They are larger than me, for certain, but I'm more skilled. I shouldn't have to resort to more brutal methods; the basics should do. Once I'm within a couple meters, the main aggressor that is currently grabbing Miss Stein looks at me. "This ain't your-" He begins saying. I interrupt him with a sharp jab to the throat while he's distracted by his own voice; his grip immedietely fails and he falls back, gasping for breath. He'll remain that way for 60 seconds, minimum. For all purposes, he can be considered out of the fight. With Stein no longer in immediate danger, I place myself between her and the remaining two assailants; now I'm in more danger than she is. Two opponents is nothing to scoff at, espeically when they are physically stronger than you. Unlike in the American action films, I can't rely on them coming at me one at a time. *page_break Next Stein has stepped back, so I don't have to worry about her anymore. That allows me to focus entirely on the two threats in front of me. As expected, they charge me simultaneously. The one on the right appears to be trying to grab onto my arm while the other is settling for a punch toward the stomach. In either case, staying in one place is suicide. But luckily, I have advantage of terrain; making use of the desk behind me, I quickly vault over it. The one trying to grab me simply moves around, but the other one feels his punch make direct contact with the desk, likely breaking his hand. A perfect example of why you should never throw a punch unless you know exactly where it is going to go. He takes a second to whine about his broken hand, a moment of hesitation that probably would have gotten him killed where I come from, and thus I'm able to focus on the one that went around the desk like a sensible person. He is still trying to tackle me, but there's too many obstacles for him to gain any momentum thus he is left in a stance leaving his legs wide open. One quick kick to the groin leaves him in a state of extreme pain, a move he obviously wasn't expecting; I still question the American habit of restricting themselves from using certain methods in combat. While he's concentrating on the pain, I move in quickly and, while his balanced is off due to the buckling of his knees, kick his legs out from under him and let his head collide with the ground. *page_break Next One still struggling to breath and another unconscious. Only one left, and one of his hands have been rendered useless. The remaining assailant has clearly realized that he's lost this fight, his only problem is that I'm between him and the exit. *fake_choice #Give him a break *set lucyrelationship "Gratitude" *set lucy_stein +5 *set combat -1 *set explosives -1 *set humanity +1 He obviously knows that this fight is over; no one ever said I couldn't have a little mercy every now and then. I step to the side to give him a clear run for the exit. After a moment of hesitation, he wisely accepts my generous offer and leaves the room as fast as his legs can take him. "I've never seen someone run so fast." I hear Miss Stein say. Clearly she's never had a live grenade fall at her feet. "Where did you learn to fight like that?" "I grew up in a rough neighborhood." #Never accept surrender *set lucyrelationship "Gratitude" *if (male =true) *set lucy_stein -5 I'm not going to make the mistake of letting an enemy go while they are still a threat. Especially when I'm so close to finishing; that's one of the worst times to make a mistake. He's stepping backward, trying to get what little distance he can; I'm able to easily close the gap. When he sees me approaching he finally commits to fighting, but it's too late. Aware of his disabled hand, I jab high on the side that he's weak on. His other arm extends around to block; the awkward block hinders his vision and puts all his energy high, allowing me to follow up with an attack low with a kick to his kneecap. He falls on top of his broken knee, though impressively he manages to keep himself from falling completely on the ground by support himself with one arm on a desk. Impressive; though it does make his head at the perfect level for me to grab. Holding his head steady, I bring my knee up into his face. He's unconscious before he hits the ground. *page_break Next *if (male =true) "You don't think that was a tad bit overkill?" I hear Miss Stein ask behind me "Any tactic that works it to be considered valid." *if (female =true) "Are you alright?" I hear Miss Stein ask behind me "Better than them." Though I guess I did hurt my knuckles when I punched the one guy in the throat. Oh well, at least it hurt him more. "Well, I guess I should thank you, in any case...even though I could have handled them much less violently without you." "You may be overestimating yourself." Even I need to put some thought into going against three opponents such as in this case. "I don't mean fighting them off; I've dealt with much worse than them. Usually all it takes is a few stern words and they all back