*if (stabstudent =true)
	*set angerlucy true
*set nolucy true
She eats fast, the sign of someone used to being in a hurry. For her the food isn't anything worth enjoying. It keeps her nourished and able to continue going on to more important business. It's a means to an end for her. She likely sees sleep the same way, as well as all other forms of sustenance.

She stands out from the rest of the students in the room. Nobody else has that kind of drive. She has a purpose of some kind, there's an urgency in her movements and she becomes more agitated the more time she has to spend here. When she's done eating, she won't be able to get out of the room fast enough. Meaning I have a very small window of opportunity to talk before she leaves to wherever her mission is going to take her.

My old employers would have loved to get their hands on her.

I sit down in the seat across from her without any announcement. She looks at me,
*if ((stabstudent =true) or (met_lucy_bathroom =true)) or (angerlucy =true)
	not even attempting to mask her disdain for me.

	"What the hell are you doing here?"

	"Eating."

	"There's a lot of chairs in this room."

	"This is the only one within speaking distance of you."

	"And what exactly do you think we have to talk about?"
	*choice
		*if (met_lucy_bathroom =true)
			#I wish to cease hostilities
				*set combat -1
				*set explosives -1
				*goto 1cease
				
		*if (angerlucy =true)
			#I wish to apologize
				*set combat -1
				*set firearms -1
				*set explosives -1
				*goto 1apologize
		#I want to learn more about you
			*set combat -1
			*set firearms -1
			*goto 1learn
			
		#Antagonizing you amuses me
			*goto 1antagonize
		#I have nothing better to do
			*goto 1nothing
a flash of surprise showing on her face.

"Oh? I didn't expect to see you again so soon, what are you doing here?"

"Eating."

"Well, I can see that. Was there something you wanted to talk about?"
*choice
	*if ((protectlucy =false) and (negotiatelucy =false))
		#You were impressive
			*goto friendimpressive
	*if ((protectlucy =true) or (negotiatelucy =true))
		#Making sure you are still safe
			*set firearms -1
			*goto friendsafe
	#I wish to learn more about you
		*goto friendlearn
	#I had nothing better to do
		*goto friendnothing
		
*label 1antagonize
*if (lucy_stein =10)
	*set lucy_stein -5
*if (lucy_stein >10)
	*set lucy_stein -10

*set dismiss +1 
She looks at me for a moment as if not fully comprehending what I had just said, before slowly packing her food back into her lunchbox, snapping it shut, and standing up from her seat. "I won't dignify that with a response."

And without a single other word uttered, she turns on her heel and walks out of the lunchroom.

Well that wasn't as amusing as I had hoped it would be. I suppose it was rather unreasonable of me to assume she would say and politely oblige, but it would have helped.

*if (dismiss =1)
	*set report_lucydismiss true
	*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1dismissed
*else
	*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1end
	
*label 1apologize
*set lucy_stein +5
"Earlier, I appear to have upset you. That was not my intention."

"You're fine being a blood hungry psychopath, but me being upset is just too much to bear?"

"I would rather we be on friendly terms." I was told that I should make an effort to acquire friends after all.

She looks at me like dirt someone tracked into the room, "And what makes you think you're the kind of person someone of my position would want to associate with?"

"I did aid you."

"I had the situation completely under control. If it weren't for you, I could have talked them down and solved everything, without violence," she said with a scoff,
*if (stabstudent =true)
	"The kid you stabbed is going to live, 
*if (stabstudent =false)
	"Those kids you hurt are going to be fine,"
by the way, assuming you were at all concerned about that. You didn't hit anything vital."

"I was not aiming to kill." The CIA would probably be very annoyed with me if I started killing people.

"That's not what it looked like from where I was standing. You had the face of a shark that smelled blood. Still do, actually, is that just your natural look?"

"I believe this began as an apology."

She waved me away, "Right, fine, apology received. You can go now." Less than a few seconds later, a thought seems to hit her, "Actually...now that I think about it, maybe you [i]should[/i] stick around."
*page_break Next
She stands up sharply from her table and looks carefully at me, "I don't think I've ever met someone with your...temperament. How would you feel about a job?"

Something clicks in my brain and some subconscious part of me starts carefully listening for orders. The rest of me is still conscious enough to think, but I suppose the habit of blindly accepting whatever command is sent to my general direction is a bit hard to break, "You wish to employ my skills?"

"In a sense. You're new, so I suppose I can explain a few things. My father, Gerald Stein, just happens to be this state's congressman, and aside from my duties as student council president, I take it upon myself to do some business on the side to help support his position. Lately though, this has been getting a bit dicey, and I've been thinking that a bodyguard may be in order. Do you see what I'm asking now?"

"You want me to protect you."

"That's right. In exchange, I can open a few doors for you. You will be paid, of course, but more than that. Time out of classes, a whisper in the teacher's ear, a get out of jail free card which something tells me you will probably need in the near future, and in the long term, a recommendation from the mayor will probably make finding an occupation or university a lot less troublesome. In exchange, all you have to do is stay by my side between classes and help me out with some of the side projects I get involved in. Does this appeal to you?"

Something tells me that most of the stuff she just listed are things Daniel and the CIA could already have provided. Still, if I ever want a life away from them, it would probably be a good idea to get a contact away from those circles.
*choice
	#Yes
		*set hiredlucy true
		*set lucy_stein +30
		*set lucyrelationship "Professional"
		"Excellent. Now I do not believe we have been formally introduced," she extends her hand out to me, "You can call me Miss. Stein. Everyone calls me that."

		I look at the hand placed in front of me, "...${fullname}."

		Miss. Stein doesn't seem too bothered, "Right. How long do you think it will take you to eat?"

		"Three minutes. Maximum."

		"Hurry quickly then. We have business to take care of right away and I want to get to it in a timely fashion. Don't worry about missing class, I can make sure the principal doesn't get on your back."
		*page_break Sixth hour (with Lucy)
		*goto_scene 1-10Lucy-1
	#No
		*set lucyrelationship "Rejected"
		*set rejectlucy true
		*set dismiss +1
		*set lucy_stein 10
		Her smile drops, "Then I suppose we have nothing more to discuss. I won't force you to stand by my side, though I do encourage that you refrain from standing in my way."

		She moves on her way without another glance in my direction. Something in her demeanor and her thinly veiled threat tells me she's not very used to having her deals rejected. This was probably a rather dire blow to her ego, though she only has herself to blame for that.

		Nonetheless, it appears that any hope of us being allies has been thoroughly obliterated.
		*page_break Next
		*if (dismiss =1)
			*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1dismissed
		*else
			*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1end
	#I must think about it
		Her smile drops, "No, that's not how it works. I'm making you an offer right now, and expect an answer right now. Yes, or no?"

		*choice
			#Yes
				*set hiredlucy true
				*set lucyrelationship "Professional"
				"Excellent. Now I do not believe we have been formally introduced," she extends her hand out to me, "You can call me Miss. Stein. Everyone calls me that."

