(((Whoops! I forgot my foreword! Previous threads can be found in the archive under Gearhead. Discussion in #rubyquest))

it probably just looks like that to be imposing. other option is a short term post as a long term here would be detrimental to mental health. questions: why did you have to knock us out to bring us here? second: is everything in the lab still in working order?

>>179021
"I've got a match at 10pm. I'm already pissed enough at you guys, so if you're going to make me miss it then you better damn well call ahead and postpone the fight.
Oh, I already know most of what happened. You showed up with mechs, cut it out of the ground, stuck it on a mobile platform, and ran off with it. Your rushed and blatant actions drew the attention of some other group, hence the damage to the area - I hope you're prepared to pay for the restoration, by the way.
So, why exactly did you decide to steal the cabin instead of just asking for help?"

>>179027
How about we just ask that last question and leave the whining and boasting out.

>>179027
"We've already called ahead and had it postponed for two days. The young lady was quite understanding."

>Oh, I already know most of what happened. You showed up with mechs, cut it out of the ground, stuck it on a mobile platform, and ran off with it. Your rushed and blatant actions drew the attention of some other group, hence the damage to the area - I hope you're prepared to pay for the restoration, by the way.

Trine's voice grows cold.

"We were working carefully, diligently, and subtly until somehow someone found us. We are looking for the informant as we speak, Anthony. We were forced to defend ourselves against a very powerful mech. The losses we sustained were significant to make certain that the lab, and thus Ashley and Akaba, was safe."

He leans closer. "As to contacting you, Anthony, we tried. However, the contact we set up, a certain Delarosa, neglected to make arrangements, and we were forced to act without your consent. For this we apologize." He sighs heavily. "For saving the life of Miss Akaba, you will be rewarded. Just not yet. You'll be happy to hear one other thing, though. While excavating the lab, we found an extra, sealed chamber, which remains unopened. It awaits you and the young lady. Any other questions?"

>why did you have to knock us out to bring us here?

"Tradition, mainly. but other than that, orders. I would have escorted you personally. Some of us don't trust you as much as others."

>>179034
Apologize for assuming the worst and being a bit rude about it. You're just... angry, because Ashley needs that lab.

Ask what exactly Raven Nest's goals are, while we walk.

>>179034
Sigh
"Sorry, but I think you can understand my anger.
Lets go meet Ashley. We can walk and talk. As far as trust goes, I see quite a bit of irony there."

'i've just had it up to HERE with espionage. i'm just tired of it.'

>>179048
>>179040
"Sorry. I just... we need that lab."
"We know. It's why three of us gave our lives to avoid damage to it." he says simply. "Come, let us walk and talk." he stands, and helps me up... and I notice something.
"Your hands..."
"Yeah. Arms, legs, ribcage, part of my skull, all of my face, bit of my neck... Sometimes they call me Iron Man." he laughs through the synthesizer. "Careful... steady?"

I stand on my own feet after a moment of uncertainty. "Good. This way." he opens the door to a hallway, and walks me down it.

"What's the goal of Raven Nest?"

"World peace and the destruction of the GILB."

"Won't that... create a power vacuum?"

"One would note the goals are listed in order of priority."

"Oh..."

>>179052
Well then, further question: That makes two people I know associated with Raven's nest heavily mechanically augmented. Does that make Raven's nest a gathering place for augment users, or is this just happenstance?

>>179052
Well that's... rather idealistic. Sounds okay with us I guess. We wouldn't mind working towards those goals.

>>179059
"Well then, further question: That makes two people I know associated with Raven's nest heavily mechanically augmented. Does that make Raven's nest a gathering place for augment users, or is this just happenstance?"

The eyes blink.

"Good eye." he says. "Well... you could say yes. The core members are all former members of GILB R&D. I'll tell you the whole story later..."

>[unlocked Lore: Beggining of a rebellion]
>>179061
"I know it's idealistic, but we have any number of minor goals. One of which you inadverdently completed, funnily enough."

"You mean the lethality bill?"

"Bingo!" he replies, his synthesizer playing a little fanfare.

We enter an elevator.

look at the panel and see how many floors it has but don't push any.

>>179062
Hm, less lethality.... I can't help but consider how that would mean less chances of suits getting destroyed, allowing for the use of things that you wouldn't want seen in a wreckage... such as interesting uses of augmentations, like direct neural interfaces via cybernetic implants, possible android pilots, all slipping under their nose. Interesting.

Well, I have a further question for you: I have many ideas myself for making my mech better, but I lack funds and resources both for many, so would working with Raven's Nest, in the event I do join, mean I could get access to other resources? I do need to ensure I can compete properly, beyond whatever business I have with you beyond the lab.

>>179062
Hmm, that synthesizer sounds like fun.

>>179071
Looks like ten.

>I have many ideas myself for making my mech better, but I lack funds and resources both for many, so would working with Raven's Nest, in the event I do join, mean I could get access to other resources? I do need to ensure I can compete properly, beyond whatever business I have with you beyond the lab.
"You'd be compensated for work you do for us. Otherwise, no. It's not like freedom fighters can hand out pay stubs."

"Ah, I see." We arrive to see Ashley sitting on a bench, and she runs up and hugs me tightly.

I hug her back, taking in the scent of her hair.

>>179062
"There was nothing 'inadvertent' about it. There's a difference between right and wrong, and points of synchronicity are going to happen when people use the right methods to achieve the right goals.
I can't say I'm looking for a membership card, but if our goals and methods overlap then I have no objections to lending a hand to make the world a better place."

>>179082
Give her a quick kiss.

@Ashley: Hello! They treating you ok?

>>179083
He chuckles.
"Not my call."

I give Ashley a quick kiss.
"You okay?"
"Yes. The one who brought me was very polite and kind."
"So who brought you?"

She smiles, turning around.

And the biggest goddamn man walks arounf the corner. One arm is made from steel and ends in a large three-fingered hand, the legs big and digitigrade. The whole head is changed, I note.

"Most of us escaped the incident with our faculties. Bruno here, who was honestly just our heavy lifter before the incident, wasn't nearly as lucky." Trine explains, and a kitten emerges from some hiding place. Bruno lets out a delighted sound and kneels down, the cat climbing on his arm and curling up on his broad shoulder.

>>179118
Wow... so many augmented people.

It feels like... home. I wonder why delarosa isn't cooperating with these folk? It's almost like he wants Raven Nest to fail. He asked us to blow up the lab, and didn't set up our meeting with them.

>>179118
Also: What incident?

>>179118
"Err... I don't think we can do much to help him. Even if you replaced the missing pieces of his brain, everything that was there is gone.
Alright, so, where's Akaba and the Chamber of Secrets?"

>>179127
"We aren't using the Lab to replace anything that machinery can do just fine with. It's the squishy bits that are the trouble, as my brother puts it."
>>179125
"I'll explain later." he says with a chuckle. "And yes, I rather like the synthesizer."

He pauses. "Ah... yes, Akaba. Shall I show you to her first, or would you like to see the hidden chamber we unearthed?"

>>179129
"If I have to choose then the chamber, but she looked mobile in the picture. Why not both at once?"

>>179130
He scratches the back of his head.
"She said she wanted to meet with you alone." he says. "Wants your full attention." he shrugs, as if this is the least of many strange requests she makes.

chamber then.

>>179131
Chamber. If she wants our full attention, then we should talk to her last.

>>179131
"The chamber, then. This is something we need to see."

>>179135
>>179133
>>179132
"Very well."
he walks us along the floor, having seemingly anticipated our choice. "Your father was a genius, Ashley. We all were saddened deeply by his passing. I'd play taps, but I think it'd be a bit trite now." he reaches a security door and taps in a code quickly.

It slides open and we walk in. The vats are now empty, instead full of floating organs, the various Ashleys now in separate, new vats. He guides us through the lab, out behind it, and to another security door.

He gestures for Ashley to open it.

She thinks for a moment, then inputs a code.

The door slides open, and we walk inside. It's a single vat with a T-shaped organ inside.

>The door slides open, and we walk inside. There's a single vat with a T-shaped organ inside.