down." "In my experience, the only reliable way to deter violence is with more violence." "Right, well, it'd probably be better if you left that viewpoint at the door..." *if (destroyed_school_security =false) Stein is interrupted when the door breaks open and security officers charge through. Well, I suppose it was only a matter of time before they showed up. *page_break Next *if ((incidents >1) and ((third_incident =false) and (female =true))) So here I am, in the principal's office...again. *if (incidents >=2) Going to the principal's office is starting to become a habit today. *if (incidents =1) Before I know it, I'm in the principal's office; looking at a fairly upset Principal Gardner. "Are you insane?!" He bursts out at me "No, I'm a low functioning PTSD survivor with sociopathic tendencies. You were briefed, right?" Principal Gardner was somewhat unnerved after hearing that I has hospitalized three students; though, I think it helped that the victims in question weren't exactly model students. Stein, despite her protests at the time, did step in to justify my actions to the principal, taking some of the responsibility on herself. *page_break Next "Given Miss Stein's testimony...I suppose my report to your handlers can't be entirely negative..." Principal Gardner sighed, "You did assist a rather valued member of the student body, after all." It's good that they're focusing on that aspect of it; it's not often I act on my conscience so it's nice that's actually being recognized. I don't typically use my skills for anything other than personal survival; it's a rare occurrence when violence actually protects someone other than the aggressor, and it's also rare for me to feel any pings of conscience. As such, I felt it would be a bad idea to ignore when both of these unlikely scenarios occurred right at the same time. *page_break Next "I'm sure Miss Stein appreciates your intervention, even if it was a bit...messy," Principal Gardner sighed into his hands, "When they told me you'd be a piece of work, I figured I could handle anything you'd throw at me...I really wish I hadn't made any assumptions..." "Would you have made a different decision, if you had known?" "Honestly, I'm not sure; but as long as you're here, you're my responsibility as much as anyone else here is...tell me, did Agent Decker tell you why you were admitted to this school?" "No." "There were other candidates, you know, that being other schools. Now, not very many other principals wanted you in their school, and I uhm, suppose you can understand why...I was really the only one who volunteered. Do you know why?" *page_break Next When I don't respond, he continues. "Well, you may or may not have noticed, but this school has a history of accepting...problem children. Children who need a little more than an education out of their school. I accepted you into this school, because, well, I believe everyone deserves to have a childhood. Yes they offered donations, but that is beside the point. Us grown ups are supposed to protect children, but we fail so often...so many of you have been cheated, and...well, I want to help fix that, in any way I can." How sentimental... *fake_choice #Unfortunately for him, that kind of feeling is wasted on me; I don't need it I never asked for sympathy. I don't want it. I haven't gotten by out of the generosity of others; growing up, I had the whole world gunning for me from day one. I was starved and hounded everywhere I went. It was painful, and that pain made me strong. It made me ruthless. Others can feel sorry for me if they want, but they'd better not expect me to give a damn. And I only helped her at all because, *fake_choice #I saw an opportunity to fight It's not often I get to indulge in a little violence these days. When fighting is all you know how to do, you learn how to enjoy it. #Just because I don't care about people doesn't mean I like watching them get hurt *set combat -1 *set firearms -1 *set humanity +1 It's like when you see a dog hanging off a ledge; unless you're truly sadistic, then you're going to help it up whether you care about it or not. As long as it's not out of your way, there's no reason not to. Helping the girl was nothing to me, but it might be everything to her. #I see the value in making people think I care when I don't *set combat -1 *set firearms -1 Helping cost me very little, and it might have gained me an ally; tactical advantage is about more than just positioning and keeping weapons on hand. People can be the most useful resources on hand if you know how to set them up just right. #I don't know why; I just did, and I don't plan on thinking about it I've never been one for introspection. Other people can anguish over the why of things, I just do what feels natural. I continue to sit silently; no real reason to say anything when Principal Gardner can make up for both of us. He shifts, but other than that he seems to be adapting to me. I may want to consider changing my mannerisms at some point to