In my experience, violence has always been the best answer. I make sure that I'm coming in from an angle that they haven't covered. Luckily they're placed somewhat in the center so there's room behind them to move unnoticed. From the looks of things, the two with the main aggressors are mostly relaxed, easier targets. Reducing their numbers seems like the only way to recapture the advantage. Especially given their body size. I move quickly behind the right-most target. Reaching up, I wrap my arms around his throat while kicking his legs out from under him. He losses his balance and brings his head down to a position I can get a better grip on. Most people at this point would try to choke him out, but that'd take far too long given his allies right next to me. So, instead of just wildly choking him, I position one arm around the front and grab onto my shoulder while my other hand pushes his head forward, the position placing my elbows on either side of his neck. I close my arms in a scissor motion; now I'm cutting off the bloodstream from his head, a much more efficient maneuver that would leaves him unconscious in 5 seconds. 8 seconds and he would begin suffering brain damage, and at 15 seconds he'd be dead; killing someone or turning them into a vegetable would look bad on my permanent record, so I just go for 5. Besides, I don't have 15 seconds right now; I still have two other musclemen to deal with. *page_break Next They're shocked at the display of violence, but only for a couple seconds before they realize what is happening. By the time I'm finished with their ally, they're ready for me. The closest one tries to punch low, but I move aside and his hand collides with a desk; he grunts from the pain, and probably broke a few fingers. A perfect example of why it is a bad idea to punch. While he's grunting in pain, I position him between me and his ally to avoid being double-teamed. Then I show him the correct technique and collide my palm with his face; I hear his nose break and know that he's gone temporarily blind due to the blunt force trauma impacting between the eyes. I then use the opportunity to kick at his kneecap. I hear the bones in his knee break as the leg bends the wrong way and he falls to the ground, his head colliding with a desk on the way down. He's not quite unconscious; but between a broken kneecap and a probable concussion, it's safe to say that he's no longer a threat to me. All that leaves is the original aggressor. *page_break Next Though the danger has decreased by reducing the number of potential threats, I can still tell that this last one will be more difficult. So far my greatest advantage has been the element of surprise, but now I've been fully revealed and my opponent knows (some) of my skills, meaning he will be far more cautious. *fake_choice #Overwhelm him At this point, overwhelming force is the best option. I want to end this fight as quickly as possible. I move quickly forward; he tracks my movements as I approach, and attempts to punch towards my head. He ends up hitting air as I duck underneath, and uppercut into the armpit to dislocate his shoulder. So of course I grab onto the dislocated arm and pull him by it, intensifying the pain and leaving him unable to resist as I force him to the ground. From there, it is a quick blow to the back of the head that leaves him unconscious. I stand up, getting my breathing down to a regular rate, and see Miss Stein looking over the bodies. "Are they okay?" "They'll spend a few days in the hospital, at most." *page_break Next *if (male =true) *if (destroyed_school_security =false) *set incidents +1 *set fifth_incident true Miss Stein crosses her arms and looks at me, seemingly expecting me to say something. "Is there something you wish to say?" "Is this really how you fix your problems?" "Violence is usually the best solution, in my experience." She sighs, "Great, not only are you incredibly creepy, you're also prone to random acts of violence. Brilliant combination..." *fake_choice #"Should I have killed them?" *set lucy_stein -5 "What? No! Why would you even say something like that?" She exclaims; I'm starting to get mixed messages here. If she didn't want them unconscious and she didn't want them dead, what alternative is there? #"What would you have preferred?" "I would have preferred if you had stayed out of it. I had the situation completely under control." "He was physically assaulting you." "He was just blustering and throwing a tantrum; nothing to be afraid of. I could have talked him down, I didn't need a creep like you rushing in." #"I'm quite satisfied with this outcome." "Well of course you are," she sighed again "I'm not entirely sure why you are upset; the situation was resolved." "That's not-" 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. 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. *page_break Next "Given Miss Stein's testimony...I suppose my report to Agent Decker will be much less negative than under different circumstances..." 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. *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 ((female =true) and ((third_incident =false)) *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 ((female =true) and ((third_incident =false)) *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 ((female =true) and ((third_incident =false)) *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 crosses her arms and looks at me, seemingly expecting me to say something. "Is there something you wish to say?" "Is this really how you fix your problems?" "Violence is usually the best solution, in my experience." She sighs, "Great, not only are you incredibly creepy, you're also prone to random acts of violence. Brilliant combination..." *fake_choice #"Should I have killed them?" *set angerlucy true *set incidents +1 *set fifth_incident true *set lucy_stein -5 "What? No! Why would you even say something like that?" She exclaims; I'm starting to get mixed messages here. If she didn't want them unconscious and she didn't want them dead, what alternative is there? "Just...you just stay there! I'm going to call the office!" Well...there's only one way this can end. *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. Lucy, despite her protests at the time, did step in to justify my actions to the principal, taking some of the responsibility on herself. She did mention that she was herself unnerved by my behavior, though other than that her testimony was rather positive. *page_break Next "Given Miss Stein's testimony...I suppose my report to Agent Decker will be far less negative than I originally intended..." 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. *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 Lucy 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 Lucy 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 ((female =true) and ((third_incident =false)) *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 ((female =true) and ((third_incident =false)) *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 ((female =true) and ((third_incident =false)) *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. #"What would you have preferred?" "I would have preferred if you had stayed out of it. I had the situation completely under control." "He was physically assaulting you." "He was just blustering and throwing a tantrum; nothing to be afraid of. I could have talked him down. I didn't need a freak like you rushing in to make things worse." #"I'm quite satisfied with this outcome." "Well of course you are," she sighed again "I'm not entirely sure why you are upset; the situation was resolved." "That's not the point!" *page_break Next Lucy sighs once again, "I guess you were just trying to help...I appreciate it, really...even if I still think you're dangerous." "Don't mention it." It's nice that that's the interpretation that she's going with, *fake_choice #It's better than the truth; that I just liked fighting them Can you really blame me? I don't get very many opportunities to indulge in what feels natural, so of course I'm going to act when I see three individuals that have no characteristics that would gain them any sympathy to any observers. "Again, thanks." She says, still believing that this was for her. I suppose there isn't much reason to correct her. *page_break Lunch... *if ((female =true) and ((third_incident =false)) *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 that, the bell finally rings and I can go to lunch without anymore bother. #It's not often I act on my conscience; it's nice that's actually being recognized *set humanity +1 *set tactics -1 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. "Again, thanks." She says, continuing to give me reluctant praise. Not entirely sure I deserve it, but I'm not going to turn it down. *page_break Lunch... *if ((female =true) and ((third_incident =false)) *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 that, the bell finally rings and I can go to lunch without anymore bother. #Even though I'm not entirely certain why I acted; I just did Maybe I have a conscience after all. Maybe I'm just a psychopath. The reasons don't matter in the end. Not really. "Again, thanks." She says, still believing that this was for her. I suppose there isn't any reason to protest; it's not like being treated like a savior is the worst thing that could be happening right now. *page_break Lunch *goto_scene 1-9fightlunch-1 After that, the bell finally rings and I can go to lunch without anymore bother.