The next few hours seem to merge together. Before I know it, I'm already walking into my third hour, mathematics. Ever since growing accustomed to this new area, I have been finding it increasingly easy to lose track of what I'm doing and drift through the day. The crowds don't even really bother me anymore, I've walked through them too many times. Several months of navigating this school's hallways and moving through the other students without incident has made me complacent. *if (violent >20) or (reflex >=90) I usually don't have to even worry about maintaining vigilance to avoid intersection with others. They mostly avoid being in my proximity. *if (violent <=20) and (reflex <90) I even bumped into someone, on about 2 occasions. Both times the offender delivered a hasty, if off-handed, apology and moved on. I was too stunned in the moment to retaliate immediately. There is room for debate as to whether this is a positive or negative development. As it becomes easier to become dim to the passage of time, I find myself sitting down at my desk without really recognizing the order of events that lead me here. I finally wake up once I recognize the teacher beginning his lesson, and the other students beginning to get out sheets of paper to take notes. Recently, the relations between myself and mathematics had been deteriorating rapidly. After enjoying a degree of academic excellence among my peers for the first couple months, in the only class where I had been able to stand out in a manner unrelated to my combat abilities, I may have been a bit unprepared for upcoming challenges. As our content drifted further away from practical application and more into theories, formulas, and formulas within formulas, my ability to find the reason in any of it had made learning the content far more challenging. *fake_choice #I needed to put a lot of effort into maintaining the same high standards *set explosives -2 *set tactics -2 It required a fair bit of effort. On a few occasions, I even needed to request direct assistance from the instructor. But my grades have not decreased in the slightest. And despite the near meaninglessness of the achievement, I do feel a small amount of pride in that. #I didn't make any adjustments into how I learned the material, and grades have somewhat slipped as a result *set explosives -1 *set tactics -1 Before, I listened to the teacher, paid attention in class, and did the work. This has not changed. The amount of effort I expended at the start of the year has not increased. And while my grade has suffered a little bit, going down in a letter grade to a low B, my early success has been able to carry me so far. I predict a low C at the end of the year, which is acceptable to pass. #The sudden difficulty may have caused me to lose interest in the subject The teacher has talked to me about it a few times. But frankly, I just have a hard time investing any amount of effort or interest at all in a subject that has become increasingly meaningless to me. Even in class, I find it hard to bother trying to follow along as he drones on about formulas that have no real world representation that I can perceive ever being useful to me in any scenario other than highly specific and unlikely ones. I'm not sure what my grade in this class is. Not all that interested in finding out. And almost just as soon as I've sat down, the bell is ringing signifying that class has ended. The cluttered hallways welcome me as if I'd never even left. Feels like I never did. My walk toward my next class on the other side of the school feels practically automatic. I know the route well enough to walk it with my eyes closed, if only there weren't so many people in the way. Picking up individual voices, or making notes of small details, is difficult when walking through crowds like this. Which is why, even now, I'm not entirely used to the bustling of people all around me. The reason I tend to prefer to stick to a wall and drag along it. One less side to have to watch as my eyes dart around from person to person, making note of which ones make eye contact with me and keeping them in mind as I continue onward. Most of the few who make eye contact pass me by and continue on their own way. I'd feel safe to forget about them once I reached my next class. Very rarely to I notice any kind of emotion or recognition when passing by someone. Which makes it noticeable when I find myself passing by Jason Stave. He's a familiar face. *if (hurtbyjason =true) I do tend to remember people who punch me in the face. *if (foughtjason =true) or (interrogatebully =true) It's become easier to remember people that I've fought since battles have become so irregular. I haven't talked to him much since that confrontation on day one. In fact, I don't think we've talked at all. My information regarding him is only what I've picked up from watching from a distance, when I have nothing better to do but watch the people around me as they interact with one another. But, despite the time that has passed between that day and now, Jason Stave's disdain for me does not appear to have decreased at all. If anything, judging by the glare I receive as we pass each other in the hallway, he has become more antagonistic toward me as his relationship with Jessy Stewart has improved. No idea what caused this sudden burst of familiarity between the two, but after I was effectively cut out of their circle, I doubt I will find out. *fake_choice #Oh well They haven't made any direct moves against me, content to emit animosity from a distance. I may be ostracized from her circle of friends, but judging by their habits, I doubt I would have enjoyed being included among them in the first place. The backbone of civilized society is people's ability to live and let live. Better do my part. #I regret damaging her, it was morally wrong *set reflex -1 *set tactics -1 *set explosives -1 *set humanity +1 Looking back, I do highly regret breaking Jessy's arm. She was antagonistic, but not physically threatening. Breaking her arm was a definite overreaction on my part. Unfortunately, I doubt either of them will ever give me an opportunity to make amends for that particular offense, outside of very unusual circumstances. All I can really do is remind myself to treat future encounters with a bit more tolerance, and try to be better. Live and learn. #I regret damaging her, they keep saying bad things about me and it hurts my reputation *set reflex -1 *set tactics -1 *set explosives -1 Looking back, I do highly regret breaking Jessy's arm. Not for moral reasons. She was antagonistic, I was threatened, my reaction was valid. If anything, it was restrained compared to what some previous co-workers would have done to her in retaliation for even implying a threat. My conscionse is pretty clear on that matter. But, responding as I did has caused more problems than I anticipated. With all this animosity, my ability to fit in with the student body and foster friendly relations with anyone has been significantly hampered. And unfortunately, I doubt either of them will ever give me an opportunity to make amends for that particular offense, outside of very unusual circumstances. All I can really do is remind myself to treat future encounters with a bit more tolerance, and try to be better. Live and learn. *if (rejectlucy =false) and (lucyhostileforlife =false) I continue walking on, past Jason Stave without incident aside from that single glare, slowly moving my way toward my next class with only a moderate amount of urgency. Avoiding communication, verbal or otherwise, with those who pass by me. After passing by Jason, I didn't expect anything else of interest to happen during this short walk. However, Miss Stein ends up proving me wrong. I spot her as I'm approaching my next class. She appears to be standing right by the doorway to it, scanning the crowd for a particular individual. Evidently she finds that particular individual when she makes eye contact with me, and begins navigating the crowd toward my location. "${firstname}. I need to talk to you." "I have a class-" "I'll excuse you." Right. Presidential powers. "Follow me." She begins walking, as if it's a given that I'll follow close behind her. *choice #And she's right. I follow her. *goto fuckingcredit #I have more important things to do. Miss Stein, and whatever it is she wants to talk about, can wait until our 5th hour class together. Right now, it is 4th hour Art. I turn in the opposite direction that she went off in, and into my art class. I'm not there to see the look on her face when she turns to see me not there, but the thought is mildly amusing. *page_break Next *goto_scene 2-4Art *label fuckingcredit Credit where credit is due; in this particular instance, she had me pegged. I follow closely behind Miss Stein as we pass through the crowds of