keep from becoming predictable. "Anyway, I won't keep you any long...enjoy your lunch." *page_break Lunch... *if ((third_incident =false) and (female =true)) *goto_scene 1-9lunch-1 After he's finished, Principal Gardner sends me off to lunch without much bother. *goto_scene 1-9fightlunch-1 After he's finished, Principal Gardner sends me off to lunch without much bother. #It's too bad I'm not as optimistic as him *set combat -1 *set firearms -1 "I'm not a child; I never learned how. That's not something you can fix." It's not like I don't want what they're offering; a new life, new memories, a chance to begin again. But the past doesn't go away. I know I'm damaged goods. But knowing it isn't the same as being able to change it. "I hope you'll come to see differently, in time...well, speaking of time, I won't hold up any more of yours...have a nice lunch." *page_break Lunch... *if ((third_incident =false) and (female =true)) *goto_scene 1-9lunch-1 After he's finished, Principal Gardner sends me off to lunch without much bother. *goto_scene 1-9fightlunch-1 After he's finished, Principal Gardner sends me off to lunch without much bother. #Maybe I can be as hopeful as him someday *set combat -1 *set firearms -1 *set reflex -1 *set tactics -1 *set humanity +1 It's a pleasant dream; as far out of reach as it feels, I can't help but hope that maybe someday I can actually believe it. "...I guess we'll just have to see about that." "I suppose we will...well, I ah won't take up any more of your time...have a nice lunch." *page_break Lunch... *if ((third_incident =false) and (female =true)) *goto_scene 1-9lunch-1 After he's finished, Principal Gardner sends me off to lunch without much bother. *goto_scene 1-9fightlunch-1 After he's finished, Principal Gardner sends me off to lunch without much bother. *if (destroyed_school_security =true) Miss Stein hesitates, "Uhm, are you sure they'll be alright?" "They'll live. The important thing is that you are unharmed." "Right...why did you step in, anyway? Not many people would stand up to three guys for someone else." *fake_choice #"You needed help." *set combat -1 *set humanity +1 *set lucy_stein +5 "I've been trying to make it a habit to help those in need." I tell her. "Well that's...noble, I suppose." "There's nothing particularly noble about it. It just felt like something I had to do." *page_break Next "Right...well, someone needs to call some help for them." Odd, I figured someone would have already done that but looking around, it appears all the students just spent their time watching us. These Americans really are apathetic. "If you don't mind, could you please leave me out of it?" "And tell them what, that they managed to somehow beat themselves up?" "It happens." *page_break Lunch... *if ((third_incident =false) and (female =true)) *goto_scene 1-9lunch-1 Miraculously, Miss Stein manages to get everybody to buy our story. Though that could just be Principal Gardner's reluctance to investigate. He seemed to decide it was easier to just pretend that he believed us. Thus, I'm able to go to lunch without any bother. *goto_scene 1-9fightlunch-1 Miraculously, Miss Stein manages to get everybody to buy our story. Though that could just be Principal Gardner's reluctance to investigate. He seemed to decide it was easier to just pretend that he believed us. Thus, I'm able to go to lunch without any bother. #"I needed the exercise." *set lucy_stein -10 *set incidents +1 *set fifth_incident true Miss Stein blinks, "Wait, what?" "I don't get very many opportunities to fight; having to defend someone just made it even more difficult." "That's...that's just wrong!" "Wrong or not, it was in your benefit. I'm not sure why you would have anything against it." "Of course I'm against it, because it's wrong! The faculty is going to hear about this!" Well...that could have gone better. *page_break Next *if ((incidents >1) and ((third_incident =false) and (female =true))) So here I am, in the principal's office...again. *if (incidents >=2) Going to the principal's office is starting to become a habit today. *if (incidents =1) Before I know it, I'm in the principal's office; looking at a fairly upset Principal Gardner. "Are you insane?!" He bursts out at me "No, I'm a low functioning PTSD survivor with sociopathic tendencies. You were briefed, right?" Principal Gardner was somewhat unnerved after hearing that I has hospitalized three students; though, I think it helped that the victims in question weren't exactly model students. Miss Stein, despite her protests at the time, did step in to justify my actions to the principal, taking some of the responsibility on herself. Even if she was quite vocal in her discomfort about my motives. *page_break Next "Given Miss Stein's testimony...I suppose my report to your handler can't be entirely negative..." Principal Gardner sighed, "You did assist a rather valued member of the student body, after all." It's good that they're focusing on that aspect of it; even if it's not