>>200670
...that's not who we were expecting. Is this the same person that sent you those messages over the phone...? Maybe she gave you a picture of someone else, as some self-conscious women tend to do?

We're getting a name, though. Arima.

say hi and invite her in... we gotta tell ashley something

@ashley: ABORT! the situation has changed, get back into a normal outfit.

>>200678
@Ashley: Sexy-normal, not normal-normal. Skirt and V-neck shirt, not jacket and jeans.

>>200673
I open the door.

"Hello?"
"I'm, uh, here for, here for the date..."

...

"But the picture you sent..."

She sighs, pulling a remote from her pocket and pressing a button. The top part of the mech unfolds, and a person stands up, the girl from the picture in the suit. She poses, and then her lips move...

"Hello, everyone~!" the smaller girl calls, then presses the button again. It retracts into the mech.
"I am the programmer, vocals, and support for Miss E, who is an entirely fictional and fabricated model. I'm sorry I'm not much to look at, but as far as anyone is the real thing..." she shrugs.

[A]What?![A]

>>200682
Give her a kiss on the cheek "Don't sell yourself short. You're very cute yourself~"

@Ashley: Miss E is a holographic construct. Her programmer/support/voice actress is here. She's really cute and really nervous. The plan is still to seduce her, but you don't want to overwhelm her~

the model was a fake, you are looking at the one who made it. while she isn't the model she is still not bad looking. probably has some self esteem issues stemming from how she looks. invite her in and ask why the elaborate ruse.

>>200684
[A]Ah. Gotcha.[A]

"Come on in." I say, stepping aside. She enters, setting down her purse and co-woahtermelons.
Er, I mean, rather, I take her coat and hang it up. "Dinner's almost ready."
"Yeah, I can smell it."
I smile as Ashley... wow. She really fills out that swater and skirt nicely. Arima looks equally wide-eyed. "This is Ashley, my girlfriend and mechanic." I say. Arima looks away breifly, then sits down.

>>200686
@Ashley: Give her a peck on the cheek, and comment on how cute she is~

>>200686
Well, things are looking good. Talk shop with her. You have some common ground. Mech tech and such. Don't try to get any combat-related information about her mech though. We're not here to cheat.

@both: I advise you both work on getting her trust and make sure she feels comfortable before doing any serious flirting.

>>200695
That's a good point.

"So... Why'd you decide to come out here? To the date, I mean."
"I... Since I was fifteen I've been using Miss E for my funds. And... maintaining her is a lot of work. So... I don't get out much..."

>>200706
"Ah, I gotcha. You wanted to spend some time with people who have common interests, and you figured I would be nice enough to ease you into a social life?
I'm, well, honored, and more than a little flattered, too. We're both here for you."

so, she is a wallflower. poor girl, no one wants to hang with the techy. well let's cheer her up and make this good.

>>200713
She flushes heavily, blinking and looking down.
"W-well, I just wanted to get out. They keep me all locked up in a penthouse, and..." she sighs. "Sometimes I feel like a princess in a castle, you know? Only no one would rescue me, because..." she sghs and pinches her belly.

>>200716
Sweep her into your arms.
"Nonsense! Your loveliness surpasses your obvious talent~"

@Ashley: Tony's going to sweep her off her feet. Move into position to extend your own flirtatious support.

@both: Might I suggest a more moderate approach?

Touch her hand, if she's resting one on the table near you. Otherwise, try putting a hand on her shoulder.
"Don't sell yourself short. You don't have to be skinny to be beautiful."

>>200720
I smile as I lean over and rest my hand on hers after sitting down.
"Amira."I look her in the eyes. "Trust me when I say that you don't have to be skinny to be beautiful."

She blushes heavily, bt doesn't flinch away, just pulling her hand slowly out of mine, touching it with her other hand, looking at it quietly.
"I... I had to make E because of... my figure." she says quietly.

>>200721
"It really is a pity that the modeling industry adheres so strictly to their idea of the one ideal body type. You did a good job matching what they wanted with Miss E, though. How did you choose her design?"

>>200721
@Ashley: Shrug, and say "They don't want women, they want skeletons with a tan - hideous things that need a sandwich."

@both: I'm going to explain my tactics. To keep from looking too creepy, forceful, or shallow, flirtation should involve compliments targeted carefully at sensitive topics, kept to a relatively normal level of physical contact, and used in short bursts. Leave enough time for her to recover in between, and talk about things she's interested in.

