smile. He browses through the menu a little before settling down.
"I will have a cup of some americano and some pancakes, thank you again."
| (*cup of americano)
| >>640520 >>640551
"Hey, Alice. Get some ice, will you?"
> After taking McGregor's order, Lucetta nods. She spies the two guards coming with him, but a brilliant plan sprung before she could execute it well.
"Are those two taking something too? Don't tell me they're simple droids."
> Meanwhile, Alice barely heard Lucetta's order, needing to repeat it back to Lucetta twice before confirming what she wanted.
> Phoebe is nowhere to be seen. Maybe she's in the staff room now?
| >>640554
"No no, of course they are not droids. Our contractors are 100% functional human, don't let their behavior decieve you."
>McGregor replies.
"They just don't eat while they are trying to keep something safe, for good reasons. It wouldn't be wise to have our contractors left distracted and shot in the head."
| >>640555
> Lucetta smirks at this. A devious, yet comforting smirk.
"A cup of americano, and… I'll make the order be a Shire oatcakes. How about that?"
> She repeats the orders given, making sure their integrity wasn't all but gone in her memory.
| >>640556
> Alice, not once asking nor questioning, assumed the ice she carries in packs are to be used for both of the guests. Knowing of the pain, she plops down the ice packs on Fukuhara's legs, whereas the other girl received the treatment of brain freeze in the most indirect way possible.
"Oi, what the hell are you doing?!"
> Lucetta didn't hurry over, but scoots closer to Alice.
"This is the best way to treat that vile expression."
> Alice reasons, flinching Lucetta.
| >>640557
"That's fine by me."
>McGregor replies, he now take out a phone and the business card from before. He dials the number for Otohime in.
| >>640560
>fukuhara, although still unconscious seems to be in slightly less pain
>bless your soul for easing it
>the girl on the other hand...oh dear...perhaps it would was not the best idea to apply a sudden strong sensation to their head or neck while they were experiencing one of...*those* dreams
"Aahhhh~!!!"
>it jolts them awake! With a moan that would make a AV actor proud..
>she looks down and feels...*something..*
>then her face glows bright red and she runs out the door!
| >...somebody should Probably clean..or better yet *burn* those chairs..
>it reeks of something sinful
>>640561
>the call is ringing!
>best to think of what you are going to say now before they pick up!
| >>640564 >>640571
"I'll get the order right away."
> Lucetta looks away and began shifting towards the counter, preparing the order as best as she can. Ignore those. Let Alice handle it.
> Alice, without even a single command, took the chair to the bathroom. Outside, the sound of water being splashed over, to and fro, and into the chair are heard.
> Just a normal day for her.
| >>640566
>oh dear god the smell won't go away!
>its so sticky! Argh!
>nevermind holy water...we must procure the holy bleach...
>>640567
>the caller picks up!
"Mmmm...yes...?"
>she sounds...quite frankly elegant and refined!
>her voice can only be described as some blessed mix of a princess, businesswoman and mistress!
>all topped together in a little Japanese accent
"And who would this be...?
| >>640574
"BOSS!"
> Came a voice from the bathroom. Initially, Lucetta hadn't heard of it until Alice popped out of the room, peeking out from the door, and shouting much of the same tone.
"What?!"
> Lucetta instantly pauses her act; sliding a few sliders and twisting some knobs to try and figure out an americano, it's all too difficult for her now.
"I'll need the peroxide!"
"What kind of contaminant is—"
"IT'S JUICE!"
> Alice shouted. Once again, flinching Lucetta.
| >>640574
"Let me introduce myself, I'm Bravo McGregor, and I'm calling on behalf of New Dawn Security International. We had noticed the job listing up about the 'Mobile Island' project and heard that you require a security specialist."
>McGregor said.
"Well, I thought that the project was quite interesting and would like it to succeed without harm. My superior must've thought the same and sent me to talk about the possibility of a security contract or a partnership with you."
| >>640897
"Hmmmm...?ara ara~ another security contract?"
>you hear her inhale deeply as she prepares to get to brass tacks
"Hmmm your people would to work with operators from multiple other organizations,both government and private sector."
>she giggles
"You would be quite lucky, traditionally one of our usual security contractors would send a bid but they seem to have not wanted to participate this cycle"
| >A peculiar pair enters the cafe. The door opens, revealing a young man in an unkempt chocolate business suit. It was complete with a black fedora sitting on top of rough, fiery-red short hair. Pair of extremely sharp green eyes stabbed into each person present in the cafe one by one, before the man took his hat off and stepped aside.
| >Thus, letting through a well-developed woman in her late twenties. Her waist-long chestnut hair was let loose, strands resting atop her shoulders as they saw fit. Her dark red evening dress seemed more suitable for a luxury restaurant. With a kind smile lighting up her round face the woman nodded to her companion, and stepped inside the cafe as well.
| >>641151
> A moment before she finishes the order given to her, Lucetta takes note of the new customers. With all of her staff being busy, one way or another, she made a few snaps with her fingers.
"Horace, do you mind?"
> The artificial voice, resonating from the speakers, responded with a kind "Yes," letting Lucetta resume her work.
"Pleasure to have you, sir and madam. Please, take a seat."
> Despite disembodied and a fake, Horace did his best to sound natural and humanlike.
| >>640965
"Of course, we can work with other organizations for the contract."
>McGregor replies enthusiastically.
| >>641164
>The redhead gallantly offers his hand to his companion — a gesture the woman accepts with grace, and the weird pair proceeds to seat themselves at the nearest free table.
| >>641377
> By the right, three empty tables are set. None more decorative than the rest, but all cleaned well to the standards of the cafe -- not spotless, merely enough for sight.
> In each table, a single tablet sits modestly in the centre. Housing a display barely bigger than a hand, the device shows a simple menu of the cafe, alongside a few promotional materials.
This thread is permanently archived
| > Between the roaring cars and sirens, amidst Uptown's everyday situation, a single cafe vanquished inactivity through the clatterings of utensils and renovations.
> In front of where its name used to reside now appends, "RYUGUJO INTERVIEW" — making for a clunky sign that reads, "Caramel Anne: RYUGUJO INTERVIEW".
> The glass windows and doors peek inside the resting and idle staff, donning a special uniform flourished with the style of kimono.