				I look at the hand placed in front of me, "...${fullname}."

				Miss. Stein doesn't seem too bothered, "Right. How long do you think it will take you to eat?"

				"Three minutes. Maximum."

				"Hurry quickly then. We have business to take care of right away and I want to get to it in a timely fashion."
				*page_break Sixth hour...
				*goto_scene 1-10Lucy-1
			#No
				*set lucyrelationship "Rejected"
				*set rejectlucy true
				*set dismiss +1
				*set lucy_stein 10
				Her smile drops, "Then I suppose we have nothing more to discuss. I won't force you to stand by my side, though I do encourage that you refrain from standing in my way."

				She moves on her way without another glance in my direction. Something in her demeanor and her thinly veiled threat tells me she's not very used to having her deals rejected. This was probably a rather dire blow to her ego, though she only has herself to blame for that.

				Nonetheless, it appears that any hope of us being allies has been thoroughly obliterated.
				*page_break Next
				*if (dismiss =1)
					*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1dismissed
				*else
					*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1end

*label 1cease
*set lucy_stein +5
"We should not fight."

"I didn't start anything."

"Our disagreement is a misunderstanding."

"Oh? So I didn't see you creeping around the girls' room. My mistake, it must have been someone else." I can never be certain but I am relatively sure she is being sarcastic.

"There was a valid reason behind my actions. I would like for you to allow me to explain."

Lucy looked between me and her wristwatch, visibly irritated, "...You have fifteen words or less."

I see. She either wants my response under pressure, or she doesn't see my explanation as worth her time and is giving me such a meager margin as a whim. Well I've done more with less.
*fake_choice
	#Tell her the whole story
		*set lucy_stein +20
		*set nolucy true
		*set dismiss +1
		*set lucyrelationship "Classmates"
		I have to talk fast so some things might have sounded a bit odd, but I get the important details across. I tell her about the unusual feeling of being watched I had felt in art class, about the girl who had fled from the room announcing that she was going to the bathroom, and my pursuit of her in order to learn why she had been watching me only for her to give me the slip.

		"And so you went where you thought she would be. The women's restroom."

		"That is correct. I was not aware there would be anyone else there."

		"Well, I suppose it's not the worst reason I've heard of a boy sneaking around in the girl's bathroom," she said, closing her lunchbox with a tone of finality, "Very well, consider yourself forgiven."

		"I am pleased to hear that, Lucy."

		"Miss Stein," She corrects me, "Everyone calls me that. Now, if you will excuse me, I need to go."

		She doesn't seem to be intentionally rude about it, but I can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia as she stands up and marches off with the focus of a veteran officer, dismissing me utterly with the gesture.

		Having been completely set aside, I'm left with nothing but my food.
		*page_break Next
		*if (dismiss =1)
			*set report_lucydismiss true
			*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1dismissed
		*else
			*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1end
	#Make something up
		*set nolucy true
		*set dismiss +1
		I have fifteen seconds to come up with something, so I spend the first few trying to think of something reasonable that she could believe.

		"I was lost."

		"...I believe this conversation is over." She doesn't spare me another glance as she stands, leaving her food behind her and marching off with the focus on a veteran officer, dismissing me as one would a subordinate. 

		Right, I forgot. I'm bad at lying.

		Having been completely and utterly dismissed, I'm left alone with nothing but my food. I suppose it could be worse, she could have taken that with her.
		*page_break Next
		*if (dismiss =1)
			*set report_lucydismiss true
			*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1dismissed
		*else
			*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1end
			
*label 1learn
She raises a single bemused eyebrow at me, "Is this supposed to be charming or something? 
*if (angerlucy =true)
	I watched you almost kill a kid."

	"Nobody was going to die."
*if (met_lucy_bathroom =true)
	The first time I saw you, you were hunting in the women's room."

	"To be fair, you weren't the person I was expecting to find there."

"In either case, why would I want to tell you anything about myself? For all I know, you're just sizing me up for a hit or something."

"Is that a no?"

"Obviously! What were you expecting me to say? 'Well, you may probably be tragically and incurably insane, but sure, I'll tell my life story since you're asking.'"

I am able to recognize sarcasm, "Is there anything you would be willing to speak about instead?"

*if (angerlucy =false)
	"Not really, no," She lets the silence hang between us for a few seconds, "That means go away in English."

	*fake_choice
		#I respect her wishes
			Basic manners are an important part of blending into civilized society, as Daniel would say. I respectfully dismiss myself from the table. A few moments later she leaves the lunchroom anyway.
			*if (dismiss =1)
				*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1dismissed
			*if (dismiss =2)
				*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1end
		#I do not wish to leave
			"Fine then. In that case, I'll go." She stands sharply and leaves at a steady pace, leaving me alone at the lunch table we shared for all of five minutes.

			There's not a much more clear dismissal.
			*if (dismiss =1)
				*set report_lucydismiss true
				*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1dismissed
			*else
				*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1end
"Now that you mention it, yes," she snaps her lunchbox shut and places her hands in her lap, "I would like to offer you a job."
*page_break Next
"I thought you dislike me?"

"I do, but this is business. Father always said, an important part of business is willing to work with people you despise. So, how do you feel about doing a job for me?"

Something clicks in my brain and some subconscious part of me starts carefully listening for orders. The rest of me is still conscious enough to think, but I suppose the habit of blindly accepting whatever command is sent to my general direction is a bit hard to break, "You wish to employ my skills?"

"In a sense. You're new, so I suppose I can explain a few things. My father, Gerald Stein, just happens to be this state's congressman, and aside from my duties as student council president, I take it upon myself to do some business on the side to help support his position. Lately though, this has been getting a bit dicey, and I've been thinking that a bodyguard may be in order. Do you see what I'm asking now?"

"You want me to protect you."

"That's right. In exchange, I can open a few doors for you. You will be paid, of course, but more than that. Time out of classes, a whisper in the teacher's ear, a get out of jail free card which something tells me you will probably need in the near future, and in the long term, a recommendation from the mayor will probably make finding an occupation or university a lot less troublesome. In exchange, all you have to do is stay by my side between classes and help me out with some of the side projects I get involved in. Does this appeal to you?"

Something tells me that most of the stuff she just listed are things Daniel and the CIA could already have provided. Still, if I ever want a life away from them, it would probably be a good idea to get a contact away from those circles.
*choice
	#Yes
		*set hiredlucy true
		*set lucy_stein +30
		*set lucyrelationship "Professional"
		"Excellent. Now I do not believe we have been formally introduced," she extends her hand out to me, "You can call me Miss. Stein. Everyone calls me that."

		I look at the hand placed in front of me, "...${fullname}."

		Miss. Stein doesn't seem too bothered, "Right. How long do you think it will take you to eat?"

		"Three minutes. Maximum."

