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(settings) The Cambria Lounge
| >However, chaos have reigned over the district, and there are sight of people in the bar, more than usual.
>Its flowery-decorated exterior is melted away, revealing the true foundation of the building: steel-reinforced metal plates, coated with some clear liquid. It looks like something explosive hit the walls, but the bar still stand strong.
| >The door is sealed shut, and a man in armor is standing in front of it, guarding the entry. Besides him, two turrets swivel, scanning the road in front of them with their laser pointers. On the rooftop, you swear you can see someone up there, but then there's no one.
>Despite the precautions that the owner takes, the lounge never stops looking like a second home, disconnected from the world outside.
| >CN jogs up to the bar, slowing down as he approaches, surprised at the... security of the place.
"Woah what the hell..."
>He decides to slowly walk up, keeping his hands where the sentry can see as he approaches.
| "Stop right there."
>The guard holds up his hand.
"This property is under surveillance. I advise you to not try anything funny."
>Other than that, he looks intensely at you, then steps aside. The turrets are still trained on you, but it seems like they're not gonna unleash any lead anytime soon.
| >>647349
"I... have no intentions to. I'm merely here to deliver something to an employee and friend of mine inside."
>CN slowly raises his hands up to show he means no harm.
| >>647351
>The guard nods, then steps out of the way. The door opens up, and you can hear noisy sounds inside the bar, and a faint hint of a disgusting smell hits your nose.
"Stay safe. This is likely one of the few safest places in Glitz right now. And if you didn't notice... The bar's function is limited right now."
| >>647352
>CN doesnt reply, simply giving a small nod of acknowledgement as he steps further inside.
| >>647399
>The lounge is quite crowded. Seems like the armchairs are being used to their full potential. Unfortunately, it's not a happy reunion. People are passed out, possibly from too much drinking, and some just stares into the nothingness. The intercom plays news instead of the usual calming music.
>In the back, row of chairs have been rearranged, and there are figures wrapped in bandages resting on top. There are... nurses(?) that are tending to them.
| >Behind the bar counter sits a girl. The presence of one single cat-ear makes her stick out compared to the rest. Her baggy T-shirt makes her look bigger than usual, and you can spot a hint of body armor beneath...
>She diligently keeps an eye on everyone in the building, through a screen next to her.
| >>647402
"Alisa."
>CN hurries up to the bar to talk to you
"You doing okay? I... how did thinks escalate this fast?"
| >>647325
> Without a single question raised, it's clear what the scene is to him. The beat-up, badly managed bar with what's left of the reviews have said.
"God…"
> A tall man comes hither to the guard, his hands exposed and raised, only showing a closed metallic box of medical supplies or at least, that is what's shown by the red cross engraved onto it.
> The man dons a typical cargo jacket and trousers, a pin sets his hair to the side to widen his field of view.
| >>647407
"I'm fine. All this work distracts me from this literal MIGRAINE."
>Alisa lets out a frustrated sigh.
"It's your usual Glitz war... but of course someone have to have some big guns to show off! and this is what happens. I'm counting my blessings that this is just a gang war right now."
>She glances worriedly at the people in the back.
>>647411
>The guard notices, and nods. He takes out his metal detector and scans the box.
"Boss sent you?"
| >>647415
"Well at least let this geekboy provide you one solice in this moment."
>CN reaches into his coat pocket and places a bottle of painkillers on the counter for Alisa. He follows her eyeline to those in the back.
| >>647417
"Thanks."
>It reminds you of an improvised care room. The five figures are all injured of various different degrees, and one even have bandages wrapped around most of his body.
"Caught in the crossfire. I think Glitz is semi-contained, and the routes to the hospitals are too risky. But honestly you're such a risk-taker."
>She taps on the screen. A nurse comes over, and the catboomer gives her the same painkiller bottle.
"Here's some extra supplies. Don't waste them."
| >>647419
"Well... in some ways I've gotten used to these kind of sights."
>He shakes his hand to refuse it.
"It's fine, I still have at home, plus the people here need it more than I do right now."
>CN looks around
"Wheres your boss?"
| >>647425
"...?"
>Alisa tilts her head. She's pretty sure that she didn't offer anything to CN? The nurse accepts the bottle with grace and returns to the back to treat the patients.
"The boss is out right now. He's on some business that he just won't tell me. Something about my identity and stuff. God that's another headache coming up."
>She shakes her head, clearing her thoughts.
"Regardless, I'm now in charge of this place now. He says I have some innate talent for it. Eh."
| >>647427
(Oh I misread that last post, ignore that part then)
"Hell of a start to handling the bar then."
>He frowns and looks around again.
"Anyway I can help you out?"
| >>647431
"Don't worry, I just have to last until he arrives, or until the fighting is safe enough for people to actually... seek proper help. GCPD is not known to be around this area, unfortunately."
>As you look around, you see the same bleak scene. The patients in the back... The crowd in the middle, the quiet group near the window, and a few armed men sitting on the left.
"How about going around and check on the people to see if they need something? And tell me if they do."
| >>647432
"Sure I can do that."
>CN grins
"Be back in a few minutes."
>He starts by approaching the quiet group by the window.
"Hey I'm helping Alisa for a bit. Names CN, anything I can do to help you out?"
| >>647434
>The quiet "group" in front of you are all staring at the inferno outside of the window... It seems like they are all extremely wasted. One middle aged man answer.
"What else is there to be helped with? I abandoned my family in there... The fire will consume us all. All my hard work during 30 years, all gone like that, in a flash. MORE DRINKS!"
>He opens the alcohol bottle, and chugs on it feverishly.
"You look bright. Listen and get out of here as fast as you can."
| >>647437
"I cant do that. Got to help out where I can. Tell you what, I can get you one more drink, but we dont want you passing out either now you hear?"
| >>647438
"Passin out? That's EXACTLY what I wanted, stupid! God this is such a bad dream. And you! You're not the sexy cat girl earlier! Who the hell are you even? Man I wanted to buy her for a night sometimes..."
>He continues to drink his own drink... At the desk in front of him, there's like 4 empty bottles already, jesus. And about... 3 unopened bottles. Based on your observation, his rational mind is long, long gone.
"Yah get me a drink or something, you daff waiter!"
| >>647439
"Right away..."
>He frowns, rolling his eyes as he turns away... and moving towards the guards. CN figures hes too drunk to even notice at this point.
"Hello, I'm CN, and im helping Alisa for a bit. Anything I can do to help you out?"
| >>647440
>Unlike the drunk dude, the guards are receptive. One of them speaks up.
"Oh hey, CN. I think I heard about you somewhere. A goody hacker or something? Surprised you're in Glitz at this hour."
>Another blurts out, nodding.
"Just trying to keep things calm here. However, we've just sitting here cause she got most things under control. But we're always the plan B."
>More chatter.
"Still, that shit's suspicious as hell. Did you see the marks?"
"Yeah, but I'm a skeptic."
| >>647447
"Thats right. Good to hear theres others we can rely on then."
>CN nods in agreement.
"What marks are you talking about?"
| >>647448
"No problem. All in a day's job. Well, leave this war to the experts. People like us doesn't benefit from any of this."
>The man that started talking about 'the mark' clarifies.
"The mark on the weapons of those guys. It's completely foreign. I have literally never seen that brand before in my life."
"Man, how long are you going on about that theory? If it were true, everyone's eyes should have been on him already. But no one cares. This is just a bigger Glitz war."
| >>647451
"Think they're being supplied by someone then?"
>CN isn't really surprised by the theory, he already has his suspicions on who could be causing this.
| >>647453
"Yeah."
>Same with the guard. He firmly believes that...
"EAGLE is in cahoots with some corp. However what makes this case so weird is that how it went totally unnoticed."
>The other guy nods too.
"I don't exactly believe it, but usually for Glitz, every move a gang make is monitored by all the other gangs, which makes gaining power, or DOMINATION almost impossible. Supplies? Everyone knows and gets it. That's why we were able to survive without GCPD. It's too weird."
| >>647455
"Mmm... well if that is the case I'll try and look into and see what I can find out. In the meantime I guess I'll check on the others in here."
| >>647415
"Sent and paid. I can't leave things that aren't mine in my property."