>>200724
She smiles. "Miss E is actually... uhm, she's really based on my mum. She took care of me when I was little, and I guess she still is, in a way. If I lost her... I dunno what I'd do." she sighs, contentedly. "It smells so good!"

>>200729
I was just about to mention that you shouldn't forget about the food.

>>200729
Motion for her to help herself.
"Eat, eat! We have plenty!"

>>200737
>>200737
She smiles as I bring the food over and I serve it, almost childlike in her excitement.
"You're adorable." I comment and she laughs. Hm... this brings me to worry about the wine. Should I serve it or ask her age? Hurm...

>>200739

As long as no one makes a nuisance of him or herself with the neighbors there's no reason to worry. Be a good host and offer.

>>200740
Private residence. Offer away.

>>200740
I offer her the wine and she smiles, nodding. Carefully, I pop the cork, then gently pour it into our glasses. Then I snap my fingers, turning off the lights, and tap my foot twice, remotely lighting a candle with a prepared contraption set in the table for a romantic night with Ashley.

Both the ladies look impressed.

>>200746
@T&A: Make small talk. Drop subtle hints that you're both interested in her, but don't overwhelm her with them.
After dinner tell her that she shouldn't drive after drinking, and she's more than welcome to spend the night.

>>200749
The chatter goes on for some time, as she extolls the advances of humanoid robotics (if only she knew!) and we pay attention. It's obvious that she hasn't spoken to another person meaningfully for a while. and the wine loosens her us a great deal. We try to drop the hints, increasinly obvious, but she's very dense about this sorta thing, seems like.

"You shouldn't drink and drive, you know."
"That's true, yeah. You gonna put me up for the night?"
"We were thinking so, yes." Ashley says. "However, the downstairs is pretty badly ventilated, so you might want to come up to my room."

Aaaah, now she gets it. She flushes deeply stammering heavilylooking around the room and withdrawing into herself.

>>200770
@Ashley: Wrap your hands around hers, and look her in the eye "It's ok. We won't do anything you don't want us to do, but if you can muster up the courage then we can show you just how relaxing and enjoyable it can be. Please, trust us."

>>200770
Take her by the hands, helping her stand up, then kiss her.

>>200775
Ashley smiles and sidles closer to her.
"Don't worry. This is entirely up to you, Amira. Let's relax and enjoy the night together..." she helps Amira up, then pulls her into a slow, gently kiss. At first, Amira is shocked, but then her eyes close and she leans into Ashley's arms, embracing her as they kiss.

As they part, they look into each other's eyes, and oh god why aren't I recording this.

>>201210
Record this.

Sweep Amira up into your arms and carry her up to bed. "Yes, this is really happening."

Recording it would be rude! Unless she agreed beforehand.

Is Anthony really strong enough to carry a grown woman up a flight of stairs...? Lead her up to the room by the hand.

We gently guide her upstairs, and she meekly follows, blushing heavily but not resisting us as we gently lay her on the bed and lay down beside her on either side.

>>201247
Start foreplay and gradually undress her. Tonight is about her, so take the lead and show her the best night of her life - so far.
Coordinate with Ashley.

@Ash: You've never had a girl, and now is your chance. Make the most of it; give and receive~

>>201268
For once, I don't have anything to add. Well, complimenting her on her body would be good too, at this point. You've already made it clear that you like how she looks, but after the clothes are off that adds a new layer of insecurity.

>>201279
agree, need to make sure she knows she is pretty cute...

also some kind of protection.

I gently lean forward and begin kissing her neck and then her lips, while Ashley gently begins to undress her, sliding her hands under the girl's shirt.

And I think that's just about enough for you. See you in a moment.

--------------------------------

Mmmn. That was... interesting.

>>201307
@T&A: So, how was it? Is she passed-out in bliss?

>>201307
I hope this doesn't affect the fight too much.

>>201344
I make it a policy to not let the outside world affect my performance in such an arena. I rise from the bed, both girls being asleep, and throw on a bathrobe to see to my other friend.

I speak, of course, of Burn. I clamber into the cockpit and begin a thorough diagnosis. After a long time of not running him, it feels comfortable to sit here again, the controls under and in my hands once more. And then the 'pit door opens and a sleepy, naked Amira clambers inside, mumbling as she slides into my lap, holds onto me around my neck, and falls asleep again.

Er.

>>201355
She obviously wants more. Go ahead and give some to her - it'll be a pleasant way to wake-up~

Also? I think she would be very interested in making this a long-term arrangement~

>>201362
@Ashley: If you're awake, then Amira sleepwalked into Burn's cockpit with Tony. Would you like to give them the go-ahead for a bit of fun?

no way she actually sleepwalked into there. she normal walked while pretending to sleep.

