[NULL] Login: Tao (T1)

You wake up to the sound of your big screen chiming in with a connection warning. The room is flooded with red and white light as text flows across the bottom of the screen: "A system error has occurred. Please contact De Santo Communications on #DeSantoCare for assistance with error code 20110709." A QR code is above it, a direct, personalized link to De Santo's customer support channel. Outside, a low orange glow hangs on the horizon — the sun is about to rise through the cracks in the skyscrapers of the Neon Pagoda's market district. A drone whizzes by your window at top speed – obscured by your dynamic glass windows, but still recognizable.

There are no messages in your queue; no Giri to be enforced. In this moment you are removed from your duties. You are free to be your own master.

Walk me through your dwelling, Tao. As an Honorbound enforcer, what lifestyle does the salary of the Neon Pagoda afford you? Who do you find sitting at your kitchen table?

Comments

  • edited May 2017
    tao-Banner-01

    The red and white lights are quite unwelcome at this hour. If the sun is starting to rise, that means I have had four hours of sleep, tops.
    "Keira," I state clearly enough on the second try to engage the home assistant. "Log the error code displaying on the wallscreen and contact DeSanto per the instructions. Oh, and kill the wallscreen." I mutter how a proper assistant should have caught that error and logged it before it ever came through to me. I should have a word with that salesman at Buy More.

    I stretch for a moment while lying in bed. There's a warm body in here with me. I don't have the cycles to admit embarrassment that I don't know who it might be right now. With the orange glow outside, I turn my head to look over, seeing a muss of pink hair. Junko must have removed all the bands holding her hair in the adorable pig tails she was wearing when I met her last night. This is how she looked:
    image
    Over drinks, she confided in me that she signs her name with the kanji: 純子, which means she chose the meanings of "pure" and "child" for her name. Well, last night she was neither, but she looks very sweet right now, so I decide not to wake her. Sleep sounds like the best choice here, so I try to drift off again. That seems to work until I hear some light conversation, punctuated by a tinkling of laughter. Who is that? Sounds familiar...
    Luu Cat.
    image
    I know her laugh well. She's... no, I'm a regular. She spends the night when I ask. I guess I asked last night. It's not a problem, I trust her with what she can get her hands on here. Except my daisho, but they're keyed to me. I've never heard of her stealing, never had to track her down, but I don't trust easily. Get too close to a sex worker and all the sudden they want to ask for a "little favor" for a close friend or a relative. It's dangerous, I've seen enforcers taken down for it. Luu Cat's good for laughs, though. I actually kind of like her. Even shared her with Epoch a few times when I was feeling generous. It's usually a bad idea. He gets crazy jealous. Mostly that she prefers me, I'd wager. I don't ask.

    My apartment is a one bedroom place eighty floors up in a high-rise that towers over the Neon Pagoda.
    image
    It is high security, an excellent view of the city and my workplace, and I've lived here for long enough to replace and/or retrofit everything to my personal taste. Sparse. That's my taste. The kitchen table, the wallscreen, even the bed all retract into the floor, ceiling, and wall respectively. It gives me space for kata, which I'm definitely not going to bother with this morning. I'm still a little intoxicated. Or high. Probably both.
    As I sit up in the bed, facing the morning sun, I wipe at the gunk in my eyes with one hand while reaching for my kimono with the other. I left it on the bedside shelf. My hand brushes against the Pharmajet needleless injector. It's not mine. Not that I haven't taken drugs intravenously before, though it's been a while. I just don't plan that kind of stuff ahead. Tae Hyun does, though. He's a sales rep for a pharmaceutical conglomerate, gets lots of product for "testing", really choice stuff. This is Tae Hyun:
    image
    I grunt with displeasure as I reach for my kimono, then I stand, nude, and slip it on, tying it at the waist loosely. Luu Cat and Tae Hyun have both seen me naked, recently, of course. But it's morning, and I'm anything but sexy. I did remove all traces of makeup, at least. My eyes aren't glued shut, thankfully.
    "Keira," I command as I trudge the few steps towards the kitchen "Three cups of Guricha, and warm up some honey." The honey is for Luu Cat, she likes everything sweeter than I do. I don't know how Tae Hyun likes his tea. I don't know if Junko even drinks it.
    I walk into the section I mentally designate "not bedroom", where they're both seated at the table. Blink a few times, still a bit unsteady on my feet, and manage weakly, "Why. Are you both. Up?"
  • edited May 2017
    The rendered visage of your home AI pops on the screen, and bows apologetically, "at once, Sai Utemaki." The wallscreen goes dark, immediately.