		"Hurry quickly then. We have business to take care of right away and I want to get to it in a timely fashion. Don't worry about missing class, I can make sure the principal doesn't get on your back."
		*page_break Sixth hour (with Lucy)
		*goto_scene 1-10Lucy-1
	#No
		*set lucyrelationship "Rejected"
		*set rejectlucy true
		*set dismiss +1
		*set lucy_stein 10
		Her smile drops, "Then I suppose we have nothing more to discuss. I won't force you to stand by my side, though I do encourage that you refrain from standing in my way."

		She moves on her way without another glance in my direction. Something in her demeanor and her thinly veiled threat tells me she's not very used to having her deals rejected. This was probably a rather dire blow to her ego, though she only has herself to blame for that.

		Nonetheless, it appears that any hope of us being allies has been thoroughly obliterated.
		*page_break Next
		*if (dismiss =1)
			*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1dismissed
		*else
			*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1end
	#I must think about it
		Her smile drops, "No, that's not how it works. I'm making you an offer right now, and expect an answer right now. Yes, or no?"

		*choice
			#Yes
				*set lucyrelationship "Professional"
				*set hiredlucy true
				"Excellent. Now I do not believe we have been formally introduced," she extends her hand out to me, "You can call me Miss. Stein. Everyone calls me that."

				I look at the hand placed in front of me, "...${fullname}."

				Miss. Stein doesn't seem too bothered, "Right. How long do you think it will take you to eat?"

				"Three minutes. Maximum."

				"Hurry quickly then. We have business to take care of right away and I want to get to it in a timely fashion."
				*page_break Sixth hour...
				*goto_scene 1-10Lucy-1
			#No
				*set lucyrelationship "Rejected"
				*set rejectlucy true
				*set dismiss +1
				*set lucy_stein 10
				Her smile drops, "Then I suppose we have nothing more to discuss. I won't force you to stand by my side, though I do encourage that you refrain from standing in my way."

				She moves on her way without another glance in my direction. Something in her demeanor and her thinly veiled threat tells me she's not very used to having her deals rejected. This was probably a rather dire blow to her ego, though she only has herself to blame for that.

				Nonetheless, it appears that any hope of us being allies has been thoroughly obliterated.
				*page_break Next
				*if (dismiss =1)
					*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1dismissed
				*else
					*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1end
					
*label 1nothing
"That's it? That's your whole reasoning?"

Not sure what has her so stumped. Men have died for less logical reasons. "Yes."

"I just don't understand you," She said with a shake of her head, "Well, since you're here, do you mind
*if (met_lucy_bathroom =true)
	explaining what you were doing in the women's room when I first saw you?

	I see, so she's still hostile over that.
	*fake_choice
		#Tell her the whole story
			*set lucy_stein +20
			*set nolucy true
			*set dismiss +1
			*set lucyrelationship "Classmates"
			I have to talk fast so some things might have sounded a bit odd, but I get the important details across. I tell her about the unusual feeling of being watched I had felt in art class, about the girl who had fled from the room announcing that she was going to the bathroom, and my pursuit of her in order to learn why she had been watching me only for her to give me the slip.

			"And so you went where you thought she would be. The women's restroom."

			"That is correct. I was not aware there would be anyone else there."

			"Well, I suppose it's not the worst reason I've heard of a boy sneaking around," she said, closing her lunchbox with a tone of finality, "Very well, consider yourself forgiven."

			"I am pleased to hear that, Lucy."

			"Miss Stein," She corrects me, "Everyone calls me that. Now, if you will excuse me, I need to go."

			She doesn't seem to be intentionally rude about it, but I can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia as she stands up and marches off with the focus of a veteran officer, dismissing me utterly with the gesture.

			Having been completely set aside, I'm left with nothing but my food.
			*page_break Next
			*if (dismiss =1)
				*set report_lucydismiss true
				*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1dismissed
			*else
				*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1end
		#Make something up
			*set nolucy true
			*set dismiss +1
			I have fifteen seconds to come up with something, so I spend the first few trying to think of something reasonable that she could believe.

			"I was lost."

			"...I believe this conversation is over." She doesn't spare me another glance as she stands, leaving her food behind her and marching off with the focus on a veteran officer, dismissing me as one would a subordinate. 

			Right, I forgot. I'm bad at lying.

			Having been completely and utterly dismissed, I'm left alone with nothing but my food. I suppose it could be worse, she could have taken that with her.
			*page_break Next
			*if (dismiss =1)
				*set report_lucydismiss true
				*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1dismissed
			*else
				*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1end
*if (stabstudent =true)
	why you thought stabbing a boy was a perfectly reasonable response to a sad attempt at bullying?"

	"I made sure he would not die. I took care to avoid vital regions."

	"Awfully considerate, though it doesn't help your case in trying to avoid looking completely deranged. From the look on your face, I would have assumed you were a shark who smelled blood. Actually, you still kind of look like that; is that just your default face?"

	"More or less."

	"Again, not helping your case."
*if (stabstudent =false)
	telling me what was with that scene in language arts?"

	"I thought we already discussed that."

	"I'm not talking about your sadism," she said while shaking her head, "I'm talking about those moves of yours. Where did you learn to fight like that?"
	
	*if (travel =true)
		"My family tended to move around. I picked it up over time."

		"That is a complete lie," she said instantly, "I guess I won't pry. If you didn't tell me the truth the first time, I doubt you'll change your mind by me asking again."
	*if (terrorist =true)
		"I'm a former soldier."

		"You know, I almost believe that, if it weren't for the fact that it's absolutely insane. I guess I won't pry. If you didn't tell me the truth the first time, I doubt you'll change your mind by me asking again."
	*if (york =true)
		"That is a complete lie," she said instantly, "I guess I won't pry. If you didn't tell me the truth the first time, I doubt you'll change your mind by me asking again."
	*if (no =true)
		"I refuse to answer that."

		"At least you didn't lie to me. I guess I won't pry. If you didn't tell me the truth the first time, I doubt you'll change your mind by me asking again."
*page_break Next
"Did you have anything else to ask?" I ask as a means to keep conversation moving in a forward direction.

"Actually, yes, now that you mention it," She stands up sharply from her table and looks carefully at me, "I don't think I've ever met someone with your...temperament. How would you feel about a job?"

Something clicks in my brain and some subconscious part of me starts carefully listening for orders. The rest of me is still conscious enough to think, but I suppose the habit of blindly accepting whatever command is sent to my general direction is a bit hard to break, "You wish to employ my skills?"

"In a sense. You're new, so I suppose I can explain a few things. My father, Gerald Stein, just happens to be this state's congressman, and aside from my duties as student council president, I take it upon myself to do some business on the side to help support his position. Lately though, this has been getting a bit dicey, and I've been thinking that a bodyguard may be in order. Do you see what I'm asking now?"

"You want me to protect you."