...holy hell he managed to make one?

>>179138
@Both:
Is that a womb?
IS THAT A WOMB?
DEBUG AND INSTALL IT!
Ashley, you go with their doctors to get this done. Meanwhile, Anthony, you go talk to the spider queen.

What? He said he was UNABLE TO.

>>179146
I walk up to the small work desk, noting a small spatter of blood on it, and pick up a note.

They come tonight. I don't understand. What have I done wrong? How have I wronged them? How did they find out? It doesn't matter, because this is one thing that they will never find. A manmade womb, perfectly operational. I know I vanished from your life, Ashley, and I'm sorry. I needed to. At least I won't have to bear the thought of making you sad anymore... because I'll be truly gone.

The accident, as the Raven Nest probably would understand, was a fake. They come to kill me now, here in my own home. But I have a surprise for them. For in creating human mind from scratch, I learned so much about it... they will remember nothing of this lab. They won't even remember how to talk. They no longer deserve any of my sympathy. All I wanted is a daughter. Is that so wrong, in their eyes?

Ashley... I only have one thing to say to you, when you find this.

Happy birthday, honey. Daddy loves you.

...

Ashley faints as she realizes what it is, and Trine catches her.

>>179148
...if this tech gets out, it will be as if a million daycare workers cried out in terror, then were suddenly silenced.

>>179148
Give Trine an icy stare.
"Get some doctors in here; when Ashley wakes up it's going to be with her father's last gift in place.
Now, I want you to answer one question, and how truthfully you answer determines how willing I am to work with you: Did Raven's Nest kill Ashley's father? Yes or no."

Ashley's dad is best, i know your dad is good too but you have to admit it's hard to top that.

>>179151
yeah, no. she needs to wake up and think it over herself, you can't just cram stuff in people without them knowing.

>>179151
Trine looks me in the eyes.
"No. We were formed before he died, and we're actively opposed to the GILB." he says. "Sam, get in here!"

A small woman...
wheels...
into the room. Her whole lower body is a pair of wheels, and her left hand is a skeletal robotic implant. Her eye is also notable brighter on the left side.
"Install that." I say simply, pointing at the vat.

Her eyes widen.
"I-.... It'd be an honor." she says, directing men and calling for supplies as Trine pulls me aside gently.
"You alright?"
"Yeah... Yeah, I'll be fine."
"Alright. You just looked... well, murderous there for a moment. I've never seen so much anger on one face."
I take a deep breath and find, to my surprise, that I'd clenched my own fists without noticing. I uncurl them, four tiny cuts in my own palm.

>>179150
This goes into Ashley.
It is not going to be studied, it is not going to be researched, it is not going to be duplicated.
This is for her, and if Raven's Nest wants to make them then they can figure it out their own damn selves.

Besides, self-replicating ALife overpopulation is not conducive to world peace.

It could always be studied after she dies anyway.

>>179155
"The note says 'The accident, as the Raven Nest probably would understand, was a fake. They come to kill me now, here in my own home.'

That sure as hell sounds like he was talking about Raven's Nest going after him, but if you can point me in the direction of the real killers..."

>>179167
It sounds more like the Raven Nest would understand why it was a fake. Or something. Like, they got hit by the same people in a similar way.

>>179167
"No. He knew what happened to us." he sighs. "Take a seat. I'll tell you now."

He leads me to a table where he begins to tell his tale.

The R&D group in GILB was close-knit. Consisting of 12 highly-regarded scientists, they worked for what they thought was advancing world peace. In reality? The GILB subtly manipulate the overall match ratio, in such a way that it seems completley natural that this nation loses or that nation pulls ahead. Slowly, they were making the world bend to them, making the world need them. The world that jumped on promises of peace and lowered death rates was in fact being ruled by it.

"That's not, actually, what caused us to become openly angry. They came up with... a drug. A process, more like..." he shakes his head. "Something about increasing the plasticity of the human mind. I don't know much myself, but... there was a young woman who had recently become Gearhead at the time. She and I were... very close. She said she missed her little brother, and we spoke often. I watched her matches."

He collects himself.

"Then she says she's going to get even better. That her friends in the higher-ups know how to make her react faster, learn faster. Before I know it... she's missing our lunches together, not speaking to me... And then I learn just what this process means."

He looks me in the eyes.

"It erodes the soul. So to speak. Her reaction times, her learning speed, her synergy with the mech... all supremely boosted, but... she's lost anything like emotion. Her eyes are cold and without life."

He spreads his hands out as if to say, 'so what else could I do?'

"I protested. Everyone in R&D rallied behind me. Said it was inethical, morally wrong to turn this young woman into little more than a combat machine. At first, we were reprimanded. Then punished. Then... We were killed in every way but truth. They staged an accident where a large load fell on Akaba, and triggered some reactive compound nearby. In truth, no one was hamed then. But hours later, they attempted to kill us. They almost did. Someone... I cannot remember who, none of us can, saved us. It was almost like divine providence. Each of us knew then. This madness had to end."

>>179176
Dude. He's talking about your sister. Frantically ask him if there's a way to reverse the process.

yes, do they have a counter serum of some kind? even if it takes a while to work it would be good.

>>179179
Agreed. We need to know if your sister can be saved.

"It's not really possible for me to oppose the GILB any more, and I can't say this is a surprise. Can it be reversed?"

>>179184
>"It's not really possible for me to oppose the GILB any more, and I can't say this is a surprise. Can it be reversed?"

Trine's eyes darken.
"I'm sorry." he says softly. "I..." he sighs. "Excuse me." he walks away, and the woman wheels up with a soft whining sound.
"He gets like that when he talks about her." she says quietly.

oh, sorry. didn't mean to upset him. but yeah, just give it to me straight, can it be reversed? time is not a factor, if you don't know then just say that.

after you get those ask what she wanted to talk about.

>>179186
Are you okay, Tony? You didn't react. It's your sister! She's gone, Tony.

>>179186
Mmm... Yea, fuck that. We're going to go beyond the impossible and kick reality to the curb.
We're going to save her. We're going to save the FUCK out of her.

Well, lets go visit the crab-walking engineer.

>>179193
It's my... sister? They...

"Doctor... can the process be reversed?"

"We don't know yet."
"When will you know?"
"I... Anthony, I'm sorry, b-but..."
"But what?!"
She recoils, and I sit down again, calming myself.
"We've been researching this for five years, Anthony. We have a team dedicated to it. As far as we know, the loss of the emotive centers of the brain is permanent."

use ashley brain science to build a new one! couple that with a counter drug, and while it may be a little ad-hoc it could work.

>>179195
"So the emotive centers are a loss, but the rest is fine?
Ok, I can work with that."

Seriously, we can. Localized damage is far better than non-localized damage, and there are options they probably haven't considered.

"Sorry, it's just... My sister... Sorry."

Go talk to Queen Crustacean now.

>>179195
Wait, no. I'm jumping to conclusions here. We need to confirm it. Ask what her name was; the pilot that Trine was dating.

>>179197
"The rest is not fine." she says quietly. "The damage is most appaerent there, but we haver no idea how the rest of the mind is affected by the process."

"I should see Akaba." I finish, shaking my head to clear it of distracting thoughts. Trine steps up beside me, and we leave the Labs. We step into the elevator, and he presses the button for the bottom floor.

He's very quiet.

tell him you're sorry for bringing it up, and that you understand how he feels.

>>179282
This is an emotionally tense situation. Be careful.

I still think we need to confirm her name.

"I'm sorry, Trine."
"'s fine. I know you mean well, kiddo. She's your sister, after all."
"How..."
"It's called an information network. Ours isn't the best, but it works."


More silence.

"We're here." he says, the doors sliding open to a room full of strange devices. "Don't touch a thing." he leads me into the room.

>>179355
TOUCH EVERYTHING wait no don't

...LOOK at everything.

yeah, look but don't touch, don't want to melt your finger by poking the jar of acid or something

May as well ask what the stuff does, too.

>>179366
>>179369
>>179390
I walk up to a large vat, looking at it closely.

"So what does this do?"

