We arrive about 30 minutes prior to the time when the school is scheduled to open its doors. As per the usual routine. Ordinarily, there would be about a dozen students waiting on benches outside, having been dropped off by their parents or walked. But today there's barely any at all. Though there are significantly more cars pulled up on the curb. Daniel ends up parking on the curb along with the other waiting vehicles. "You can wait in the car if you want." He says, looking back at me through the rear-view mirror. "You don't have work?" "It's less than 30 degrees out there." He explains. "You can wait outside if you want, but it'll be a pretty miserable half hour. The office can wait." *if (vi_friend =true) "Aw." You hear a chirp from the back seat. "You're a good dad." "...Thanks, Vi." *page_break Next "So," Daniel mutters while looking out the window at nothing in particular. "It's been a while since I've asked this, but...how has school been going? Any changes?" *temp talk false *temp hire false *if (hiredlucy =true) *set hire true *temp viwantsromance false *temp changedmymindvi false *temp talkjessy false *temp killvi false *temp frequent false *temp hirelucy false *label conversation *choice *if (tobyhostileforlife =false) *disable_reuse #Spending more time with Toby *set talk true *set combat -1 *set explosives -1 *set tobyrelationship "Friendly" "I have interacted more with Toby Hens since the first day of school," I inform him. Skimming over dozens of small interactions in and out of class with a single sentence. "That so. What's your impression?" "He has introduced me to several acquaintances of his. They seem fond of him. I have yet to meet anybody who is opposed to him. It appears that entering his circle of friends would gain me many allies and few, if any, enemies. Overall, a positive alliance for my benefit." "Okay," Daniel says as if he was expecting something else. It appears my understanding of social queues still requires practice. Or he is just as bad as I am. "But what's your personal assessment of him? Do you have good synergy with him? Any personality clashes, or similarities?" I process his question before answering immediately. "He has no malicious intent. Incapable of conducting violence, except in defense of another. Highly idealistic. We are not alike." *choice #Nonetheless, I enjoy his company *set combat -1 *set explosives -1 *set firearms -1 "Nonetheless, despite our vast differences, I find our interactions to be...enjoyable." "In what way?" It's difficult to put into words. How does one communicate an emotion? I could say it is happiness, but the definition of what happiness feels like differs from person to person. For each person, different parts of the body react in different ways, with different levels of severity, when they are in the state of 'happiness.' It's a word that is marred by inaccuracy. If I tell him 'happy,' then that's not really communicating what I feel. In these circumstances, I find simile to be useful. "It's like eating. Whenever I eat, it means I've been sustained for a little while longer. It means there's one less thing that I have to worry about. When I eat, I feel a weight lifted off my shoulders." I describe. Daniel's facial description is often hard to read, but the focus of his eyes tells me he's been able to follow what I'm saying thus far. "Talking to Toby is like that." "I see. Well, that's good. Having friends is healthy. Assuming he feels the same way." "I am not completely certain he sees me as a friend." I say. Then after I've said it, I realize that this was perhaps a miscommunication. "Correction: I am not certain of how he views our relationship, or what his relationship goal would be. *if (male =true) Acquaintances, or close platonic partners." *if (female =true) Acquaintances, close platonic partners, or romantic partners." "Fair enough. What would you prefer?" *choice #Acquaintances *set expressedtobyfeelings "acquaintances" *set combat -1 *set explosives -1 "We are on good terms, but I have no desire to be anything more than that." "Fair enough." Daniel says again. *goto conversation #Friends *set expressedtobyfeelings "friends" *set humanity +1 *set combat -1 *set firearms -1 "I would like for us to become good friends." I explain. "For me, that would be someone that I could rely on, and he would feel that he could rely on me. Trust." "That's a big step for you." I don't say anything in reply. His statement was accurate. "Well, I looked up Toby, like I did with everyone mentioned in your report. From what I could tell, he's an angel. Altruistic, kind, supports his community. If you want to be friends with him, and close friends, you can start by displaying virtues that he would approve of. Basically, just try doing nice things for people. In the cases he doesn't see, it'll build a solid reputation for you that he'll hear about. In the cases he does, he'll have first hand experience of what a good person you are." "So, lie?" "At first." Unusually cryptic way of ending a statement. "Anything else?" *goto conversation #Unknown *set expressedtobyfeelings "unknown" *set humanity +1 "...Unknown at this time." I explain. "I require more information before I can make an educated decision." "Fair enough." Daniel says again. *goto conversation #Friendship with him is purely for benefit *set expressedtobyfeelings "using" "My association with him is purely for what he can provide. As I stated, entering his circle of close acquaintances gains me many allies and no enemies." I explain to Daniel. Making my intentions clear with minimal room for interpretation. "I see," Daniel replies neutrally. "Well, I suppose there are worse reasons for getting close to someone. And at the very least, your methods of exploitation aren't directly harming him." "So, you approve?" "I wouldn't quite go that far..." *if (vi_friend =true) "Seems perfectly logical to me," I hear Vi chirp in. "He's too goody. If it wasn't you, it would have been someone else." "...I think your friend might be a bad influence." *goto conversation *if (tobyhostileforlife =true) *disable_reuse #Toby never quite forgave me *set talk true "Toby never forgave me for the time I physically assaulted him," I tell him. Remembering the last time we talked about it. "The last time we spoke, he called me a 'violent psychopath' and instructed me to not interact with him or his friends. He also informed me that he would make sure the principal was aware of my transgression, however I have not heard from him about it." "Yeah, he called me about that. I took care of it." Daniel informs me, causing a moderate amount of surprise. "It was easy enough to handle that you did not even feel the need to tell me about it?" "I meant to, but it slipped my mind. The agency has been keeping me very occupied." Right, he does often come home smelling like gunpowder. "In any case," I continue on with my story, "Since that interaction, Toby has ceased speaking to me entirely." "Hmm, that reminds me of something I learned when peeking into your classmates' past." He muses. "There was a little story about him a few years back, around late-elementary school, that he picked a fight with some upperclassmen that were tormenting a pup. From what I understand, he lost that fight pretty badly and ended up not accomplishing anything. Maybe you triggered an unpleasant memory and he's decided he wants nothing to do with you as a result." "In other words, I'm his new puppy killer." "Basically. I think you've pretty much severed any ties you were ever going to form with that one." *if (vi_friend =true) "He wouldn't have been good for you, anyway." Vi chirps in from the backseat. Evidently trying to make me feel better. *goto conversation *if ((hire =false) and (lucyhostileforlife =false)) and (rejectlucy =false) *disable_reuse #I am now being employed by Miss Stein *set hirelucy true *set talk true *set lucyrelationship "Professional" "About a month after my first day of school, I was approached by Lucy Stein." "The congressman's daughter?" Daniel appears to recognize the name. Mixture of interest and surprise. "I know her better as the student council president, though there is some debate over whether or not she was ever actually elected." *if (vi_friend =true) Vi's head appears from over my seat. "She may have been for her freshman year, but our school hasn't had any elections in the time I've been a student." "So how do you think she keeps the position?" Daniel asks her. Vi responds with a shrug. "Maybe blackmailing somebody. A few people send complaints but never get a response, and eventually they just stop caring. I don't like her." "Why not?" I ask. "She seems like the perfect embodiment of a corrupt official. I thought evil was your type." Vi shrinks a little back behind my seat, and starts mumbling. "She's too tall..." I suppose everyone is vulnerable to petty jealousy. Even a creature as alien as Vi. "I...see?" Daniel says, though it seems like a lie. His face doesn't change expression much, but it's pretty clear her comment completely lost him. He looks between me and her, perhaps looking for some kind of explanation, to which I can only shrug in response. "Anyway, what did Miss Stein want to talk to you about?" *goto changetopic *else "Well that matches up with what's on file. What did Miss Stein want to talk to you about?" *goto changetopic *label changetopic "She offered me an employment position," I respond. "As her bodyguard." "I guess that makes sense, considering who her father is and her past experiences." Daniel muses almost to himself. "Wouldn't be surprising if she noticed your capabilities and wanted to feel a little safer. How much do you actually learn about her?" I've picked up about my