> He says. The metal detector would find no less than a simple beep, giving signs of metallic items that yield no indications of contrabands.
| >>647457
"Nice. Let us know if you find anything."
>A loud smack can be heard near the windows, and then a crash. Everyone turned their heads and looked, but then paid no attention to it. You see Alisa bodied the guy you talked to earlier.
>>647502
"In that case, you want me to take this to the boss or do you want to deliver this yourself? He's out right now."
| >>647540
"Y-You alright?"
>He walks up the pair, making sure the guy doesnt drown on his own spit at least.
"*sigh* Guy cant take a hint when to quit can he..."
| >>647545
"Oh hey CN. Done from your people-looking tour yet? And don't worry. He got what he wanted."
>That guy is completely passed out on the table, probably due to the shock of how Alisa slammed his head down on the table. There are cracks appearing.
"Can't blame him. He just is too stressed. *sigh*"
>She closes her eyes, and rubs on her temples.
"I might have used too much force. Don't mind me~"
| >>647540
"I'll go check what's inside. Can't hurt to see the place in this state. Might revise my reviews though."
> His eyes grow to give a pointed look to the bar's exterior. Indeed, they have seen better time on their own.
| >>647554
"You better. Not many places can survive a direct missile hit in one piece, you know."
>The guard does an exaggerated laugh, before stepping aside and allowing access to the interior.
"And if you can't tell, the bar's function is pretty limited right now."
| >>647559
> The man nods. He puts down his hand, pocketing one of them, and scrambles inside into the cafe. The interior is, to be expected, even more changed than that of the exterior.
"Hey, anyone named Alisa here?"
> He says, trying to pinpoint anything... aside from the ruckus made over by CN and Alisa's side.
| (*bar, not cafe. I'm blind.)
| >>647571
>The catboomer's ear perks up as she hears her name from somewhere near the entrance? She quickly makes her way closer to the dude.
"Hi hi! It's me. Do you need something? Don't mind the scene by the way. It happens all the time."
| >>647575
"Here's this."
> He hands her the medical equipment box. It's heavier than it looks, given how inadequately small it is. The box made a few clunking noise from the items stored inside.
"Make sure you have read the precautions. Morphine isn't as strong as what you said in the thread."
| >>647583
>Alisa's face lights up, and she squeals
happily.
"Yes! You're the morphine seller! Wow you really risked your life coming here despite me lowballing you to oblivion!"
>But that happily is shortlived. She calls out to a nurse from the back, and gives the box to her.
"More supplies. Morphines and value stuff in there. Use it carefully."
>She then address the man in front of her. She takes out a credstick from her pocket...
"Here. Thanks for your hard work."
| >>647550
"R-Right."
>CN replies, if somewhat nervously
"I'm halfway done, I'll check those in the back next."
>He walks away from the counter, making his way to check on the middle crowd before making his way back.
| >>647622
The middle crowd consists of 5 people sitting with their drinks. Their attention seems to be focused on a holo map of Glitz, with arrows drawn on them. The one in the middle, with a bandana notices CN.
"Oh look who it is. It's the infamous geekboy himself. Sightseeing huh? Or do you want to be killed right now?"
| (I forgot the > oops)
| >>647608
"Mind if I hang around here? Not in the mood to charge right ahead after being shot at."
> He takes the credstick, giving it time to register and for him to see the value given.
"That nerd is here to, isn't it?"
>>647622
> His eyes startle at the sight. Perhaps he didn't expect CN to actually come in full?
| >>647643
"You don't have to risk your life just to deliver a medkit, you know... You're all just like him. Of course he is."
>Alisa facepalms, and then points towards the middle crowd. CN is there.
"Man, if you're standing... I guess you should be fine. Get a drink and take a breather here. It should be safe for the time being. The self-serving machine is open near the counter. Now excuse me."
>Alisa heads back towards the counter. The credstick displays 1000z...
| >>647638
"I dont particularly want to die in any moment no."
>CN replies to the guy in the bandana
"I was making a delivery for Alisa, and I guess I'm helping her out a bit while I'm here. Anybody need anything?"
| >>647655
"Always helping people huh. That shit makes me sick. However, since this is a neutral ground, we can put our weapons away for now."
>The one on the left of the "leader" speaks up, his feminine voice making a suggestion.
"How about helping us formulate a plan to push back EAGLE? We sure can use an opinion of an expert decker. In return, we can give you information."
>It seems like this group belongs to a gang, a local Glitz authority! Are they scheming out in the open?
| >>647649
> He let Alisa pass by before he can take a stroll, analysing much of the bar. He let out a sigh and a groan, holding the left of his abdomen before resting his entire body onto a nearby wall. He pushes his weight, letting his head hung, facing the ceiling with closed eyes.
| >>647660
"Sure, what help do you need with in particular? I'm happy to help, especially in exchange for information."
>CN takes out the deck from his back, waiting for them to continue.
| >The bar... well it's looking more like a temporary shelter at this rate. People are drinking endlessly until tomorrow, some are just staying here until the war is over. It's a miracle that the bar is still standing.
>The loud chatter, combined with the intercom blasting the news of the ever-developing situation certainly doesn't help. The faint smell of the sick, or perhaps death lingers in the air. Even the big ventilator fans can't seem to get rid of that smell.
| >>647662
>A nurse notices the man.
"Hey... Are you alright? Are you wounded?"
>Without waiting for his answer, she screams out.
"We have a wounded over here!"
"Hey... can you still walk?"
| >>647664
"Okay. Now we're talking business. JC, enlarge the map."
>The one to the far right adjusts something on his datapad, and soon, the holo enlarges, and you can clearly see the whole Glitz map in real-time, satellite.
"CN, find us a route that will allow our forces to regroup and block off EAGLE's forces. Right now, the shock team is currently encircled."
>He points at a blue spot on the map, surrounded by a bigger red circle.
"We need to regroup quick, or we lose."
| >>647673
"Mmm..."
>CN ponders the map, thinking of scenarios in his head
"How much info do you have on the strength of the encirclement? How much for your group, especially the shock team?"
| >>647676
"Only bits there and there. We heard he got mechs and APC apparently, however most of them are on the North. The team has 20, elite. They can hold out, however they have no ways to counter vehicles and heavy armor. Hence we are regrouping ASAP and trying to break the circle with a decisive strike, then GTFO."
>Several smaller blue arrows formed into big arrows. Relative to the team's position, one big force is gathered to the west, and to the south.
"Combine? Or rush?"
| >>647669
"Oh shush. I'm augged. This much is nothing."
> The man says in a hoarse voice. He brushes his hair, almost undoing the pin that kept his hair at an elevated angle.
> He reeks of sanguine. Dried blood and dirt dirties his otherwise smooth, milky white skin.
| >>647677
>CN runs his chin for a moment, staring hard at the data.
"...Both. Have both teams rush towards the southwest side of the encirclement, that way you have the area under fire from two directions. You can have the shock team head there as well for a 3 prong attack. Hopefully that should cause enough chaos to help get them out. Should help avoid the bulk of their force to the north since they'll be too far from the action to bring reinforements."
| >>647678
"Okay. Fine. But at least don't just collapse on the wall like that. Let me help you to one of the armchairs."
>The nurse then extends her hands out to the man. You have a gut feeling something will go wrong if you don't accept...
>>647679
"Issue the orders."
>On the map, the arrow are moving as CN says, and soon a battle will begin. The bandana man proceeds to the next issue.
"CN, can you find any hospital near here? Ours too far from here. We need to free up the bar."
| >>647680
"Good idea."
> He put his hand onto the nurse's letting her guide his pale self. His hand is cold, unnaturally so. His gait is unsteady, his steps move in an awkward way as another of his hand held onto the presumed wound.
| >>647680
>CN starts typing on his deck to see what options he can find.
