>>6481232

Her name is Carol Sung. She’s supposedly a celebrity, famous for being a singer named Yung-P. Her music is dreadful to you, but if it somehow wasn’t, she’d be capable of boosting your powers (Anyone who likes her music as a matter of fact). You won’t get into them just yet. Without her gaudy getup, she doesn’t raise a glance for most people. It’s an enviable trait. You were part of the same organization before, but it was after it went down that you two decided to tolerate each other on a personal basis.

As a person, Carol is an annoying, pessimistic coward, but — and you won’t admit this out loud — she has a good head on shoulders when it matters, and she’s direct to a fault. She’ll jump the ship when it’s sinking, but she’ll warn you about it first. Still too selfish for your own liking. But she got you your job, so you’ll tolerate her.

You’re awaiting the 3 remaining members of this operation…

Perhaps, you should strike up a conversation…

What do you do?

>“Couldn’t just pick one dessert instead of forcing the entire kitchen to follow your whims?” Wonder out loud. You know Natalie said it wasn’t a problem, but...
>“Excited to join your first field mission?” You recall Carol has never engaged in battle properly of her own volition.
>“Please, don’t invite your mother to my apartment again.” You became a shut-in for a day, and Carol went too far with her tactics. Scold her.
>“How did your apology thing with Emily go? I imagine it went well, as I heard she’s a fan of yours.” Make “polite” chatter.
>“How is your singer stuff going?” Ask a generic question. Obtain information. Be normal.
>Write In.

>>6481233
>>“Please, don’t invite your mother to my apartment again.” You became a shut-in for a day, and Carol went too far with her tactics. Scold her.

>>6481233
>“Please, don’t invite your mother to my apartment again.” You became a shut-in for a day, and Carol went too far with her tactics. Scold her.
>“How did your apology thing with Emily go? I imagine it went well, as I heard she’s a fan of yours.” Make “polite” chatter.
>“How is your singer stuff going?” Ask a generic question. Obtain information. Be normal.

>>6481236
Supporting

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Seeing Carol here brings some undesirable memories to your mind. Before you start some idle chatter, you need to address the elephant in the room.

“Please, don’t invite your mother to my apartment again.” What better way to start a conversation than to put down some boundaries with Carol? That’s what you believe.

“L-Like I like having my mom following me around! I told you, once she overheard you were having love problems, we were doomed.” Carol laments. “Besides, she gets all in Cleaning Mode when she hears someone is depressed.”

“D-Don’t call them love problems. It was a slip of judgment.” You’re not going into detail, not even mentally. “And Carol, this is still your fault. You’re the only one who could’ve slipped that information.”

“Fine, fine, I told her. But what was I supposed to do? Leave you in that ditch? It worked. You’re not embarrassed for being a human with feelings, you’re back to being the beacon of sunshine and rainbows I know and love.” Carol admits she did it for your own good. Her mother did put your situation in perspective. The problem is that they teased you so much…

“It’s just so embarrassing to have your mother act as if she was my own…” You sigh. She even cleaned up your room… Carol did nothing, of course.

“Is this your way of saying thanks?” Carol giggles. “You don’t have to spell it out, I’m better at reading you than you think. I appreciate it nonetheless.”

“Enough...” You wonder why you brought this up. Still, you need to stop her amusement. “How did your apology thing with Emily go? I imagine it went well, as I heard she’s a fan of yours.”

“You’re teasing me, Vivi?! Of course it went poorly! She blamed *me* for the brainwashing stuff like I know how to turn it off. My butt will never be the same. She turned me into a ball, Vivi! A ball!” Carol complains.

“What’s that even supposed to mean?” You’re at a loss for words.

“It means I had to do what I had to do to be forgiven. Which brings me to say, hey, it was your fault too. We were part of the same team.” Carol complains. “You should be Ball’d Vivi, let’s give Emily a call and arrange this.”

“Hmph, why do I feel like you’re going to repeat your sentence instead of getting me to do anything?” You joke back.

“Hey, Vivi, don’t tell me you want to do that to me…?” Carol is very afraid. It’ll ensure she won’t escape your Mirror… “I-I can sense it! I told you I’m going along with your plan! No need to restrain me!”

“Good.” You make it seem like that was your intention from the start. “I’ll stop mocking you for a moment, and ask you how your singer stuff is going.”