employer during my time working under her. "I understand that her father is a congressman who occasionally dabbles in illegal activities in order to maintain his position. He's been grooming her to follow in his footsteps and currently entrusts her with the management of a few businesses. Some minor real estate agencies and law firms. Though she does also have the cooperation of a couple police detectives. I even met one of them when she went to meet in a dark alley to pay him. Though, it's rather rare for her to do things in person so the times I have to escort her through potentially dangerous situations are rare. For the most part, she conducts her businesses through her computer." "I see. I imagine Vi hasn't been too happy about this closeness you've gotten." "She's dealing with it." *goto conversation *if (hire =true) *disable_reuse #Miss Stein has been keeping me busy "I have been keeping busy these past few months while working under Miss Stein's employment." Out of all the activities that I have partaken in, my job has probably been the most time consuming. Escorting between classes, occasionally to her home after school when her driver is unable to provide transportation. Though there hasn't yet been a time when I needed to physically step in to protect her from harm. "I've learned a bit about her, due to the frequent contact." "Such as?" "I understand that her father is a congressman who occasionally dabbles in illegal activities in order to maintain his position. He's been grooming her to follow in his footsteps and currently entrusts her with the management of a few businesses. Some minor real estate agencies and law firms. Though she does also have the cooperation of a couple police detectives. I even met one of them when she went to meet in a dark alley to pay him. Though, it's rather rare for her to do things in person so the times I have to escort her through potentially dangerous situations are rare. For the most part, she conducts her businesses through her computer." "I see. I imagine Vi hasn't been too happy about this closeness you've gotten." "She's dealing with it." *goto conversation *if (hiredlucy =true) *disable_reuse #Miss Stein wanted to know why security was improved; I informed her *set lucytruth true *set talk true "Miss Stein had been suspicious of the increased security in the school for some time." I explain. "Though I didn't quite realize it until partway through my first day, the large amount of security cameras and taser wielding security officers is not typical for an American high school. Many students expressed dissatisfaction with this and the administration was silent on the matter. Miss Stein took it harder than most, as she considered it a breach of protocol for such additions to be made to the school without her consultation." "So how have you been dealing with that?" "I told her everything." For the first time, I think there was a flash of genuine panic on Daniel's face. "With adjustments." "What [i]exactly[/i] did you tell her?" "That my father worked for the CIA and he was intensely protective of my safety, so he pulled strings in order to fund the school's security department. Considering the principal's habits, it was not hard to believe." "And she...believed it?" "I believe so." Though if I recall correctly, Miss Stein was rather cold to the information at first. I'm still not completely sure if she's fully accepted it, but at the very least she saw fit to continue my employment and our social interactions remain mostly the same. The only significant change is that she has become very eager to meet Daniel someday. "Strangely enough she seemed upset that I told her. I am not entirely certain why, but after her doubts had been satisfied, she walked off angrily. I will discuss it further on our next encounter." "...Good." *goto conversation *if (juniorhostileforlife =false) and (juniordistance =false) *disable_reuse #I now frequent Junior's hideout *set violent %+5 *set talk true *set frequent true *set juniorrelationship "Friendly" "I've become closer with Junior Beach, a delinquent in the school and the leader of a fledgling gang comprised of youth between the ages of 16 and 25, majority lower-class males with approximately 20% female membership, not including romantic partners of male members who also frequent their common areas. *if (male =true) Though our relationship was strained to begin with, Junior has accepted me as a friend to both him and his followers. He seemed to become more open to the idea of friendship once it became clear that I had no intention of threatening his position as leader of his followers." *goto tutu *if (female =true) Junior seemed very impressed with my combat and athletic abilities, likely due to the significant power gap I have noted between males and females in this region. I believe my uniqueness made him more open to the idea of friendship from the start. Though the initial interest has faded, I have maintained friendly relations with both him and his followers." *label tutu "I see. In your interactions with the gang, have you conducted any criminal acts beyond what was reported in your weekly write ups?" "Petty larceny, loitering, and partaking in fight clubs. Nothing that I haven't freely self-reported." "Good. It's important to remember that the CIA cares more about you being honest with them than they do about you being an angel. So what's your personal impression of Junior?" "He's tough and knows how to fight exceptionally well, but the main reason he's followed by so many seems to come from his natural charisma. He carries himself like he can handle anything, and when this belief is challenged he follows through on it and keeps going without complaint. He controls his gang more out of respect and admiration than actual fear. And while his morals are a bit skewed by most American standards, he seems to enforce a more old-fashioned morality; treat women well, don't take from anyone who has less than you, protect your territory but do go looking for fights, and stand by your comrades." By American standards, he'd be best classified as an honorable crook. Where I come from, he'd be a saint. Or a heathen, if his territory was too close to the middle east. But being called a heathen by that lot was pretty much the same as being called a saint by anyone else. "Also," I continue. "I believe Junior may be showing sexual interest toward me." *if (vi_friend =true) "The pervert!" "Vi doesn't like it." "Hmm," Daniel sees to roll the idea around in his head for a bit. "What makes you think this?" "Over the past month, as he's become increasingly comfortable with my presence, he's begun to be much more flattering in his language. Compliments are more frequent, especially ones regarding appearance and personality. He's also become increasingly interested in learning more about me on a personal level. He is not subtle." "Innocent enough. But more importantly, how do you feel about it?" *choice #I would prefer friendship *set expressedjuniorfeelings "friends" *set humanity +1 *set combat -1 *set firearms -1 "I would like to maintain close relations with Junior, but of the platonic variety. I have no interest in having sex with him and would prefer if he could see things the same way." "Well, that'll depend on what kind of guy he is." Daniel replies. "I'd recommend putting all the cards on the table." "I am unfamiliar with this phrase." "It's a poker metaphor. It means being completely honest," he explains. "You say everything that's on your mind, he says everything that's on his mind, and everyone knows where everyone else stands. See how the metaphor works?" "Yes, I believe. What if we put forward all of our cards, and he refuses to see my side?" "Well, you'll just have to decide what to do from there. You could put up with it, adopt a 'wait and see' strategy, or you could get yourself some distance." *goto conversation #I consider him more of an acquaintance *set expressedjuniorfeelings "acquaintances" *set combat -1 *set explosives -1 "I would like to maintain positive relations, but no real sentimental ties." You explain. "Acquaintances. I would prefer if he would see things my way." "Well, that'll depend on what kind of guy he is." Daniel replies. "I'd recommend putting all the cards on the table." "I am unfamiliar with this phrase." "It's a poker metaphor. It means being completely honest," he explains. "You say everything that's on your mind, he says everything that's on his mind, and everyone knows where everyone else stands. See how the metaphor works?" "Yes, I believe. What if we put forward all of our cards, and he refuses to see my side?" "Well, you'll just have to decide what to do from there. You could put up with it, adopt a 'wait and see' strategy, or you could get yourself some distance." *goto conversation #I reciprocate *set expressedjuniorfeelings "romantic" *set humanity +1 *set combat -1 *set firearms -2 *set hatedan -1 "I find him attractive as well and would like to enter into a romantic relationship. Preferably on a more intimate level than surface level attraction and compliments." "You mean, emotionally." "...Yes." "Hm," he seems a little impressed. "I'm a little impressed. Anyway, if you're looking for that kind of relationship...considering the type of guy this is, you'll probably have to talk seriously about it. Put all your cards on the table?" "I am unfamiliar with this saying. Do you mean...expose myself?" "Erm, no...it's a poker metaphor. It means being completely honest," he explains. "You say everything that's on your mind, he says everything that's on his mind, and everyone knows where everyone else stands. See how the metaphor works?" "Yes, I believe. What if we put forward all of