"It creates love!"

I hear the soft whirring and clanking of mechanical parts as Akaba walks up behind me. "Isn't it amazing?!"

what? how does it, why does it... what?

>>179415
"What?"
"They always say that." she says, thinking. "I mean... shouldn't it be obvious that everything runs on love? And that it's easy to make, and that anything can make love?"
She pauses. "Uh, that came out wrong... A-anyway, I'm Akaba." she holds out a metallic hand and I shake it. "Trine, would you be a dear and get me the kit?"
"Yes, ma'am." he disappears into the piles of.... stuff.
"I wanted to thank you personally, Anthony. And to make you an offer!"

>>179416
She's gonna make us an offer we can't refuse! Simply because she has something we need, so we are at her mercy.

I wonder, though. What can we do for her that her other agents cannot?

>>179431
"What can I do for you?"
"You can do something our agents can't. You see, we consist only of those involved in the incident, now. We want to see the upper eschelons of the Entertainment Circuit. However, we can't quite participate in public events. So, we need you to get up top, so we can break it down. To help you, I'll let you have some Love to use in your boosters."

okay, ask if Love is an acronym or something. it's starting to weird me out.

also, you were planing to get there anyway but now that you have a better idea of what to do when you get there it would be better.

>>179556
Alright, sure.

>>179556
"I'll help you do whatever I think is right, but I can't promise anything more than that."

>"I'll help you do whatever I think is right, but I can't promise anything more than that."

"That's the best ally one can hope for." she says in reply. "From now on, you are a Talon. You are not technically an operative, but you have ties to us. When you need help, call us on the stored number on this phone." she hands me a sleek black cell phone. "I will personally see to the matter. As for that cottage, we're building a new one for you. Well, we hired people to handle it, at any rate." She hums to herself as she takes the kit Trine holds up for me.
"A new Legion unit you can have installed here. In this way, we can remove and use your current tracking devices to piggyback into their tracking database, erasing some of the data and making the rest into bugged data. This Legion unit also has the capacity to analyze situations and thus provide better advice overall. ((This function shows up as a flat +1 bonus in Mech combat.))

"Any questions, Anthony?"

>>179686
A flat +1? Thats it? If a plus one is all it grants, then we better saty with the one that is more familiar, as that familarity would mean greater ease of use. Unless there is something else she hasnt mentioned.....

I think it's still going to be us in there. It's just... say, a better interface. Better make sure the modifications we made won't be any issue.

...wait, what tracking devices?

>>179763
"...wait, what tracking devices?"

"Oh... Most GILB issued Legions have minor tracking devices. They didn't tell you?"

I feel the anger rising in me again.

"No, they seem to have forgotten."

"Oh my, that's too bad. Also, we'll make sure any ancillary modifications are carried over. Still, this is less a request and more a requirement for your membership."

>>179801
...Delarosa must have known, surely.

I'm so disappointed in him. Yes, let's get this done.

>>179802
They take me into another room, laying me down with care on the operating table. It's close to the floor, I realize, for the woman with wheels.

"Oho! Another recruit. I must say, we were all looking forward to meeting you. I've watched your matches. I'm going to put you under now. Dream of cute girls~!"

The world darkens...

dream of you and ashley married.

>>180789
We can't talk to him right now since we're disconnected. Otherwise I'd be trying to induce shared lucid dreaming.

>>180948
You have really gotta cut that down Seven. He's already pissed at you for the whole Sharing sensations part and sorta melding them into one person.

>>180979
No, he was mad at us for attempting to do that.

>>181005
What's the difference? He's still mad at you for mental control related issues.

We shouldn't do anything right now. Accessing the internet could be traceable.

>>181044
We can't do anything right now anyway, since we're in limbo while we're being moved over to our new unit.
However, this suggests Legion is quasi-alive due to the fact that what we are doing now is akin to dreaming.
[Dons a fedora and trenchcoat]
Now lets pose, since shit just got real.

[dons lab coat, heavy rubber gloves and oversized goggles]
Yes. Let's.

I dream briefly, of me and Ashley running the shop as a family, a young man or woman helping us as time goes on, watching our son or daughter grow...

---Raven Make mk 002 engaged---
---No tracking devices in the cranial cavity detected.---
---No plastication process artifacts encountered.---
---Running memory recovery...
---Recovered.---
---Now resuming operations.---

Oh, you're back! They told me the restart would take a while. They gave me and Ashley a room and told me it might be a while before I would feel so alone again.

Don't worry, we used protection.

>>181170
doesn't it feel good that you actually have to worry about that now? ha-ha.

>>181170
[list functions of new model]

>>181340
As far as I know? Only the smoothing of the border between me and you guys.

well, during start-up noticed we have a plastication process artifact detector. which means they can't use it on you because we have your proper brain chemistry on file.
so what's on the menu for today boss? or are we just going to relax for today so your surgery marks disappear?

>>181377
That's cool. So. What's our next goal? Do we have a mission to complete? Go find someone to tell us what to do!

>>181381
This is probably the best course of action, staying here for a while. I can learn a lot.

Oh, and before you ask, apparently I'm going to visit some distant relatives of mine with Ashley.

>>181575
Who should I talk to?

Trine, I gather, is the resident feild agent. He's the most experianced in and out of a mech, and has the second most body replacements.

Doctor Shinae is the local mod mechanic/doctor. She works in the Recovered Lab.

Akaba is the de facto leader and eccentric inventor of the Raven Nest.

>>182752
Akaba. Find out what she's uncovered about the tech so far, and if she thinks she might be able to eventually make it self-maintaining.

Oh, and find out if RN has any shell corporations they could work through to get some of this stuff on the market for income.

>>182858
I head down the elevator and into Akaba's lab, looking around.

...

She's handing by the ceiling, humming to herself as she works.

I know that song, it's Pollyanna.

>>183249
Erhm. Video game music, huh.

Wave up to her. "Hey, I recognize that tune."

>>183313
"Yes, is it not beautiful?" she asks, making her way down. "An anthem to my soul." she giggles. "For what perchance did you visit me today?"

"How is the lab?"

"The lab is wonderful! Such insight and genius the man had, it is a sad thing to be lost. While we shall not replace these metal parts until we have secured our goal, we are most happy that others will not have to share pain like this."
There's a hiss of exhuast from her legs.
"I get so few visitors." she goes on after a pause. "So very few."

"Can you make it self-sustaining?"
She looks at me, her head askance.
"That... That's not something you'd ask me. But Shinae says she is hopeful that she can reach that goal, yes. Such a hard worker~"

"Do you have any... uh, shell companies?"

"No. All our funding comes from my family's inheritance."
"Who was your family?"

She smiles.

"No one important." she says with a wide smile. "You probably wouldn't know them in this day and age, after the Great Crash in 2080, but... Well, let's just say we had influence. We opened a lot of gates and pushed a lot of bills."

She stretches. "Is that all?"

>>183320
"Perhaps you get so few visitors because you dislike talking about matters of scant importance?"

>>183320
Talk about vidya.

>>183332
"Mm. Maybe." she walks past me, gesturing to follow. "I know nothing of mechs, but watching a match, something gave me an idea." she looks over the object, an orb as large as I am. "It's a love-powered super-electromagnet. Activates on impact. Since the mech is made of all or at least some metal..."

she shrugs, then looks to me for an opinion.

true, it would lock it up. and would be rather powerful. but a mech could have insulation against electro-magnetic interference, normally used against EMP weapons, which would render it's power a lot lower then it should. against unshielded mechs it would decimate them.

>>185095
EMF shielding comes in the form of faraday cages.
Faraday cages are conductive metallic structures.
I fail to see why shielding would help them at all.

Sounds like a pretty good weapon to me.

"It's an excellent weapon, it's just too... lethal."
"It is, is it not? Well, then my boys can use it in your place. Thank you for your input. Oh well.." she sighs and wanders deeper into her lab.

>>189581
Lethal? Well, if you say so. It looks like she's done talking so let's go talk to Trine for a bit.