the school, until we reach a classroom with the lights turned off that she quickly ducks into. Mildly suspicious, I stand outside the door for a bit and creep in. Keeping my eyes scanning the room as my right hand reaches and flips on the room's light. It is, as was presented, an empty classroom. If you don't count Miss Stein standing there. "Okay, now that we're out of all that chaos..." she sighs in relief, sitting down in one of the desk chairs. *if (lucyrelationship ="Classmates") She sets herself down and brushes out her skirt before clearing her throat and placing her hands on the table while looking at me directly and authoritatively. A type of habit in her body language to get herself into a certain state of mind, ready to discuss business. We're alone in this room. I made sure to check corners when walking in, and there's no easy places for a person to hide that I can notice. At least not behind me. That, and the image she's presenting right now is that of someone wanting to do business, rather than threaten or intimidate. I've seen enough of both to know the difference. She's even been courteous enough to leave the path between myself and the exit clear. Were it anyone else, I would have called that last bit unintentional. She doesn't seem to be intending to threaten me. At least not physically. Which makes me feel safe enough to sit down at the opposite end of the table. *fake_choice #"What do you want?" Get to the point. *set stealth -1 "What do you want." Miss Stein nods, evidently pleased by this response. "Yes, to the point. There's no reason to waste time on formalities." She says in the same tone I've seen her use to address the class. "I called you here to discuss a business proposition." She lets that sentence hang in the air for a bit, clearly inviting a response. "Which would be?" #"You look...well." Start off with a compliment. *set tactics -1 *set combat -1 "You look...well." Miss Stein seems a bit taken off guard by my attempt at establishing a friendly atmosphere for our discussion. "Uhh...thank you." She mutters, before clearing her throat once again to get back into character. "Kind of you to say. But more to the point..." She says in the same tone I've seen her use to address the class. "I called you here to discuss a business proposition." She lets that sentence hang in the air for a bit, clearly inviting a response. "...I'm listening." #Say nothing. Let her set the tone. *set explosives -1 *set reflex -1 The silence hangs in the air for a few seconds, as I wait for her to say something. In response, she continues to look at me with that same authoritative gaze, that slowly begins to wane as the silence drifts on and she awkwardly coughs. "Right, I'll start then." She mutters, before clearing her throat once again to get back into character, speaking in the same tone I've seen her use to address the class. "I called you here to discuss a business proposition." That sentence hangs in the air for a little bit before she follows up. *if (combat <85) #"I get the feeling you don't want to exchange English notes." *set combat -1 *set tactics -1 *set explosives -1 *set reflex -1 "I get the feeling you don't want to exchange English notes." Miss Stein seems a bit taken off guard by my attempt to ease the serious mood, and she almost laughs before catching herself and clearing her throat once again to get back into character. "Ahh no. Very perceptive of you." She says in the same tone I've seen her use to address the class. "I called you here to discuss a business proposition." She lets that sentence hang in the air for a bit, clearly inviting a response. "...Sounds good. I'm listening." *page_break Next "So, as you know, I am student council president." "Yes." You find a way to bring it up in every conversation we have. "And my father is also the congressman for our state. Both of these positions invite certain...dangers." I didn't realize student council presidential elections were so cutthroat. "I see. What does this have to do with me?" She leans forward in her chair, folding her hands together at mouth level as she stares ahead at me. Mouth and torso concealed behind her arms in a way that obstructs her body language. "I'm not stupid. I realized rather quickly that there was something off about you, so I took it upon myself to do a bit of background digging." She says, keeping a level stare. "The first PI was sent a picture of his family to warn him off. The second came back with a picture of [i]me[/i] at the dinner table, taken from outside my window. I did eventually get some info on you, when I decided to snoop through the school files for a completely unrelated reason." It's hard to tell with her hands covering her mouth, but I'm pretty sure she's smirking. "I know you're the reason for all the new school security." *fake_choice #[i]Remove the threat *set lucyrelationship "Terrified" *set bored +1 Immediately, I'm standing up. Making sure to use enough force to push the chair out behind me, outside of the area where it can't get in my way. Desk is roughly a foot across, within my reach. Grab her head, slam it down onto the table. Momentarily stun her. Target begins to recoil, no forward momentum. No immediate threat, safe to move in. Throw desk aside to clear my approach before moving forward. Target falls onto her back and tries crawling away. Target is disoriented. Blood trickling down her forehead from where it met the desk. But there's a clear expression of terror in her facial features. [i]She's afraid. Sit down on her waist. Mount position. Dominant position. Target waves her hands uselessly at me. "Please no...no no no don't hurt me..." She begins mumbling incoherently. Excessive reaction, in contrast to prior attitude. Prior trauma? Irrelevant; I cross my arms around her neck and press inward. Cross-collar choke. Can't kill her...but I can scare her. "Never attempt to contact me again. Or I will kill you." Her eyes are wide with fear. Will to resist has been effectively destroyed. Threat minimized. Even if the words didn't get across, she'll remember this fear. Now I need to move. Security guards can appear at any moment. Can't be in this location when they arrive. *page_break Next *goto_scene 2-4Art #Threaten her to silence *set reflex -1 *set explosives -1 *set bored +1 "If you know that," I state very plainly so as to not be misheard, maintaining a steady gaze toward her. "You know how well I react to threats." For a moment her hands tense up, about the only indication of fear aside from the slight stutter in her voice. "Y-yes, well...I think you have the wrong idea," she mutters, talking herself back up to a more agreeable position. "I'm not threatening you. I want to hire you." "For?" "Bodyguard work," she explains. "As you say, you have a certain way of responding to threats. I want you to respond that way to threats against me. Come with me when I call you in, deliveries, that sort of thing. And you can expect to put your unique talents to good use. And 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?" Using my skills... Killing skills. All the things that I'm supposed to be here to forget about. All the things that I've been made to store away in the back of my mind, to let gather dust from lack of use. Is that what I want? *label isit *choice #Oh God [i]Yes *set lucyrelationship "Professional" *set bored +5 All these endless classes, tests, quizzes, social interactions...it's all felt so restricting. Part of me has been dying - yearning - for an opportunity to use those skills again. For any reason... Body guarding? Seems like reason enough. "Yes." She seems a bit caught off guard when I respond so quickly, and with such simplicity. "Yes, you'll..." "I'll take the job." I explain to her. "What do you need?" "Well, nothing right now, but...you have a phone?" She asks, and I nod the affirmative. "I'm putting you in my contacts. A time will come, soon, when I call on you to assist me. I will expect a prompt response." "Understood." She stands up, beckoning me to do the same. "...I look forward to working with you, ${fullname}." "You as well, Miss Stein." *page_break Next *goto_scene 2-4Art #I could certainly use what she's offering... *set lucyrelationship "Professional" *set explosives -1 *set reflex -1 *set bored +1 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. "Very well. I'll take the job." You respond. "What do you need?" "Well, nothing right now, but...you have a phone?" She asks, and I nod the affirmative. "I'm putting you in my contacts. A time will come, soon, when I call on you to assist me. I will expect a prompt response." "Understood." She stands up, beckoning me to do the same. "...I look forward to working with you, ${fullname}." "You as well, Miss Stein." *page_break Next *goto_scene 2-4Art #I'd rather avoid that kind of attention *set lucyrelationship "Rejected" I've had quite enough of putting myself in danger at someone else's orders. If I have to fight, it'll be because I had to. Not because someone else wants me to. Not that officer, and not this student council president. "I refuse." 