our cards, and he refuses to see my side?" "Well, you'll just have to decide what to do from there. You could put up with it, adopt a 'wait and see' strategy, or you could get yourself some distance. There's nothing wrong with backing out of a relationship if you decide someone just isn't what you're looking for. You're young and you have a long future ahead of you. If you're going to make mistakes, this is the safe time to do it." *if (vi_friend =true) and (viwantsromance =true) *set viwantsromance true Then he looks in the rear-view mirror, and sees Vi. Huddling behind me, fingers digging violently into the shoulders of my seat. "Oh...also, I don't think he'll go for polygamy." Vi makes a grunting sound as if she's just been stabbed. "...That's fine." She growls. "I'll just be a mistress! I don't mind sharing!" *choice #I'm thinking...close family friend *set vikindness +1 "I do not intend on being unfaithful to my chosen partner." I inform Vi in a firm but unharsh tone. "We can still be friends, though. I have heard it from many people that friends can often be closer than lovers." She begins mumbling sadly. I choose to believe it is acceptance. *goto conversation #That works for me "That arrangement is acceptable." I declare. Vi mutters something in a soft and wistful voice. I presume it to be acceptance. Daniel appears...I would not call it confused, or disapproving, but certainly not wholly comfortable. "...Okay then." *goto conversation #You're my slave *set hatedan +1 "You shall be whatever I demand you be, as I feel is appropriate for any time." I explain to her. "That is the essence of being a slave, is it not?" I begin to hear sniffing replace the clawing. "...Yes. That's perfect..." Daniel appears...not wholly comfortable. "Okay then." *goto conversation *goto conversation #I appreciate a physical relationship without emotional ties *set expressedjuniorfeelings "fuckbuddies" *set combat -1 "I find him physically attractive. I would like to reciprocate." "You mean, friends with benefits?" He says with a hint of discomfort. "That's the term for people who are physically intimate but not emotionally." "Really?" I question. "Junior's friends have a different word for it." "I'm sure they do. But this is the...well, [i]more[/i] socially correct term." He scratches the back of his head, clearly not all that comfortable with the topic but also unwilling to leave me without answers. "Well, that seems like a pretty easy relationship to arrange. He seems the type that, if you offered, he'd probably accept right away." "So simply offer my body?" "...Yeah, that'd about do it. Although, is that really all you want from him?" I think a moment. "I am sure there are practical benefits as well. Closer ties with his faction, for starters." "I don't mean something 'practical.'" Daniel sighs, "I mean...do you like him?" "...We get along." "I mean," he sighs again, a little harder. "I'm not sure how to properly explain it. Do you [i]care[/i] about him? Enough to...stay with him for at least a few decades, preferably until death?" *choice #No, nothing like that "No, nothing like that." I explain plainly. "The attraction is purely physical." "...Okay then." *goto conversation #...I don't know "...I don't know," I mutter. "I'm not sure I fully understand what you mean..." "Well, I guess that's understandable." He sighs, again, this time a little quieter. "Just think it over." *goto conversation *goto conversation #Sex with him has practical benefits *set expressedjuniorfeelings "using" "I can see numerous practical benefits to having a physical romantic relationship with the leader of a significant faction within the school. It may be worthwhile to allow this relationship for that reason alone." It wouldn't be the first time. And at least this time, it would be by my choice. "...Fair enough." He takes a bit longer to respond than he typically does on other topics. Evidently this was a conversation he was unprepared for. "You seem to already have a pretty good idea of what you're doing. Don't think any advice I could add would help much. Anything else you'd rather talk about?" *goto conversation #I don't know *set expressedjuniorfeelings "unknown" *set humanity +1 "...Cannot be decided now." I respond. "I do not know enough. Sometimes I feel one way, other times I feel another. It is confusing." "Yeah well, that's just life." Daniel sighs, though I believe there is some form of grim amusement in there. Though I hadn't thought Daniel to be the type to be amused by the confusion of others. Good news is you're young and you have a long future ahead of you. If you're going to make mistakes, this is the safe time to do it." "And if he refuses to see my side?" "Well, you'll just have to decide what to do from there. You could put up with it, adopt a 'wait and see' strategy, or you could get yourself some distance. There's nothing wrong with backing out of a relationship if you decide someone just isn't what you're looking for." *goto conversation *if (juniorhostileforlife =false) and (frequent =false) *disable_reuse #I've chosen to distance myself from Junior *set juniordistance true *set talk true *set juniorrelationship "Dismissive" "I've chosen to distance myself from Junior." "Junior..." Daniel seems to study the name for a bit. "Remind me about that one?" "A delinquent in the school and the leader of a fledgling gang comprised of youth between the ages of 16 and 25, majority lower-class males with approximately 10% female membership, not including romantic partners of male members who also frequent their common areas." I explain briefly all the important points about him. "I decided that his was the type of person that I was better off not associating with in this environment, as it would bring me negative attention from authority figures and other students." "Fair enough. Though I assume this has had some form of consequences." "Yes. Junior has noticed, as have his followers. They are moderately hostile toward me. I am dealing with it." *goto conversation *if (juniorhostileforlife =true) *disable_reuse #Junior is still hostile toward me "Junior continues to be hostile toward me." "Junior..." Daniel seems to study the name for a bit. "Remind me about that one?" "A delinquent in the school and the leader of a fledgling gang comprised of youth between the ages of 16 and 25, majority lower-class males with approximately 20% female membership, not including romantic partners of male members who also frequent their common areas." I explain briefly all the important points about him. "I made a poor impression on him on the first day of school, and he has yet to move on from it. I do not believe his mind can be changes at this point. This has had negative impacts, as he and his followers are now moderately hostile toward me." "Have they hurt you?" "Non-deadly skirmishes when walking home from school. Nothing serious." "Alright, as long as you're dealing with it. Let me know if things get too out of hand." *goto conversation *if ((jessyhostileforlife =false) and (jasonhostileforlife =true)) *disable_reuse #Jessy still hates me for hurting Jason *set jessyrelationship "Hostile" *set talk true "Jessy eventually found out about me gravely injuring Jason and leaving him in a hallway." I say, my mind going back to that rather confusing series of events from the first day of school that I'm still not entirely certain I have all the facts on. "From what I understand, she was called in to see him in the nurse's office. And has since declared me the enemy of both her and her social circle." "Hm. I don't know a whole lot about those two," Daniel muses. "Are they important?" "No." *goto conversation *if ((jessyhostileforlife =true) and (jasonhostileforlife =false)) *disable_reuse #Jason still hates me for hurting Jessy *set talk true *set jasonrelationship "Hostile" "Jason continues to be severely hostile toward me. He's been so even before we ever met, ever since I injured his girlfriend, Jessy Stewart." I say, my mind going back to that rather confusing series of events from the first day of school that I'm still not entirely certain I have all the facts on. So many confusing variables. "I cannot truly tell if he is upset because of socital expectations or if he is genuinely upset with me. Whatever the case, both of them have declared me an enemy." "Hm. I don't know a whole lot about those two," Daniel muses. "Are they important?" "No." *goto conversation *if ((jasonhostileforlife =false) and (jessyhostileforlife =false)) *disable_reuse #Tried getting closer to Jessy *set talk true *set talkjessy true *set closertoj true *set jasonrelationship "Tolerant" *set jessyrelationship "Curious" "So, I began getting closer to Jessy Stewart, the chief socialite of the school. She controls a large portion of the student body, though in a different way from Miss Stein or Junior Beach. Her control over the structure of the school is more of influence than actual authority." "I see. And how does someone like you get closer to someone like that? You seem like complete opposites." "It has been a challenge, and I have not succeeded fully." I explain. "However, while we are not friendly, she is no longer immediately hostile. I believe this to be a good sign." *goto conversation *if (talkjessy =false) *disable_reuse #Tried getting closer to Jason *set talk true "I have tried getting closer to Jason Stave, one of the main figures among the school's athletic circles and romantic partner to Jessy Stewart. However, he has remained consistently barred off and unwilling to speak. There is a distinct lack of interest in socializing with anyone. I am unsure if it is distrust or simple apathy." "Kind of reminds me of you," Daniel muses. "Though I suppose it's good you're making an effort." *if (vi_friend =true) "Don't encourage ${him}!" Vi exclaims. Of course, she'd been against my pursuing a friendship with either of them from the start. 