I ride the elevator back up, recalling that Trine had mentioned offhand he needed to test some adjustments to his various body parts. I walk into the training room, frowning as I step in what appears to be sand. It covers the whole floor. Trine looks over and waves.
"Please, take off your shoes and come on over!" he calls. "We need to talk, you and I."

>>190316
Okay.

>>190354
"Alright..." I say, kicking off my shoes, noting a young female researcher standing by. Her eyes glows a soft blue as she waves at me and I take off my coat. "What is it?"

"Your self-defence."
"?"
Ow. He withdraws his fist from my gut as I grasp the place he had punched, curling over.
"How many times has your lack of awarness nearly gotten you killed, hm?"

>>190361
Hmm. It's been twice now.

>>190361
Ah, I see what's going on.
You go ahead and graciously accept his offer of training, while we go hang out with Ashley.

...

Hey, don't think about it like that! How well could you learn with us hanging over your shoulder telling you what to do? If we stayed with you, we'd be crippling your training.

[Switch to Ashley]

>>190365
I dunno... if we stick with him at least for the beginning we can give him some basic pointers to make it easier for him to pick up on advanced stuff.

>[Switch to Ashley]

I can't believe how easy it was to disguise myself like this. The materials for my skin and facial structure are actually very easy to make and shape, so...

Oh, hello.

Ooh! I hope he won't be feeling that one... ow! later. Trine is really pressing him hard.

>>190867
That's a neat trick. Hey, we might be able to use that later for you to do some infiltration.

>>190867
I hope that's a temporary thing; he likes your face. Is it a mask?

So, how are you enjoying this visit so far?
Is the new womb giving you any trouble?
What's the source of the eggs in your ovaries, anyway? Are they your mother's?

>>190432
Learning to defend himself is only half of it; he needs to learn how to think in these terms as well.

>What's the source of the eggs in your ovaries, anyway? Are they your mother's?
N-no, they're engineered to what I qould have were I... uh... normal? Eh, whatever word.

>Is it a mask?
Sorta. It's really weird how I can turn off some of my pain receptors and just... Yeah, I'll spare you the details but it's actually quite easy and simple.

>>191390
>Completely normal human being, just artificial.
>Can disable pain receptors and plastic surgery her face with ease.
>Wat?

Anyway, how are you holding up? You've had a lot to take in after all; getting kidnapped twice, getting engaged, getting a uterus, plotting with tony to seduce another pilot, losing the cabin, becoming involved with a terrorist organization, changing the face of arena for all time...

>>191390
What other neat stuff can you do?

>>191398
Well, now that you mention it...

Since my mind is artificial, it's a little more... organized? than a normal human beings. Mostly, it's functionally identical, but I spoke with Shinae, and she told me a few interesting tricks, since her mind is similarly artificial. One thing lead to another.

>>191417
Nothing, yet, but Shinae says she has 'plans'.

>>191764
So what you're saying is you can do 'mind over matter' tricks a lot easier than meat-based people?

>>191764
So you're not the only Simian Sapient on Silicon?
How is her mind different from yours? How was she created?

Also, what tricks have you discovered so far?

>How is her mind different from yours? How was she created?

She...

She told me that she had the artificial mind since before the 'incident'. When she was a child, she was in an airline accident. She survived.

Her mind, mostly, did not.

At the time, prosthetic brains were controversial and regarded with suspicion, but her rich family was desperate to have their own little girl back.

She was heralded in the scientific journals as a success story. She was famous, beloved. By everyone... save her parents. She was different, a stranger to them. Things were tense between them at best. So she delved into science, the thing that saved her and ruined her, to escape, and ended up working for GILB.

She says her mind is different from mine in that it is less advanced, but uses similar principles.

>>191789
Well, I'm going to file that under the "No shit". Shinae_A died in the accident, and her parents decided to re-use her body to create Shinae_B.
If they weren't so impatient, they could have frozen her body and funded research to create a brain based on synaptic simulation, then read her neurons, duplicated that data in virtual space, and used neutral filler to patch the gaps. That would only leave the discontinuity dilemma, but since they had more money than brains I don't think they could have wrapped their heads around it.

Is she still in contact with her parents? Even if she wasn't the same person, they should at least feel some sense of responsibility. It's not like she's the first child to have had their personality completely altered after suffering physical trauma to the brain.

Oh, and would she like to be moved over to more advanced hardware? I'm pretty sure we could arrange for that.

In good news, her case sets solid precedent for you; if she's considered human, then you would be too. Congrats, you're a citizen.

>>191789
So then she both died and was born from that accident.

Sad...

>>191795

At least she has her faculties.

>In good news, her case sets solid precedent for you; if she's considered human, then you would be too. Congrats, you're a citizen.

Never doubted it.

I'm going to change my face back now. It was interesting seeing what Tony's like away from me, but... You're right.

>>192669
Maybe you could spook him a little first.

>>192741
Spook him?

:3

How~

well, we need to know exactly how quickly and how radically you can alter your appearance because being able to do it quickly is key.

>>192771
What, like having NO FACE AT ALL? Heh. Well, I dunno, that seems like it might not be possible. Though if you can make a weird enough face, you could spook him easily by luring him to approach you from behind. Then you could turn around at just the right moment.

Initially I was thinking you could spook him by talking to him and using information that only you would know. Buuut with all the conspiracy stuff going on he might actually panic and do something bad.

>>192770
Naw, just wait until the training is over, then start tending to his wounds a bit more intimately than appropriate.
If you can't change your voice too well, then just stay silent.
Watching him fumble for a response would be hilarious to us, while you'll probably enjoy watching him squirm a little too much.

>>192785
haha, yes. to really see how he would act without you, or us for that matter, you need to put him in tough spot ally.

>>192785
Hohooo.

:3c

Good, good...

I return to the training area and find them fini-
Ah... Their shirts...
Finishing up, and approach Anthony.
"Are you alright?"
"I'll be f-ow..." he massages his shoulder. "Nevermind. I must have strained something..."
"Well, there's a lot of little injuries you can't notice on your own. Come on, let's have a look at you."
I take his hand and drag him. At first he resist a little, but then he comes along quietly into the empty medical room.

Hmm~ What to do~

>>192876
His shirt is off, so focus on his back first.
You're trying to seduce him, and failing that denying him the choice to refuse.
Just remember to let him know it's you before he goes into a panic and starts flailing around.

>>192876
Compliment his musculature. Figure out some way to bend over and give him a great view of your ass. Or your cleavage. Whichever he prefers.

>>192922
Anthony is a breast man~

I lean forward, gently touching his chest.
"Very good tone..." I murmured softly. "But they're very stiff. Why didn't you stretch first?"
"I, er..." he looks to one side, but I see his eyes slipping down. Hohooo~
"I know what it's like to lose yourself in something." I go on, slipping around behind him. "To let it all go and not worry about anything else." My fingers slide down his back, across a few tiny scars. I really should have had my nails done, then... I didn't know they could leave marks like this... "You really are quite strong. You stay in shape even though you just need to pilot that big mech of yours." I whisper in his ear.

"I, uh, I'd better, uh, er, well, thank you but I, ah, Ashley..."
"Hm~?"
"I'm already sorta, uh, involved, uh, with with someone, so. Uh, so..."
"So~?"

Should I tell him? I'm tempted to keep the prank going.

>>192924
Keep going; you won't get a second chance to do this, after all.

>>192924
Do a little more. Say something like "I won't tell if you don't." while kissing his neck.

Then when you're about to reveal yourself, grab his ass... or other sensitive body part. That should get a good reaction. Don't let him get too uppity though.

>>192927
>>192932
Sounds like a plan~

"You know..." I mumble, "I'm a big admirer of your matches. I watched them, from here. When you saved the girl... it made me shiver." I say, leaning closer and whispering into his ear as my breasts press against his back. He blushes heavily, stammering. Adorable~. "I can't get enough of you, Anthony. I... I don't want to be too forward, but... I... I..." My hand slides down, trailing over his crotch before gripping it gently, then I change my voice back.
"I'm actually Ashley."

He stares blankly at me.
"You... what... I... huh?"