"Mmm... most of the places in the district are pretty full to capacity, your best bet is probably someplace like NSFMed which is adjacent in Downtown. Closest thing that has the facilities to treat the injured."
| >>647681
>The nurses lead you to settle down in one of the armchair. Then...
"Show me your wound. We can't afford to make it worse now."
>Behind her medical mask, you can feel a grin...
>>647683
"Closest to Downtown, huh... I see. Well, that settles it. We'll transport the wounded once it's safe to move. Thanks CN. Now shoo."
>He does a sweeping motion... completely dismissing CN.
| >>647686
"Anything beyond these clothes are trade secrets."
> The man smirks. His complexions wouldn't be any paler, leaving only his lips to stay in their fading colour.
"Hand me a bandage or two. I can patch myself good."
| >>647686
"Hey, hey."
>CN stands his ground
"I believe you lot owe me some information if you recall? Dont starve a hard working decker on his main source of income now."
| >>647813
"Says the dying man. Okay then. If you can take care of yourself, I will let you. Don't hesitate to ask me if you want to stay alive."
>The nurse passes a roll of bandage to patch yourself up. At least your arms are still working?
>>647822
"Oh my, you still remember that? Amazing memory, as expected from the famous hacker."
>The bandana man sarcastically remarks, and scratches his chin.
"Well then. Ask away. Since you helped us with 2 things, you can ask two questions."
| >>647827
"I didn't expect to get ambushed that's all. Usually I have a pretty good intuition."
> He says while accepting the bandage. His eyes grimace as his hands feel around the wound, right where his abdomen should be. Despite not showing blood, the wound must have been greater than the nicks and scratches he had received in other parts of his body.
| >>647827
"Well... I guess to start, where do you think the leader of EAGLE is hanging out at in the district?"
| >>647831
"Great. Well... Your intuition doesn't stop the wound. You don't look so good. If you're not going to show me your wound, I can't really do anything you know. *sigh* How about some morphines for now?"
>The nurse then takes the same box that was delivered to Alisa earlier, and prepares an injection.
"Have a taste of your own medicine!"
>Was that a joke??? It's hard to tell.
| >>647832
>He wiggles his pointy finger, a gesture that says "no".
"Bad choice of question. He's either chilling at a brothel, or of course..."
>He points at the center of the giant red blob on the map.
"If he's fighting and recruiting people for his "cause", of course he's in the middle of it all right? After all, no places are safer than in the midst of your own army. And I must correct you on one thing."
>He takes out a cig, but doesn't ignite it.
"EAGLE is his name. The head."
| >>647838
"Me? No. All of us together? Maybe. Who knows? But what are the chances of that? Some old friends have joined his side already."
>The man lits up the cigarettes, and blows on it. Bubbles form and it floats up to the ceiling... The cool mafioso is having the time of his life blowing bubbles.
"And our contract is over, CN. Now do you still want to be killed yet?"
| >>647839
"Nah, I'll take a rain check. If I change my mind I'll let you know."
>He walks away from the group, eyeing for anyone in the bar he hasnt talked to yet.
| >>647833
> The man chuckled.
"If that's what you were banking on saying, then sorry to burst your bubble -- I'm immune to that thing. You're going to need three times that."
> He says without a straight face as his mind flashes the moment when the nurse was doing her best to say the joke.
| >>647840
>The only group you haven't interacted with are the wounded on the back, however it's best to not disrupt them. Perhaps, if you check on a group one more time? Some time have passed, after all. Be thorough is the best way to get more info, no?
>>647844
"What are you, Alisa? Don't worry, we have enough doses for an elephant like you."
>Via the distraction, she managed to inject 2 doses of morphine... and one more is coming soon! That terrible joke was a setup!
| >>647850
"God, NO!"
> His body reacted fast to the increaseed dose of morphine. He winces, with the morphine surging straight to his blood. His eyelids start to lose their contraction as they flutter.
"You really should be better with your entrance. No one is going to… GAH- appreciate the punchline."
| >>647850
>CN heads on back, checking on the guards one last time, figuring the drunk guy is still enjoying his nap real well.
"Everything still good here?"
| >>647851
"Reallllly? I'm not a comedian, I'm a nurse, after all. I think you make a better joke about that immunity."
>She holds the man, her touch is strangely warm and calming. Her hands move, massaging the area of injection.
>>647852
"Yeah... Wait a second. Stay here. Something's wrong."
>The guard's helmet start beeping loudly, and with a sense of urgency, they rush off to the entrance, where a loud rumbling noise can be heard outside! The bar goes silent for 3 seconds...
| >>647855
"Lying is my... it's my.."
> His reactions start to slow before his head lock onto the noises. Despite his overload of sorts, he manages to catch on quick to the situation and silence.
| >A loud siren pierces the bar's frozen air, shocking people sober, but it immediately gets cut off before anyone can react to it. In its place, a girl's voice.
"It seems like something have decided to come here to disturb our peace. God why does everything have to give me a giant headache... Anyways, Don't leave, and don't panic. This place is durable enough to survive 2 rockets head-on."
>Elevator music plays, and the whole building shakes... then stop.
"Round 3. Try me."
| >>647859
>The window shutters does its job quickly, followed by a wall rising from the ground, blocking your view. You catch a glimpse of a tall 4-legged thing...! Estimation: 10 to 15ft?
>>647857
>The nurse reassures the man, despite everything that's going on.
"Take a rest and don't worry for now. They're just rude people here to ask for free drinks. Just stay calm."
>The situation outside is unknown...
| >>647867
"Uh..."
>CN briskly walks back up to Alisa
"So I dont know how serious this is but... theres soemthing very tall with 4 legs outside."
| >>647871
"I know. It's one of the spiders that I recognize... Quadrupod? We should be safe here! It can't touch us."
>The entrance slides open. The guards from before walk inside, followed by a person, then the guard that was guarding the entrance comes in too.
"It seems like we got the pilot. That thing was broken anyways! Phew."
>Alisa lets out a loud relieved sigh. The red light is put back to blue again, and music starts playing from the speakers.
"This is the worst job."
| >>647879
"You okay? I dont blame you for being stressed."
>He places a sympathetic hand on Alisas shoulder.
| >>647882
"Thanks. I can do this. Boss said I've been through worse."
>Near the entrance, the guards chatter.
"So glad that thing was broken. But now we have a wounded here. She's one of EAGLE's members, right?"
"What do we do?"
"I think we should hold them. This place is neutral after all. Come on woman, get a move on."
>The person that's been captured is being escorted to where Alisa and CN is, all the guards keeping a close watch on her.
"We got an EAGLE member. Wounded."
| >>647884
"I have a medkit on me, let me see if I can help patch her up."
>CN starts taking out his medkit to triage her.
"How was the mech or whatever broken anyways?"
>He asks the guards
| >The captive looks at CN with hate. She struggles, despite being injured and her blood is literally spilling everywhere.
"I will never- I WILL NEVER- *cough*"
"It was actually broken from the get go. The loud sound is it crashing on the ground. I think it was fighting from somewhere close to here."
>The guards maintain a space between all of them and the captive. Meanwhile Alisa just grips her head.
"I was planning on a self-discovery trip, and now look at all of this!"
| >Of course, all that attention is not lost. Most people stays away from the scene, watching on either in curiosity or fear. The bandana leader stands up, recognizing everything that's going on. He gets closer to the scene. His subordinates so the same.
"Well well, what do we have here? A stranded officer!"
>He gestures at the captive's nametag: "Number 0041"
"Didn't manage to counter it eh? you try to surround ME? That's what you get."
| >>647892
"Stay calm and don't talk, you're exacerbating your blood loss. What's your blood type?"
>CN starts with dressing her wounds why he waits for her to answer.
>>647896
"Oy, you can hound her once shes stable. This space is neutral, so let's keep it that way."
| >A purple-haired lilim arrives outside of the bar, fully armed and armored. As they approach the entrance, they give a casual wave towards the bouncer.
| >>647899
>The captive coughs and stays quiet. She mutters...
"O."
>Her eyes are still red with anger, but it seems like she's staying still for now.