'Too stupid for you' I think is what she used to describe them "I have identified a weakness in his social defenses." I explain. "For some reason, despite his lack of interest in anyone, he is romantically involved with Jessy Stewart. Though they don't appear to be on good terms at first glance, the fact remains that they have been consistent partners for long before this school year began. If there is a way to him, it would be her." *goto conversation *if (vi_friend =true) *disable_reuse #I've been training Vi *set trainingvi true *set talk true "I have been training Vi so that she might be of better use to me." I inform him. "Teaching her useful skills such as information gathering, close-quarters combat, endurance, and shooting." *if (changedmymindvi =false) "I did think she looked a bit more on the athletic side," Daniel remarks while looking back at her, smiling proudly at the praise I'm providing. It's true, she is significantly stronger than she was when we first met. While it isn't quite noticeable when she is in her usual attire, her muscles are better defined and her posture more alert. Instead of being unhealthy skin and bones, there's more meat on her which aids in her overall endurance and physical ability. "How has she been faring, psychologically, as a result?" "I...don't know a whole lot about that," Vi answers before I can. "But I know I'm a lot stronger, and more useful! It means that, whenever someone tries to be mean to me, I have something to prove that they're wrong!" And in a move that kind of surprises me, she reaches out and hugs my neck. "Cause now...I'm stronger than them! Because of you, I can hurt anyone who wants to hurt me!" "...I suppose that is it's own form of progress." He says, evidently a bit confused as to how he should actually be taking this. But ultimately deciding that any progress is good progress. *goto conversation *if (changedmymindvi =true) "I did think she looked a bit more on the athletic side," Daniel remarks. It's true, she is significantly stronger than she was when we first met. While it isn't quite noticeable when she is in her usual attire, her muscles are better defined and her posture more alert. Instead of being unhealthy skin and bones, there's more meat on her which aids in her overall endurance and physical ability. "How has she been faring, psychologically, as a result?" "I would say so. Her sense of confidence appears to have changed; while she continues to consider herself to be a lower life form, she is now a lower life form that can kill anyone that is mean to it. She now stands straight as a result." "...I suppose that is it's own form of progress." He says, evidently a bit confused as to how he should actually be taking this. But ultimately deciding that any progress is good progress. *if (vi_friend =false) *if (killvi =false) *disable_reuse #I decided to accept Vi's friendship *set virelationship "Strange Friendship" *set changedmymindvi true *set talk true "I changed my mind about Vi, and decided to accept a friendship with her." I inform him. "I suppose that's a rather kind deed," he responds. "I remember that first day when she said she was nobody. She looked rather crushed that you didn't want to be friends." "Indeed. You should have seen her when I told her I'd changed my mind." I think back to that moment I caught her stalking me from behind a dumpster. Lunch in hand, as if she had been planning to do so for an extended period of time. "I remember when I told her, she took out a bread roll, kissed it, and then asked me to eat it because it was poisoned. With her love." "..." "It was charming, in its own way." *goto conversation *if (changedmymindvi =false) *disable_reuse #I've been looking for ways to remove Vi *set talk true *set killvi true "I have been looking for ways to remove Vi," I tell him. "Her stalker habits are a potential threat to me. However, I have found no legal means of doing so. Threatening her makes her happy, hurting her makes her ecstatic. I can imagine that killing her would make her even more satisfied, while simultaneously hurting my own position." "You know, I was expecting some rather complicated circumstances to arise, but you having a stalker was not among the potential problems I expected to run into." Daniel says thoughtfully. "I don't suppose you've attempted to...sit her down and politely ask her to stop? Or maybe befriend her?" "I do not see how either of those would help me with my current circumstances." "Well then I don't have anything for you." He shrugs. "You'll have to figure that out on your own. Learning how to deal with people you can't stand is the primary function of school, after all." *goto conversation *disable_reuse #I've been staying out of trouble *set violent %-80 "I have been making an effort to avoid getting into any dangerous encounters." I tell him. "It has been difficult in some areas, but I believe that since the first day, I have been able to fade into relative obscurity." "You're sure?" Well, when asked, I suppose I'm not 100% positive. After one has acted out, that will stand out in people's minds, no matter what follows it. No matter how peaceful I act, those rumors will still exist. People will still be suspicious. "At the very least, nobody expects me to attack without reason." "Good enough." *goto conversation *if (talk =false) #I don't want to talk *if (jessyhostileforlife =true) *set jasonhostileforlife true *if (jasonhostileforlife =true) *set jessyhostileforlife true *if (changedmymindvi =true) *set vi_friend true *set vi_stalker false "I don't want to talk about it." I mumble, looking out the window at the school building where I'll be spending the next 7 hours of my day, interacting with many people that I dislike and working through classes I am barely interested in. "You wouldn't rather talk here in the car when we have free time?" Daniel asks, some minor irritation in his voice. "I mean it's better than writing out a report on it later." "Daniel," I tell him. *choice #You are not my friend *set hatedan +1 "You are not my friend. You are not my dad. Shut up." I'm not looking at him right now. Not sure entirely how he reacts to it. Don't really care. "I see. Fair enough." He unlocks the door. "Have a nice day at school." *page_break Next *goto next #Everything is going fine "Everything is fine, I promise. I just would rather not talk right now." I'm not looking at him right now. Too tired. Not even entirely sure why. "I see. Fair enough." He unlocks the door. "Have a nice day at school." *page_break Next *goto next *if (talk =true) #Nothing else comes to mind *if (jessyhostileforlife =true) *set jasonhostileforlife true *set jessyrelationship "Hostile" *set jasonrelationship "Hostile" *if (jasonhostileforlife =true) *set jessyhostileforlife true *set jessyrelationship "Hostile" *set jasonrelationship "Hostile" *if (changedmymindvi =true) *set vi_friend true *set vi_stalker false *if (hirelucy =true) *set hiredlucy true "That's about all I have to report." I finish off. "Overall, a perfectly normal high school life." "Well, it's good to hear that you're dealing with things, at the very least." He says as if I've lifted a weight off his shoulders. "Seems like you're taking care of yourself." "...I'm trying my best." People are starting to step out of their cars and walk toward the school building. Doors are open. "I think that's a cue for you to go in." Daniel says, unlocking the door. "Have a nice day at school." *page_break Next *goto next *label next Despite the doors opening, the majority of the students won't arrive for another hour or so. The school hallways are empty and quiet, with only the echoes of the odd pair of footsteps somewhere out of sight. Likely security guards or other early students. I feel much safer once inside. The hallways are empty at the time, and there are numerous rooms to the side available for a tactical retreat at any moment, should I need one. Also, when inside, I don't need to worry too much about the horizon, no chance of a sniper hitting me while I'm in here. And the only weapons I usually see are on security guards, and on that note, we've adapted to each other's presence. Several months of regular contact convinced them of my lack of lethal intent, and I've learned enough about them to have a good idea on how to avoid or disable them in needed. *if (vi_friend =true) "So, what do you want to do?" Vi asks from behind me, loyally following along. "I will be going to my first class. I would suggest doing the same." "Alright," she nods. "I will find you at lunch. Guaranteed." I know I'll have to be the first one to leave, or we'll be standing here all day, so I immediately turn and walk on my way to first hour. She continues to watch from behind me until I round the corner. By now, I am able to find my way to my classes without even looking at the room numbers. I've moved between them with enough frequency that the locations are firmly implanted in my mind, enough so that I could walk the route completely absentmindedly if needed. It doesn't come as a surprise when I'm standing in front of the room that is my first hour, Family and Consumer Science. Once stepping inside, I do a quick scan of the room. The make-up of the room is the same; the desks have not changed position, no sign of tampering on the door, ceiling panels are all in place, windows and blinds remain closed. Three individuals. One is Toby, a face I'd come to know well due to our frequent exposure to one another in this morning class. The other two are both male, which