>>192941
Hahaha! That was great. Despite how amusing it is to confuse the crap out of him, you may as well explain it to him now.

@Anthony: We got you GOOD.

>>192941
I see where this is going.
You two have fun, and make a note to look into a way of controlling when your ovaries release eggs.

>>192949
"It's me, Tony. I can change my face now!"
"..."
"Sorry... I shouldn't trick you like that."
"It's alright. Can you change it back? It feels strange talking to you like this."
"Sure." I leave the room quickly, making my way back. That was a lot easier than I thought!

>>193243
Easy to... what? Mess with his head?

without us he seems to lack a bit confidence, just someone telling him 'you can do it' makes him a lot better.

>>193295
To...

Become someone else, like that. It's a little scary. Either way, I make it back to my room, and I quickly make with the alterations, taking time near the end to ensure everything is properly in place.

Much better.

>>193400
Ah, you have a talent for acting! Yes, I can see you becoming an amazing infiltrator and/or spy.

>>193424
Wh-what!? I... Well... Maybe...

B-but I need training for that... sort of thing! I mean, it has some appeal... er... I...

>.>

E-either way! You guys should be working on Tony!

>>193492
Okay then!
[back to Anthony]

>>193492
So go get training.
A husband/wife team dominating the arena would be a crowd pleaser, but a husband/wife team with showmanship? That's the stuff of legends.

Also? Right now I think you should be working on Tony. Or under him~

>>193518
.//////.

N-no, we just did...

Hey now!

We'll be training together in the mech after we leave and have our battle with that model. :3c

[][][][][]

That was...

weird.

To say the very least!

>>193520
Yeaaaah I guess it could be considered weird. I mean, it's not like natural humans can do that kind of thing. But hey, this means she's a natural for infiltration and spy work.

>>193527
Isn't that...
Really dangerous? I... I don't want to put her into any more danger than she's already in...

>>193583

Not all spy work is high-risk. In fact the majority of it is boring, a matter of being somewhere long enough to keep an eye on things.

>>193596
Well... I suppose you're right. But wouldn't that also mean she'd be harder to contact reliably?

>>194538
You mean with your mind-melded connection?

Anyway, we're just saying she would be good at it, not that she should do it.

Mmmn. Alright. So...

What now? Trine says he's about ready to take us home, if we like, or we can stick around until later tonight.

>>194544
Head on home, then call the girl who challenged you and see if she would like to come over for dinner.

>>194545
Is that the plan? Well, we haven't really spoken much to Shinae. I would suggest staying until the afternoon or evening, to better stick with the cover story about visiting relatives. People generally don't leave early in the day after visiting unless travel time is an issue.

>>194564
The cover story should be that they were visiting Ashley's father, and the person who relayed the message didn't know.
Specifically, the story should be that Ashley was shaken up after the whole kidnapping bit, and she felt she needed to visit his grave.

On an unrelated note, ask RN if they can sneak maintenance supplies for Ashley into her house. We ordered a construction bot, so we might as well use it to add a secret room to Ashley's house.
Also, it gives us something to do while you're sleeping. Or 'sleeping', as the case may be.

>>194580
All right. I'll spend some time talking to Shinae, ask her to smuggle the parts, and... yeah, sounds like a plan.

I walk to the elevator.
"I won't be your escort home." Trine says, walking into the elevator with me. "So... in case we don't meet again, I want you to handle something for me, okay?"
"?"
"Listen, I know we just met... and I know you don't know me very well... but if you see your sister, please... give this to her." he says, his arm opening up and a small robotic manipulator pulling out a small white sealed envelope.
"Who should I say it's from?" I say, taking it from him as the arm closes.
Trine's eyes dim, and his head dips.
"Tell her it's from... a secret admirer." he says, as the doors ding open. "See you later, Anthony."
"See you."
The doors close after I step through, Trine looking at the floor, seemingly deep in thought.

>>194894
Alright, head on home.

>>194898
You mean talk to Shinae. We're not leaving quite yet.

Can you tell if there's an object inside the envelope or if it's just a letter or something? Don't open it of course. Also, keep that safe.

>>194908
It's clearly a letter, not an object.

I make my way to the medical area to see Shinae humming as she wheels about the room, checking various organ tubes and generally just doing busywork.

>>195259
Say hello, ask how things are going... did you apologize for snapping at her earlier? Should probably do that.

>>195270
"Shinae?"
She turns around.
"Anthony? You came to see me?" she asks, her head tilting to one side slightly.
"Yeah. I, uh... I wanted to apologize. For yelling at you."
"Oh. It's fine, really. Ste- er, Trine acted the same way towards me when he found out himself and I tested the girl. I recall it quite well. The way he got so angry that I couldn't discover anything he dented the wall with his fist. Damn near broke it, too." she inhales deeply.
"Anthony, I'm a lead expert in these mechanical prosthetics. If you ever want any work done, you let me know, okay?"
"Yeah."
"Your girl is really something. Almost entirely one for one a perfect copy of the human body. A real work of art."
I blush slighty and she stammers.
"N-n-not in that frame of reference, though she is rather beautiful, but in the idea that any machine could be so human... We thought it simply impossible to replicate a living being mechanically so well. Even going so far as to make a womb..."

>>195280
A genius like that... how could they bring themselves to kill him? Such a waste.

>>195280
I'm pretty sure her father suffered from S.R.M.D.
Anyway, ask if she can have the maintenance supplies covertly shipped to Ashley's house disguised as a box of custom mech parts.

>>195282
"Likely because he wouldn't work for them." she says flatly. "A lot of great minds have passed away similarily. A nano-machine inventor in Istanbul, a revolutionary media professor in Russia, a genius in AIs in Japan..." she sighs. "The scientific community is dying a slow, painful death. A cancer that goes by the name of GILB. It takes, and takes, and takes, and what it cannot have it kills under the pretence of accident or random murder." she frowns angrily. "Trust me, if I could get the top man onto my operating table..." she lets the sentance hang, like a guillotine blade.

>>195286
I would implant a microchip that sends random discordant noise into all his senses. Chaotic feedback that never ends. He'd never be able to fall asleep, going slowly insane... but we would not let him die. Nutrient drip.

>>195286
"So, what about networking advanced Legion units into a cluster and throwing problems at them? Give 'em a supercomputer to run simulations and store all the porn they want, and they'll give you a serious edge in R&D."

>>195292
"Been done, actually. NASA uses it for all sorts of issues. Though I suppose it's not right to call it NASA anymore... Even though everyone still does."

>>195290
"That's one idea. Personally, though? If I had the time and the ability, I'd take out his eyes, brain, spinal cord, and internal organs, and hang them in a rubber sack."
...
"Not that I'd ever be able to do that without killing the bastard, though."
...
"What? It's hypothetical. Calm down."

>>195306
If it works for NASA, it should work for you.
If you want to do a bit of mad science for the sake of destructive technology, then task the Legion units with designing smarter legion units, then construct those models, move the legion legion over, and have them start work on even better models and so forth.
Then you start the leftovers on researching different kinds of technology.
All it takes is some raw materials and a universal fabber, and you can set RN on a collision course with a technological singularity.
Lets see GILB fight off RN once you becomes a groupmind of cohesive energy~


In tangentially related topics, how about you start doing detailed scans of the geniuses you know of and start reproducing their brains via neuron simulation?

Oh, and if that's what you want to do to him then we can help you with that. Or detail how to make him suffer in ways that would keep Vlad the Impaler from sleeping well~

>>195310
I don't think we have the time or resources to acquire enough Legion units to make that worthwhile...

Shall we move on to the subject of those parts?

>>195310
"Not with our resources. The kind of Legion we're talking about is far more powerful than yours, with highly educated and unified 'identities', special filtering, and so on. And there's a ban on self-proliferating completely artificial life. Has been ever since nanobots became theoretically viable." she shrugs.
"Does Ashley count?"
"No. Her kids will be true flesh and blood, and she's a human anyway." she says, waving away the possibility.
"What... sort of modifications are we talking?"
"... At this point, I can reconstruct almost any non-vital body part you might think of. Arms, legs, eyes, skull, and so on. Like Trine's brother said, it's the squishy bits that pose issues, mainly those of long-term viability."