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-" "That's correct." I stand, turning away from her. "Don't talk to me about this again." *page_break Next *goto_scene 2-4Art #I personally don't like Miss Stein *set lucyrelationship "Rejected" There's something far too familiar about her. That arrogance. That need to have her authority met. That refusal of any dissension, any threat to her power and authority. It's all too...familiar. "I refuse." 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-" "That's correct." I stand, turning away from her. "Don't talk to me about this again." *page_break Next *goto_scene 2-4Art #I don't want that to ever be my life again *set lucyrelationship "Rejected" *set fittingin +5 *set humanity +3 No...never again. I'm just now beginning to settle down into a place where I can actually feel safe. I'm not going to actively seek out more opportunities to put myself in danger. That's not me...it will never be me. Never again. "I refuse." 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-" "That's correct." I stand, turning away from her. "Don't talk to me about this again." *page_break Next *goto_scene 2-4Art *selectable_if (reflex <85) #This is leading somewhere. Hear her out *set combat -1 *set explosives -1 *set reflex -1 She knows that my presence here is the reason for all the added security. If she knows that, she's probably been able to unearth a lot of other things. I don't know exactly what the school has about me on file, but they do employ Professor Patel, so it's probably more than I would ordinarily be comfortable having someone know. Still, despite this, she's sitting me down in a meeting. To talk. Whatever else, it says something that she's choosing to talk alone. "Alright...and?" "And I've been peeking around, as much as I could get away with, and I've found you to be quite...capable." She explains, "I want to hire you." "For?" "Bodyguard work," she explains. "As you say, you have a certain way of responding to threats. I want you to respond that way to threats against me. Come with me when I call you in, deliveries, that sort of thing. And you can expect to put your unique talents to good use. And 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?" Using my skills... Killing skills. All the things that I'm supposed to be here to forget about. All the things that I've been made to store away in the back of my mind, to let gather dust from lack of use. Is that what I want? *goto isit *if (lucyrelationship ="Wary") *label spookyscarystudent She sets herself down and brushes out her skirt before clearing her throat and placing her hands on the table while looking at me directly and authoritatively. There's a wariness to her, like she's watching me as closely as I'm watching her. Watching my movements with a critical eye. We're alone in this room. I made sure to check corners when walking in, and there's no easy places for a person to hide that I can notice. At least not behind me. Though it would be unwise to assume that she's left herself completely undefended. By her posture alone, it's clear that she doesn't fully trust me not to snap on her. It would be wise to assume there's some kind of precaution in place if I decide to make a move against her. But, at the very least, it's clear that violence is something she's anticipated, not actively planning. I've seen enough of both to know the difference. She's even been courteous enough to leave the path between myself and the exit clear. Were it anyone else, I would have called that last bit unintentional. She doesn't seem to be intending to threaten me. At least not physically. Which makes me feel safe enough to sit down at the opposite end of the table. *fake_choice #"What do you want?" Get to the point. *set stealth -1 "What do you want." Miss Stein nods, evidently pleased by this response. "Yes, to the point. There's no reason to waste time on formalities." She says in the same tone I've seen her use to address the class. "I called you here to discuss a business proposition." She lets that sentence hang in the air for a bit, clearly inviting a response. "Seeing as how you have been deliberately ignoring my existence since the first day, this must be important." #"You look...well." Start off with a compliment. *set tactics -1 *set combat -1 "You look...well." Miss Stein seems a bit taken off guard by my attempt at establishing a friendly atmosphere for our discussion. "Uhh...thank you." She mutters, before clearing her throat once again to get back into character. "Kind of you to say. But more to the point..." She says in the same tone I've seen her use to address the class. "I called you here to discuss a business proposition." She lets that sentence hang in the air for a bit, clearly inviting a response. "Seeing as how you have been deliberately ignoring my existence since the first day, this must be important." #Say nothing. Let her set the tone. *set explosives -1 *set reflex -1 The silence hangs in the air for a few seconds, as I wait for her to say something. In response, she continues to look at me with that same authoritative gaze, that slowly begins to wane as the silence drifts on and she awkwardly coughs. "Right, I'll start then." She mutters, before clearing her throat once again to get back into character, speaking in the same tone I've seen her use to address the class. "I called you here to discuss a business proposition." She lets that sentence hang in the air for a bit, clearly inviting a response. "Seeing as how you have been deliberately ignoring my existence since the first day, this must be important." *if (combat <85) #"I get the feeling you don't want to exchange English notes." *set combat -1 *set tactics -1 *set explosives -1 *set reflex -1 "I get the feeling you don't want to exchange English notes." Miss Stein seems a bit taken off guard by my attempt to ease the serious mood, and she almost laughs before catching herself and clearing her throat once again to get back into character. "Ahh no. Very perceptive of you." She says in the same tone I've seen her use to address the class. "I called you here to discuss a business proposition." She lets that sentence hang in the air for a bit, clearly inviting a response. "Seeing as how you have been deliberately ignoring my existence since the first day, this must be important." "Well, you have to admit, our first day together was...interesting." She says slowly. "Though, it also made me quite interested in you. Enough to where I began to do some digging of my own into your background." She leans forward in her chair, folding her hands together at mouth level as she stares ahead at me. Mouth and torso concealed behind her arms in a way that obstructs her body language. "My inquiries had unusual responses. The first PI was sent a picture of his family to warn him off. The second came back with a picture of [i]me[/i] at the dinner table, taken from outside my window. I did eventually get some info on you, when I decided to snoop through the school files for a completely unrelated reason." Her eyes, the only part of her body I can read unobstructed, remain neutral. Observing my reaction. "I know you're the reason for all the new school security." *fake_choice #[i]Remove the threat *set lucyrelationship "Hostile" *set bored +1 Immediately, I'm standing up. Making sure to use enough force to push the chair out behind me, outside of the area where it can't get in my way. Desk is roughly a foot across, within my reach. Grab her head, slam it down onto the table. Momentarily stun her. Target begins to recoil, no forward momentum. No immediate threat, safe to move in. Throw desk aside to clear my approach before moving forward. Target falls onto her back and tries crawling away. Target is disoriented. Blood trickling down her forehead from where it met the desk. But there's a clear expression of terror in her facial features. [i]She's afraid. Door slams open behind me. Immediately turn, notice two security guards aiming tasers at me. Target likely had them nearby in case something like this happened. "Don't just stand there!" Target screams, holding her head and closing her eyes, huddled up next to a desk to protect herself as she shouts orders. "Get rid of ${him}!" *if (reflex >85) Two shots go off. The metal prongs of the submission weapons flying toward me. The desks made fine cover as I briefly hide behind them until I hear the prongs make contact with the wooden tables, indicating an opening to move out of cover and toward them. *choice #Exploit the opening *if (report_fight =true) and (reflex <90) Moment I stand