entirely true, it's better than the alternative. *page_break Next "I'm sure Miss Stein appreciates your intervention, even if it was a bit...messy," Principal Gardner sighed into his hands, "When they told me you'd be a piece of work, I figured I could handle anything you'd throw at me...I really wish I hadn't made any assumptions..." "Would you have made a different decision, if you had known?" "Honestly, I'm not sure; but as long as you're here, you're my responsibility as much as anyone else here is...tell me, did Agent Decker tell you why you were admitted to this school?" "No." "There were other candidates, you know, that being other schools. Now, not very many other principals wanted you in their school, and I uhm, suppose you can understand why...I was really the only one who volunteered. Do you know why?" *page_break Next When I don't respond, he continues. "Well, you may or may not have noticed, but this school has a history of accepting...problem children. Children who need a little more than an education out of their school. I accepted you into this school, because, well, I believe everyone deserves to have a childhood. Yes they offered donations, but that is beside the point. Us grown ups are supposed to protect children, but we fail so often...so many of you have been cheated, and...well, I want to help fix that, in any way I can." How sentimental... *fake_choice #Unfortunately for him, that kind of feeling is wasted on me; I don't need it I never asked for sympathy. I don't want it. I haven't gotten by out of the generosity of others; growing up, I had the whole world gunning for me from day one. I was starved and hounded everywhere I went. It was painful, and that pain made me strong. It made me ruthless. Others can feel sorry for me if they want, but they'd better not expect me to give a damn. And I only helped her at all because, *fake_choice #I saw an opportunity to fight It's not often I get to indulge in a little violence these days. When fighting is all you know how to do, you learn how to enjoy it. #Just because I don't care about people doesn't mean I like watching them get hurt *set combat -1 *set firearms -1 *set humanity +1 It's like when you see a dog hanging off a ledge; unless you're truly sadistic, then you're going to help it up whether you care about it or not. As long as it's not out of your way, there's no reason not to. Helping the girl was nothing to me, but it might be everything to her. #I see the value in making people think I care when I don't *set combat -1 *set firearms -1 Helping cost me very little, and it might have gained me an ally; tactical advantage is about more than just positioning and keeping weapons on hand. People can be the most useful resources on hand if you know how to set them up just right. #I don't know why; I just did, and I don't plan on thinking about it I've never been one for introspection. Other people can anguish over the why of things, I just do what feels natural. I continue to sit silently; no real reason to say anything when Principal Gardner can make up for both of us. He shifts, but other than that he seems to be adapting to me. I may want to consider changing my mannerisms at some point to keep from becoming predictable. "Anyway, I won't keep you any long...enjoy your lunch." *page_break Lunch... *if ((third_incident =false) and (female =true)) *goto_scene 1-9lunch-1 After he's finished, Principal Gardner sends me off to lunch without much bother. *goto_scene 1-9fightlunch-1 After he's finished, Principal Gardner sends me off to lunch without much bother. #It's too bad I'm not as optimistic as him *set combat -1 *set firearms -1 "I'm not a child; I never learned how. That's not something you can fix." It's not like I don't want what they're offering; a new life, new memories, a chance to begin again. But the past doesn't go away. I know I'm damaged goods. But knowing it isn't the same as being able to change it. "I hope you'll come to see differently, in time...well, speaking of time, I won't hold up any more of yours...have a nice lunch." *page_break Lunch... *if ((third_incident =false) and (female =true)) *goto_scene 1-9lunch-1 After he's finished, Principal Gardner sends me off to lunch without much bother. *goto_scene 1-9fightlunch-1 After he's finished, Principal Gardner sends me off to lunch without much bother. #Maybe I can be as hopeful as him someday *set combat -1 *set firearms -1 *set reflex -1 *set tactics -1 It's a pleasant dream; as far out of reach as it feels, I can't help but hope that maybe someday I can actually believe it. "...I guess we'll just have to see about that." "I suppose we will...well, I ah won't take up any more of your time...have a nice lunch." *page_break Lunch... *if ((third_incident =false) and (female =true)) *goto_scene 1-9lunch-1 After he's finished, Principal Gardner sends me off to lunch without much bother. *goto_scene 1-9fightlunch-1 After he's finished, Principal Gardner sends me off to lunch without much bother.