>>196218
"Why should a 'terrorist organization' care about a ban on replicating AIs?"

>>196236
Shinae waves away the question.
"Not the legality. The expense. We don't have the experts (who we would have to hire and recruit carefully), we don't have the hardware, which is expensive as hell, we don't have the software, which is gaurded zealously and is just as expensive, we don't have the greyware, which is hard to come by, and we, most importantly, do not have the time."

>>196239
ANYWAY

Let's uhm... ask if we can get a hidden weapon or something built into your arm. Tazer maybe?

>>196239
"Buy or steal a fabber, pirate the software and schematics. At the very least RN would get plenty of mileage out of raprep, since then you could create parts from scratch instead of buying them, giving a much lower profile."

Ok, fuck this shit. Go home and invite that pilot to dinner. We can let RN figure this out on their own.

>>196242
>"Buy or steal a fabber, pirate the software and schematics. At the very least RN would get plenty of mileage out of raprep, since then you could create parts from scratch instead of buying them, giving a much lower profile."

"...Do I tell you how to fight in the ring?"
"I-"
"Does anyone here tell you how to handle yourself with Burn?"
"Er-"
"How about selecting parts or repair?"
"N-no."
"Then don't tell me how to do my job, little boy. I'm happy to help you, I'm glad you and Ashley are with us, but don't test me."

She wheels around and leaves.

...

Eh. I'd have to get my whole arm replaced for anything cool anyway...

>>196244
What's she talking about? People tell you what to do in the ring ALL THE TIME.
And those same people are the ones telling HER what to do.

Whatever. Dinner plans! Go go go~

>>196245
That's a good point; if you tell people that these ideas are coming from us they might not yell at you so much.

>That's a good point; if you tell people that these ideas are coming from us they might not yell at you so much.

'Legion told me to' is just an excuse. Both of us screwed up there. People know about Legions, but those with them aren't treated as if they have a mental handicap. Your suggestions are not compulsions.

Still. Both of us need to be careful in the future.

I walk to the elevator and press the button. It dings, the doors slide open and WHAT.
"Hi." Darry says, Ashley staning opposite him in the elevator. "I'll be your escort home." he bows, his smile probably creased into his face by now.

>>196249
Whatever, don't care. Go home.

>>196249
Okay then just... try to be less pushy in the future. Often you don't need to completely change someone's mind to get what you want. A seed can grow into a tree, and thus the ideas you sow can lead to greater things.

Hmm, so mister reporter is one of their agents. Alright. Ask him what his story is.

>>196254
"So..." I say, walking into the elevator. "What's your story?"
He chuckles.
"Come now. I'm the reporter, I ask the questions."
"..."
"Sorry. You could say I'm Raven Nest's info man. In and out. I manage the stories, and I dig. Akaba calls me a Trench Man."
"Trench man?"
"I dig holes on the side of the road to find gold, and fill it back up with lead.I'm also their newest recruit, but... Well, I follow the trend."
He points his hand at the empty corner, and it splits, the sides of the hand hinging along the arm, revealing a small, wide and narrow tube. Without a sound and so fast I can't even see a blur, a long, thin blade extends from the tube, stopping shy of the corner.
"People dig a little too deep, well... I teach them a few lessons."
"Such as?"
"The best stories are the ones never told. And dead men tell no tales."

>>196283
"Doesn't assassination interfere with your journalistic integrity?"

>>196283
So. He'll be helping us some more, I assume? We need some way of contacting him. Maybe we can get some info on the mystery girl we're having that match with.

>>196284
He laughs.
"I repress one voice..." he says, "Two or three or four... and a thousand more will be free to tell the tales of how GILB rots the world." he shrugs. "Small prices, Anthony. We all pay them. You just have to learn what you're willing to pay for your ideals, is all." He sighs, leading us out of the elevator as it reaches the top floor. "The first kill though..." he sighs with a shudder. "Man, you are lucky to be in the position you're in. You don't have to kill a single person. I'm not saying it's easy... but..."
"It's easier?"
"Yeah. Definitely. Some days I think... I could walk away from all this, turn my back on these folks, fight the good fight alone and slow. And then I remember."
"What?"
"Everything." he replies cryptically, opening the doors to a small car.

>>196288
He's just talking about all the shit GILB has done. Nothing cryptic there.

I believe we have a dinner to prepare, and a guest to invite?
Maybe you could pick up some nice wine on the way home?

>>196289
"...Anyway."
"Anyway." he replies as we get into the car.
"Can we stop somewhere to pick up some wine?"
"Certainly. I suppose you'll be wanting to make a call as well?"
"I, uh..."
"Here. Untracable, courtesy of yours truly and Trine. Her number is number... 3, I believe."
R-right...
I dail. It's ringing.

And then her name falls right out of my head.

>>196290
Don't worry we have a perfect memory.

...she never gave you her name. So just call her Mystery Girl or something.

>>196298
The phone rings.
And rings.

And then is picked up.
"Hello?" says a soft feminine voice.

>>196784
Ask her if she would be free to join you for dinner.

>>196784
Tell her who you are, and that you're replying to a challenge that was issued.

"It's me, Anthony. I'm back from visiting Ashley's father, and was wondering about the challenge you sent?"
"Oh, right~!" she replies, and suddenly I am certain she's the one who sent the texts. "I've been waiting for you~. When are you next available?"
"Anytime. I was hoping to discuss the exact terms in person, however."
"Oh~. You want to meet me?"
"Of course. How about you come by later today? I'll treat you to a meal, and then we can talk it over."
"Excellent idea~! Are we eating in?"
"Yep."
"Okay~. I'll see you in a few hours!"

>>196945
Oh boy, we get to cook for a guest! Where is she meeting you? Apartment? Garage? House?

>>196953
...Dunno. I'd assume the front door of the shop. She knew my number, so it's no stretch she knows where I live.

We stop off to get some nice wine, And then Darry drops us off.

I open the door to find the lights won't work.

>>198080
Get out of the house, and get inside Burn. Use thermal imaging and acoustic tracking to determine if anybody is in the house, and then use thermal imaging to determine what wires are life.
Stay around here to meet your guest.

>>198086
Right.
"Ashley, come with me." I grab her hand, and then signal for Danny to stay inside. I make my way to the garage, and run over to burn, punching the button to open the 'pit...

And hear a gun cocking.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you." says a voice I... I... that can't be...
"Doc?"
"Delarosa." he corrects. "Now get off of the robot. We have some talking to do."

>>198090
How far away is he, and how long would it take you to get into the cockpit?
In darkness, at 20+ feet away, aiming at a moving target? Even assuming he doesn't care about potentially killing Ashley (or you), he'd still be incredibly unlikely to hit, let alone fatally. If it'll only take you a few seconds then go for the pit. If not then you should back down.

Alternatively? You're probably damn sick and tired of being kidnapped and/or threatened at gunpoint. Get in the mech anyway and don't take that shit from him. Pick him up and tell him to drop the gun and talk like a reasonable person.

>>198094
"Is there a reason the gun is nessecary, Delarosa?"
"Oh, yes." he pauses. "Dear me, I forgot to turn the lights on."

He snaps his fingers, and I see him sitting in his chair placidly, while behind him, looking uncomfortable, is...
"Jack?!"
Holding a gun solidly aiming at me.

"That's right. Now... I really did not wish for things to go this far, Anthony. But events have forced me to tip my hand. I'm sure Legion can deduce why."

>>198098
Sigh
"Because one of the factions got their hands on the technology in the cabin, and now you're pissing yourself over it getting out in the open and concerned that we may have been compromised. You plan to have us act as moles for that faction because you assume that they would be stupid enough to trust information to somebody they robbed and kidnapped. That about right?

Oh, and put that stupid thing down. I'm damn sick of having those pointed in my face, and Jack knows just how stubborn I am when people want to play hardball without at least pretending they're reasonable people."