>The gangster agrees, gesturing at the catgirl.
"Fine, since I don't want a *certain* someone to kill us all. I'll stay here and wait."
>Alisa doesn't say anything. She accepted her fate, and she slinks down on the counter, soul escaping her body.
| >>647904
"Thank you."
>CN takes out a blood bag and starts running an IV to the woman. He gestures to one of the guards.
"Sorry can you hold this up for me while I finish dressing her wounds?"
| >A blue haired woman in a respirator mask also arrives on the scene in a doctor's outfit, with a backpack of mysterious dohickeys
"Are additional medical experts needed?"
| >>647905
>The guard does as what CN asks.
"I didn't know you're a medic too. What can't you do?"
>>647906
>Another guard notices
"Sure. If you're willing to treat this woman right here. And some wounded in the back too."
>He gestures at the captive, who just stays still while CN attempts to treat her.
| >>647907
"Sadly I'm far from an expert, just know some basic first aid. Do enough runs and you pick up a few things."
>CN finishes stitching up some of the minor wounds and starts bandaging it.
"What hurts? Anything you cant move?"
>He asks the woman.
| >>647910
"Hmph. I'm good."
>The woman whines, clearly not wanting to communicate any further. She struggles to get away from CN. Seems like all of her limbs are weak.
>Some guards clear up and goes to their respective post, not sensing an immediate threat.
>Alisa puts down a glass of water by the captive, but she doesn't do anything more to help.
"I'll keep an eye on you. Try and raid the bar one more time, and I'll make sure that- Nevermind. Whatever."
| >>647907
"I wouldn't have come otherwise"
>she says thankfully, hurrying over to the woman
>>647910
"Is anyone in dire condition? Or will normal treament suffice"
>better to ask the person who already has a grasp on the situation
| >>647913
>CN takes the blood bag from the guard and keeps holding it up.
"Well I'm stuck here until the bag is empty so hope you don't mind me sticking around until it is.
>>647914
"Oh hello! This was the most recent injured person. Theres about 5 others in the back but they've been here longer. Supplies are limited so if you have anything to spare it would help, miss...?"
| >>647914
>The captive woman glare at the new arrival, already busy with CN's work.
"If I can move, I would make sure you all will suffer."
>>647916
>Now that the guards returned to their post, things can now be returned to normal?
"Hey, identify yourself."
>He seems to be on edge about the armed and armored aspect... considering what happened earlier, it only makes sense.
| >>647920
>The lilim gives a sort of relaxed smile.
"The name's Nym. I'm trying to look for someone right now and CN mentioned that I might find a lead here if I talk to some of the regulars."
| >>647920
>CN sighs
"And that would accomplish what now? EAGLE talked about getting rid of the 'dirty conglomerates', but this just seems like a lot of wanton murder."
| >>647916
>A man in a beige trenchcoat and unkempt poloshirt with tie lines up behind you. He's smoking a cigarette, the light of which illuminates his five o'clock shadow and messy, dark hair. The bags under his eyes mix together with wrinkles, suggesting many years of poor sleeping habits.
| >>647918
"I'm Murmur. And of course i have my own supplies. You appear to have most things handled here...'
>She heads off to the back to examine the others, offscreen-
| >>647925
"Thanks Murmur, I'm CN."
>He focuses on the blood bag, though he squints his eyes a bit... that name sounds strangely familiar to him.
| >>647921
"Ah. I see. Seems like a lot of people are stopping here more than usual. CN is in here too."
>He steps aside, and the door is open for you to enter.
"And I assume the man behind you is your friend?"
>>647925
>The back is in a state of chaos, but it also seems to handle things fine as well. Most of the patients are in deep sleep, and they barely have enough medicines and temporary treatments, thanks to the brave courtier.
"Oh, are you a doctor?" exclaimed a nurse.
| >>647929
"Wanton murder? One of them is in this building right now. You are all accomplices--"
>The mech pilot struggles even harder, even to the point of trying to disconnect the IV fluid and ripping off her bandages. She screams in a fit of rage...
>But fails because a catboomer is standing behind, restraining her.
"Stop. Stay still. I swear to god. Do I need to knock you out? I'm almost reaching my limit."
| >>647934
>CN sighs, rechecking her injuries to make sure nothing reopen in her tantrum.
"Cool motive, still murder. Now unless you don't value your life, stay still. Arguing solves nothing now."
| >>647930
"Close enough to one"
>Murmur replies in a hushed tone. She takes off her backpack, taking out all sorts of mysterious bottles and packages
"it appears that we may have just enough, but let me know if conditions worsen. I'll be here until emergency services arrive."
| >>647930
"Oh, he is? Must've missed him mentioning he was headed out this way.
>At the mention of the potential "friend", Nym turns to look over their shoulder. The lilim focuses on their face for a while before finally recognizing the man.
>>>647924
"Oh, you. Er... Neon Knight, was it?"
>Nym quickly looks back at the guard.
"Yeah, I know him."
| >>647935
>Alisa tries her best to restraint the mech pilot, and she whispers something. The captive's eyes open wide, and she stops struggling.
"Sigh... Her wounds have reopened again. CN, if you don't mind..."
>>647938
"Yeah. We're just holding out until the fighting becomes safe enough for us to get to a hospital."
>>647944
"I see. Well, this place should be safe for the time being. The bar's functions are currently limited right now."
>He steps aside, allowing access.
| >>647944
>The man takes his cigarette out of his mouth and blows away from the both of you, while raising an eyebrow.
"...right."
| >Someone's sauntering up to the bar's outside- they're dressed in a dark purple long coat with green trimming and have a long rifle-like weapon slung over their shoulder! Their face is mostly obscured by a wide brimmed fedora, but discretion seems to be the last thing on their minds as they attempt to sashay their way inside.
| >>647947
"R-Right, sorry can hold the bag for me?"
>CN passes it along and gets back to patching her up again. Hes curious what Alisa could had said but decides it's best to leave that until later.
| >>647947
"I'll keep that in mind."
>Nym steps into the bar and looks around. Upon seeing CN, they approach him.
"Yo"
| >>647952
"M-Mombot!?"
>CN looks up from his stitching, but quickly looks back down when he remembers what he was doing.
"Got to admit, I didn't expect you to start searching for clues already."
| >5 o'clock shadow seems to have shaken off his earlier annoyance and made a bee-line for the bar.
| >>647952
"Okay."
>Alisa holds up the bag, her mind completely gone to cloud nine.
>>647950
>The guard by the door just sighs. He repeats the same thing, and just lets the figure go in.
"Man, I never knew the bar would be *this* crowded..."
>>647956
>The bar is empty, except the whole mess in the middle, with the wounded woman and the sight of people trying to patch her up, with difficulty. Other people stays away from the scene, wary of the new presences.
| >>647958
(Behold, a visual representation of mister purple: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fItvQaKsatM )
| >>647954
"It might be the paranoia but I'm worried so I figured I'd get moving already. What all happened here though? Wasn't expecting to see... Whatever this is."
| >>647958
>5 o'clock shadow pays the denizens no heed.
"Suntory on the rocks." >He says to the tender.
| >>647958
"Thanks."
>CN focuses on redressing the wounds, taking a little longer than before since he needed to take the bandages off before reapplying them, but he eventually gets it done.
>>647960
"Some asshole gang here in the Gltiz got some nasty weapons and now hes getting all big for his bridges. He posted about it online."
>>647961
>CN flinches on hearing a familiar voice, but instead focuses on finishing his first aid first... again.
| >>647959
(:eye: pretty sure i let them in.)
>>647961
>You are greeted with the *Tender Machine.* since of course, the tender is busy restraining people, and literally doing everything else but bartending.
"SUNTORY ON THE ROCKS. ACCEPTED. PLEASE WAIT A FEW MINUTES."
>Yeah, the bar is kinda... understaffed.
| >>647965
>The captive woman just mutters quietly.
"T-thank you. I'm fine now. Give me a few minutes, and I'll get out of your sight."