    Junko is out cold and doesn't react when you get out of bed — she had a busy night, after all.

    Tae Hyun seems to be absentmindedly collecting his stuff, in an effort to head out. He's still a little under the influence. Is public intoxication a matter of Giri, Tao? He doesn't notice you right away, but he turns to face you when you start talking. He nods respectfully.

    Keira chimes in when you ask for tea, "at once, Sai Utemaki." Your kitchen comes to life, producing several cups of tea, and a small bowl of warmed up honey as you address your visitors.
    Luu Cat shoves a stick of creds into her bra, and hushes her laughter. "Sorry, sweet pea — Tae and me never technically went to sleep. Horn-dog here needed a little extra attention." She gets up and hands you your tea. "I shouldn't stay long, anyway — you know how Strobe gets when I don't get him his money right away..."

    It sounds to me like you spend quite a bit of cred on your lifestyle — but your work is quite regular. I'm going to say normal enforcer work is 1-cred per job unless your Daimyo has peculiar instructions, or an exceptionally difficult task. Specialty jobs will net you 2-, to 3-creds (dependant on the nature of the gig). Those jobs will only be available to you if your Daimyo is pleased with your service.
  • tao-Banner-01
    Public intoxication isn't directly a matter of Giri, no. Offending someone's honor is, and someone out of their wits can easily cross the line. If Tae's only "a little" under the influence, I'll let him go without trouble. I return his nod.
    "Thank you for coming, both of you. It was a warm home and a warm bed with your company. Please accept a tea before you go, Tae Hyun. It is restorative and delicious," I glance over at Luu Cat, adding with a small, playful smile, "Even adding honey will not spoil it." I move over to the kitchen to retrieve the cups, waiting for them to fill. "Luu, I cannot fathom why Stroke insists on credsticks rather than wireless transfer. It makes no sense, the paltry bit of security is easily overcome by anyone who cares enough to cause him trouble. Are you sure you can't stay? There's room in my bed for you. A warm bath, even. I have eucalyptus oils. Lemongrass, too."
    I don't know why this morning of all mornings I'm so weak at the thought of Luu Cat leaving. We rarely speak about anything of consequence and when we aren't partying, it isn't like we have comfortable silences. I'm sure she'll remind me she'll need to be on the clock for it, which means I will let her go. I don't have that much cred to waste on dalliances and pleasure.
    Once the cups are full, I take the first two and leave mine at the counter, turn to my guests who are leaving, and pad over to offer them each a cup. I would offer breakfast, but my morning routine is primarily nutrient and protein-based and barely worth sharing. Perhaps I can convince Junko to stick around, offer her a breakfast somewhere. There is a bodega at ground floor, their bagels smell nice. I've never had one, I pass by there on my way out and smell it every morning.
  • edited May 2017
    Luu makes a pained expression, and waffles on responding for a minute before finally admitting, "maybe if I was on the clock, so Strobe wouldn't get all pissy..." It's obvious she knows what comes next, though, as she stands from the table, looking apologetic.

    She does take that cup of tea, though, with a smile. "You're always so considerate, sweet pea — that's why you're my favorite!" She adds a heaping helping of honey to the cup before even drinking it.
    Tae bows respectfully, and takes the cup of tea in both hands."고맙습니다" he mumbles. Your translator kicks in before he even finishes his sentence,
    "(thank you)"

    He takes a big sip of tea, and calms him visibly. After taking a moment to collect himself, he looks around the apartment, and asks, "(Have you seen my jet? I cannot find it.)"
    Luu giggles, and downs a sizeable portion of tea. She puts the half-empty mug on the table, and waves to you, Tao. "Thanks for a great time. See you when I see you?" She doesn't bother waiting for an answer though. By the time you hear her say,
    "Taa!" the door is sliding shut behind her.