Take her back to bed, this is a shop and no matter how clean you guys keep the shop, it's no place for a naked person.

I don't think sex is the proper response here.
Wake her up gently and say "Hey cutie. This isn't really a good spot to sleep."

>>201363
[noresponse]

>>201398
>>201421
I gently shake her shoulder and she wakes up, looking up at me with those big eyes of hers and a small sound. Thenshe realizes where she is and what she's wearing, and what I'm wearing, and what happened last night, and she blushes heavily and hides herself as she scampers out and back towards the bedroom.

Well, crisis averted. Back to work...

Seems to me that there's no issues with Burn at the moment. Wired and wireless dual systems are good to go, external and internal sensors... Everything looks excellent.

okay good, give it a once over from the outside as well. sensors could miss something the eye could see.

>>201569
After that you want to head back to bed and wait for A&A to wake up, then give them a very good morning.
Check with Ashley to see if she's interested in making this an ongoing thing, and if she is then tell Amira she's always welcome here and she can pick the venue for your next date.

I get out of Burn, humming to myself as I look it over for any external issues. Nothing I can see, for now, at any rate. I finish the checkover, then walk outside for a good bit of fresh air... and standing right outside my front door is a huge mech I immediatly recognize as Nineball. I notice there's a rather large ding in his shoulder and a few holes about his body, but it doesn't seem to matter.

"Morning, Anthony." he says warmly. "I wouldn't suppose the shopkeep is in, is she? I'm here for a special order, possibly some maintenence if she's in the mood."
"Afraid she's fast asleep, big guy."
"A shame. So how are things?"
"Couldn't be better, really. Looking forward to a private match, had a nice night..."
"Mmnn. You're a lucky kid. Real popular, you know?"
I chuckle.
"Yeah, popular. Stick around if you're willing to wait a few, I was about to wake up sleeping beauty anyway."
"Thanks."
"Don't worry about it." I call back, waving over my shoulder. I've been trading emails with him over some time, discussing a few things here and there, shop talk, really. I make my way up to the room and find that Arima's already awake and dressed, fiddling with her phone a little with sleepy eyes.

>>201706
Give her a hug and a kiss, then wake Ashley.

>>201744
I slip close and pull her into a tight hug, and kiss her lips gently. She smiles. "I have to leave soon." she says. "After the game tonight... I'd like to have this be a regular thing." she pauses. "N-nothing serious, mind you, j-j-ust fun and... and stuff. You're such a good couple, I don't want to spoil it with a third wheel."

>>202169
"Sounds like a plan, but I'm not going to preclude the possibility.
How about we change the terms of the fight? If I win, then instead of giving me money you become our property for, say, a month? Then we see how we go from there~"

>>202171

That's remarkably creepy, even for you.

>>202171
i have to agree, that is pretty damn creepy. the first line is fine but that second one....

>>202195
>>202197
I would normally agree, but I found out some interesting information from Shot. You don't have to go along if you don't like, but...~

>>202205
((I never implied to or outright stated to agree with this action in any way.))

>>202171
What?! No! What the hell?!

"I understand. We'll work something out, okay?"
She nods quietly. I lean over and wake up Ashley with a kiss, and she starts about her morning routine.
"You're free to come back whenever, just call first so we can get ready, okay? Unless it's an emergency, of course."

She nods, and Ashley starts to head downstairs. We all fo-
"Okay, Nineball, that's just a touch creepy." I say to the 'face' of the mech that's presumably nearly prone in the street and looking in through the door window.

>>202206
Lyz!

>>202210
Not to mention awkward! Ask him to head to the garage so everybody can talk with privacy.
Also, so Amira can get back to her doombuggy.

>>202218
@Ashley: So, how was your first time with a woman? Not asking for details, just your thoughts and feelings on it. Also Amira.
Tony said she can visit with a call ahead, and she might be able to have another overnighter - possibly as early as tonight after the match - if you're interested.
Also? The second time will be more enjoyable, since most of the nervousness will be gone and you'll be more relaxed and comfortable with both it and each other.

wait, get in burns so you can talk 'eye-to-eye, hehehe.

>>202274
A smile spreads across my face as I consider it, but it'd hardly be better. To put things in perspective, Burns is only half the size of Nineball's mech. Or Nineball. It's hard to tell.
>>202218
"Would you mind heading around back?"
"Not at all!" he says, rising up and walking around back.
[A]It was... interesting. The girl was very quiet and didn't do much but... er, react, but it was fun and relaxing and she was kinda cute. I wouldn't mind seeing her again, but... I don't think this is relationship material."