up, however, I quickly realize my mistake. The security guards, having missed with their first shots, immediately threw aside the spent weapons and drew back-up suppression tasers. It seems they've improved since the first day... I only have enough time to recognize the mistake made before I feel electricity begin to surge through my body and send me to the ground, my body spasming involuntarily. "I want ${him} gone!" Miss Stein is shouting, "I want ${him} expelled! I want ${him} jailed! I want ${him} deported! [i]Get ${him} away from me!" Though the electricity stops, the metal prongs remain in my body as the security officers slowly begin to approach. One helping Miss Stein off the ground while the other keeps an eye on me. "That's...not really an option, Miss Stein." One of them says, "We're only here to break up fights-" "Just..." She mutters while glaring at me. Don't think I've ever seen her this agitated. You would think I killed her parents with how much hate she's throwing at me. "Never. Talk to me. Again. Ever!" She screams, before storming out of the room. The officers sigh, removing the prongs from me. "Alright, go on your way." He says, stepping back and letting me get back up to my feet. "Wait, we're just letting ${him} go?" The other asks as they're on their way out, leaving me alone in the classroom. "As opposed to what? Reporting ${him}? Since when has that [i]ever[/i] done something?" I hear the door close. And I'm alone again. Just me in an empty classroom, still coming off the pain of having those jolts of electricity surging through my body. Wiggling my extremities in the hope of getting them to wake back up. And thinking over my current situation with Miss Stein... *choice #She beat me...this requires retribution *set lucyrelationship "Enemies" Whoever was at fault, I can't let it stand that someone was able to defeat me. If one person beats you, it leaves you open to others. Which is why ever slight must be avenged, every loss must be met. Lucy Stein...you've made a powerful enemy today. *page_break Next *goto_scene 2-4Art #She wants avoidance. Fine with me Whoever was at fault, our relationship now is set. She avoids me, I avoid her. I can live with this arrangement. In truth, despite all circumstances to the contrary, this is probably one of the better possible outcomes. *page_break Next *goto_scene 2-4Art #I'm probably in the wrong here *set reflex -1 *set tactics -1 *set humanity +1 I...may have overreacted there. And created a problem where there wasn't one. Given her reaction, it's unlikely that there's any salvaging this relationship. She seemed far more terrified than is characteristic of her. Indication of trauma. Which I thoroughly exploited...probably not getting back from that one. Oh well. At least now our relationship now is set. She avoids me, I avoid her. I can live with this arrangement. In truth, despite all circumstances to the contrary, this is probably one of the better possible outcomes. *page_break Next *goto_scene 2-4Art *if (report_fight =true) and (reflex >=90) Moment I stand up, however, I quickly realize my mistake. The security guards, having missed with their first shots, immediately threw aside the spent weapons and drew back-up suppression tasers. It seems they've improved since the first day... If my reflexes were any slower, I'd be a spasming wreck on the floor as several jolts of electricity caused my basic systems to shut down. Luckily I'm able to narrowly avoid that fate by jumping to the side behind the safety of a different desk. While I'm in cover, I notice Miss Stein run from her cowering spot to run for the door. Peeking over, the officers seem more than a little intimidated, having lost the benefit of their primary means of suppression. However, once Miss Stein is at the door and behind them, they stop making any attempt to progress further into the room and are content to leave me be. "I want ${him} gone!" Miss Stein is shouting, "I want ${him} expelled! I want ${him} jailed! I want ${him} deported! [i]Get ${him} away from me!" She shouts one last time before leaving the room. "Right...good luck with that," one mutters after she's gone and out of earshot. "Alright, ${firstname}...we're done here. Go on your way, and try not to get in any more trouble." "Wait, we're just letting ${him} go?" The other asks as they're on their way out, leaving me alone in the classroom. "As opposed to what? Reporting ${him}? Since when has that [i]ever[/i] done something?" I hear the door close. And I'm alone again. Thinking over my situation with Miss Stein... *choice #She attacked me...this requires retribution *set lucyrelationship "Enemies" Whoever was at fault, I can't let it stand that someone took a shot at me. If one person attacks you unpunished, it leaves you open to others. Which is why ever slight must be avenged, every loss must be met. Lucy Stein...you've made a powerful enemy today. *page_break Next *goto_scene 2-4Art #She wants avoidance. Fine with me Whoever was at fault, our relationship now is set. She avoids me, I avoid her. I can live with this arrangement. In truth, despite all circumstances to the contrary, this is probably one of the better possible outcomes. *page_break Next *goto_scene 2-4Art #I'm probably in the wrong here *set reflex -1 *set tactics -1 *set humanity +1 I...may have overreacted there. And created a problem where there wasn't one. Given her reaction, it's unlikely that there's any salvaging this relationship. She seemed far more terrified than is characteristic of her. Indication of trauma. Which I thoroughly exploited...probably not getting back from that one. Oh well. At least now our relationship now is set. She avoids me, I avoid her. I can live with this arrangement. In truth, despite all circumstances to the contrary, this is probably one of the better possible outcomes. *page_break Next *goto_scene 2-4Art *else Moment I think I can get away with it, I vault over the desk and move toward them. Neither of the security officers seem particularly confident about their chances, despite their batons, and fall into defensive stances. Not a particularly easy position to assault. Attacking directly would be risky. Would be better to divide and conquer; break up their position with a thrown object, maybe a chair or desk, then move to disable one and then the other. While I'm moving into a better position to attack, however, I notice Miss Stein run from her cowering spot to run for the door. And once Miss Stein is at the door and behind them, the two officers slowing begin easing off, indicating their own desire to withdraw. "I want ${him} gone!" Miss Stein is shouting, "I want ${him} expelled! I want ${him} jailed! I want ${him} deported! [i]Get ${him} away from me!" She shouts one last time before leaving the room. "Right...good luck with that," one mutters after she's gone and out of earshot. "Alright, ${firstname}...we're done here. Go on your way, and try not to get in any more trouble." "Wait, we're just letting ${him} go?" The other asks as they're on their way out, leaving me alone in the classroom. "As opposed to what? Reporting ${him}? Since when has that [i]ever[/i] done something?" I hear the door close. And I'm alone again. Thinking over my situation with Miss Stein... *choice #She attacked me...this requires retribution *set lucyrelationship "Enemies" Whoever was at fault, I can't let it stand that someone took a shot at me. If one person attacks you unpunished, it leaves you open to others. Which is why ever slight must be avenged, every loss must be met. Lucy Stein...you've made a powerful enemy today. *page_break Next *goto_scene 2-4Art #She wants avoidance. Fine with me Whoever was at fault, our relationship now is set. She avoids me, I avoid her. I can live with this arrangement. In truth, despite all circumstances to the contrary, this is probably one of the better possible outcomes. *page_break Next *goto_scene 2-4Art #I'm probably in the wrong here *set reflex -1 *set tactics -1 *set humanity +1 I...may have overreacted there. And created a problem where there wasn't one. Given her reaction, it's unlikely that there's any salvaging this relationship. She seemed far more terrified than is characteristic of her. Indication of trauma. Which I thoroughly exploited...probably not getting back from that one. Oh well. At least now our relationship now is set. She avoids me, I avoid her. I can live with this arrangement. In truth, despite all circumstances to the contrary, this is probably one of the better possible outcomes. *page_break Next *goto_scene 2-4Art #Try to negotiate *set reflex -1 *set explosives -1 "...Perhaps I may have overreacted." I shout out from my position of safety behind my hastily made cover without the sound of hostile advance. "You wanted to talk about something, Miss Stein?" Target slowly looks