    Tae looks embarrassed, but is thoroughly enjoying the drink. It does seem to be screwing his head back on right... Is there anything in this tea other than tea? Nanites that break down drugs? Tagged protein chains that neurochips translate into source code? Or is most food unmodified, and straight organic these days?
  • tao-Banner-01
    Most food is engineered protein chains. There are several brands of nanite-food available, too - the most popular is from a company called Byte-sized (I know, it's groan-worthy). There's a healthy market for hydroponically grown food, but it's very posh. The green tea is honest-to-goodness green tea, grown in the ground and everything. It's one of the most expensive consumable things I own. Green tea does have its own restorative properties.

    "Taa, Luu!" I call after her. If I didn't have morning breath... nevermind. I give Tae a nod, "Don't worry, I will get it for you. Finish your tea." I head back to the bedside shelf to retrieve his jet, bring it back to him, handing it over. "Are you feeling alright? You don't have to leave if you're fuzzy." I give him a few moments to decide, letting him have my focus. I could take a shower, but I am his host. I will wait.
  • edited May 2017
    Tae considers the question for a moment before shaking his head, "(I am ok. Thank you, Tao. I am completely sated...)" He bows respectfully, forgetting that he has a little bit of tea left in his cup, and it spills on the floor.

    "(Shit,)" he mumbles, rushing to clean it up with his sleeve. "(my apologies, sai.)" Once the floor is dry, he downs what's left of his tea, and carefully places it on the table. "(Thank you again, sai, for a lovely evening. Prosperous day to you.)" He bows again, and makes for the door, leaving you alone with Junko.
    You can hear Junko stirring a bit from all the talking. "Tao," she calls, feeble and groggy, "come back to bed."

    What does your morning routine look like, Tao? Do you have a strict regimen? Or are you more "fly by the seat of your pants"?
  • tao-Banner-03
    Tae Hyun does a terrible job of cleaning up the tea, but I let him finish his attempt for a moment longer. Ah, he's satisfied with it, good.
    I return Tae Hyun's bow. I do not bow to mirror his sloppy manner; I bow as I have been trained all my life, but I do let a smile spread on my face. Junko's plaintive whine is music to my ears. Once Tae Hyun has left, I grab a towel from the kitchen, drop down to my knees to thoroughly dry the spot he left, then I hustle to my bathroom, putting the towel over the drying rack.
    "I'm coming , Junko-chan!" I call, the echo carrying my voice, the bathroom door open. I pour a small cup of mouthwash and swish it around in my mouth for a few seconds before spitting it out and walking quickly back to bed. Untying my kimono, I slip it off and put it on the shelf, pull back the covers, and slide into bed.
    Even if her eyes are closed, I slip an arm over her, my free hand pulling her chin up slightly so I can kiss her. "Hey, Junko-chan, in an hour, let's head down to the bodega. I want to get you breakfast, hai? Let's spend the morning together." More kisses, insistent, bordering on hungry, moving across her jawline. I pause to gauge her reactions, is she truly worn out, or perhaps her youth might give her some vitality in the early morning?
    My cup of green tea sits on the kitchen counter cooling and forgotten.

    Normally, my morning routine is tightly scheduled. I should be performing kata right now. In ten minutes, I would start my High Intensity Interval Training. I didn't get exactly ten percent body fat overnight. But, I won't lose it by throwing one morning away, either.
  • edited May 2017
    Junko does not complain when you slip next to her, and resume your tryst where it left off last night. You get the impression that she's listening while you talk, but her brain hasn't fully woken up yet. After a short delay, she says, "yeah, that sounds great." You're pretty sure she could just as easily sleep for another hour, but each kiss energizes her a little more, and eventually she's on top of you, exploring you all over again.

    Sounds like you're triggering that intimacy move to me.
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    I take advantage of her semi-conscious state to explore her body in the light of the early morning. At Neon Pagoda, the lights and VR obscured her. Last night, we coupled in the hazy glow of drinks and drugs. Now, it is just the two of us, and I'm in the mood to learn more about her. By the time I've roused her into reciprocating, I have gleaned much from this young lady.
  • image
    When the Honorbound shares a moment of intimacy with someone other than a target, be it physical or emotional, they later learn what Giri they owe other people and may ask them any one question from Absolution immediately, regardless if they have taken the move already or not.