"That's right. In exchange, I can open a few doors for you. You will be paid, of course, but more than that. Time out of classes, a whisper in the teacher's ear, a get out of jail free card which something tells me you will probably need in the near future, and in the long term, a recommendation from a congressman will probably make finding an occupation or university a lot less troublesome. All you have to do is stay by my side between classes and help me out with some of the side projects I get involved in. Does this appeal to you?"

Something tells me that most of the stuff she just listed are things Daniel and the CIA could already have provided. Still, if I ever want a life away from them, it would probably be a good idea to get a contact away from those circles.
*choice
	#Yes
		*set lucyrelationship "Professional"
		*set hiredlucy true
		*set lucy_stein +30
		"Excellent. Now I do not believe we have been formally introduced," she extends her hand out to me, "You can call me Miss. Stein. Everyone calls me that."

		I look at the hand placed in front of me, "...${fullname}."

		Miss Stein doesn't seem too bothered, "Right. How long do you think it will take you to eat?"

		"Three minutes. Maximum."

		"Hurry quickly then. We have business to take care of right away and I want to get to it in a timely fashion. Don't worry about missing class, I can make sure the principal doesn't get on your back."
		*page_break Sixth hour (with Lucy)
		*goto_scene 1-10Lucy-1
	#No
		*set lucyrelationship "Rejected"
		*set rejectlucy true
		*set dismiss +1
		*set lucy_stein 10
		Her smile drops, "Then I suppose we have nothing more to discuss. I won't force you to stand by my side, though I do encourage that you refrain from standing in my way."

		She moves on her way without another glance in my direction. Something in her demeanor and her thinly veiled threat tells me she's not very used to having her deals rejected. This was probably a rather dire blow to her ego, though she only has herself to blame for that.

		Nonetheless, it appears that any hope of us being allies has been thoroughly obliterated.
		*page_break Next
		*if (dismiss =1)
			*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1dismissed
		*else
			*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1end
	#I must think about it
		Her smile drops, "No, that's not how it works. I'm making you an offer right now, and expect an answer right now. Yes, or no?"

		*choice
			#Yes
				*set lucyrelationship "Professional"
				*set hiredlucy true
				"Excellent. Now I do not believe we have been formally introduced," she extends her hand out to me, "You can call me Miss. Stein. Everyone calls me that."

				I look at the hand placed in front of me, "...${fullname}."

				Miss. Stein doesn't seem too bothered, "Right. How long do you think it will take you to eat?"

				"Three minutes. Maximum."

				"Hurry quickly then. We have business to take care of right away and I want to get to it in a timely fashion."
				*page_break Sixth hour...
				*goto_scene 1-10Lucy-1
			#No
				*set lucyrelationship "Rejected"
				*set rejectlucy true
				*set dismiss +1
				*set lucy_stein 10
				Her smile drops, "Then I suppose we have nothing more to discuss. I won't force you to stand by my side, though I do encourage that you refrain from standing in my way."

				She moves on her way without another glance in my direction. Something in her demeanor and her thinly veiled threat tells me she's not very used to having her deals rejected. This was probably a rather dire blow to her ego, though she only has herself to blame for that.

				Nonetheless, it appears that any hope of us being allies has been thoroughly obliterated.
				*page_break Next
				*if (dismiss =1)
					*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1dismissed
				*else
					*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1end
					
*label friendimpressive
*set dismiss +1
*set nolucy true
*set lucyrelationship "Fond"
"Thanks, but it wasn't really all that much effort," she said nonchalantly, "You see,
*if (female =true)
	high school boys
*if (male =true)
	high school bullies
are like dogs. They'll growl, but just flick them on the nose and they'll get grumpy but otherwise not bother retaliating. It's much harder with adults."

Spoken like one with experience.
*if (asklucy =true)
	I suppose that's natural, as she did mention having owned a few businesses she would have to know a few things about manipulation and intimidation.
*if (asklucy =false)
	I suppose it could be part of her mysterious side dealings that she prefers not to talk about.

"Are such things normally the duties of student council president?"

"They are when I'm the president. The principal means well, and credit where credit is due, he does know how to work the back rooms, but he doesn't know anything about the day-to-day runnings of a student body. Naturally someone had to pick up the slack. Though I can't help but think he might be in over his head."

"What makes you say that?"

She seems to realize that she's been talking to someone, "Oh, I'm sorry, I probably shouldn't be talking about business with you, we barely know each other. I hope you don't mind if I leave, I have some things I need to take care of and I meant to be finished hear two minutes ago." She smiles at me, "You know, you don't really talk a whole lot. I hope we can meet again later."

She leaves the table immediately after, in a rush to make up for lost time. I suppose it's nice to have made a friend, but I can't help but worry about what 'other business' she might have been talking about. Nothing I can do about it at the moment, though.

*if (dismiss =1)
	*set report_lucydismiss true
	*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1dismissed
*else
	*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1end
	
*label friendlearn
*if (asklucy =true)
	"Didn't I already tell you plenty?"

	"I would like to learn more."

	"Why, exactly?"
*if (noasklucy =true)
	"What happened to having your own stuff going on?"

	"I changed my mind."

	"Why?"
*if ((asklucy =false) and (noasklucy =false))
	"Why are you so interested in me?"
*fake_choice
	#I find you interesting
		*if (female =true)
			*set lucy_stein +5
		She raised an eyebrow at me, "I'm not sure you appreciate the many ways that can be taken. Though I am flattered, either way, I'm not really in the market at the moment."

		"Does that mean you will not answer questions?"

		"Don't take this the wrong way, but I don't really feel comfortable being questioned about my life by someone I just met today. I'd be happy to learn more about you though."

	#I am just curious
		She had a short laugh about that, "My, you are an odd one. I'd be careful about that curiosity of yours, it might get you in trouble. As for me, I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but I'm not exactly comfortable about being questioned about my life by someone I just met today. I'd be happy to learn more about you though."

	#Actually, now that you mention it, I'm not curious
		"Okay?" She raised an eyebrow at me, "Well, you're an odd one. You have the face of a shark yet it feels like you're not really focusing on anything. Since you're suddenly not curious, do you mind if I ask you a few questions?"

"Like what?"

*if (protectlucy =true)
	"For starters, where did you learn all that?"

	"All what?"

	"All that fighting you did in language arts?"

	*if (travel =true)
		"My family tended to move around. I picked it up over time."

		"That is a complete lie," she said instantly, "I guess I won't pry. You did help me out, even if it wasn't necessary, so I'll respect your privacy."

	*if (terrorist =true)
		"I'm a former soldier."

		"You know, I almost believe that, if it weren't for the fact that it's absolutely insane. I guess I won't pry. You did help me out, even if it wasn't necessary, so I'll respect your privacy."

	*if (york =true)
		"I grew up in New York. Rough streets."
		
		"That is a complete lie," she said instantly, "I guess I won't pry. You did help me out, even if it wasn't necessary, so I'll respect your privacy."

	*if (no =true)
		"I refuse to answer that."