up, realizing that there's no combat going on, and realizing that I'm addressing her. Her expression is shaken, unnerved, as she forces herself back to her feet without breaking eye contact with me. "Y-Yes...that's right." She mutters, shaking herself out and straightening out her skirt. "That's right...have you...calmed down?" "That depends...what exactly was it you were saying?" "I wanted...to hire you." She says outright. "As a bodyguard." "A bodyguard?" "Yes," she says. Looking between me and the security officers as they, I imagine, cautiously watch and wonder where this is even going at this point. "As you know, I'm student council president." She says proudly, as she does in almost every single conversation we've ever had. "And, also, I am the daughter of Congressman Stein...both of these positions invite dangers. And seeing as how you are very clearly capable of handling yourself...I want to hire you to protect me." "I see..." Well, now I feel like I overreacted a bit. "And is that offer still on the table?" She's silent for a pretty long moment. "I...yes." "And what would be in it for me?" "Well, 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?" *choice #Oh God [i]Yes *set lucyrelationship "Professional" *set bored +5 All these endless classes, tests, quizzes, social interactions...it's all felt so restricting. Part of me has been dying - yearning - for an opportunity to use those skills again. For any reason... Body guarding? Seems like reason enough. "Yes." She seems a bit caught off guard when I respond so quickly, and with such simplicity. "Yes, you'll..." "I'll take the job." I explain to her, standing up from my crouched position. "What do you need?" "Well, for right now..." she mutters, the shakiness slowly draining from her voice as she slowly approaches me, still looking between me and the security officers until we're within arms reach and I remain in place. "I need you to remain...completely...still..." She says, anger starting to seep into her voice, as she winds up her hand and slaps me across the face leaving a stinging red mark on my cheek. "And [i]never attack me again!" "...Understood." She straightens out, waving off the officers. "You two can go. I'm safe now." They shrug, "If you say so," and leave us alone. "With all that nonsense out of the way," she nods at me. "I look forward to working with you, ${fullname}." "You as well, Miss Stein. *page_break Next *goto_scene 2-4Art #I could certainly use what she's offering... *set lucyrelationship "Professional" *set explosives -1 *set reflex -1 *set bored +1 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. "Very well. I'll take the job." You respond. "What do you need?" "Well, for right now..." she mutters, the shakiness slowly draining from her voice as she slowly approaches me, still looking between me and the security officers until we're within arms reach and I remain in place. "I need you to remain...completely...still..." She says, anger starting to seep into her voice, as she winds up her hand and slaps me across the face leaving a stinging red mark on my cheek. "And [i]never attack me again!" "...Understood." She straightens out, waving off the officers. "You two can go. I'm safe now." They shrug, "If you say so," and leave us alone. "With all that nonsense out of the way," she nods at me. "I look forward to working with you, ${fullname}." "You as well, Miss Stein. *page_break Next *goto_scene 2-4Art #I'd rather avoid that kind of attention *set lucyrelationship "Hostile" I've had quite enough of putting myself in danger at someone else's orders. If I have to fight, it'll be because I had to. Not because someone else wants me to. Not that officer, and not this student council president. "I refuse." Somehow, she doesn't seem all that disappointed. "A shame...but I suppose I'll live." She says in a scalding tone before marching off toward the door, shoving her way past the officers before looking back at me one last time. "...Never talk to me again." "Right...guess that's settled," one mutters after she's gone and out of earshot. "Alright, ${firstname}...we're done here. Go on your way, and try not to get in any more trouble." "Wait, we're just letting ${him} go?" The other asks as they're on their way out, leaving me alone in the classroom. "As opposed to what? Reporting ${him}? Since when has that [i]ever[/i] done something?" I hear the door close. And I'm alone again. ... ...I need to get to class. *page_break Next *goto_scene 2-4Art #I personally don't like Miss Stein *set lucyrelationship "Hostile" There's something far too familiar about her. That arrogance. That need to have her authority met. That refusal of any dissension, any threat to her power and authority. It's all too...familiar. "I refuse." Somehow, she doesn't seem all that disappointed. "A shame...but I suppose I'll live." She says in a scalding tone before marching off toward the door, shoving her way past the officers before looking back at me one last time. "...Never talk to me again." "Right...guess that's settled," one mutters after she's gone and out of earshot. "Alright, ${firstname}...we're done here. Go on your way, and try not to get in any more trouble." "Wait, we're just letting ${him} go?" The other asks as they're on their way out, leaving me alone in the classroom. "As opposed to what? Reporting ${him}? Since when has that [i]ever[/i] done something?" I hear the door close. And I'm alone again. ... ...I need to get to class. *page_break Next *goto_scene 2-4Art #I don't want that to ever be my life again *set lucyrelationship "Hostile" *set fittingin +5 *set humanity +3 No...never again. I'm just now beginning to settle down into a place where I can actually feel safe. I'm not going to actively seek out more opportunities to put myself in danger. That's not me...it will never be me. Never again. "I refuse." Somehow, she doesn't seem all that disappointed. "A shame...but I suppose I'll live." She says in a scalding tone before marching off toward the door, shoving her way past the officers before looking back at me one last time. "...Never talk to me again." "Right...guess that's settled," one mutters after she's gone and out of earshot. "Alright, ${firstname}...we're done here. Go on your way, and try not to get in any more trouble." "Wait, we're just letting ${him} go?" The other asks as they're on their way out, leaving me alone in the classroom. "As opposed to what? Reporting ${him}? Since when has that [i]ever[/i] done something?" I hear the door close. And I'm alone again. ... ...I need to get to class. *page_break Next *goto_scene 2-4Art #Threaten her to silence *set reflex -1 *set explosives -1 *set bored +1 "If you know that," I state very plainly so as to not be misheard, maintaining a steady gaze toward her. "You know how well I react to threats." For a moment her hands tense up, about the only indication of fear aside from the slight stutter in her voice. "Y-yes, well...I think you have the wrong idea," she mutters, talking herself back up to a more agreeable position. "I'm not threatening you. I want to hire you." "For?" "Bodyguard work," she explains. "As you know, I'm student council president." She says proudly, as she does in almost every single conversation we've ever had. "And, also, I am the daughter of Congressman Stein...both of these positions invite dangers. And seeing as how you are very clearly capable of handling yourself...I want to hire you to protect me. And 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?" Using my skills... Killing skills. All the things that I'm supposed to be here to forget about. All the things that I've been made to store away in the back of my mind, to let gather dust from lack of use. Is that what I want? *label 2isit *choice #Oh God [i]Yes *set lucyrelationship "Professional" *set bored +5 All these endless classes, tests, quizzes, social interactions...it's all felt so restricting. Part of me has been dying - yearning - for an opportunity to use those skills again. For any reason... Body guarding? Seems like reason enough. "Yes." She seems a bit caught off guard when I respond so quickly, and with such simplicity. "Yes, you'll..." "I'll take the job." I explain to her. "What do you need?" "Well, nothing right now, but...you have a phone?" She asks, and I nod the affirmative. "I'm putting you in my contacts. A time will come, soon, when I call on you to assist me. I will expect a prompt response." "Understood." She stands up, beckoning me to do the same. "...I look forward to working with you, ${fullname}." "You as well, Miss Stein." *page_break Next *goto_scene 2-4Art #I could certainly use what she's offering... *set lucyrelationship "Professional" *set explosives -1 *set reflex -1 *set bored +1 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. "Very well. I'll take the job." You respond. "What do you need?" "Well, nothing right now, but...you have a phone?" She asks, and I nod the affirmative. "I'm putting you in my contacts. A time will come, soon, when I call on you to assist me. I will expect a prompt response." "Understood." She stands up, beckoning me to do the same. "...I look forward to working with you, ${fullname}." "You as well, Miss Stein." *page_break Next *goto_scene 2-4Art #I'd rather avoid that kind of attention *set lucyrelationship "Rejected" I've had quite enough of putting myself in danger at someone else's orders. If I have to fight, it'll be because I had to. Not because someone else wants me to. Not that officer, and not this student council president. "I refuse." 