    ABSOLUTION: When you become intimate with a target in order to better know them, roll. On a 10+, hold 3. On a 7–9, hold 1. during the scene, spend your hold 1 for 1 to ask them questions:
    * What was your lowest moment?
    * For what do you crave forgiveness, and from whom?
    * What pain do you hide away from others?
    * In what ways is your mind or soul vulnerable?

    I choose to ask: "In what ways is your mind or soul vulnerable?"
  • edited June 2017
    Hmm... That's a tough question, Tao. Junko, for all her flair and youthful experimentation, is actually the daughter of a high-up VP at Qtronix. She's been bred to inherit a small fortune. She is likely expected to marry the son of some executive of a larger company to improve her father's chances at climbing up that last rung of the corporate ladder. This doesn't necessarily bother her – it's her lot in life – but it does make her feel like there's a ticking clock on this exploratory phase of her life.

    If you wanted to twist her arm, even a subtle hint at the ticking of that clock would likely get the job done.

    After a solid hour of mind-bending sex, you take Junko down to the bodega for breakfast. This is one of the best spots the Neon Pagoda's market has to offer. Junko buys the highest priced bottle of nanite-infused water she can find and starts chugging it. She seems to be enjoying your company, though.

    Tell me, Tao, how do people treat you when you're walking the streets? Are you a regular person to them when you're off the clock? Do you carry your Daisho with you everywhere you go?

    image
  • image
    Today is a special morning - I'm not carrying my daisho. It's almost always with me. After a thorough shower with Junko, I slipped into a brown leatherette tank dress, boots and an over-sized purse, all matching, of course. I even threw in a little hair gel to give me some flair. It's the most "girly" I've been in a while.
    I don't share this with Junko, but I'm hoping to avoid the worried glances and pale faces I see when I walk these same streets as an Honorbound. With my daisho, enforcing Giri. People, even neighbors, they are extremely nervous around me, bowing lower, re-doubling their efforts to watch their words, so careful not to offend. I am a conversation killer.
    They don't understand that I am not a sheriff of all I survey. I enforce Giri for my daimyo, petty squabbles that have no impact on my lord are easily overlooked. If I enforced Giri for everyone under the shadow of the Neon Pagoda regardless of my lord's needs, I would never cease my work.
    "Junko-chan," I say when she's halfway finished with her water, "You need to eat something. Here, have half of this bagel. It's asiago cheese, see? It's good, neh?" I hold my half and push the small plate on our cafe table over towards her. Pause to take a drink of my own water, not nearly as expensive as hers, I didn't know Afnan sold stuff like that. "We should go to a park this morning, hai? Feed some birds. Maybe go... shopping?" I'm flailing a bit here, this is the "get to know you" part of the date, happening in the most backwards sequence.
  • Junko tears off a bite of the bagel, and sticks it in her mouth. She chews silently, self-conscious about the noises her body makes while nourishing itself — as if it brings shame on her family to appear human — but again, she seems to enjoy it. She takes a drink of water to wash it down when you suggest feeding the birds. "Sure. We could go to High Park."

    Have you ever been to High park, Tao? It's a zen garden, privately funded by a corporate cabal that has the Daimyo's ear — you basically need to be friends or family with a prominent CEOs just to get to the gates. Your Daimyo spends time there — does he afford you that privilege?
  • image
    I have been to High Park, but only to report to my daimyo, Taigen-sama after enforcing Giri. He's asked me to report to him there in front of others, a show of force. It is demeaning. I do not like it. I am not afforded the privilege of going there on my own. A small part of me wants to go there with Junko-chan as her guest, but it is unwise.
    "I like watching you eat, Junko-chan." I say, not answering the question directly. "The way your body moves is a wonder." I slip my left hand over hers, enjoying the sensation of skin on skin. It's undeniable, this feeling. It is real.
    "No... let's go to Greenfields instead. High Park is so stuffy, let's go where we can be anonymous." It's a subtle tag on her own insecurities that I hope will avoid High Park and the trouble it would cause me.
  • Junko freezes mid chew and glows bright red when you comment on her eating. She looks confused as to why you would even suggest Greenfields over High Park — but then you mention anonymity, and you can see the wheels turning in her head. It's just subtle enough to change her thinking without disrupting her balance.