"I gotta head out." Amira says. "See you later today, Tony." She gets in the vehicle, and speeds off. Ashley yawns and dresses herself more properlybefore going to see Nineball, citing customer privacy as to why I can't go.
Fine, I'll make breakfast then.

>>202608
We'll go hang with Ashley, then.
[Switch to Ashley]
Like I said, nerves got in the way. She'll be more active in the future... Assuming you'd like to make it an ongoing thing?~

Oh, also, what IS Nineball? We won't tell Tony, we're just driving ourselves nuts with rampant speculation.

>>202618
Oh, it'll be ongoing, certainly.

I lean down and pull the switch. "It was some trouble to fix the stabilizer after all the crap you put it through, Nineball. Be more careful! This is somewhat sensitive equipment, don't strip the casing next time!"
"I needed the speed." he replies.

It just won't be a relationship. We're friends, that's all.

"Right, and you're certain you aren't going to flub it this time? This is dangerous, okay? Tell me this isn't going to be used on civilians."
"Of course not, my lady. Terrorists these days rarely nest in such places."

Wait, what?

"Oh?"

"Belligerent as hell this time around, though, tell you what. Managed to take down two or three before the rest got away." he looks over the long rifle, sighting it.

As to your question, no one is altogether certain. He maintains that it shouldn't matter either way. He reaches back and the gun snaps into place on his back.
"As for payment, I'll relay it to you within the next hour, if not now... ah, there it goes! A pleasure, Ashley."

"A pleasure."

He walks away and I frown. Something's not... or rather, something is adding up here.

>>202623
Sounds like fun, and if something more grows from that then all the better.

Ah, sorry, when they harvested us from the dead they decided to be so cruel as to leave our instincts and urges intact, so we keep catching ourselves trying to live vicariously through others.

Anyway, what it sounds like is that he was the one who attacked the Raven's Nest people when they grabbed your cabin.

Before he leaves, tell him "Where do they nest? Little cabins in the middle of nowhere?"

>>202627
He freezes.
"You'd best stay outta my business, Ashley. It's scary stuff. Both sides. Don't want you getting hurt." he then continues away.

So it was him. And it was that gun.

...

I need a soak, or a drink.

>>202631
Next time he drops by you should mention who Tony's sister is, that you've been held captive by three different factions already, and that you keep finding bugs to swat. Maybe follow that up with "I don't want to be part of this crap, but I'm not getting a choice."

*sigh* can't just trust people these days, just when you think you know a guy.

i think it would be better to just tell him how winning that fight would of made you die a slow death and let him stew on what that could mean.

anyway, yeah just take a dip and just... let this all out.

>>202665
You know... I don't think he's a bad person, Nineball. He's just... doing his job. Sure, he might have killed me had he succeeded, but he didn't know that.

I make my way upstairs and into the tub after undressing, relaxing. There's still a peice missing though. Who was the informant?

>>202673
Those are reasons why you need to talk to him about this.
He needs to be aware that RN has their hands on your medical supplies. He'll take that as them trying to leverage you into working for them, and will be less enthusiastic about destroying facilities. Don't ask about the informant; instead ask Jack to look into it for you.

Later today you should head to a library and use a public terminal to research actions that RN was behind, but keep the accused and admitted ones separate. We need to know how much terror is in their ist, and the best way to do that is to ask for their account of those events. Then ask Nineball what they did that made it so personal for him.

>>202673
The informant?

Well, before we talk about this you had better get out of that tub. We don't want you to faint and drown.

>Then ask Nineball what they did that made it so personal for him.

Made it personal? What makes you think it's personal?

>Don't ask about the informant; instead ask Jack to look into it for you.
Good idea,


>Later today you should head to a library and use a public terminal to research actions that RN was behind, but keep the accused and admitted ones separate.

Alrighty~

>>202866
Hey, that's not very nice.

>>202894
He's hunting down people and killing them, and if RN isn't noteworthy enough for you to know what they've done then it's almost certain they hit him close to home.

>>202894
Sorry, I suppose I phrased that a little harshly. I'm just worried about you. We do have some... rather shocking information to reveal.

>>202898
In case you forgot, Nineball is a Military man. He's also proffesional.

>>202900
Fine, fine. I get out of the tub, put on a robe, and sit down.
What is it?

>>202908
Delarosa is working for the GILB. He's keeping an eye on Anthony as a "person of interest".