>She looks okay for now, and way calmer than before. So that's a big plus? She doesn't seem to want to kill anyone now, that's for sure.
| >>647967
"You're not going anywhere unless you want those wounds to open up again after walking for 100 feet."
>CN chastises her, and glances up at Alisa, figuring the passive change is due to what she said.
"You need at least a few hours of rest, so suck it up. I'm no doctor but I still don't like people dying in front of me."
| "Dayum, new place and its already hopping?" >Mister Purple says, taking a seat at a table from where he can observe the entrance and also the drama.
"I'm lovin' it already."
>After he observes the scene further, his smile turns into a wry grin.
"...and of course. It'd involve... the Geekboy."
| >>647867
"Well now, that does seem like some big trouble."
> The man, at one point, blinked his eyes and these new people came rushing in fast. Had he not done that, these people might not appear at all -- by the very least, that's what the morphine would have said.
"—Busy day, huh?"
| >>647969
"Just saying this is on surveillance is enough I think. I figured EAGLE wanted popularity so..."
>0041 remarks
"Hmph. You're just lucky I feel tired after being patched up."
>>647970
"He brings trouble wherever he goes. This warzone is indeed, very lovely, thanks to him."
>A stranger from the table remarks.
>>647972
"Who knows? Regardless, people seem to not care about what's going on at all. At least no one's hurt."
>Somewhere, a third dose of morphine awaits...
| >>647965
"Great. There's always trouble."
>Nym sighs and looks over the person that CN is working on.
"Are you good? I've got a medkit if you're out of anything."
| >>647973
"What do you mean not care? Clearly some of them… came for a reason."
> His voice trails almost between pauses. He idly scans the room, spotting new members inside.
"These people are lucky… or, I just have a shitty… day."
| >>647973
"If you want to make it about bravado, fair enough, long as you rest your wounds."
CN remarks
>>647970 >>647973
"My hands may be moving but my ears are free to listen to those talking about me."
>He turns to look at the strange and... purple colored guy.
>>647975
"I'm fine Mombot, though my friend Alisa here can always use more supplies."
>He nudges his head towards the catboomer bartender
| >A beat up "bulldog" class armored van rolls up to the bar and parks about a block off, neatly stopping just in front of an equally beat up parking meter. Two men pop out of it, one considerably shorter than the other- the taller man sports a buzz cut with a port on the side of his neck, wearing shades and a leather jacket with joint pads, and the other, shorter gentleman has a pink mohawk that's been trimmed back some, along with a native-aesthetic dragon tattoo on the side of his face.
>Personality wise, Buzz-cut appears to be as relaxed as someone shopping down mainstreet, while Mohawk is clearly tense, eyes darting everywhere. As if sensing this, Buzz-cut claps him on the back.
"Relax, man! Relax..."
>They pop up to the bouncer in short order.
| >>647978
>Mister Purple snorts.
"You get a bad case of dumpshock, geeknerd? Or is your memory not what it used to be?"
>He makes a show of bowing, taking off his hat in a mocking salute.
| >>647975
>The woman's blue eyes avoid Nym and CN's eye contacts... meanwhile the catgirl responded gracefully, ignoring the chaos in the Cambria.
"Yeah, CN gave me a pack of medkit already! I will accept any *free* and *generous* donations~"
>>647977
"Not care about self-being, I mean. You probably have a shitty day, but it's another day. Take it easy here, mhmkay? No need to be hard on yourself. Or..."
>The nurse squeezes on the syringe... threateningly. OH GOD NOT THE MORPHINE-
| >>647981
"Hey."
>The guard by the door is wary of the men... after judging their appearances.
"You two with a gang or something? That's a nice tattoo."
| >>647987
"Gang? P'shaw man, farthest things from it!" >Buzz-cut says.
>Mohawk's tenseness remains, although his facial expression is more anxious than hostile, really. From this distance, you also realize that he's much younger than Mister Buzz-cut.
"Mind my friend here- he's uneasy nowadays. You know, what with the violence and all that."
"We want no trouble- just some refreshments."
| >>647985
"I'm not trying to be dickish but last time I encountered a nurse this syringe-happy… they… they gave me the wrong dose."
> He sees the syringe. That's the first thing to tackle. His emotions warp to accommodate for the awkward chuckle.
"P-people really have no value of… worth, huh?"
| >>647985
>Nym gives a slight grin.
"Well, I definite wasn't going to charge you, if that's what you were thinking."
>As they speak, a small drone detaches itself from the hardpoint on the lilim's back. It hovers over to the nearest surface and begins depositing a medkit worth of supplies.
| >>647982
"Um... sorry, I'm usually good with faces but I'm drawing a blank here."
>CN turns around to face him, awkwardly holding a blood bag in his hand.
| >>647991
>Mister Purple has the longest face imaginable.
"... the name's ROYAL. REMINGTON. And ya best remember it chummer, especially after that favor I did you a couple months back."
| >>647988
"Hah."
>The guard laughs.
"Feel free to go in. However, the bar is currently overloaded, and of course, refreshments are severely limited as well."
>He steps aside, allowing entry!
>>647989
>The nurse laughs, then pats the man.
"So you're just scared of needles, huh? Hah! It's certainly easier to make you swallow some pills!"
>She then frowns
"I'm not sure. That's just all we assume, without even talking to them. I only see things through one point of view."
| (oh my god, i'm feeling like mixing up characters already)
>>647990
>Alisa jumps up, seeing new medical supplies.
"Yes! You're a saint! Can I transfer my job to you so I can get less headaches?? Please?"
| >>647992
"O-Oh right!"
>CN connects the dots
"Well in my defense back during that favor it was night and there was a hell of a streetlight blinding me. How are you doing?"
| >>647996
"I'M GLAD YOU ASKED."
>She counts her fingers as she lists "her jobs".
"Well, bartending, checking the status of the building and the security system, keeping a track on the people inside, which I'm failing at, making sure dangerous people doesn't do anything to the bar and uh..."
>"Managing my endless headaches~!"
| >>647999
>Nym gives a sort of wry smile.
"That all isn't exactly within my area of expertise..."
>They vaguely gesture at the various weapons on their person.
"Though, that said, things seem more dangerous than usual lately. CN gave me a brief summary but seeing as you're based out of this area, could you maybe give me some more insight on the situation?"
| >>647994
"I have NOTHING against syringes. It's that they look READILY dangerous."
> His voice shakes from saying the sentence. Admitting or not, he says it in the most obvious way possible.
"I don't mean it that way."
> He sighs.
"I mean, do whatever. More power to you. But you need to help yourself before others."
| >>647998
"Same as always. Slot decks, get nuyen."
>Royal says, in that trademark over-exaggerated arrogance of his.
"Aren't you lot supposed to be dead?"
| >>648000
>When you walk in, you see the chaotic interior like everyone else. The guards weren't lying.
>>648001
"Okay so..."
>A guy called EAGLE apparently rose up using a new army. He tried to raid the bar, however failed. Now there's a war in Glitz District, but no one takes it seriously, thinking it's just another gang war. I don't know? We have a person from EAGLE's side, and she's mad but she calmed down for now.
"That should be it?"
| >>648003
"Says the one who gets shot trying to deliver the same medical supplies. But oh well."
>The nurse makes idle conversation while you rest. Does she have any interior motives?
"What do you even do around here? It's really not worth it to gain like 2000z and a chance to be dead."
>>648012
"I mean... I'm not on anyone's side, and not exactly captured, but..."
>Alisa gestures at the woman who just got patched up by CN.
"She's apparently injured, and ended up here."
| >>648014
>Nym looks over at CN and the woman.
"... Of course it's the person CN was patching up. Oh wait. This isn't related a all to this gang drek but do you know a street sam by the name of Straw Hat? He's the reason I'm actually here"
| >>648016
"Hmm...?"
>Thinking... then nothing.
"I'm sorry, there's no one by the name of Straw Hat that came to this place, but I can try to keep a lookout, if you want me to?"
>She bows apologetically.
| >>648018
>Nym waves a hand in front of themself.