    She resumes chewing and smiles. "OK, sure! Are you off duty today? We could make a day of it..."

    When does your Daimyo expect you to report in? How does he normally give you assignments?
  • image
    Taigen-sama wishes a virtual check-in by noon, but never before nine AM. He has extensive business dealings across the globe, which necessitates an odd sleep schedule. My daimyo will inform me via a text-only message that he wishes to see me. Then I have a "very short window" to go to see him at the Neon Pagoda. I must be physically present, no virtual meetings will do. He wants me to hear instructions with my own ears, ask questions with my own lips, and bow with my own head.
    "I am off duty now." I answer Junko. "I cannot guarantee that my daimyo might call upon me, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't seize the moment. " I finish my half of the bagel and seize her expensive water, smiling as I take a sip, then put the bottle back down for her. "C'mon, Junko-chan. Let's walk a block, then catch an Uber." I'd be happy to walk the entire way, but it would take quite a while. I offer her a hand.
  • Junko takes your hand, and follows you out to the streets. You catch a ride out to the "public" (read: owned and maintained by various corporate interests, but open to everyone) Greenfields Gardens. While High Park is a beautiful display of manufactured beauty, and a monument to the peace of nature, Greenfields is a more practical display. It has water, wildlife, benches, and a slew of people from all walks of life, hanging around and enjoying the day.

    Every now and then there will be a corporate sponsored stall, run by your average joe, hawking whatever food, or goods, their family has made for generations... Street meat, holos, jacks into the veil... Junko makes a point of buying some holo-flowers
    – posies – and sticking them in her glasses. You can only see them in augmented reality, but they go nicely with her hair.

    You get the sense that Junko is really enjoying herself. You know that one day, her father will call on her to marry someone she's likely never met, and this life will come to an end as she serves her father, and new husband's ambitions to climb the corporate ladder. It's almost impossible to imagine her doing that now; talking as she does about clubbing, and meeting "such interesting people" all the time. Her life, like this date, will eventually be interrupted by duty...

    For now, though, it's just the two of you. Junko got way too excited by feeding the ducks... It's possible some of them are going to be a little too chubby to fly for a while. "Is this normally what you do on your days off? This is so relaxing!"

    I know you're indentured to your Daimyo, but tell me about the mechanics of indentured servitude in the city. Can slaves own slaves? Can slaves buy their own freedom? Can a slave hold Giri over their masters? Are there any social restrictions, such as class, that protect people from becoming slaves?
  • image
    Indentured servitude ostensibly has an exit clause. If the servant somehow obtains enough funds to buy their way out of debt, they are free. Of course, servants are rarely paid and often debt grows with interest, so the number of indentured servants who purchase freedom is very small.

    Slaves can own slaves, yes. If you provide a service that would be worth Giri, the recipient must repay it, or the service provider may, in some circumstances, be able to take that person into their service. This only applies to civilians, of course. If you are an executive, or a member of the elite, then the chances of becoming a slave are incredibly small. It's good to be on top, you know.

    A slave cannot hold Giri over their masters, it is immediately applied against their account. If that Giri would clear their account, then it is held to an Enforcer, an Honorbound, to ensure that the slave did not create the circumstance for their own freedom. If the exchange is legitimate, then the slave is free. There has never been a Giri so great that the master becomes slave to the one they formerly owned. Well, I read a Kindle novel about it once. It was poorly written, but amusing.

    I cannot help but chuckle at the half of a loaf of bread that Junko-chan has fed to those tiny ducks. "Sometimes, when the company is very special, yes. This is how I like to spend my free time. I think these ducks are going to explode soon, Junko-chan. They don't know when they've had too much bread... they just eat and eat what tastes good without thought that they are full." The words sound different than my tone. I'm delighted by her presence. I truly want her to be around more. "You are excellent company." I tell her directly.
  • Junko smiles, and opens her mouth to speak — but as if on cue, the world goes silent as a ping appears on your hud, with the Taigen family seal in the center of your field of view. The Daimyo then materializes from nothing, sitting cross-legged on the ground before you, evidently pre-occupied with multiple streams before him.
    "Sai Utemaki — it is time for your daily report. I expect you've dealt with the young man who insulted my son, Kai's, honor?"