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-" "That's correct." I stand, turning away from her. "Don't talk to me about this again." *page_break Next *goto_scene 2-4Art #I personally don't like Miss Stein *set lucyrelationship "Rejected" There's something far too familiar about her. That arrogance. That need to have her authority met. That refusal of any dissension, any threat to her power and authority. It's all too...familiar. "I refuse." 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-" "That's correct." I stand, turning away from her. "Don't talk to me about this again." *page_break Next *goto_scene 2-4Art #I don't want that to ever be my life again *set lucyrelationship "Rejected" *set fittingin +5 *set humanity +3 No...never again. I'm just now beginning to settle down into a place where I can actually feel safe. I'm not going to actively seek out more opportunities to put myself in danger. That's not me...it will never be me. Never again. "I refuse." 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-" "That's correct." I stand, turning away from her. "Don't talk to me about this again." *page_break Next *goto_scene 2-4Art *selectable_if (reflex <85) #This is leading somewhere. Hear her out *set combat -1 *set explosives -1 *set reflex -1 She knows that my presence here is the reason for all the added security. If she knows that, she's probably been able to unearth a lot of other things. I don't know exactly what the school has about me on file, but they do employ Professor Patel, so it's probably more than I would ordinarily be comfortable having someone know. Still, despite this, she's sitting me down in a meeting. To talk. Whatever else, it says something that she's choosing to talk alone. "Alright...and?" "And I've been peeking around, as much as I could get away with, and I've found you to be quite...capable." She explains, "I want to hire you." "For?" "Bodyguard work," she explains. "As you know, I'm student council president." She says proudly, as she does in almost every single conversation we've ever had. "And, also, I am the daughter of Congressman Stein...both of these positions invite dangers. And seeing as how you are very clearly capable of handling yourself...I want to hire you to protect me. And 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?" Using my skills... Killing skills. All the things that I'm supposed to be here to forget about. All the things that I've been made to store away in the back of my mind, to let gather dust from lack of use. Is that what I want? *goto 2isit *if (lucyrelationship ="Reluctant Gratitude") or (lucyrelationship ="Gratitude") She sets herself down and brushes out her skirt before clearing her throat and placing her hands on the table while looking at me directly and authoritatively. A type of habit in her body language to get herself into a certain state of mind, ready to discuss business. A bit different from the usually passing glance of familiarity or smile of brief recognition that I'm accustomed to receiving. We're alone in this room. Don't think that's ever happened before. I made sure to check corners when walking in, and there's no easy places for a person to hide that I can notice. At least not behind me. That, and the image she's presenting right now is that of someone wanting to do business, rather than threaten or intimidate. I've seen enough of both to know the difference. She's even been courteous enough to leave the path between myself and the exit clear. Were it anyone else, I would have called that last bit unintentional. She doesn't seem to be intending to threaten me. At least not physically. Which makes me feel safe enough to sit down at the opposite end of the table. *fake_choice #"What do you want?" Get to the point. *set stealth -1 "What do you want." Miss Stein nods, evidently pleased by this response. "Yes, to the point. There's no reason to waste time on formalities." She says in the same tone I've seen her use to address the class. "I called you here to discuss a business proposition." She lets that sentence hang in the air for a bit, clearly inviting a response. "Seeing as how you have been deliberately ignoring my existence since the first day, this must be important." #"You look...well." Start off with a compliment. *set tactics -1 *set combat -1 "You look...well." Miss Stein seems a bit taken off guard by my attempt at establishing a friendly atmosphere for our discussion. "Uhh...thank you." She mutters, before clearing her throat once again to get back into character. "Kind of you to say. But more to the point..." She says in the same tone I've seen her use to address the class. "I called you here to discuss a business proposition." She lets that sentence hang in the air for a bit, clearly inviting a response. "Seeing as how you have been deliberately ignoring my existence since the first day, this must be important." #Say nothing. Let her set the tone. *set explosives -1 *set reflex -1 The silence hangs in the air for a few seconds, as I wait for her to say something. In response, she continues to look at me with that same authoritative gaze, that slowly begins to wane as the silence drifts on and she awkwardly coughs. "Right, I'll start then." She mutters, before clearing her throat once again to get back into character, speaking in the same tone I've seen her use to address the class. "I called you here to discuss a business proposition." She lets that sentence hang in the air for a bit, clearly inviting a response. "Seeing as how you have been deliberately ignoring my existence since the first day, this must be important." *if (combat <85) #"I get the feeling you don't want to exchange English notes." *set combat -1 *set tactics -1 *set explosives -1 *set reflex -1 "I get the feeling you don't want to exchange English notes." Miss Stein seems a bit taken off guard by my attempt to ease the serious mood, and she almost laughs before catching herself and clearing her throat once again to get back into character. "Ahh no. Very perceptive of you." She says in the same tone I've seen her use to address the class. "I called you here to discuss a business proposition." She lets that sentence hang in the air for a bit, clearly inviting a response. "Seeing as how you have been deliberately ignoring my existence since the first day, this must be important." "Well, you have to admit, our first day together was...interesting." She says slowly. "Don't get me wrong, I was grateful for your assistance on that day. I...apologize if my distance since then made you think otherwise. It wasn't deliberate, I've just been kept busy. And...your behavior motivated me to do some...researching." She leans forward in her chair, folding her hands together at mouth level as she stares ahead at me. Mouth and torso concealed behind her arms in a way that obstructs her body language. "My inquiries had unusual responses. The first PI was sent a picture of his family to warn him off. The second came back with a picture of [i]me[/i] at the dinner table, taken from outside my window. I did eventually get some info on you, when I decided to snoop through the school files for a completely unrelated reason." It's hard to tell with her hands covering her mouth, but I'm pretty sure she's smirking. "I know you're the reason for all the new school security." *fake_choice #[i]Remove the threat *set lucyrelationship "Terrified" *set bored +1 Immediately, I'm standing up. Making sure to use enough force to push the chair out behind me, outside of the area where it can't get in my way. Desk is roughly a foot across, within my reach. Grab her head, slam it down onto the table. Momentarily stun her. Target begins to recoil, no forward momentum. No immediate threat, safe to move in. Throw desk aside to clear my approach before moving forward. Target falls onto her back and tries crawling away. Target is disoriented. Blood trickling down her forehead from where it met the desk. But there's a clear expression of terror in her facial features. [i]She's afraid. Sit down on her waist. Mount position. Dominant position. Target waves her hands uselessly at