"No need to apologize. If you could, that'd be great. And if you don't mind, I might stick around for a bit to see if I can dig anything else up? I'll also shoo off any gangers if they come knocking again.
| >>648019
"Feel free to stick around as long as you want! The automatic... tender will help you if you want any drinks!"
>She gestures towards the bar, the TENDER MACHINE stands strong, and still is making someone's Suntory on the rocks...
"Oh, and um... There's already gangers in here... this is a neutral place so... they can be here as long as they don't try to damage anything in here."
| >Someone ***approaches*** the bar- dolled up for all intents and purposes like a ninja of some kind. He has two obvious, sheathed blades at his side and a third, larger blade on his back, along with a balacava covering his face. He strides right up to the bouncer expectantly, cool as ice.
| >5 o'clock shadow palms his face.
| >>648014
"Oh I wonder. I really do… anything for money, miss."
> He dismisses the question with a vague answer. The break in his attitude is enough showing.
"Anything."
| >>648021
"Oh my god, that's a NINJA."
>The door bouncer now truly have seen EVERYTHING. EVERYTHING.
"Let me guess. I- I'm just going to assume that you wanted to enter, correct?"
>By protocol, he repeats everything including the bar's shortages in several things, then he steps aside, allowing the ninja to get in, if he wants.
>>648022
>After a while, the TENDER MACHINE™ spits out a drink, but it shakes intensely for a while?
"RECIPE NOT FOUND. SHUTTING DOWN."
>...................
| >>648047
>The guard nods.
"I see. Of course, please keep in mind that the bar's function is limited."
>He allows access.
>>648046
>The TENDER MACHINE™ attempts to reboot, however the memory of the drink still persists, and he's stuck in a feedback loop. This causes his processor to heat up in extremely quickly. Then it reaches a breaking point, and it explodes, causing a temporary blackout.
"NOOOO!!!! TENDY™!!! NOOOO!!!"
>Alisa rushes over in shock, her screams almost deafening.
| >>648053 >>648019
>CN looks back at Nym, the blood bag in his hand finally emptying, before turning back to Neon Knight
"Consequences of the attack. Maybe if you got something that will help find his sensei, they'll change back."
>He gives him a knowing grin
| >>648053
>Alisa turns to Neon Knight and apologies profusely.
"I-I'm sorry! I... TENDY™ isn't advanced enough to make that drink..."
>She quickly pushes the remnants TENDER MACHINE™ down, away from plain sight.
"Uuuuuuu... tendy™..."
>>648054
>The first thing the "ninja" notices is a blown-out smoking machine before a cat-girl (the bartender??) hides it. Regardless, it's not a really good first impression.
| >>648064
>Getting *caught*, Alisa panics a little.
"No! I- I mean. There's no machine in the first place! The TENDER MACHINE™ doesn't exist. It doesn't! Right. I must be stressing too much. I'm the only bartender here! Y-you don't need to bother yourself with it! Just enjoy yourself!"
>Her eyes look nervously around the room.
"H-how about a drink?"
| >>648065
>Nym raises an eyebrow
"How about you have a drink while I check your machine? You seem like you need one."
| >>648066
"I... Fine... Thank you. I'll get some water to calm myself down. I think it just shut down cause someone ordered a weird drink."
>The cat-boomer lets out yet another sigh.
>>648023
"Anything for money, huh? I can't exactly agree, but a man's gotta do what you gotta do."
>The nurse then extends the conversation just a bit further.
"What's your name, courier?"
| >>648071
"No worries. You definitely seem like you've got nearly more than you can handle."
>Nym directs their drone over to the machine to run diagnostics and make sure that it's failure really was just because of the weird drink.
| >>648072
>After having a glass full of water, Alisa collapses on the counter, taking a break right then and there.
>The TENDY MACHINE™ seems to be overloaded from too much orders, too little ingredients and of course, the unfamiliar "Suntory". Poor machine got a fried "brain", just like the real bartender.
| >>648074
>Nym goes ahead and clears out the machine's order queue and then leaves it off for the time being. As they do so, they notice the... Ninja and just sort of squints at them.
| >>648074
>CN removes the IV and disappears for a few minutes, presumerably to clean up in the bathroom. After a few moments he sits in the bar counter near Neon Knight and Alisa. He decides to refill her water for her while she takes her 'break'
| >>648083
>Alisa follows Nym's gaze...
"Is that the guy you're talking about?"
>>648085
"Thanks, CN."
>She takes the water gracefully.
"I feel like death. When's boss coming backkkk~~?"
>Meanwhile the "captive" is also sitting in the bar counter, however further away from everyone else. She checks her wounds, seeing they have stabilized. She takes a nervous look around, her blue eyes focused on the exit. Of course, she attempt to sneak out!
| >>648087
>Nym shakes their head.
"Nope. He do remember him though. Unless I'm mistaken, he tried to kill me a while back."
>As the lilim speaks, there isn't really any hint of tension in their voice.
| >>648087
"Well things should calm down a bit, got that Murmur doc helping in the back, I helped with some strategy, and all the sammies are just here for drinks, which you can leave to Mombot. Just take some time for yourself."
>>648090
"Is that a yes or a no...? Come on, help Mombot out. Would you prefer I start asking you stuff. How you doing?"
>CN avoids mentioning Neon Knights name given his privacy.
| >>648092
"Been better, but what else is new." >He says gruffly. He reaches into his coat... and pulls out a small flask.
"Looks like rain. Wish I had a radio."
| >The ninja barely wastes any time with the tender drama and instead sequesters himself near a booth in the back.
| >Mohawk and Buzz Cut choose a small table and chairs along the wall. The youth still looks far too tense for this environment, but the Buzz-cut is all smiles.
| >>648094
"Yeah... yeah..."
>CN pulls out his phone and texts Nym
/He ain't going to talk business in person, I'm gonna pass the phone so you can talk through the IRC/
>He then passes his phone next to him, the thread still open.
| >>648097
>He looks down at the phone, and then back to you, and then back at the phone. You see him clearly roll his eyes.
"Not what I meant."
>He sighs and begins tapping on the phone anyway with a gloved hand.
| >>648097 >>648100
>5 O'clock suddenly stops typing. He turns to look at you with a face that screams "What the hell is this shit?"
| >>648102
>CN gives a look back that is a mix of "be more straightforward" and "what did you expect"
| >>648095
"Break's over~"
>The cat-boomer approaches the ninja, putting on her most "waitress-like" impression.
"How many I help you tonight... mister ninja? This bar is... not really good right now, but I'll try my best."
>>648096
>She also glances at the pair, signalling them "Please wait a moment, okay?". The writer doesn't know how she does it, but she does it anyways, hoping they get the message and that they don't mind waiting for a little bit.
| >>648103
"That was the first I heard of them being involved. Riddles aren't my forte, so I'll forgive your interpretation."
>He turns toward the entrance again to ensure that it doesn't have any newcomers, ninja or otherwise. Then he turns back to you.
"I've heard rumors about a cosplayer getting his hands dirty. He's got fans- the kind who admire him from afar, and the kind who want to... clean him up."
>He nods behind him.
"...that one's a fence sitter. Might know a little more than I do. I'm no weaboo."
| >>648104
>The "ninja" seems to be sitting crosslegged on the booth seat, the menu flat on the table, untouched.
"I'll have a tea. Decaf, please."
| >>648104
>Mr. Buzz cut just nods his head in the waitress' general direction. By this point, even Mohawk appears to have calmed down considerably.
| >>648105
>CN looks back at where hes looking, then looks back to Nym. Finally he looks to Neon Knight.
"T-Thank you... I don't suppose you know anything it would be worth me knowing would it?"
| >>648106
"Noted. Be right back in a second!"
>After she notes the tea, Alisa goes over to the pair of the tattooed man.
>>648108
"Thank you for waiting! How may I help you two tonight?"
>The bandana leader, together with his subordinates, heads outside, after noticing a certain someone is missing from the bar.
| >>648109
"Mm..." >He takes a swig of his flask.