		"At least you didn't lie to me. I guess I won't pry. You did help me out, even if it wasn't necessary, so I'll respect your privacy."

	"You have my gratitude."

	"So something is bothering me about you," she said with a stroke of her chin, "I don't recognize you. And I know [i]everyone.[/i] What do your parents do?"

	*fake_choice
		#My mother is dead, my adopted father works for the CIA
			*set firearms -1
			*set stealth -1
			"Really? I'm sorry to hear that, what did your mother die of?"

			"Blood loss from a bullet to the lower torso."

			"Oh...I'm sorry to hear that."
		#My father is an accountant
			"Lie."

			"How can you tell?"

			"I'm not sure if you're aware of this or not, but you're bad at lying. But that's alright, let's just pretend that I believed it."
		#I don't know
			She raised a single disbelieving eyebrow at me, "Were you hit on the head or something?"

			*if (hurt =true)
				"Earlier today. That may have relevance."

			*if (hurt =false)
				"Yes, but not recently."

			"Right, okay then, I guess I'll pretend I believe you and you suddenly forgot who your parents were."
		#I can't tell you
			"They aren't involved in the drug trade or something, are they?"

			Come to think of it, I don't really know my father so there is so I guess there is at least a slim possibility of him being a drug lord. And I don't know what Daniel does for the CIA, he never talks about it, so he's also a suspect. "Possibly."

			"Right, well, I guess I won't ask you anything else about it since you obviously don't feel like talking."
	*page_break Next
	"One more question, just one more. Would you like a job?"

	Something clicks in my brain and some subconscious part of me starts carefully listening for orders. The rest of me is still conscious enough to think, but I suppose the habit of blindly accepting whatever command is sent to my general direction is a bit hard to break, "You wish to employ my skills?"

	"In a sense. You're new, so I suppose I can explain a few things. My father, Gerald Stein, just happens to be this state's congressman, and aside from my duties as student council president, I take it upon myself to do some business on the side to help support his position. Lately though, this has been getting a bit dicey, and I've been thinking that a bodyguard may be in order. Do you see what I'm asking now?"

	"You want me to protect you."

	"That's right. In exchange, I can open a few doors for you. You will be paid, of course, but more than that. Time out of classes, a whisper in the teacher's ear, a get out of jail free card which something tells me you will probably need in the near future, and in the long term, a recommendation from a congressman will probably make finding an occupation or university a lot less troublesome. All you have to do is stay by my side between classes and help me out with some of the side projects I get involved in. Does this appeal to you?"

	Something tells me that most of the stuff she just listed are things Daniel and the CIA could already have provided. Still, if I ever want a life away from them, it would probably be a good idea to get a contact away from those circles.
	*choice
		#Yes
			*set lucyrelationship "Professional"
			*set hiredlucy true
			*set lucy_stein +20
			"Very well."

			She smiles, "Excellent. I warn you, I work my employees hard, but unlike other employers I'll never betray you and will reward loyalty well. I hope we can make this work for a very long time."

			"What do you want me to do first?"

			"First, I need you to come with me. There's something I need to do and having you along will make it easier. Don't worry about missing class, I'll excuse you to the principal."
			*page_break Sixth hour (with Lucy)
			*goto_scene 1-10Lucy-1
		#No
			*set lucyrelationship "Rejected"
			*set rejectlucy true
			*set dismiss +1
			*set nolucy true
			"I cannot."

			She seems surprised, and something tells me she's not very used to her offers being rejected, "Very well, I suppose I cannot force you. I would appreciate if you refrain from interfering with my business in the future. Have a nice day."
			
			Miss. Stein snaps her lunchbox shut and walks off with an urgency to her step. Evidently, business is calling her very loudly, and I'm left alone with my own lunch and table.
			*if (dismiss =1)
				*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1dismissed
			*else
				*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1end
		#I'll think about it
			"I'm afraid that's not really an option," she says matter-of-factly, "You see, I need your services [i]right now[/i] and can't afford to put it off, so I need to know right away if I can count on you. Can I count on you?"
			*choice
				#Yes
					*set lucyrelationship "Professional"
					*set hiredlucy true
					*set lucy_stein +20
					"Very well."

					She smiles, "Excellent. I warn you, I work my employees hard, but unlike other employers I'll never betray you and will reward loyalty well. I hope we can make this work for a very long time."

					"What do you want me to do first?"

					"First, I need you to come with me. That business I mentioned won't wait around for us, and there is only so much time in the hour. Don't worry about missing class, I'll excuse you to the principal."
					*page_break Sixth hour (with Lucy)
					*goto_scene 1-10Lucy-1
				#No
					*set lucyrelationship "Rejected"
					*set rejectlucy true
					*set dismiss +1
					*set nolucy true
					"I cannot."

					She seems surprised, and something tells me she's not very used to her offers being rejected, "Very well, I suppose I cannot force you. I would appreciate if you refrain from interfering with my business in the future. Have a nice day."
					
					Miss. Stein snaps her lunchbox shut and walks off with an urgency to her step. Evidently, business is calling her very loudly, and I'm left alone with my own lunch and table.
					*if (dismiss =1)
						*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1dismissed
					*else
						*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1end
*if (protectlucy =false)
	*set dismiss +1
	*set nolucy true
	*set lucyrelationship "Fond"
	"Something is bothering me about you," she said with a stroke of her chin, "I don't recognize you. And I know [i]everyone.[/i] What do your parents do?"

	*fake_choice
		#My mother is dead, my adopted father works for the CIA
			*set stealth -1
			*set firearms -1
			"Really? I'm sorry to hear that, what did your mother die of?"

			"Bullet to the lower torso."

			"Oh...I'm sorry to hear that."
		#My father is an accountant
			"Lie."

			"How can you tell?"

			"I'm not sure if you're aware of this or not, but you're bad at lying. But that's alright, let's just pretend that I believed it."
		#I don't know
			She raised a single disbelieving eyebrow at me, "Were you hit on the head or something?"

			*if (hurt =true)
				"Earlier today. That may have relevance."

			*if (hurt =false)
				"Yes, but not recently."

			"Right, okay then, I guess I'll pretend I believe you and you suddenly forgot who your parents were."
		#I can't tell you
			"They aren't involved in the drug trade or something, are they?"

			Come to think of it, I don't really know my father so there is so I guesss there is at least a slim possibility of him being a drug lord. And I don't know what Daniel does for the CIA, he never talks about it, so he's also a suspect. "Possibly."

			"Right, well, I guess I won't ask you anything else about it since you obviously don't feel like talking."

	"Did that satisfy your curiosity?"

	"For now. I hope you don't think I'm rude, but there's something I need to get to," she says while snapping her lunchbox shut, "I do hope we meet again though."