means they can't possibly be in this class as *if (male =true) aside from Toby and myself, *if (female =true) aside from Toby, this morning class is entirely composed of female students. They also don't come to mind as individuals I've seen frequently interacting with Toby, meaning their talking would be an as of now irregular event. Nor do they seem to be on friendly terms. Toby's mood is easy to read, if he is happy to see someone then he will be visibly expressing that happiness. He is not right now. I have learned how to open this door quietly, and so am able to enter the room unnoticed. The hostile males are not doing much to hide their intention. I believe I have seen them in passing, but never registered them as a major threat, they never attacked me specifically. They have the appearance and general attitude of sub-par members of the community who maintain a strained relationship with authority figures, however they have not as of yet done anything major enough to warrant attention. From their stances, I highly doubt they intend to enter a physical confrontation right this very moment. They are merely threatening. Nothing to be worried about. *choice #Go to my seat *set reflex -1 Right now, there's no fight. And there won't be as long as things remain as they are. Better this way. I don't let the confrontation out of my sight, just in case I'm wrong, but I rarely am about these sorts of things. So I'm moderately calm when I sit down in my seat. For the most part, the confrontation doesn't draw me into it. "You'd better be watching your ass, kid. Cause you'll never see us coming." With how much noise they're making, I find that threat to be unlikely. "Don't worry, I will." Toby says, like someone trying to assuage the nagging of a parental figure so they could get back to reading. "Look, the rest of the class will be here any minute, don't you have somewhere to be?" The two wander off, satisfied that their threats have been received, leaving the room to me and Toby without any further frustrations. Afterwards, Toby lets out an annoyed sigh and sets his head on the desk. "No fight. Good." *if (tobyhostileforlife =false) and (tobyrelationship !="Tense") "Yeah, I don't think they were looking to fight this time around." He sighs. "Just annoy." *choice #What was that about? *if (combat <90) "What was their deal, anyway? You aren't the type to make enemies?" *if (combat >=90) "What was their source of conflict with you?" *goto what #I'm just glad he's okay "Are you okay?" *goto happy #I don't really care *set tobyfriend false "As long as there's no trouble." *goto dontcare *else *set tobyfriend false "Sure," Toby mutters. I'm not particularly sure he heard me at all. Our relationship hasn't improved at all in the past couple months. For the most part, he seems to prefer just ignoring my presence. Avoiding a fight, just like he did with those two. *goto superdistrust #Confront them They aren't going to hurt anyone right now. But that doesn't make their presence any less annoying. I walk up behind them, still rather quiet, until I'm about 5ft away. It's at this point Toby notices me. And when he notices me, they notice me, and turn around. "Go away." *if (violent <20) *goto otter *else The two of them look me over. Assessing their opponent. *if (female =true) and (alleyfight =true) Or rather, the one on the left is, at least. The one on the right is different. His expression immediately hardens once he sees my face. "Heh, really? Or what, little-" "Come on. Let's go." The one on the right interrupts his partner mid-boast and walks away, leaving him confused before he gathers his wits and follows his teammate out the door. "What was that all about?" Toby asks. I would like to think he had just heard of me and thought better than to fight. But by that expression, I doubt it. *if (tobyhostileforlife =false) and (tobyrelationship !="Tense") *goto flis "Well, thanks for the help, I guess. But forgive me if I'm a bit skeptical." Toby says once it's just the two of us. *goto tobydistrusts *if (female =true) "Heh, really? Or what, little girl?" I almost say my usual response to such questions just out of pure instinct. I can't very well say I'll kill them, that would be lying. Takes a bit of self-control to modify the verb. "Or I'll hurt you." "Ah, why you gotta scowl like that?" The one on the right smirks while moving forward in a rocking motion. Off balance to one side. "You'd be prettier with a smile on." Left hand extends outward, directed toward my right hip. Toby speaks up and the hand retracts before I can break his thumb. "Hey, leave her out of this!" One on the right looks at Toby. Back is to me. Vulnerable, could blood-choke and use him as a shield against the other one for the required 8 seconds before unconsciousness hits him. "Yeah? Are you going to make us? All by yourself?" "No, both of us will." I move in close to him, so that when he turns toward me, I'm directly in his face. Causes a short burst of surprise that I use to emphasize my words. "You should leave, or it will be a fair fight, for a change." They brought two people to harass one. They have no interest in a fair fight, only one in which they know they can dominate. For people of this mindset, fairness is to be avoided at all cost. Not to say that this is an attitude I disapprove of, in fact I myself am a rather strict adherent. But that also means I know how to exploit this mindset. After he's taken a few steps back into a safe distance, him and his partner exchange a look. "You have some real loser friends, Toby." He snickers to retain pride, and the two begin walking away. "Whatever. We'll be seeing you, real soon." Crisis averted, and without a single fist flying. *if (tobyhostileforlife =false) and (tobyrelationship !="Tense") *goto flis "Well, thanks for the help, I guess. But forgive me if I'm a bit skeptical." Toby says once it's just the two of us. *goto tobydistrusts *if (alleyfight =true) Or rather, the one on the left is, at least. The one on the right is different. His expression immediately hardens once he sees my face. "Heh, really? Or what, little-" "Come on. Let's go." The one on the right interrupts his partner mid-boast and walks away, leaving him confused before he gathers his wits and follows his teammate out the door. "What was that all about?" Toby asks. I would like to think he had just heard of me and thought better than to fight. But by that expression, I doubt it. *if (tobyhostileforlife =false) and (tobyrelationship !="Tense") *goto flis "Well, thanks for the help, I guess. But forgive me if I'm a bit skeptical." Toby says once it's just the two of us. *goto tobydistrusts "Heh, really? Or what, kid?" I almost say my usual response to such questions just out of pure instinct. I can't very well say I'll kill them, that would be lying. Takes a bit of self-control to modify the verb. "Or I'll hurt you." I watch both of them, making full use of my range of vision to make sure there isn't any part of them that I'm not observing. The one on the left looks toward the one on the right for guidance, so at least my threat made it through to him. However, if this other one feels fear, he hides it behind bravado. Turning his back on me and looking at Toby, "Is this skinny little brat really all the help you could bring?" "Seems enough for a fair fight." I move in close to him, so that when he turns toward me, I'm directly in his face. Causes a short burst of surprise that I use to emphasize my words. "You should leave, or it will be a fair fight, for a change." They brought two people to harass one. They have no interest in a fair fight, only one in which they know they can dominate. For people of this mindset, fairness is to be avoided at all cost. Not to say that this is an attitude I disapprove of, in fact I myself am a rather strict adherent. But that also means I know how to exploit this mindset. After he's taken a few steps back into a safe distance, him and his partner exchange a look. "You have some real loser friends, Toby." He snickers to retain pride, and the two begin walking away. "Whatever. We'll be seeing you, real soon." Crisis averted, and without a single fist flying. *if (tobyhostileforlife =false) and (tobyrelationship !="Tense") *goto flis "Well, thanks for the help, I guess. But forgive me if I'm a bit skeptical." Toby says once it's just the two of us. *goto tobydistrusts *label otter Upon seeing me, the two of them immediately begin running away as fast as they can. Even in the civilized world, a violent reputation can have uses. *if (tobyhostileforlife =true) or (tobyrelationship ="Tense") *label tobydistrusts "What are you doing?" Toby asks me, suspicious. His displeasure at my presence being easy to identity, he isn't exactly practiced in hiding his emotions. "I assisted you." "If I had the choice I would have rather talked to them. They were just jerks, not psychopaths." Despite all this time, Toby hasn't let go of that grudge. *label superdistrust *choice #He's justified. I came to realize that over time *set humanity +1 I've hurt a lot of people. Many had it coming to them. But many didn't. Among the latter category, Toby Hens. He's not the only one who deserves retribution. Though he's one of the few to have lived to hold a grudge. I might even be able to salvage him. *choice *selectable_if (((combat <80) and (firearms <90)) and (explosives <90)) #If I had the courage *set humanity +1 *set tobyrelationship "Strained" Apologizing. An effective tactic in this civilized world for defusing conflict. It's not something that I'm in the habit of doing. In the past, apologies were an admittance of wrongdoing. Which in turn was invitation for retaliation. Besides, most of the time if I