"... you brought something back from the Zone." >He turns to look you directly in the face.
"... its *missing*."
| >>648114
>CN looks across the bar to check on his 'patient'
"Oh... *come* on, I told her that her wounds would open up again."
| >>648125
>The "patient" would have escaped already, if not for the mafioso blocking the entrance.
"You're not going anywhere. We have things to talk about."
"Hmph. Get out of my way."
>They engage in a heated stare-down. After a while, the mafioso lets out a mocking comment.
"Okay, if you insist to fight, we can do it outside. The moment you step foot out of this building, you can go back home in a body bag."
>The men goes outside, leaving the wounded woman alone in the bar.
| >>648126
>CN runs up to the girl and puts a hand on her shoulder
"Don't... can't you see all this fighting is just pointless?"
| >>648127
"It's not. I- We have to, to make the world a better place. No one's going to listen if we just... peacefully demonstrate. This is the only opportunity for us- no, for me and my family to be better off. You calling all of this pointless is, moronic."
>She checks her gears, before heading out.
"You're going to never notice a bug unless it bites you. I don't care about following EAGLE. I just want a better place. And if I die, I can definitely take some of them with me."
| >>648128
"So do they dammit!"
>CN yells outside the door
"Fighting the corps is one thing but right now this is just fighting amongst ourselves!"
| >>648129
>No answers beyond the door.
"Then tell me, what am I supposed to do??"
>0041 screams out, tears accumulate in her eyes.
"All THEY do is fight against themselves either way! They only care about Glitz! They don't care for me, you or anyone but themselves! They are the same as the corps! They're just fighting a defensive war for their own asses! Do you think there's some way out? Because I don't!"
>She sobs, some of the wound on the verge of reopening.
| >>648131
"The only way out... is to work together."
>CN takes a deep breath, knowing he has to think his words carefully.
"I'm sure it's not easy to bury the hatchet when every sect has every right to fight against the other, even now but, its moments of tragedy like this when we should try and talk it out together. There is a place to fight yes, but this isn't one of them. Even if EAGLE succeeds in his plan of being the 'lynchpin', it will just lead to an ever expanding crusade of violence. If you even need a third party to help mediate I can offer my help. In the end, every death that happens right now from this fight will mean nothing, including yours if you go out and fight them in your current state."
| >>648114
"Get me a rum & coke, and a beer for the kid." >Buzz cut says. Mohawk looks from him to the waitress with wide eyes.
| >>648133
"Work... together..."
>She smiles sadly, tears streaming down her face.
"That's a bit too late, isn't it? Lives are being lost even now. People are already fighting each other, unfortunately. When I walk outside, I'll have to fight, or I'll die either way. I... I believe you, and I hope things go well in the future, like you said. Right now... It's do or die for me."
>>648139
"Gotcha. Will be there momentarily~!"
>Alisa bows slightly, and she does a subtle wink.
| >>648140
"It's never too late!"
>CN walks a little closer to her
"The team I'm a part, we've all done things we're not proud of, things we can't take back. That includes me as well, but... we each decided in our own way that it doesnt have to stay like that. We can commit ourselves to try and make this city better instead, together."
| >>648142
"I know... I mean you literally tried to patch up an enemy on your doorstep... but- I mean I wanted to survive! I- I really do. However, my chances here are low. 5 against 1 wounded, that doesn't sound too good right?"
>0041 stands up slowly, blood spills out of her legs.
"Regardless, thanks for the encouragement. To have a talk, you need to get two sides together."
>She gestures to the door, the threat on the other side.
>Alisa returns to the counter, menu in hand!
| >>648144
"...Well theres two sides right out here."
>CN mumbles
"Be right back Alisa!"
>He rushes outside after her
| >>648146
"Wait- what? Where are you-"
>Outside... on the distance, the men that CN helped earlier has their guns pointed at the mech pilot. They all have their weapons drawn.
"Finally came out, huh. Come with us, or risk your life. I'm sure you value your life."
>0041 stayed silent, her bloody hands gripped her pistol, pointing at the leader: the bandana man.
| >>648148
"Stop it! All of you!"
>CN rushes towards the group, trying to get in between them.
"If you want to improve the city, hell the Glitz district, you cant start with bullets!"
| >>648149
"You four. Keep your guns trained on her. I'll go deal with CN."
>The leader then addresses CN
"Oh, you think we don't know that? This is a defensive war. Everything was fine until they come along and disrupt Glitz's order. Let me tell you something. When a threat exists to disrupt our lives, the most natural thing is to get rid of it, no? You're right. To improve Glitz, we don't use violence. But THEY started with the bullets. EAGLE set this in motion!"
| >>648071
"I have no name. Address me whatever."
> The man replies. His vision has started to return, if not with a squint and a disbelief over what had happened. Rather than shock, his eyes widen to the sight of… the usual Glitz.
"Can I order anything in this place now? Get me the tender, can you?"
> He sees the scene occurring; he didn't necessarily wants a part of it, all with the pain still subsiding slowly.
| >>648150
>Noticing all the commotion, Nym follows outside. After listening for a bit, the lilim walks up next to CN.
"How about we all calm down? I get that you're all agitated because of everything that's been going on but killing her won't accomplish anything."
| >>648150
"EAGLE has caused a lot I won't deny that. But *she* isn't EAGLE. Hell EAGLE himself is just privy to... whoever gave him all those weapons. What if he is actually being supplied and as soon as you get rid of him, his supplier just starts front loading another gang in the area to keep the chaos up. It may never end until we you just all murdered each other! There is a better way to do this."
>CN explains to the leader, hoping that he can get through to him at some level.
| >>648197
"Hmph."
>He spits on the ground in front of CN.
"So it's those envoy bastards, huh. Dam those fucking faces. Fine. I'll play to your games for now, CN. We were planning to capture her and make her spill everything, but it seems like, you have some other plan. Tell us."
>He snaps the finger, and the men puts away their weapons. The girl has a shocked expression on her face.
>>648164
"We know that. We just wanted to prioritize capture. Well if CN has another plan..."
| >>648153
"You're the mysterious kind aren't you? I love it. You looks like you can do better now. Here."
>The nurse escorts you to the counter, where Alisa sits and waits. Upon noticing the courtier, she gasps.
"OH MY GOD. You're STILL here?? Wow. I- I thought you're gone! I'm so sorry. I- How may I help you tonight, Mister...?"
>Gears run in her head. Did she... FORGET to serve one of her customer? She just committed one of the worst crimes ever.
| >>648214
>CN looks around
"First let's go back inside, you never know who else is listening. We can talk while patching *someone* up for the third time."
| >>648215
"I have a small presence, they say."
> The man gave a chuckle to loosen Alisa's tension -- much to his chagrin, it gave a creaking way unto his lacklustre topic selection.
"... I think I have introduced myself, haven't I?"
> He says to Alisa. His vision switches from her and his hand, still holding onto the wounded site. He returns, murmuring a quiet "Ow, that still hurts."
"Anyway- get me a Marsblast, can you? Or no.. maybe a Zen Star... I'll settle with a Marsblast."
| >>648224
>The gang leader dismisses his four subordinates, and looks up at the rooftop of the bar, before heading inside. His men is calling for something...
"Yes."
>The woman collapses on the ground, her adrenaline runs out, and her mind reaching an impossible conclusion.
>>648227
"A-ah. Marsblast. Okay."
>The nurse goes back to check on the other patients. Alisa notices the wound.
"You must be a smooth talker. Your wound is still untouched. You sure you can handle a drink?"
| >>648229
>CN breathes a sigh of relief. He walks over to pick up the 0041 and help carry her inside.
"At this rate I'm going to start charging you, so please listen to me this time."
| >>648229
"Oh, shush. I convinced girls in school like this."
> He smiles and puts both of his hands on the counter, resting them.
"Guess that's why I never got any. And any that got me were alcoholic narcissists."
| >>648234
>Inside, Alisa just... stares and squints at CN, and the girl. Then a facepalm.
"Oh my god..."
>The wounded girl struggles to walk, and she lets out a pained breath.