	Miss. Stein snaps her lunchbox shut and walks off with an urgency to her step. Evidently, business is calling her very loudly, and I'm left alone with my own lunch and table.
	*if (dismiss =1)
		*set report_lucydismiss true
		*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1dismissed
	*else
		*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1end
		
*label friendnothing
"That's it? That's your whole reasoning?"

Not sure what has her so stumped. Men have died for less logical reasons. "Yes."

"I just don't understand you," She said with a shake of her head, 
*if (protectlucy =true)
	"Well, since you're here, do you mind if I ask you a few things?"

	"Like what?"

	"Where'd you learn to do all of that?"

	"All what?"

	"All that fighting you did in language arts?"

	*if (travel =true)
		"My family tended to move around. I picked it up over time."

		"That is a complete lie," she said instantly, "I guess I won't pry. You did help me out, even if it wasn't necessary, so I'll respect your privacy."

	*if (terrorist =true)
		"I'm a former soldier."

		"You know, I almost believe that, if it weren't for the fact that it's absolutely insane. I guess I won't pry. You did help me out, even if it wasn't necessary, so I'll respect your privacy."

	*if (york =true)
		"That is a complete lie," she said instantly, "I guess I won't pry. You did help me out, even if it wasn't necessary, so I'll respect your privacy."

	*if (no =true)
		"I refuse to answer that."

		"At least you didn't lie to me. I guess I won't pry. You did help me out, even if it wasn't necessary, so I'll respect your privacy."

	"You have my gratitude."

	"So something is bothering me about you," she said with a stroke of her chin, "I don't recognize you. And I know [i]everyone.[/i] What do your parents do?"

	*fake_choice
		#My mother is dead, my adopted father works for the CIA
			*set firearms -1
			*set stealth -1
			"Really? I'm sorry to hear that, what did your mother die of?"

			"Bullet to the lower torso."

			"Oh...I'm sorry to hear that."
		#My father is an accountant
			"Lie."

			"How can you tell?"

			"I'm not sure if you're aware of this or not, but you're bad at lying. But that's alright, let's just pretend that I believed it."
		#I don't know
			She raised a single disbelieving eyebrow at me, "Were you hit on the head or something?"

			*if (hurt =true)
				"Earlier today. That may have relevance."

			*if (hurt =false)
				"Yes, but not recently."

			"Right, okay then, I guess I'll pretend I believe you and you suddenly forgot who your parents were."
		#I can't tell you
			"They aren't involved in the drug trade or something, are they?"

			Come to think of it, I don't really know my father so he might be a drug lord. And I don't know what Daniel does for the CIA, he never talks about it, so he's also a suspect. "Possibly."

			"Right, well, I guess I won't ask you anything else about it since you obviously don't feel like talking."
	*page_break Next
	"One more question, just one more. Would you like a job?"

	Something clicks in my brain and some subconscious part of me starts carefully listening for orders. The rest of me is still conscious enough to think, but I suppose the habit of blindly accepting whatever command is sent to my general direction is a bit hard to break, "You wish to employ my skills?"

	"In a sense. You're new, so I suppose I can explain a few things. My father, Gerald Stein, just happens to be this state's congressman, and aside from my duties as student council president, I take it upon myself to do some business on the side to help support his position. Lately though, this has been getting a bit dicey, and I've been thinking that a bodyguard may be in order. Do you see what I'm asking now?"

	"You want me to protect you."

	"That's right. In exchange, I can open a few doors for you. You will be paid, of course, but more than that. Time out of classes, a whisper in the teacher's ear, a get out of jail free card which something tells me you will probably need in the near future, and in the long term, a recommendation from a congressman will probably make finding an occupation or university a lot less troublesome. All you have to do is stay by my side between classes and help me out with some of the side projects I get involved in. Does this appeal to you?"

	Something tells me that most of the stuff she just listed are things Daniel and the CIA could already have provided. Still, if I ever want a life away from them, it would probably be a good idea to get a contact away from those circles.
	*choice
		#Yes
			*set lucyrelationship "Professional"
			*set hiredlucy true
			*set lucy_stein +20
			"Very well."

			She smiles, "Excellent. I warn you, I work my employees hard, but unlike other employers I'll never betray you and will reward loyalty well. I hope we can make this work for a very long time."

			"What do you want me to do first?"

			"First, I need you to come with me. There's something I need to do and having you along will make it easier. Don't worry about missing class, I'll excuse you to the principal."
			*page_break Sixth hour (with Lucy)
			*goto_scene 1-10Lucy-1
		#No
			*set lucyrelationship "Rejected"
			*set rejectlucy true
			*set dismiss +1
			*set nolucy true
			"I cannot."

			She seems surprised, and something tells me she's not very used to her offers being rejected, "Very well, I suppose I cannot force you. I would appreciate if you refrain from interfering with my business in the future. Have a nice day."
			
			Miss. Stein snaps her lunchbox shut and walks off with an urgency to her step. Evidently, business is calling her very loudly, and I'm left alone with my own lunch and table.
			*if (dismiss =1)
				*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1dismissed
			*else
				*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1end
		#I'll think about it
			"I'm afraid that's not really an option," she says matter-of-factly, "You see, I need your services [i]right now[/i] and can't afford to put it off, so I need to know right away if I can count on you. Can I count on you?"
			*choice
				#Yes
					*set lucyrelationship "Professional"
					*set hiredlucy true
					*set lucy_stein +20
					"Very well."

					She smiles, "Excellent. I warn you, I work my employees hard, but unlike other employers I'll never betray you and will reward loyalty well. I hope we can make this work for a very long time."

					"What do you want me to do first?"

					"First, I need you to come with me. That business I mentioned won't wait around for us, and there is only so much time in the hour. Don't worry about missing class, I'll excuse you to the principal."
					*page_break Sixth hour (with Lucy)
					*goto_scene 1-10Lucy-1
				#No
					*set lucyrelationship "Rejected"
					*set rejectlucy true
					*set dismiss +1
					*set nolucy true
					"I cannot."

					She seems surprised, and something tells me she's not very used to her offers being rejected, "Very well, I suppose I cannot force you. I would appreciate if you refrain from interfering with my business in the future. Have a nice day."
					
					Miss. Stein snaps her lunchbox shut and walks off with an urgency to her step. Evidently, business is calling her very loudly, and I'm left alone with my own lunch and table.
					*if (dismiss =1)
						*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1dismissed
					*else
						*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1end
*if (protectlucy =false)
	*set dismiss +1
	*set nolucy true
	*set lucyrelationship "Fond"
	
	"Well, since you're here, would you mind explaining something to me?"

	"What?"

	"Something is bothering me about you," she said with a stroke of her chin, "I don't recognize you. And I know [i]everyone.[/i] What do your parents do?"

	*fake_choice
		#My mother is dead, my adopted father works for the CIA
			*set firearms -1
			*set stealth -1
			"Really? I'm sorry to hear that, what did your mother die of?"

			"Bullet to the lower torso."

			"Oh...I'm sorry to hear that."
		#My father is an accountant
			"Lie."