    Jet Zephyr was accused of releasing anonymous "inflammatory" statements involving Kai's company – Yamada Bionics & Algorithms – and how Jet's small business would never do business with YB&A again — on account of payment delinquency, and failure to adhere to their end of several contracts. Jet, who claims not to have released the statement himself, was held accountable for the statement regardless — and because Jet refused to name the perpetrator, he has generally been assumed to be responsible for it.

    What is the public's view of the Daimyo, and Kai? Taigen produced some documents allegedly proving that YB&A paid their dues on time and that Jet sent an email expressing his deep admiration for Kai — did you believe they were real? How did you mete out justice?
  • edited July 2017
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    The Daimyo is strong, and fair. He cares deeply for his fief and the people in it, as long as they are honorable. Kai is not yet what his father has become, but I hold hope that he will mature. I am not a businessperson, but Yamada's influence has contributed a great deal to the success of YB&A.

    I believe YB&A paid their dues. I trust the email is accurate and true. It is certainly the act of a hacker who wishes to bring Jet low. Regardless, Jet is responsible for his company's actions, and his refusal to name a perpetrator or publicly denounce the action means he is complicit. I took his left hand with my katana. He is not allowed to wear a replacement for one month. His avatar can appear however he wishes, but if I see or hear of Jet Zephyr wearing a cybernetic or replacement hand in the next thirty days, I will consider his payment of Giri null and void, and will seek payment again. He is well aware of this.

    "Hai, Taigen-sama." I answer with the deepmost respect, my avatar bowing low as I do the same in the physical world. "Jet Zephyr has paid for the insult, my lord. He will seek further business dealings with your son at the earliest opportunity." I am wholly focused on my daimyo, ignoring Junko-chan and the delights around us.
  • The daimyo's expression is unchanging,
    and stone cold. He nods, "good. Your daimyo is pleased with your service. I will consider your speed in resolving the matter favorably when it comes to the matter of your outstanding debts." He pauses a moment, and you can see his eyes flickering as he processes some information.

    "I hope you will not think poorly of me, that I do not offer you more challenging work; but you have kept my court in order, and I have only one task to offer you — while it may not be challenging, it is a sensitive matter that I know you will give your full attention." The avatar of a young lady appears on your screen. Your facial recognition software immediately pegs her as Sarah Pike. She works for Osprey Bionics as a mid-level R&D project manager, and she is well known in several gaming communities online. She also had a rather public feud with a prominent figure you're familiar with: Mnemosyne.

    image

    "Sarah stands accused of stealing something very valuable from me — the only functional prototype of classified technology Osprey was developing for YB&A. Osprey has graciously provided us with the employee access logs for the lab in which it was developed, and Sarah's was the last UUID that entered the lab before it was reported missing." Taigen's face takes on a dour look, and Sarah's avatar disappears. "I am tasking you with extracting the truth from Ms. Pike, and to punish her accordingly. If – for whatever reason – you do not find Ms. Pike to be at fault for this, then you are tasked with determining who is. As always, your judgment will be considered absolute, and you will answer only to me."

    He pauses, and his expression softens. "Have I made myself clear?"
  • edited July 2017
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    Ohhhh Sarah Pike! I've watched her streams of Overwatch play with Tae Hyun. She is a cutie, very colorful language, and her play is top notch. She has a large following, I didn't know she had a sarariman job, too. I wonder why she works at Osprey? R&D, brains, beauty and personality. Nice combo. I hope I don't have to punish her like I did Jet.

    As my daimyo speaks, I'm filing away his details with a mental note to research further on this feud. I thought that was done and over. Another flame war? Nem must be protected.