did anything harmful to another person, it was in retaliation for something they'd done. One does not typically apologize for killing a man, when that man had been intent on killing you. At that point, all I would have been apologizing for was being the better killer between the two of us. It's a new circumstance for me to have someone that I have wronged who is still alive. In this scenario, apologizing would be right; morally, and pragmatically. I should. "Toby." "Yeah?" How am I supposed to say it? Is there a particular face I'm supposed to be making? Specific words to make the apology more effective? I suppose all I can say is how I feel, and hope for the best from there. "It was wrong for me to attack you." I explain it to him just as it sounds to myself. "I realized that, over time. It was wrong. And I wish I had not done what I did. I cannot change the past, but I am sorry for what I did." Toby's face is difficult to read. Cross between suspicion, relief, sadness, and guilt? I do not think there is a word for it. Further emphasizing my lack of understanding on the full range of human emotions. Another gap in my knowledge. Before he can properly respond, other classmates are beginning to come into the room. "Hey...can we talk later?" "Yes." I go back to my seat. Before long, class has begun. *page_break Next *goto scenes #But I don't Apologizing. An effective tactic in this civilized world for defusing conflict. It's not something that I'm in the habit of doing. In the past, apologies were an admittance of wrongdoing. Which in turn was invitation for retaliation. Besides, most of the time if I did anything harmful to another person, it was in retaliation for something they'd done. One does not typically apologize for killing a man, when that man had been intent on killing you. At that point, all I would have been apologizing for was being the better killer between the two of us. It's a new circumstance for me to have someone that I have wronged who is still alive. In this scenario, apologizing would be right; morally, and pragmatically. I should. Instead, I'm turning away from him and accepting his justified glares toward the back of my head as I sit back down in my seat. If he were someone like me, I would be worried, but I know he won't attack. It's not in his nature. It's in mine. Not long after I sit back in my seat, students begin flooding into the classroom. Class has begun. *page_break Next *goto scenes #What he thinks of me doesn't matter At the end of the day, Toby's opinion of me is not something that will affect my stay here. He stays to himself and his friends. No matter how he feels about me, he won't do anything to attack me. The people who can really affect me are Daniel, Ken, and Patel. As well as anyone else in the CIA that has input on my placement here. These students here can improve or hinder my happiness, but they don't have any grip on my life. He's unimportant. I turn away from him and sit back down in my seat. Not long after, students begin flooding into the classroom. Class has begun. *page_break Next *goto scenes *if (tobyhostileforlife =false) *label flis "Well they ran off in a hurry." Toby says with a bemused expression, not quite expecting the reaction. "What was that about? Did you know them?" "No, though they apparently knew me." Having lowlifes run from my presence isn't the worst kind of attention one could be getting. That kind of reputation can be helpful in defusing conflict. Though it is also a potential worry. If I'm known for strength, then that invites challenge. Makes me wonder what my hopes of blending in really are. "Huh, weird. Maybe there's something going on we don't know about," he shrugs. Awfully quick to include me in the 'we' of that statement. Convinced of my innocence without me even having to make a case. "Oh well, I'm not sad to see them leave. They really weren't nice guys." *choice #What was that about? I sit down in my chair, within casual speaking distance of him. *if (combat <90) "What was their deal, anyway? You aren't the type to make enemies?" *if (combat >=90) "What was their source of conflict with you?" *label what "Believe me, it wasn't my idea. But one of my friends was getting harassed by these guys a couple days ago so I stepped in," he scratches his head, as if embarrassed by the story. "I'm not entirely sure what happened. One moment we're talking, then shouting, and then I got punched in the face. And they've been giving me a hard time ever since. I'm not even sure why, I mean, they won the fight. I would be perfectly happy to walk away if they would just leave us alone." It seems the same, no matter where I go. People never know how to leave each other alone. "Do you know who they are?" "Not sure. I think they're part of that one delinquent's gang. Junior?" Minor complication. "Well, I'm sure it'll work itself out. Things like this usually do, in my experience. Eventually they'll get too distracted by their own lives and problems to really worry about us." He says, waving his hand as if his problems are already beginning to drift away. "In other news, did you hear about that whole ribbon cutting ceremony they're doing at the mall tomorrow? I heard from a friend that it's supposed to be some kind of new theater, except also a hangout? Or something, I'm not entirely sure, but I know the guys were pretty interested in going and I guess I'm pretty interested too, if only to see what the whole idea is about. There really aren't a whole lot of places in town where friends can just go to, I dunno, be friends? Or whatever we're supposed to do at hangouts?" He goes on like that. Talking about him and his friends, the things that they're going to do together, where they'll be going. And through it all, he frequently talks about things he guesses I would enjoy, without the question of whether I would be invited or not ever coming up. As if it were a given that I'd be included with his circle of friends in their simple little pleasures. *label momentsofpeace *choice #I just enjoy listening *set tobyarc +1 *set combat -1 *set explosives -1 *set violent %-20 *if (tobyrelationship !="Friendly") *set tobyrelationship "Friendly" I don't have much to contribute to the conversation. He doesn't seem to mind, though, content to fill in for me while I listen. *if (expressedtobyfeelings ="romantic") I told Daniel that I think I'm falling for this young man. *choice #It wouldn't work right now. But maybe someday *set tobyfeelings "romantic" *set stealth -1 My experiences with romantic encounters has always been those of an outsider looking in. I've seen men willing to stand against gunfire and be put down sooner than allow harm to come to his wife and children. I've seen others cry loudly over the corpses of fallen loved ones. And I've seen young boys fighting dogs with knives, in order to impress their sweetheart. I've seen men murder a groom, and carry off the bride to be in order to satisfy their carnal lusts. I've seen others leaving posts to chase down and corner a young beauty that caught their eye and got their groins stirring. I've seen young boys spend money that they risked their lives over in order to rent a girl for an hour. My closest personal encounters with romantic attraction was what that officer showed me. He killed many people for my benefit, and had me kill even more. No matter was too small. If it involved me, he was always interested. He dedicated so much, all to mold me into whatever his idea of perfection was. But in this place, they have a different idea of love. The way Daniel described it, 'love is patient. Love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.' His description is not like what I heard before. It certainly sounds nicer, but is it better? Is it even something I'm capable of? Not right now, at least. But maybe...someday. *goto continue #Though friends might be a better word *set tobyfeelings "friends" My experience with romantic encounters could hardly be considered pleasant ones. I've seen men murder a groom, and carry off the bride to be in order to satisfy their carnal lusts. I've seen others leaving posts to chase down and corner a young beauty that caught their eye and got their groins stirring. I've seen young boys spend money that they risked their lives over in order to rent a girl for an hour. My closest personal encounters with romantic attraction was what that officer showed me. He killed many people for my benefit, and had me kill even more. No matter was too small. If it involved me, he was always interested. He dedicated so much, all to mold me into whatever his idea of perfection was. I wouldn't call my affection for Toby anything like that. I wouldn't attach any kind of reproductive thoughts onto it. But he's someone I trust, and care for. I recall men willing to stand against gunfire and be put down sooner than allow harm to come to his wife and children. I've seen others cry loudly over the corpses of fallen loved ones. That kind of devotion to another human being, above one's devotion even to one's own prosperity. Perhaps a form of love all on its own. Would I be willing to die for Toby Hens? I don't know. I would prefer to never have to find out. What I do know for certain is that I care about him. That's enough for me. *goto continue #However, I wouldn't call what I feel anything more than mild fondness *set tobyfeelings "acquaintances" To call another human being a loved one is a great promise. I recall men willing to stand against gunfire and be put down sooner than allow harm to come to his wife and children. I've seen others cry loudly over the corpses of fallen loved ones. That kind of devotion to another human being, above one's devotion even to one's own