			"How can you tell?"

			"I'm not sure if you're aware of this or not, but you're bad at lying. But that's alright, let's just pretend that I believed it."
		#I don't know
			She raised a single disbelieving eyebrow at me, "Were you hit on the head or something?"

			*if (hurt =true)
				"Earlier today. That may have relevance."

			*if (hurt =false)
				"Yes, but not recently."

			"Right, okay then, I guess I'll pretend I believe you and you suddenly forgot who your parents were."
		#I can't tell you
			"They aren't involved in the drug trade or something, are they?"

			Come to think of it, I don't really know my father so he might be a drug lord. And I don't know what Daniel does for the CIA, he never talks about it, so he's also a suspect. "Possibly."

			"Right, well, I guess I won't ask you anything else about it since you obviously don't feel like talking."

	"Did that satisfy your curiosity?"

	"For now. I hope you don't think I'm rude, but there's something I need to get to," she says while snapping her lunchbox shut, "I do hope we meet again though."

	Miss. Stein snaps her lunchbox shut and walks off with an urgency to her step. Evidently, business is calling her very loudly, and I'm left alone with my own lunch and table.
	*if (dismiss =1)
		*set report_lucydismiss true
		*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1dismissed
	*else
		*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1end
		
*label friendsafe
She smiles indulgently, "That's sweet, but I think I'll be okay. Really, I could have handled the whole thing myself if you hadn't been around, I've been doing it for years," a thought seems to hit her, 
*if (protectlucy =true)
	"Although, I am curious, where'd you learn to do all of that?"

	*if (travel =true)
		"My family tended to move around. I picked it up over time."

		"That is a complete lie," she said instantly, "I guess I won't pry. You did help me out, even if it wasn't necessary, so I'll respect your privacy."

	*if (terrorist =true)
		"I'm a former soldier."

		"You know, I almost believe that, if it weren't for the fact that it's absolutely insane. I guess I won't pry. You did help me out, even if it wasn't necessary, so I'll respect your privacy."

	*if (york =true)
		"I grew up in New York. Rough streets."

		"That is a complete lie," she said instantly, "I guess I won't pry. You did help me out, even if it wasn't necessary, so I'll respect your privacy."

	*if (no =true)
		"I refuse to answer that."

		"At least you didn't lie to me. I guess I won't pry. You did help me out, even if it wasn't necessary, so I'll respect your privacy."

	"You have my gratitude."

	"So something is bothering me about you," she said with a stroke of her chin, "I don't recognize you. And I know [i]everyone.[/i] What do your parents do?"

	*fake_choice
		#My mother is dead, my adopted father works for the CIA
			*set stealth -1
			*set firearms -1
			"Really? I'm sorry to hear that, what did your mother die of?"

			"Bullet to the lower torso."

			"Oh...I'm sorry to hear that."
		#My father is an accountant
			"Lie."

			"How can you tell?"

			"I'm not sure if you're aware of this or not, but you're bad at lying. But that's alright, let's just pretend that I believed it."
		#I don't know
			She raised a single disbelieving eyebrow at me, "Were you hit on the head or something?"

			*if (hurt =true)
				"Earlier today. That may have relevance."

			*if (hurt =false)
				"Yes, but not recently."

			"Right, okay then, I guess I'll pretend I believe you and you suddenly forgot who your parents were."
		#I can't tell you
			"They aren't involved in the drug trade or something, are they?"

			Come to think of it, I don't really know my father so he might be a drug lord. And I don't know what Daniel does for the CIA, he never talks about it, so he's also a suspect. "Possibly."

			"Right, well, I guess I won't ask you anything else about it since you obviously don't feel like talking."
	*page_break Next
	"One more question, just one more. Would you like a job?"

	Something clicks in my brain and some subconscious part of me starts carefully listening for orders. The rest of me is still conscious enough to think, but I suppose the habit of blindly accepting whatever command is sent to my general direction is a bit hard to break, "You wish to employ my skills?"

	"In a sense. You're new, so I suppose I can explain a few things. My father, Gerald Stein, just happens to be this state's congressman, and aside from my duties as student council president, I take it upon myself to do some business on the side to help support his position. Lately though, this has been getting a bit dicey, and I've been thinking that a bodyguard may be in order. Do you see what I'm asking now?"

	"You want me to protect you."

	"That's right. In exchange, I can open a few doors for you. You will be paid, of course, but more than that. Time out of classes, a whisper in the teacher's ear, a get out of jail free card which something tells me you will probably need in the near future, and in the long term, a recommendation from a congressman will probably make finding an occupation or university a lot less troublesome. All you have to do is stay by my side between classes and help me out with some of the side projects I get involved in. Does this appeal to you?"

	Something tells me that most of the stuff she just listed are things Daniel and the CIA could already have provided. Still, if I ever want a life away from them, it would probably be a good idea to get a contact away from those circles.
	*choice
		#Yes
			*set lucyrelationship "Professional"
			*set hiredlucy true
			*set lucy_stein +20
			"Very well."

			She smiles, "Excellent. I warn you, I work my employees hard, but unlike other employers I'll never betray you and will reward loyalty well. I hope we can make this work for a very long time."

			"What do you want me to do first?"

			"First, I need you to come with me. There's something I need to do and having you along will make it easier. Don't worry about missing class, I'll excuse you to the principal."
			*page_break Sixth hour (with Lucy)
			*goto_scene 1-10Lucy-1
		#No
			*set lucyrelationship "Rejected"
			*set rejectlucy true
			*set dismiss +1
			*set nolucy true
			"I cannot."

			She seems surprised, and something tells me she's not very used to her offers being rejected, "Very well, I suppose I cannot force you. I would appreciate if you refrain from interfering with my business in the future. Have a nice day."
			
			Miss. Stein snaps her lunchbox shut and walks off with an urgency to her step. Evidently, business is calling her very loudly, and I'm left alone with my own lunch and table.
			*if (dismiss =1)
				*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1dismissed
			*else
				*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1end
		#I'll think about it
			"I'm afraid that's not really an option," she says matter-of-factly, "You see, I need your services [i]right now[/i] and can't afford to put it off, so I need to know right away if I can count on you. Can I count on you?"
			*choice
				#Yes
					*set lucyrelationship "Professional"
					*set hiredlucy true
					*set lucy_stein +20
					"Very well."

					She smiles, "Excellent. I warn you, I work my employees hard, but unlike other employers I'll never betray you and will reward loyalty well. I hope we can make this work for a very long time."

					"What do you want me to do first?"

					"First, I need you to come with me. That business I mentioned won't wait around for us, and there is only so much time in the hour. Don't worry about missing class, I'll excuse you to the principal."
					*page_break Sixth hour (with Lucy)
					*goto_scene 1-10Lucy-1
				#No
					*set lucyrelationship "Rejected"
					*set rejectlucy true
					*set dismiss +1
					*set nolucy true
					"I cannot."