me. "Please no...no no no don't hurt me..." She begins mumbling incoherently. Excessive reaction, in contrast to prior attitude. Prior trauma? Irrelevant; I cross my arms around her neck and press inward. Cross-collar choke. Can't kill her...but I can scare her. "Never attempt to contact me again. Or I will kill you." Her eyes are wide with fear. Will to resist has been effectively destroyed. Threat minimized. Even if the words didn't get across, she'll remember this fear. Now I need to move. Security guards can appear at any moment. Can't be in this location when they arrive. *page_break Next *goto_scene 2-4Art #Threaten her to silence *set reflex -1 *set explosives -1 *set bored +1 "If you know that," I state very plainly so as to not be misheard, maintaining a steady gaze toward her. "You know how well I react to threats." Her hands immediately go up, indicating surrender. "Oh, no! I think you have the wrong idea," she nervously laughs, talking herself back up to a more agreeable position. "I'm not threatening you. I want to hire you." "For?" "Bodyguard work," she explains. "As you say, you have a certain way of responding to threats. That and, well, I like you, despite your eccentricities. So, I want you to respond that way to threats against me. Come with me when I call you in, deliveries, that sort of thing. And you can expect to put your unique talents to good use. And 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?" Using my skills... Killing skills. All the things that I'm supposed to be here to forget about. All the things that I've been made to store away in the back of my mind, to let gather dust from lack of use. Is that what I want? *label 3isit *choice #Oh God [i]Yes *set lucyrelationship "Professional" *set bored +5 All these endless classes, tests, quizzes, social interactions...it's all felt so restricting. Part of me has been dying - yearning - for an opportunity to use those skills again. For any reason... Body guarding? Seems like reason enough. "Yes." She seems a bit caught off guard when I respond so quickly, and with such simplicity. "Yes, you'll..." "I'll take the job." I explain to her. "What do you need?" "Well, nothing right now, but...you have a phone?" She asks, and I nod the affirmative. "I'm putting you in my contacts. A time will come, soon, when I call on you to assist me. I will expect a prompt response." "Understood." She stands up, beckoning me to do the same. "...I look forward to working with you, ${fullname}." "You as well, Miss Stein." *page_break Next *goto_scene 2-4Art #I could certainly use what she's offering... *set lucyrelationship "Professional" *set explosives -1 *set reflex -1 *set bored +1 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. "Very well. I'll take the job." You respond. "What do you need?" "Well, nothing right now, but...you have a phone?" She asks, and I nod the affirmative. "I'm putting you in my contacts. A time will come, soon, when I call on you to assist me. I will expect a prompt response." "Understood." She stands up, beckoning me to do the same. "...I look forward to working with you, ${fullname}." "You as well, Miss Stein." *page_break Next *goto_scene 2-4Art #I'd rather avoid that kind of attention *set lucyrelationship "Rejected" I've had quite enough of putting myself in danger at someone else's orders. If I have to fight, it'll be because I had to. Not because someone else wants me to. Not that officer, and not this student council president. "I refuse." 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-" "That's correct." I stand, turning away from her. "Don't talk to me about this again." *page_break Next *goto_scene 2-4Art #I personally don't like Miss Stein *set lucyrelationship "Rejected" There's something far too familiar about her. That arrogance. That need to have her authority met. That refusal of any dissension, any threat to her power and authority. It's all too...familiar. "I refuse." 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-" "That's correct." I stand, turning away from her. "Don't talk to me about this again." *page_break Next *goto_scene 2-4Art #I don't want that to ever be my life again *set lucyrelationship "Rejected" *set fittingin +5 *set humanity +3 No...never again. I'm just now beginning to settle down into a place where I can actually feel safe. I'm not going to actively seek out more opportunities to put myself in danger. That's not me...it will never be me. Never again. "I refuse." 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-" "That's correct." I stand, turning away from her. "Don't talk to me about this again." *page_break Next *goto_scene 2-4Art *selectable_if (reflex <85) #This is leading somewhere. Hear her out *set combat -1 *set explosives -1 *set reflex -1 She knows that my presence here is the reason for all the added security. If she knows that, she's probably been able to unearth a lot of other things. I don't know exactly what the school has about me on file, but they do employ Professor Patel, so it's probably more than I would ordinarily be comfortable having someone know. Still, despite this, she's sitting me down in a meeting. To talk. And without even any threatening undertones. Whatever else, it says something that she's choosing to talk alone. "Alright...and?" "And I've been peeking around, as much as I could get away with, and I've found you to be quite...capable. Especially after that surprise demonstration of your unique set of skills." She explains, "That and, well, I like you. Despite your eccentricities. So, I want to hire you." "For?" "Bodyguard work," she explains. "As you say, you have a certain way of responding to threats. I want you to respond that way to threats against me. Come with me when I call you in, deliveries, that sort of thing. And you can expect to put your unique talents to good use. And 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?" Using my skills... Killing skills. All the things that I'm supposed to be here to forget about. All the things that I've been made to store away in the back of my mind, to let gather dust from lack of use. Is that what I want? *goto 3isit *if (lucyrelationship ="Guarded") *goto spookyscarystudent *if (lucyrelationship ="Furious") *goto spookyscarystudent *if (lucyrelationship ="Tense") *goto spookyscarystudent *if (lucyrelationship ="Fond") She sets herself down and brushes out her skirt before clearing her throat and placing her hands on the table while looking at me directly and authoritatively. A type of habit in her body language to get herself into a certain state of mind, ready to discuss business. A bit different from the usually passing glance of familiarity or smile of brief recognition that I'm accustomed to receiving. We're alone in this room. Don't think that's ever happened before. I made sure to check corners when walking in, and there's no easy places for a person to hide that I can notice. At least not behind me. That, and the image she's presenting right now is that of someone wanting to do business, rather than threaten or intimidate. I've seen enough of both to know the difference. She's even been courteous enough to leave the path between myself and the exit clear. Were it anyone else, I would have called that last bit unintentional. She doesn't seem to be intending to threaten me. At least not physically. Which makes me feel safe enough to sit down at the opposite end of the table. *fake_choice #"What do you want?" Get to the point. *set stealth -1 "What do you want." Miss Stein nods, evidently pleased by this response. "Yes, to the point. There's no reason to waste time on formalities." She says in the same tone I've seen her use to address the class. "I called you here to discuss a business proposition." She lets that sentence hang in the air for a bit, clearly inviting a response. "Which would be?" #"You look...well." Start off with a compliment. *set tactics -1 *set combat -1 "You look...well." Miss Stein seems a bit taken off guard by my attempt at establishing a friendly atmosphere for our discussion. "Uhh...thank you." She mutters, before clearing her throat once again to get back into character. "Kind of you to say. But more to the point..." She says in the same tone I've seen her use to address the class. "I called you here to discuss a business proposition." She lets that sentence hang in the air for a bit, clearly inviting a response. "...I'm listening." #Say nothing. Let her set the tone. *set explosives -1 *set reflex -1 The silence hangs in the air for a few seconds, as I wait for her to say something. In response, she continues to look at me with that same authoritative gaze, that slowly begins to wane as the silence drifts on and she awkwardly coughs. "Right, I'll start then." She mutters, before clearing her throat once again to get back into character, speaking in the