Jack is from the Office of Technology Control. In his words, he is a bit rank-and-file, but has some autonomy. He does seem to be working with Delarosa.

Anthony still trusts Jack to a degree but I'm not sure if we can trust either of them for any reason. We need to restrict the information we give to them from now on.

>>202908
Military do not do solo ops. Professionals don't either.
Working alone means these are rouge actions

>>202926
This isn't news to me. I was there when he and Jack spoke to each other.

>>202928
Says you. When many terrorists don't even have mechs, it's efficient to send someone like Nineball.

>>204108
He's been going up against RN repeatedly, who have mechs. That argument is invalid.

Anyway, my suggestion still stands. Have Jack find-out who 9ball's informant is.

>>204124
Hmph. Yeah, I'll have Tony call him soon.

Nineball just doesn't have grudges. He's a professional. He just sorta... gets into it in combat. It's why they usually only send him on missions where the only objective is elimination... at least, that's what he tells me his specialty is.

...oh, I guess I overlooked the fact that Anthony brought you with him when he went into the garage. Anyway I thought it was fairly obvious that Delarosa was the informant. RN contacted him to set up a meeting before the cabin was destroyed, leading me to believe that he realized RN was closing in on your father's research and reported it to his superiors, who set up a trap for them there. He seems to be the most direct link between RN, you two, and GILB.

Sorry for making you get out of your bath for no reason. I guess if you want to confirm it you can confront him about the fact that he didn't set up that meeting between you and RN like they asked.

>>204328
Knowing he is an informant, possibly THE informant, is better than outing him and getting a new one we know nothing about. Right now, I might be best to handle this with great care... in fact, we may be able to turn this to our advantage.

Isn't that right, Number Seven?

>>205305
Naturally. Although I'd hold off on that for awhile. Strategic disinformation is a very tricky business.

>>205308
I see. So how should we handle our Doctor-Turned-Spy?

I make my way downstairs and tell Anthony to call our investigator friend later, and he nods.
"Hows it feel?" he asks. "The..."
"It's fine." I reply. In truth, I feel... complete, now. "I've never felt better."
"Good, good. Have you looked into ordering the parts for... that, yet?"
"Yes. It seems some of them will be a bit hard to come by due to a strike in some mines that supply it to the company I buy from, but I was able to secure them nonetheless. I've called my fabber and he says he'll be happy to do the job once the materials come in."
"All that's left is installation, then. We already have the thermite rods, right?"
"Yep. And I've worked out the long-range detonation setup."
"Excellent." Anthony say, sliding my meal from the pan onto my plate.

>>205868
Inform RN that you might be able to slip 9Ball's informant some information.

double check the phone line isn't tapped before hand but yeah.

>>205871
>>206465
I discreetly check the phone line, then call Jack.

"You've reached the office of James Lancaster,"
"It's me, A-"
"I'm out at the moment, if you'd like me to reach you later, leave a name and number and I'll be right on that."
There's a beep.

>>206479
He's a reporter, right? Ask him about when he wants to 'do that interview with Tony'.

>>206479

>Whoops, Slip-up there. Meant
>The office of Darian Sylvus

>>206492
I leave a message about an interveiw, then hang up.
All this mystery and subterfuge and lies... Ugh. It makes my blood cold.

>>209279
Yea, we know what you mean.
Anyway, you've got plenty of time before the match and we've been micromanaging you something fierce. We'll just go into a torpor until you need us or the match is about to start, ok?

>>209307
Alright. It'll be nice to have some time alone.

-------------------
@#$@%^&*()*
-------------------

....And turning on! There we go. You guys got me?

I'm prepping Burn now. The match is in an hour. Any last-minute ideas?

>>209390
Don't get kidnapped before the end of the match.

>>209390
I forgot to ask. Uh, did you speak to Arima about the risks of her being in such a small mech? How will you disable it without killing her?

>>209432
The Tiny Dancer?

I've watched one of her matches before. I saw her actually get hit by a cannon similar in caliber to my own: She flew through two whole buildings, and continued fighting. It's some sort of crazy hi-tech armor she can afford simply because she doesn't need much.

This also allows her to use her own mech as a sort of projectile. Her main assets are speed and durability. I don't even think she has an actual weapon.

The only requirment to win is to stop the other mech from moving. So... I'm sure there's a way.

>>209495
Sure there is. Flip her over and sit on her.

Or catch it and rip off its arms.

>>210264
>>209521
>>209532
I'll keep that in mind.

Ah, there's the ten minute warning!

I'll call on you guys soon!

[end of thread]