>>198105
"You're right only on one count. The cabin was massively important to us. But no. That's not why I'm here today." he turns around and taps a few buttons on a laptop.
"I'm here because your tracer died for a few moments. Now, in clear, concise terms, please tell me why, and be glad I'm not the real authority. Jack, you can put down the gun."

Jack sighs in relief.
"I'm not mad, Anthony. I'm just curious why the tracer on your Legion unit blipped like that. It's very rare."

>>198108
"This thing has a tracer? Why didn't you tell me that when you installed it! Is that how people have been finding me so they can give me all this grief?
Any you're pointing guns at me and then saying you're not mad?
GRAH!"
Sigh
"No, I don't know why the tracer would go dead, but Legion says it was knocked offline somehow when they knocked me out. Would that do it?"

>>198112
"Let me explain... he says, then Jack rolls his eyes.
"Enough, old man." he snaps, putting the gun on the table. "Look, kiddo, it goes like this. All pilots of something like that-" he points at Burn, "have tracers in Legion units they get. Standard op. We can't tell you because then some idiot might try to get rid of it themselves, or something like that. It's a just in case measure so pilots don't faff off and break small towns in the middle of nowhere and start mini-empires. We started it after Easter Island got it's own bandit country going." he takes off his hat, slides back his hair, and puts it back on. "The gun was a measure in case whoever took the cabin took you and made a double, then put legion inside. When you called me name, or something, we could be sure it was you. Lastly, losing conciousness wouldn't cause the tracer to malfunction. Direct tampering would."

>>198114
"Legion said something about a 'faraday cage'. I was KO'ed a few times, so they might have done something then.
Is there anything else you're not telling me about Legion units? Does GILB use them to read pilots minds or some crazy shit like that?"

>>198117
"Nope. Just location. It's an anti-crime measure." Jack looks back at Delarosa.
"Well?"
"Nothing. He's clean, Doc. No worries here. You can go home."
The doctor shuts his laptop and leaves, while Jack holsters his gun. Then he retrieves his wallet, opens it to the badge that he has, and sets it on the table.

"As a friend, Anthony... What really happened?"

>>198118
"They tried to recruit us, and we ended up agreeing to help them wherever our goals coincide.
It turns out they've been wanting the no-kill bill for years. Who knew?
Oh, and Ashley's father left her one last gift - the ability to create life."

>>198126
He smiles and nods.
"Between you and me, Anthony, Delarosa works for GILB. He was assigned to keep an eye on you. You're a person of interest, so to speak. A special person. I used to work for Raven's myself. Had to ditch though, but they were understanding. Had a family. Took the coward's way out. You need anything, Anthony, you just let me know."

>>198127
Give him a man-hug. Also, what kind of badge did he put on the table?
"We figured that out when he said the legion units weren't bugged. We'll keep in touch, and thanks, man."

>>198127
Ask him who he works for now? If he works under Delarosa isn't that kindof like he's working for the GILB too?

>>198169
"I work for the Office of Technology Control. I'm pretty rank-and-file, mind you, but I do have some autonomy."
A hug doesn't feel right...
So I offer a fist and we bump. He stows the badge and smiles. "You two be careful now. Delarosa's a bit of a loose cannon."

And then he leaves, and I exhale.

...
So. What should I make for dinner?

>>198747
A working electrical system.
You can probably find out her diet online, since people love to obsess over those kinds of details.
If she's not vegetarian, then you're familiar with the concept of a Reuben, correct?
Get a baking pan - stoneware if you have it.
Put down a layer of semi-drained sauerkraut that's just thick enough to form a barrier on the bottom of the pan.
Then boneless skinless chicken breasts - I assume you know how to properly trim the meat.
Then a layer of semi-drained sauerkraut thick enough to cover the meat.
Then a layer of Swiss cheese - shredded works best.
At this point there should be just a little pooling at the bottom of the pan. Not dry, but not swampy either. Add some juice back or drain some away to get it to a comfortable level.
Finally, a layer of thousand islands dressing. If you're making 6-8 servings worth then you'll be using the entire bottle.

Bake at 350 for an hour or so, and remember to make sure the chicken is thoroughly cooked.

>>198765
Might I suggest a side dish? Some kind of vegetable. String beans perhaps. Or some breadrolls.

>>198765
I get to work immediately. This might take a bit... would you like to move into Ashley for a while?

>>200234
Sure! We've not no problems spending time deep inside your fiancee~

>>200236
I'll... pretend I didn't hear that. Look, you helped me finally muster the courage, so... I trust you.

Not that she can cheat on me with a thousand disembodied simulated AIs Not that anyone could, really.

@#$%

?

Legion? I thought you were with Tony.

he is cooking up something fancy. so while he does that we thought we would hang.

>>200241
He's busy, so we decided to hang with you for awhile.
So, are you ready to ply a model with food and drink, then seduce her?~

>>200247
I... I, ah... I've never actually... tried anything with another girl before.

well you don't have to actually DO anything, just make her THINK you will.

>>200254
Oh, a new experience then? Well, the basic idea behind it is the same. You just... find where they like to be touched.

A threesome is more complicated though. I really don't know how to deal with that. I'm guessing balancing 'attention' is important.

>>200254
First time for everything! If she takes the bait, she'll probably be able to show you how it's done. Worse comes to worse, do to her what you like yourself.

>>200311
Th-th-threesome?! I, er...

Well, I've seen her pictures and she is attractive and this idea sounds like fun and all but I'm not certain I'm ready for something like that I mean it's not like I don't want it I just mean it's rather sudden and all and I really need to clean this room up and oh god what will I wear and aaaaaaaa

>>200463
I thought that was the plan from the start? Were you just gonna let her have Anthony all to herself, or what? ...Wait a sec, Anthony didn't actually say what you two had agreed on, after getting that first phone call. Care to fill us in?

>>200469
It's one thing to say something and another thing to actually do it, you know?! I didn't think he'd actually go th-through with it!

you could also hope that she just talks and writes like that but is actually being honest. if you really don't want to of course.

>>200557
Hmm. Well, you need to decide if you want to go through with it. If not, we can just tell Anthony to leave it at dinner. He'll be disappointed, but I'm sure he'll understand.

Try to calm down and think. Don't pass out on us again!

>>200575
I'll... just... I'll make up my mind during dinner. Yeah. Yeah, that's an excellent plan! I'll just... ah, clean, yeah, clean until then. I've never been so nervous before....

well, doing something distracting would help, do you want us to play a song?

>>200596
I... don't see why not...

Hey... something smells nice...

 

oh that must be the food.
here you go

>>200607
Oh? Sounds like dinner is coming along. Anthony's cooking.

Hey. Wear something that shows off your figure.

>>200616
So-something that... What sorta thing are we talking about, here? Like a tight dress or what?

>>200622
Naw, just not loose. Snug. Something that shows off your curves without being obvious about it. The key here is subtlety.

>>200646
Snug, snug... oh, I have the perfect turtleneck! Hm~... I suppse this skirt will do...
Er... That leaves... Hm. Does it even matter?

>>200654
not completely but it would be good. if you can't swing it then where whatever looks good... and maybe is easy to get out of ;D

>>200654
What? Underwear? You could leave that out, if you're feeling really naughty. Otherwise, any color works.

Wait, a turtleneck? Hmm... wear the collar down. Should work, I think.

C-c-c-c-commando?! I... Well... Er... I hear something drive up, and look out the window...
A class-Arach-N-023? She's using it as a CAR?!

I'll switch you to Tony.

@#$%^&

The doorbell rings.

look out the peep hole to be sure it's her then let her in, don't want ANOTHER gun in your face.

>>200661
She's here. Would you believe she's driving a mech? Did dinner come out right? Anyway, you should answer the door.

>>200661
Check the peephole. If it's her then open the door and greet her.

How do I shot trip?!H508X.HbJ6 2010/06/29(Tue)00:26 No. 200670 ID: e31d52
File 127779636336.jpg - (100.45KB , 355x800 , Arima.jpg )

>>200665
>>200663
...?

Odd...

But you're right, that is a mech behind her. And it's about the right time. She looks very nervous.