					She seems surprised, and something tells me she's not very used to her offers being rejected, "Very well, I suppose I cannot force you. I would appreciate if you refrain from interfering with my business in the future. Have a nice day."
					
					Miss. Stein snaps her lunchbox shut and walks off with an urgency to her step. Evidently, business is calling her very loudly, and I'm left alone with my own lunch and table.
					*if (dismiss =1)
						*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1dismissed
					*else
						*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1end
*if (negotiatelucy =true)
	"So to be clear, you actually meant that bit you said to those guys earlier. You really would have killed them."

	"How can you tell?"

	"I have a pretty good truth detector. Makes me wonder about you. I can either make one of two deductions from that incident: either you only think you were telling the truth and don't fully appreciate death, or you understood the full implications of what you were saying and were still being honest. And given that you have the look and personality of a shark that smells blood, I think I have an idea of which one we're talking about. So I guess I'm just curious, where did you have to come from in order to get an ourlook like that?"

	*if (travel =true)
		"My family tended to move around. I picked it up over time."

		"That is a complete lie," she said instantly, "I guess I won't pry. You did help me out, even if it wasn't necessary, so I'll respect your privacy."

	*if (terrorist =true)
		"I'm a former soldier."

		"You know, I almost believe that, if it weren't for the fact that it's absolutely insane. I guess I won't pry. You did help me out, even if it wasn't necessary, so I'll respect your privacy."

	*if (york =true)
		"I grew up in New York. Rough streets."

		"That is a complete lie," she said instantly, "I guess I won't pry. You did help me out, even if it wasn't necessary, so I'll respect your privacy."

	*if (no =true)
		"I refuse to answer that."

		"At least you didn't lie to me. I guess I won't pry. You did help me out, even if it wasn't necessary, so I'll respect your privacy."

	"You have my gratitude."

	"Something else that's bothering me," she said with a stroke of her chin, "I don't recognize you. And I know [i]everyone.[/i] What do your parents do?"

	*fake_choice
		#My mother is dead, my adopted father works for the CIA
			*set firearms -1
			*set stealth -1
			"Really? I'm sorry to hear that, what did your mother die of?"

			"Bullet to the lower torso."

			"Well, I suppose that explains a bit."
		#My father is an accountant
			"Lie."

			"How can you tell?"

			"I'm not sure if you're aware of this or not, but you're bad at lying. But that's alright, let's just pretend that I believed it."
		#I don't know
			She raised a single disbelieving eyebrow at me, "Were you hit on the head or something?"

			*if (hurt =true)
				"Earlier today. That may have relevance."

			*if (hurt =false)
				"Yes, but not recently."

			"Right, okay then, I guess I'll pretend I believe you and you suddenly forgot who your parents were."
		#I can't tell you
			"They aren't involved in the drug trade or something, are they?"

			Come to think of it, I don't really know my father so he might be a drug lord. And I don't know what Daniel does for the CIA, he never talks about it, so he's also a suspect. "Possibly."

			"Right, well, I guess I won't ask you anything else about it since you obviously don't feel like talking."
	*page_break Next
	"One more question, just one more. Would you like a job?"

	Something clicks in my brain and some subconscious part of me starts carefully listening for orders. The rest of me is still conscious enough to think, but I suppose the habit of blindly accepting whatever command is sent to my general direction is a bit hard to break, "You wish to employ my skills?"

	"In a sense. You're new, so I suppose I can explain a few things. My father, Gerald Stein, just happens to be this state's congressman, and aside from my duties as student council president, I take it upon myself to do some business on the side to help support his position. Lately though, this has been getting a bit dicey, and I've been thinking that a bodyguard may be in order. Do you see what I'm asking now?"

	"How do you know I'm able to?"

	"I'm a people person, and I'm willing to bet that you aren't the kind of person who would make threats like that without being able to back it up. So in exchange for your protection, I can open a few doors for you. You will be paid, of course, but more than that. Time out of classes, a whisper in the teacher's ear, a get out of jail free card which something tells me you will probably need in the near future, and in the long term, a recommendation from the mayor will probably make finding an occupation or university a lot less troublesome. All you have to do is stay by my side between classes and help me out with some of the side projects I get involved in. Does this appeal to you?"

	Something tells me that most of the stuff she just listed are things Daniel and the CIA could already have provided. Still, if I ever want a life away from them, it would probably be a good idea to get a contact away from those circles.
	*choice
		#Yes
			*set lucyrelationship "Professional"
			*set hiredlucy true
			*set lucy_stein +20
			"Very well."

			She smiles, "Excellent. I warn you, I work my employees hard, but unlike other employers I'll never betray you and will reward loyalty well. I hope we can make this work for a very long time."

			"What do you want me to do first?"

			"First, I need you to come with me. There's something I need to do and having you along will make it easier. Don't worry about missing class, I'll excuse you to the principal."
			*page_break Sixth hour (with Lucy)
			*goto_scene 1-10Lucy-1
		#No
			*set lucyrelationship "Rejected"
			*set rejectlucy true
			*set dismiss +1
			*set nolucy true
			"I cannot."

			She seems surprised, and something tells me she's not very used to her offers being rejected, "Very well, I suppose I cannot force you. I would appreciate if you refrain from interfering with my business in the future. Have a nice day."
			
			Miss. Stein snaps her lunchbox shut and walks off with an urgency to her step. Evidently, business is calling her very loudly, and I'm left alone with my own lunch and table.
			*if (dismiss =1)
				*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1dismissed
			*else
				*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1end
		#I'll think about it
			"I'm afraid that's not really an option," she says matter-of-factly, "You see, I need your services [i]right now[/i] and can't afford to put it off, so I need to know right away if I can count on you. Can I count on you?"
			*choice
				#Yes
					*set lucyrelationship "Professional"
					*set hiredlucy true
					*set lucy_stein +20
					"Very well."

					She smiles, "Excellent. I warn you, I work my employees hard, but unlike other employers I'll never betray you and will reward loyalty well. I hope we can make this work for a very long time."

					"What do you want me to do first?"

					"First, I need you to come with me. That business I mentioned won't wait around for us, and there is only so much time in the hour. Don't worry about missing class, I'll excuse you to the principal."
					*page_break Sixth hour (with Lucy)
					*goto_scene 1-10Lucy-1
				#No
					*set lucyrelationship "Rejected"
					*set rejectlucy true
					*set dismiss +1
					*set nolucy true
					"I cannot."

					She seems surprised, and something tells me she's not very used to her offers being rejected, "Very well, I suppose I cannot force you. I would appreciate if you refrain from interfering with my business in the future. Have a nice day."
					
					Miss. Stein snaps her lunchbox shut and walks off with an urgency to her step. Evidently, business is calling her very loudly, and I'm left alone with my own lunch and table.
					*if (dismiss =1)
						*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1dismissed
					*else
						*goto_scene 1-9lunch-1end