>>648240
"Here's your Marsblast. Let's hope it somehow distracts you from your pain. Speaking of pain, and drink, you remind me of someone I met recently."
| >>648244
"Oho? Here I thought I'm somehow special."
> The man takes the Marsblast, though as he move his hand, he grimaces and quietly groans. He curses, three times to count, and takes the drink to empty half of it.
"Fuck- that's great."
> He heaves a deep breath, releasing it while putting back (and slamming) the glass to the counter.
| >>648244
"Did you expect any less from me Alisa?"
>CN says, moving her to help her lay down quickly before starting to patch up... whatever wounds have opened up for the 3rd time.
| >>648247
>Alisa lets out a sly giggle.
"Special? Fufu. Of course it's great. But don't just- chug down the drink like that! Jeez."
>>648248
"At this rate, you're going to use up Nym's stuff on her too... Even though, you managed to stop a gunfight, I can give you points for that."
>0041 doesn't even try to move, as she had pushed herself past her limits already. Most wounds on her arms and legs are reopened, and her blood dirties the armchair she's resting on.
| >>648253
"Well I'm happy you approve at least."
>CN gets to work on 0041, talking between him and the other factions leader.
"Alright, so first thing first is EAGLE. Here is the problem. We got a bunch of gangs fighting, but no organization. That gives him the firepower AND tactical advantage. So he's just gonna keep blowing everyone away cause the rest of the district are just butting heads with him without thinking. What are the most prominent groups in the district?"
| >>648253
"Got no time to enjoy when there's a wounded personnel."
> The man glances at 0041 and CN. The wound she has is much worse, but he can't comment much either. He closely listens to the conversation, taking his Marsblast along for a sip or two when his throat begins to grow hoarse again.
| >>648259
"Huh. Mind clarifying which one?"
>Alisa lets out a sarcastic tone for exactly 5 seconds.
"Although... you probably make for a perfect spy. No one really seems to mind your presense."
>>648256
>The gang leader tosses CN a bottle of disinfectant.
"As you know it, gangs. And there's a dozen of them. The feds nor the corps have no rules over Glitz. And of course, the fighting's only started, so it's expected they take care of themselves first before organizing together."
| >>648260
"Thank you."
>CN rubs the disinfectant on 0041 as he stitches close and redress her.
"Exactly, but that's probably what he's banking on. You all wont think about organizing until hes destroyed or absorbed 1 or 2 of the other groups. You all need to work together sooner rather than later. Not just in firepower, but intel as well. Then you can break through his defenses and capture him *alive*. If you kill him we lose long term."
| >>648260
"Wow, really now? That's an insult and a half."
> The man's slower, and slower take on the Marsblast made his reddening face clear. He's down by one drink, but his eyes didn't become hazy until he finishes his glass.
"Aight. I'll need to actually digest that one. They really-"
> He let out a hiccup. One, before he silently burped.
"God. They really don't call this Marsblast for nothing."
| >>648264
"You're lucky you're talking to one of the more liberal gangs here. Most old coots would rather die than teaming up together. Some of them have bad blood spanning generations. And most of all, they think it's another typical Glitz war. Frankly, you tell me that, but we have our hands full on our turf."
>>648266
"Wow, you look like a planet. I think that's a compliment."
>Alisa takes the empty glass, and cleans it swiftly. She sneaks in a wink.
"Quite a punch, isn't it?"
| >Nym eventually approaches the ninja.
| >>648273
"Haha, bang."
> The man does a finger gun after his chuckle, shooting one at Alisa's wink.
"That's the blast. Alright. I'll need a clean, crisp water now. I can't go anywhere when piled like shit."
| >>648275
>Noticing Nym, Alisa calls out, presumably to ask for a favor, interrupting her.
"Nym~! Nyyymmm! Can you get this tea to the ninja? And the pair nearby too?"
>She gestures at the ninja, and the mohawk pair?
>>648276
"I knew it. Don't just chug down the water, okay?"
>She puts a glass of cold, pure water on the counter.
"I wasn't lying when I said you *are* familiar with someone, you know. Probably just my guts saying something."
| >>648273
"Then get third party people to mediate if need be. I can help if you like. If some think that this is just another gang war, then we find them proof to the contrary and start with the more agreeable groups. If some of start working together at first it makes it easier to convince the more... stubborn groups."
>CN finishes bandaging the last of 0041s wounds
| >>648277
>Nym looks over at Alisa
"Oh, sure."
>The lilim grabs a tray with all the drinks and heads over to the pair to deliver theirs.
| >>648282
>The buzz-cut man waves you over.
"Thanks pretty face, but aren't you a little overqualified for a waitress?" >He says, gesturing to your many, many implements of mass destruction. The mohawk looks tense- you see both of his hands slip under the table.
| >>648280
>A voice groans out under CN
"You make it sound easy. Too easy. I wish... It's still a war. I'm not over the death of my comrades... *cough*"
>The leader thinks, he reaches for a cig and lit it up... but it was immediately extinguished by something else. He looks over at the counter.
"Third-party, huh..."
>>648282
"Thanks, Nym! I'll compensate you after, promise!"
>Alisa screams excitedly over the counter, oh how long has she waited for this, her workload lessening!
| >>648286
>Nym just stares at the guy for a moment before realizing he was talking to them.
"Oh, me? Yeah I'm definitely not a waitress. I'm just here for info but it seems like unless the bar is running back at fill capacity, I'm not gonna have much luck"
>The lilim serves the drinks to the two
| >>648277
"Stop decking my self-esteem. I already feel like shit."
> The man did as instructed. He slowly downs the water, giving time between the takes.
"So, waitress, can I call you Alisa then? People seems to call you that around."
| >>648288
"It's easy."
>CN admits before having another sigh
"We cant forget the deaths that happen, but we cant let them fuel our rage. Otherwise that just leads to more people die. The death has to stop, and it's hard, but sometimes it starts with *one* person and multiplies."
>CN points at 0041
| >>648290
"Mm, info about straw hats?" >He says as he takes the rum & coke, and slides the beer to Mohawk.
| >>648291
"I-I'm sorry! I- I just saw how you were scared shitless when faced with needles through the cameras and thought it was fun-... oops- Wait no I didn't do any of that~"
>Was that her evil side? You can't tell. Regardless, she quickly changes the topic.
"Yeah, call me Alisa. Since you know mine, it's a bit unfair, right? Tell me yours too!"
>>648292
"W-Why are YOU pointing at me? What did I do wrong?"
>She hastily covers face, and shrinks into a fetal position.
| >>648295
>CN sighs again
"I'm not saying you did something wrong. I meant that working towards this goal can start with one person. You said it yourself, you dont want this life anymore for you or your family. I'm sure everyone shares that sentiment. Instead of focusing on those who are gone, you can focus on knowing you're helping your family and everyone elses."
| >>648294
"Pfft." >Buzz cut smiles. After looking you over for a bit, Mohawk opens his mouth to say something, but Buzz holds up his palm.
"Depends on how yer paying."
| >>648295
"I don't know. Can't you make up names for people that get too scared of needles?"
> The man facepalms at his stupidity. Of course there are cameras around. He has to guess several, but now it's far and too late to retract his cowardice.
| >>648299
"...Fair enough."
>0041 takes a look at her bandaged up body. She moves her arms, and legs around.
"Sounds good enough. Thanks for uh... intervening."
>She then takes a look at the window outside, the scene outside clearer, yet the sound of gunshots and explosions remain distant.
>>648301
"Hmm... I don't know! Having fear is totally fine, it's just a part of being human, that's all. It's definitely not a sign of weakness!"
"I'll call you... Hmmm.... Melody!"
This thread is permanently archived
| Glitch City, Glitz District, XX
>The Cambria's history is peculiar. Started out as a small family-owned restaurant, it has slowly been reconstructed into a bar, to the owner's dismay. Soon it undergoes another modification, and the current result is this lounge. Ever since its construction, it has been cursed with a low attendance of customers, despite its location in one of the most active, and wild district.