>>200670
Open the door and greet her.

>>200670
...that's not who we were expecting. Is this the same person that sent you those messages over the phone...? Maybe she gave you a picture of someone else, as some self-conscious women tend to do?

We're getting a name, though. Arima.

say hi and invite her in... we gotta tell ashley something

@ashley: ABORT! the situation has changed, get back into a normal outfit.

>>200678
@Ashley: Sexy-normal, not normal-normal. Skirt and V-neck shirt, not jacket and jeans.

>>200673
I open the door.

"Hello?"
"I'm, uh, here for, here for the date..."

...

"But the picture you sent..."

She sighs, pulling a remote from her pocket and pressing a button. The top part of the mech unfolds, and a person stands up, the girl from the picture in the suit. She poses, and then her lips move...

"Hello, everyone~!" the smaller girl calls, then presses the button again. It retracts into the mech.
"I am the programmer, vocals, and support for Miss E, who is an entirely fictional and fabricated model. I'm sorry I'm not much to look at, but as far as anyone is the real thing..." she shrugs.

[A]What?![A]

>>200682
Give her a kiss on the cheek "Don't sell yourself short. You're very cute yourself~"

@Ashley: Miss E is a holographic construct. Her programmer/support/voice actress is here. She's really cute and really nervous. The plan is still to seduce her, but you don't want to overwhelm her~

the model was a fake, you are looking at the one who made it. while she isn't the model she is still not bad looking. probably has some self esteem issues stemming from how she looks. invite her in and ask why the elaborate ruse.

>>200684
[A]Ah. Gotcha.[A]

"Come on in." I say, stepping aside. She enters, setting down her purse and co-woahtermelons.
Er, I mean, rather, I take her coat and hang it up. "Dinner's almost ready."
"Yeah, I can smell it."
I smile as Ashley... wow. She really fills out that swater and skirt nicely. Arima looks equally wide-eyed. "This is Ashley, my girlfriend and mechanic." I say. Arima looks away breifly, then sits down.

>>200686
@Ashley: Give her a peck on the cheek, and comment on how cute she is~

>>200686
Well, things are looking good. Talk shop with her. You have some common ground. Mech tech and such. Don't try to get any combat-related information about her mech though. We're not here to cheat.

@both: I advise you both work on getting her trust and make sure she feels comfortable before doing any serious flirting.

>>200695
That's a good point.

"So... Why'd you decide to come out here? To the date, I mean."
"I... Since I was fifteen I've been using Miss E for my funds. And... maintaining her is a lot of work. So... I don't get out much..."

>>200706
"Ah, I gotcha. You wanted to spend some time with people who have common interests, and you figured I would be nice enough to ease you into a social life?
I'm, well, honored, and more than a little flattered, too. We're both here for you."

so, she is a wallflower. poor girl, no one wants to hang with the techy. well let's cheer her up and make this good.

>>200713
She flushes heavily, blinking and looking down.
"W-well, I just wanted to get out. They keep me all locked up in a penthouse, and..." she sighs. "Sometimes I feel like a princess in a castle, you know? Only no one would rescue me, because..." she sghs and pinches her belly.

>>200716
Sweep her into your arms.
"Nonsense! Your loveliness surpasses your obvious talent~"

@Ashley: Tony's going to sweep her off her feet. Move into position to extend your own flirtatious support.

@both: Might I suggest a more moderate approach?

Touch her hand, if she's resting one on the table near you. Otherwise, try putting a hand on her shoulder.
"Don't sell yourself short. You don't have to be skinny to be beautiful."

>>200720
I smile as I lean over and rest my hand on hers after sitting down.
"Amira."I look her in the eyes. "Trust me when I say that you don't have to be skinny to be beautiful."

She blushes heavily, bt doesn't flinch away, just pulling her hand slowly out of mine, touching it with her other hand, looking at it quietly.
"I... I had to make E because of... my figure." she says quietly.

>>200721
"It really is a pity that the modeling industry adheres so strictly to their idea of the one ideal body type. You did a good job matching what they wanted with Miss E, though. How did you choose her design?"

>>200721
@Ashley: Shrug, and say "They don't want women, they want skeletons with a tan - hideous things that need a sandwich."

@both: I'm going to explain my tactics. To keep from looking too creepy, forceful, or shallow, flirtation should involve compliments targeted carefully at sensitive topics, kept to a relatively normal level of physical contact, and used in short bursts. Leave enough time for her to recover in between, and talk about things she's interested in.

>>200724
She smiles. "Miss E is actually... uhm, she's really based on my mum. She took care of me when I was little, and I guess she still is, in a way. If I lost her... I dunno what I'd do." she sighs, contentedly. "It smells so good!"

>>200729
I was just about to mention that you shouldn't forget about the food.

>>200729
Motion for her to help herself.
"Eat, eat! We have plenty!"

>>200737
>>200737
She smiles as I bring the food over and I serve it, almost childlike in her excitement.
"You're adorable." I comment and she laughs. Hm... this brings me to worry about the wine. Should I serve it or ask her age? Hurm...

>>200739

As long as no one makes a nuisance of him or herself with the neighbors there's no reason to worry. Be a good host and offer.

>>200740
Private residence. Offer away.

>>200740
I offer her the wine and she smiles, nodding. Carefully, I pop the cork, then gently pour it into our glasses. Then I snap my fingers, turning off the lights, and tap my foot twice, remotely lighting a candle with a prepared contraption set in the table for a romantic night with Ashley.

Both the ladies look impressed.

>>200746
@T&A: Make small talk. Drop subtle hints that you're both interested in her, but don't overwhelm her with them.
After dinner tell her that she shouldn't drive after drinking, and she's more than welcome to spend the night.

>>200749
The chatter goes on for some time, as she extolls the advances of humanoid robotics (if only she knew!) and we pay attention. It's obvious that she hasn't spoken to another person meaningfully for a while. and the wine loosens her us a great deal. We try to drop the hints, increasinly obvious, but she's very dense about this sorta thing, seems like.

"You shouldn't drink and drive, you know."
"That's true, yeah. You gonna put me up for the night?"
"We were thinking so, yes." Ashley says. "However, the downstairs is pretty badly ventilated, so you might want to come up to my room."

Aaaah, now she gets it. She flushes deeply stammering heavilylooking around the room and withdrawing into herself.

>>200770
@Ashley: Wrap your hands around hers, and look her in the eye "It's ok. We won't do anything you don't want us to do, but if you can muster up the courage then we can show you just how relaxing and enjoyable it can be. Please, trust us."

>>200770
Take her by the hands, helping her stand up, then kiss her.

>>200775
Ashley smiles and sidles closer to her.
"Don't worry. This is entirely up to you, Amira. Let's relax and enjoy the night together..." she helps Amira up, then pulls her into a slow, gently kiss. At first, Amira is shocked, but then her eyes close and she leans into Ashley's arms, embracing her as they kiss.

As they part, they look into each other's eyes, and oh god why aren't I recording this.

>>201210
Record this.

Sweep Amira up into your arms and carry her up to bed. "Yes, this is really happening."

Recording it would be rude! Unless she agreed beforehand.

Is Anthony really strong enough to carry a grown woman up a flight of stairs...? Lead her up to the room by the hand.

We gently guide her upstairs, and she meekly follows, blushing heavily but not resisting us as we gently lay her on the bed and lay down beside her on either side.

>>201247
Start foreplay and gradually undress her. Tonight is about her, so take the lead and show her the best night of her life - so far.
Coordinate with Ashley.

@Ash: You've never had a girl, and now is your chance. Make the most of it; give and receive~

>>201268
For once, I don't have anything to add. Well, complimenting her on her body would be good too, at this point. You've already made it clear that you like how she looks, but after the clothes are off that adds a new layer of insecurity.

>>201279
agree, need to make sure she knows she is pretty cute...

also some kind of protection.

I gently lean forward and begin kissing her neck and then her lips, while Ashley gently begins to undress her, sliding her hands under the girl's shirt.

And I think that's just about enough for you. See you in a moment.

--------------------------------

Mmmn. That was... interesting.