    I bow even lower (it isn't easy, I'm prostrate), "You are crystal, my lord. I will find the truth about the prototype and enforce Giri. Do you wish for me to retrieve the prototype technology as well?" I do go above and beyond.
  • The Daimyo shakes his head, "that is a matter of corporate retrieval. Any evidence you can extract from the accused would be considered of value to your master; but if you come into contact with the equipment, you will contact me immediately, and I will send a team to retrieve it. Begin your task immediately." Then his avatar fades, and the world comes sharply back into focus.
    Junko is staring at you expectantly, like she's expecting an answer to a question.
  • edited July 2017
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    I give the retreating avatar of my daimyo a curt nod. When I return to Junko-chan and see her looking at me, I offer a quick smile, more to acknowledge her as I rise to my feet again, "Junko-chan, I am very sorry. My daimyo has called on me to handle a vital matter." I move in to hopefully hug her. "I need to go now. Will you be at the Pagoda tonight?" Offer a tight smile, sliding out of "work mode" to try and break the ice.
  • Junko's face sours, and she huffs loudly in protest. "Awe..." She knows that work for the Daimyo is to be respected though — one does not interfere with a master's command of their slave, lest they risk their Giri in the process. She nods, "I guess... Will you be?" She looks hopeful.
  • edited July 2017
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    I chuckle lightly when she gives out a protest I would never utter aloud myself. When she asks if I'll be at the Pagoda, I reach a hand up to caress the smooth skin on her young cheek. "If I've completed my task, I will be. I will seek you out.... for dancing. Would you like that?" I do pause for her answer, but I'm already calling up an Uber for each of us, one to take her wherever she needs, the other to get me to Sarah Pike if she's anywhere public, or Osprey if she isn't.
  • edited June 2017
    Junko nods, and she rises from her prone position on the grass, brushing off dirt and leaves from her leather jacket. "I would," she answers. She follows your lead out to the Uber, and you get in your separate cabs. Do you make any public display of affection? How is it perceived when an Honorbound fraternizes with the general public?
    It sounds to me like you're using THE ART OF THE PURSUIT to find Sarah Pike. Why don't you roll it for me?
  • edited July 2017
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    Until my daimyo had called upon me, I'd been rather affectionate with Junko-chan, touching her hand, pulling her into a kiss, putting an arm around her as we sat on the grass. Since my daisho is not here, I felt comfortable in a sense of anonymity. Now I am an Enforcer, and the caress of her cheek is my last moment of affection. I am fully committed to my work.

    Oh, I get my daisho before pursuing anything, of course!

    This morning has me feeling Peaceful, and it is with this refreshing emotion that I take up the chase!
  • image
    (Rolled: 2d6+1. Rolls: 3, 6. Total: 10)
  • edited July 2017
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    That generates Two Hold, spent for the following:

    THE ART OF THE PURSUIT:
    When Tao assimilates all the information they have available on a target, roll. On a 10+, generate 2 hold. On a 7–9, generate 1. Spend that hold 1 for 1 when actively on the hunt for them in order to:
    * Discern their position or a weakness in their life to exploit in order to do so
    * Discern what security they may have or what kind of a threat they’d be
    * Discern their greatest weakness and strength

    * Discern what makes them feel safe or secure, and what makes them feel afraid

  • Tao, you sit in the back of the Uber, having stopped off at your apartment for your Daisho, and other equipment. You run through the details the Daimyo sent you regarding Sarah Pike. You know she's mid-level project management at Osprey, you know she lives at Osprey corporate housing, which is an hour-long tube ride from the downtown Osprey corporate campus. You know she's off duty today, and that she's currently streaming a game with some friends – some of which are high-profile – from home.

    You know she takes her employment at Osprey for granted, spouting whatever beliefs she has into the veil, at any opportunity. Osprey has a public record of keeping their corporate housing reasonably well surveilled, and have a long-standing history of taking out enforcers to protect their employee's Giri — but you also know that she's never been the same since her public feud with Mnemosyne – she's become paranoid about forming connections in the real world, as opposed to with the persona she's created for herself on the veil. If you're looking to talk rationally, the veil would probably be the place to do it. If you're looking to intimidate, then a face to face meeting is probably best.

    Where does your Uber take you?
  • edited July 2017
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    I am headed to Osprey corporate housing. On the way, I reach out to Mnemosyne. If she is available, I'll see if she's willing to help me with this.

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