same tone I've seen her use to address the class. "I called you here to discuss a business proposition." That sentence hangs in the air for a little bit before she follows up. *if (combat <85) #"I get the feeling you don't want to exchange English notes." *set combat -1 *set tactics -1 *set explosives -1 *set reflex -1 "I get the feeling you don't want to exchange English notes." Miss Stein seems a bit taken off guard by my attempt to ease the serious mood, and she almost laughs before catching herself and clearing her throat once again to get back into character. "Ahh no. Very perceptive of you." She says in the same tone I've seen her use to address the class. "I called you here to discuss a business proposition." She lets that sentence hang in the air for a bit, clearly inviting a response. "...Sounds good. I'm listening." *page_break Next "So, as you know, I am student council president." "Yes." You find a way to bring it up in every conversation we have. "And my father is also the congressman for our state. Both of these positions invite certain...dangers." I didn't realize student council presidential elections were so cutthroat. "I see. What does this have to do with me?" She leans forward in her chair, folding her hands together at mouth level as she stares ahead at me. Mouth and torso concealed behind her arms in a way that obstructs her body language. "I'm not stupid. I realized rather quickly that there was something off about you, so I took it upon myself to do a bit of background digging." She says, keeping a level stare. "The first PI was sent a picture of his family to warn him off. The second came back with a picture of [i]me[/i] at the dinner table, taken from outside my window. I did eventually get some info on you, when I decided to snoop through the school files for a completely unrelated reason." It's hard to tell with her hands covering her mouth, but I'm pretty sure she's smirking. "I know you're the reason for all the new school security." *choice #[i]Remove the threat *set lucyrelationship "Terrified" *set bored +1 Immediately, I'm standing up. Making sure to use enough force to push the chair out behind me, outside of the area where it can't get in my way. Desk is roughly a foot across, within my reach. Grab her head, slam it down onto the table. Momentarily stun her. Target begins to recoil, no forward momentum. No immediate threat, safe to move in. Throw desk aside to clear my approach before moving forward. Target falls onto her back and tries crawling away. Target is disoriented. Blood trickling down her forehead from where it met the desk. But there's a clear expression of terror in her facial features. [i]She's afraid. Sit down on her waist. Mount position. Dominant position. Target waves her hands uselessly at me. "Please no...no no no don't hurt me..." She begins mumbling incoherently. Excessive reaction, in contrast to prior attitude. Prior trauma? Irrelevant; I cross my arms around her neck and press inward. Cross-collar choke. Can't kill her...but I can scare her. "Never attempt to contact me again. Or I will kill you." Her eyes are wide with fear. Will to resist has been effectively destroyed. Threat minimized. Even if the words didn't get across, she'll remember this fear. Now I need to move. Security guards can appear at any moment. Can't be in this location when they arrive. *page_break Next *goto_scene 2-4Art #Threaten her to silence *set reflex -1 *set explosives -1 *set bored +1 "If you know that," I state very plainly so as to not be misheard, maintaining a steady gaze toward her. "You know how well I react to threats." Her hands immediately go up, indicating surrender. "Oh, no! I think you have the wrong idea," she nervously laughs, talking herself back up to a more agreeable position. "I'm not threatening you. I want to hire you." "For?" "Bodyguard work," she explains. "As you say, you have a certain way of responding to threats. That and, well, I like you, despite your eccentricities. So, I want you to respond that way to threats against me. Come with me when I call you in, deliveries, that sort of thing. And you can expect to put your unique talents to good use. And 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?" Using my skills... Killing skills. All the things that I'm supposed to be here to forget about. All the things that I've been made to store away in the back of my mind, to let gather dust from lack of use. Is that what I want? *label 4isit *choice #Oh God [i]Yes *set lucyrelationship "Professional" *set bored +5 All these endless classes, tests, quizzes, social interactions...it's all felt so restricting. Part of me has been dying - yearning - for an opportunity to use those skills again. For any reason... Body guarding? Seems like reason enough. "Yes." She seems a bit caught off guard when I respond so quickly, and with such simplicity. "Yes, you'll..." "I'll take the job." I explain to her. "What do you need?" "Well, nothing right now, but...you have a phone?" She asks, and I nod the affirmative. "I'm putting you in my contacts. A time will come, soon, when I call on you to assist me. I will expect a prompt response." "Understood." She stands up, beckoning me to do the same. "...I look forward to working with you, ${fullname}." "You as well, Miss Stein." *page_break Next *goto_scene 2-4Art #I could certainly use what she's offering... *set lucyrelationship "Professional" *set explosives -1 *set reflex -1 *set bored +1 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. "Very well. I'll take the job." You respond. "What do you need?" "Well, nothing right now, but...you have a phone?" She asks, and I nod the affirmative. "I'm putting you in my contacts. A time will come, soon, when I call on you to assist me. I will expect a prompt response." "Understood." She stands up, beckoning me to do the same. "...I look forward to working with you, ${fullname}." "You as well, Miss Stein." *page_break Next *goto_scene 2-4Art #I'd rather avoid that kind of attention *set lucyrelationship "Rejected" I've had quite enough of putting myself in danger at someone else's orders. If I have to fight, it'll be because I had to. Not because someone else wants me to. Not that officer, and not this student council president. "I refuse." 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-" "That's correct." I stand, turning away from her. "Don't talk to me about this again." *page_break Next *goto_scene 2-4Art #I personally don't like Miss Stein *set lucyrelationship "Rejected" There's something far too familiar about her. That arrogance. That need to have her authority met. That refusal of any dissension, any threat to her power and authority. It's all too...familiar. "I refuse." 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-" "That's correct." I stand, turning away from her. "Don't talk to me about this again." *page_break Next *goto_scene 2-4Art #I don't want that to ever be my life again *set lucyrelationship "Rejected" *set fittingin +5 *set humanity +3 No...never again. I'm just now beginning to settle down into a place where I can actually feel safe. I'm not going to actively seek out more opportunities to put myself in danger. That's not me...it will never be me. Never again. "I refuse." 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-" "That's correct." I stand, turning away from her. "Don't talk to me about this again." *page_break Next *goto_scene 2-4Art *selectable_if (reflex <85) #This is leading somewhere. Hear her out *set combat -1 *set explosives -1 *set reflex -1 She knows that my presence here is the reason for all the added security. If she knows that, she's probably been able to unearth a lot of other things. I don't know exactly what the school has about me on file, but they do employ Professor Patel, so it's probably more than I would ordinarily be comfortable having someone know. Still, despite this, she's sitting me down in a meeting. To talk. And without even any threatening undertones. Whatever else, it says something that she's choosing to talk alone. "Alright...and?" "And I've been peeking around, as much as I could get away with, and I've found you to be quite...capable." She explains, "That and, well, I like you. Despite your eccentricities. So, I want to hire you." "For?" "Bodyguard work," she explains. "As you say, you have a certain way of responding to threats. I want you to respond that way to threats against me. Come with me when I call you in, deliveries, that sort of thing. And you can expect to put your unique talents to good use. And 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?" Using my skills... Killing skills. All the things that I'm supposed to be here to forget about. All the things that I've been made to store away in the back of my mind, to let gather dust from lack of use. Is that what I want? *goto 4isit