prosperity. Would I do that for Toby Hens? The answer comes easily; no. I wouldn't. Nonetheless, Toby has welcomed me. Without suspicion. Without malice. And unless he's playing a long game that goes beyond the past few months we've known each other, without conditions. I can say that I've been grateful for his being here. My time in this place has been improved because of him. I am better for having known Toby Hens. That's all that needs to be said. *goto continue #However, it would be more accurate to say I'm using him *set tobyfeelings "using" To call another human being a loved one is a great promise. I recall men willing to stand against gunfire and be put down sooner than allow harm to come to his wife and children. I've seen others cry loudly over the corpses of fallen loved ones. That kind of devotion to another human being, above one's devotion even to one's own prosperity. Am I even capable of such feelings? If I were, would I feel that for Toby Hens? For the latter question, the answer comes easily; no. My affection for Toby Hens is primarily tactical, as almost everything is. Toby has welcomed me. Without suspicion. Without malice. And unless he's playing a long game that goes beyond the past few months we've known each other, without conditions. More than that, he has introduced me to others, and improved my standing with this school. My time adjusting to this school would have been much more difficult without him. But that is where my affection ends. *goto continue #Though I'm not sure if that's accurate. I'm really not sure what I feel *set tobyfeelings "unknown" My experiences with romantic encounters has always been those of an outsider looking in. I've seen men willing to stand against gunfire and be put down sooner than allow harm to come to his wife and children. I've seen others cry loudly over the corpses of fallen loved ones. And I've seen young boys fighting dogs with knives, in order to impress their sweetheart. I've seen men murder a groom, and carry off the bride to be in order to satisfy their carnal lusts. I've seen others leaving posts to chase down and corner a young beauty that caught their eye and got their groins stirring. I've seen young boys spend money that they risked their lives over in order to rent a girl for an hour. My closest personal encounters with romantic attraction was what that officer showed me. He killed many people for my benefit, and had me kill even more. No matter was too small. If it involved me, he was always interested. He dedicated so much, all to mold me into whatever his idea of perfection was. My understanding of this strange and new world is blurred by these past experiences. Like glancing through lenses that have been cracked and distorted. In this place, their values and emotions are so alien, I often feel more like an outsider looking in rather than an inhabitant of this new place. Is what I feel for Toby Hens love? Or do I even feel anything at all? I cannot say. Not yet, at least. Though I am learning. At least...I think I am. *goto continue *if (expressedtobyfeelings ="acquaintances") I told Daniel that I only had a mild fondness for this young man. *choice #A pretty accurate description *set tobyfeelings "acquaintances" *set stealth -1 *label meh To call another human being a loved one is a great promise. I recall men willing to stand against gunfire and be put down sooner than allow harm to come to his wife and children. I've seen others cry loudly over the corpses of fallen loved ones. That kind of devotion to another human being, above one's devotion even to one's own prosperity. Would I do that for Toby Hens? The answer comes easily; no. I wouldn't. Nonetheless, Toby has welcomed me. Without suspicion. Without malice. And unless he's playing a long game that goes beyond the past few months we've known each other, without conditions. I can say that I've been grateful for his being here. My time in this place has been improved because of him. I am better for having known Toby Hens. That's all that needs to be said. *goto continue #But I care for him far more than as just a mere 'acquaintance' *set tobyfeelings "friends" *label totalbro To call another human being a loved one is a great promise. I recall men willing to stand against gunfire and be put down sooner than allow harm to come to his wife and children. I've seen others cry loudly over the corpses of fallen loved ones. That kind of devotion to another human being, above one's devotion even to one's own prosperity. Would I do that for Toby Hens? I know what he would say about me. But the truth is, I don't know. Toby has welcomed me. Without suspicion. Without malice. And unless he's playing a long game that goes beyond the past few months we've known each other, without conditions. I can say that I've been grateful for his being here. My time in this place has been improved because of him. Would that make him a loved one? A friend? I should think so. Perhaps even hope so. *goto continue #However, it would be more accurate to say I'm using him *set tobyfeelings "using" *label asshole To call another human being a loved one is a great promise. I recall men willing to stand against gunfire and be put down sooner than allow harm to come to his wife and children. I've seen others cry loudly over the corpses of fallen loved ones. That kind of devotion to another human being, above one's devotion even to one's own prosperity. Am I even capable of such feelings? If I were, would I feel that for Toby Hens? For the latter question, the answer comes easily; no. My affection for Toby Hens is primarily tactical, as almost everything is. Toby has welcomed me. Without suspicion. Without malice. And unless he's playing a long game that goes beyond the past few months we've known each other, without conditions. More than that, he has introduced me to others, and improved my standing with this school. My time adjusting to this school would have been much more difficult without him. But that is where my affection ends. *goto continue #Though I'm not sure if that's accurate. I'm really not sure what I feel *set tobyfeelings "unknown" Do I care about Toby Hens? Even a little, as an acquaintance? I've seen men willing to stand against gunfire and be put down sooner than allow harm to come to his wife and children. I've seen others cry loudly over the corpses of fallen loved ones. And I've seen young boys fighting dogs with knives, in order to impress their sweetheart. I've seen men murder a groom, and carry off the bride to be in order to satisfy their carnal lusts. I've seen others leaving posts to chase down and corner a young beauty that caught their eye and got their groins stirring. I've seen young boys spend money that they risked their lives over in order to rent a girl for an hour. My understanding of this strange and new world is blurred by these past experiences. Like glancing through lenses that have been cracked and distorted. In this place, their values and emotions are so alien, I often feel more like an outsider looking in rather than an inhabitant of this new place. Is what I feel for Toby Hens love? Or do I even feel anything at all? I cannot say. Not yet, at least. Though I am learning. At least...I think I am. *goto continue *if (expressedtobyfeelings ="friends") I told Daniel that I would consider this young man a friend. *choice #A pretty accurate description *set tobyfeelings "friends" *goto totalbro #However, I wouldn't call what I feel anything more than mild fondness *set tobyfeelings "acquaintances" *goto meh #However, it would be more accurate to say I'm using him *set tobyfeelings "using" *goto asshole #Though I'm not sure if that's accurate. I'm really not sure what I feel *set tobyfeelings "unknown" *label discovery Do I care about Toby Hens? I've seen men willing to stand against gunfire and be put down sooner than allow harm to come to his wife and children. I've seen others cry loudly over the corpses of fallen loved ones. And I've seen young boys fighting dogs with knives, in order to impress their sweetheart. I've seen men murder a groom, and carry off the bride to be in order to satisfy their carnal lusts. I've seen others leaving posts to chase down and corner a young beauty that caught their eye and got their groins stirring. I've seen young boys spend money that they risked their lives over in order to rent a girl for an hour. My understanding of this strange and new world is blurred by these past experiences. Like glancing through lenses that have been cracked and distorted. In this place, their values and emotions are so alien, I often feel more like an outsider looking in rather than an inhabitant of this new place. Is what I feel for Toby Hens love? Or friendship? Or do I even feel anything at all? I cannot say. Not yet, at least. Though I am learning. At least...I think I am. *goto continue *if (expressedtobyfeelings ="using") I told Daniel that I was using him for my own ends. *choice #A pretty accurate description *set tobyfeelings "using" *goto asshole #Maybe, but I seem to have grown to care a great deal about him. Perhaps enough to call him a friend *set tobyfeelings "friends" *goto totalbro #Though I actually do have a mild fondness for him that goes beyond usefulness *set tobyfeelings "acquaintances" *goto meh #Though I'm not sure if that's accurate. I'm really not sure what I feel *set tobyfeelings "unknown" *goto discovery *if (expressedtobyfeelings ="unknown") I told Daniel that as far as my feelings go for Toby, everything feels uncertain *choice #A pretty accurate description *set tobyfeelings "unknown" *goto discovery #Maybe, but I seem to have grown to care a great deal about him. Perhaps enough to call him a friend *set tobyfeelings "friends" *goto totalbro #Though I actually do have a mild fondness for him that goes beyond usefulness *set tobyfeelings "acquaintances" *goto meh #I suppose that sociability is what makes him an asset *set tobyfeelings "using" *goto asshole *else *choice #I guess this is what friendship feels like *set tobyfeelings "friends" *goto totalbro #I still wouldn't call us friends. But he's nice to be around *set tobyfeelings "acquaintances" *goto meh #I suppose that sociability is what makes him an asset *set tobyfeelings "using" *goto asshole #I have no idea how to feel about him *set tobyfeelings "unknown" *goto discovery #I start to block him out *if (tobyrelationship ="Friendly") *set tobyrelationship "One-Sided Friendship" I block him out after a little while. Just sitting at my seat and idly flipping through my school notes. Despite my inattention, he never seems to stop talking. Either he's unaware of my lack of interest in his words or he simply doesn't care. I'm not sure what I did to ever draw such attention from him. jessyrelationships. My own feelings toward him aren't nearly as strong, though I haven't seen much reason to tell him of that. He's only interrupted once other students begin to come in and he realizes how long he's been talking. "I'm sorry, I just realized I've been talking a lot more than you have," Toby smiles apologetically while scratching the back of his head. His usual motion to convey embarrassment. "I really need to kick that habit." "It does not matter. People are coming in. We should prepare for class." "Uhm, you're right. Sorry." *page_break Next *goto scenes #I'm just glad he's okay I sit down in my chair, within casual speaking distance of him. While sitting, I do a brief check-up on him. No damage that I could see. "Are you okay?" *label happy "I'm fine, they weren't going to do anything here." "Good." I am supposed to be maintaining peaceful relations in this school, after all. "Do you know who they are?" "Not sure. I think they're part of that one delinquent's gang. Junior?" Minor complication. "Well, I'm sure it'll work itself out. Things like this usually do, in my experience. Eventually they'll get too distracted by their own lives and problems to really worry about us." He says, waving his hand as if his problems are already beginning to drift away. "In other news, did you hear about that whole ribbon cutting ceremony they're doing at the mall tomorrow? I heard from a friend that it's supposed to be some kind of new theater, except also a hangout? Or something, I'm not entirely sure, but I know the guys were pretty interested in going and I guess I'm pretty interested too, if only to see what the whole idea is about. There really aren't a whole lot of places in town where friends can just go to, I dunno, be friends? Or whatever we're supposed to do at hangouts?" He goes on like that. Talking about him and his friends, the things that they're going to do together, where they'll be going. And through it all, he frequently talks about things he guesses I would enjoy, without the question of whether I would be invited or not ever coming up. As if it were a given that I'd be included with his circle of friends in their simple little pleasures. *goto momentsofpeace #I don't really care I sit down in my chair, within casual speaking distance of him. "As long as there is no trouble." I wouldn't want to be blamed for any physical conflict in the area, after all. *label dontcare "I'm fine, they weren't going to do anything here. And I'm sure it'll work itself out. Things like this usually do, in my experience. Eventually they'll get too distracted by their own lives and problems to really worry about us." He says, waving his hand as if his problems are already beginning to drift away. "In other news, did you hear about that whole ribbon cutting ceremony they're doing at the mall tomorrow? I heard from a friend that it's supposed to be some kind of new theater, except also a hangout? Or something, I'm not entirely sure, but I know the guys were pretty interested in going and I guess I'm pretty interested too, if only to see what the whole idea is about. There really aren't a whole lot of places in town where friends can just go to, I dunno, be friends? Or whatever we're supposed to do at hangouts?" He goes on like that. Talking about him and his friends, the things that they're going to do together, where they'll be going. And through it all, he frequently talks about things he guesses I would enjoy, without the question of whether I would be invited or not ever coming up. As if it were a given that I'd be included with his circle of friends in their simple little pleasures. I block him out after a little while. Just sitting at my seat and idly flipping through my school notes. Despite my inattention, he never seems to stop talking. Either he's unaware of my lack of interest in his words or he simply doesn't care. I'm not sure what I did to ever draw such attention from him. My own feelings toward him aren't nearly as strong, though I haven't seen much reason to tell him of that. He's only interrupted once other students begin to come in and he realizes how long he's been talking. "I'm sorry, I just realized I've been talking a lot more than you have," Toby smiles apologetically while scratching the back of his head. His usual motion to convey embarrassment. "I really need to kick that habit." "It does not matter. People are coming in. We should prepare for class." "Uhm, you're right. Sorry." *page_break Next *goto scenes *label continue *if ((expressedtobyfeelings ="romantic") and (tobyfeelings !="romantic")) *label oooops Though, I suppose this is a different story than I told Daniel this morning, less than an hour ago. *fake_choice #I didn't want him knowing There are very few things I can keep to myself. The more things I tell to Daniel, the more things I'm telling to the CIA, and the more things that are out of my control. At the very least, I want these relationships to be mine. #I didn't mean to lie *set stealth -1 Lying to Daniel hadn't been my intention. Partly because he's one of the few people in this new and strange place that seems to be on my side. And partly because it's generally not a good thing to lie to professional spies. Maybe I'll tell him my true feelings later. For now, I suppose, this will have to do. Toby's still talking now. We've gone through so many topics that it's a bit hard to keep track of them. Not that I particularly mind. *if (tobyfeelings ="romantic") *goto monologue *if (tobyfeelings ="friends") *goto monologue *if (tobyfeelings ="acquaintances") *goto monologue *if (tobyfeelings ="unknown") *goto monologue He's only interrupted once other students begin to come in and he realizes how long he's been talking. "I'm sorry, I just realized I've been talking a lot more than you have," Toby smiles apologetically while scratching the back of his head. His usual motion to convey embarrassment. "I really need to kick that habit." "It does not matter. People are coming in. We should prepare for class." "Uhm, you're right. Sorry." *page_break Next *goto scenes *if ((expressedtobyfeelings ="friends") and (tobyfeelings !="friends")) *goto oooops *if ((expressedtobyfeelings ="acquaintances") and (tobyfeelings !="acquaintances")) *goto oooops *if ((expressedtobyfeelings ="using") and (tobyfeelings !="using")) *goto oooops *if ((expressedtobyfeelings ="unknown") and (tobyfeelings !="unknown")) *goto oooops *label monologue I have recently been informed that there are approximately 7 billion humans inhabiting the planet Earth. Up until recently, the entire world has been what I could see and interact with, and was usually inhabited by a few hundred humans at a time. Most of whom were hostile toward me. In general, I interacted with people far more with weapons than I did with my own words. The ratio between people I killed and people I talked to was about 50 to 1. Since my relocation, I have not killed a single human being. And the number of people I talk to has increased to significantly higher than those I fight at all. Before, other people could be easily categorized as hostile and non-hostile, with the former outnumbering the latter. However, in this new environment, I have found that a new categorization method has been necessary. In general, I have found humans that I come in contact with can be sorted into three categories; good, bad, and neutral. The neutrals are the most numerous, making up the majority of people that I come across without interacting with. The bads, while comparatively few, are loud, easily recognizable, and make themselves known quickly. Goods are the fewest in number, and require the most effort to work with, requiring frequent interaction in order to maintain positive relations with. They also require effort on my part just to figure out whether or not they are a good at all, and do not often make themselves known without prompting. In general, I've found the neutrals the easiest to deal with. Even so... "I'm sorry, I just realized I've been talking a lot more than you have," Toby smiles apologetically while scratching the back of his head. His usual motion to convey embarrassment. "I really need to kick that habit." *if (combat <88) "I do not mind." I inform him. "You're a good, Toby." "Uhm, thanks?" "You're welcome. People are coming in. We should prepare for class." *page_break Next *if (hiredlucy =true) *goto_scene 2-3Lucy *if (third_incident =true) *goto_scene 2-3Jason *else *goto_scene 2-3Math "It does not matter. People are coming in. We should prepare for class." "Uhm, you're right. Sorry." You're a good, Toby. *page_break Next *label scenes *if (hiredlucy =true) *goto_scene 2-3Lucy *else *goto_scene 2-3Math