“You mean being an idol?” Carol wants you to use the proper terms. “It’s getting more interesting than ever. A bunch of newbies, veterans, and new acts are swarming the scene. It’s hot stuff.”

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>>6481291

“I thought you were more overzealous about keeping your spot.” You admit.

“I thought I was nothing without my shady tactics, but the crowds are stronger than ever.” Carol gets candid. “Even those annoying critics are thanking me for lighting up a musical resurgence or whatever nerd term they use. I’m not comfortable with my music, but I’m getting there.”

“I’m surprised you’re so open about this.” You’re taken aback.

“Vivi, we promised to be more open, didn’t we? Hello? That’s what the apartment incident was all about. I’m just opening up back...” Carol sighs.

“I barely remember what state I was in…” You don’t want to remember more acutely.

“You act like you were drunk when you were a sleepyhead. But if you don’t recall, I’ll say it again; I love the pandas.” Carol mentions your pajamas. You sigh.

“T-This’s gotta be the spot! You’re the assault team, right?! I mean, you gotta be, you look like you can put up a fight!” A carefree athletic woman in half a tracksuit appears by your table. In other words, a Knucklehead. “Shit, sorry for running half an hour late! But you’re the best for waiting for me!”

“W-Wait, are we late?!” Carol can’t believe it. “Did the others ditch us...? We should go home anyway.”

“No, we came here over an hour early, Carol. I don’t know what this woman is saying. Tell us, did you get the time right?” You ask.

“Hang on… Errr… We’re supposed to meet at 6, right?” The muscle-head checks her phone. Of course, the screen is broken.

“No. At 8.” You dryly retort.

“Hahaha! I guess I didn’t screw up!” The muscle-head puts her arms on her hips to laugh. “Nice to meet ya, girls! If you have my back, I’ll have yours, no doubt about it.”

For the sake of brevity, there’s a bar where people with extraordinary powers congregate, the same abilities that you and Carol possess — Carol left a hiring post there for this mission. And this woman took the job. You were skeptical about her, but the owner recommended her. To say you’re keen on her services would be a lie, but if cannon fodder of this quality is hard to get by. Not that you plan to expose anyone to the dangers.

“Y-You’re White Tiger?” Carol wonders.

“THE White Tiger.” The woman grabs a seat between you two. “I know some people say I should be, like, Tigress or whatever, but I don’t sweat the details. It’s a title. Which is mine, and mine only.”

“You don’t have an actual name…?” Carol wonders.

“Huh? We’re not doing Codename shit? People love ‘em codenames.” White Tiger laughs.

Who did you end up hiring…? Besides being horrified, you should find out.

>>6481293


What do you do?

>You need her background now to know if she’s fit for the mission. Ask about her qualities.
>Insist to this woman that the only person she needs to answer to is you and nobody else. And maybe Carol. Instruct discipline.
>Offer Carol’s food to your new teammate. This will surely create a good atmosphere.
>Write In.

(Last Reply of the Day, we continue tomorrow!)

>>6481293
>>You need her background now to know if she’s fit for the mission. Ask about her qualities.
>Offer Carol’s food to your new teammate. This will surely create a good atmosphere.

>>6481294
>You need her background now to know if she’s fit for the mission. Ask about her qualities.
>Insist to this woman that the only person she needs to answer to is you and nobody else. And maybe Carol. Instruct discipline.
>Offer Carol’s food to your new teammate. This will surely create a good atmosphere.

>>6481298
+1

>>6481298
This

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Start with the basics, and move from there. You’re going to find out if this woman is qualified for this mission no matter what.

“No need. But just to make sure, you saw the advert we placed?” You start with a light question.

“Sure did! This is about that fake ass Masterson, right?” White Tiger replies. Carol nods. “That’s why I’m here! To show the world who the superior White Tiger is!”

“W-We’re here to help him, not to beat him up. Even if he deserves it.” Carol points out.

“I know, I know. You think that Bonet hauled me over here to destroy her sweet man? No way!” White Tiger shakes her head. She’s talking about the Red Hot & Rio Bar owner. “If I save his ass, it’ll show I’m the superior White Tiger! He’ll have to acknowledge me and drop the title. He can paint his tattoo orange for all I care, but I’ll be the only White Tiger in town.”

“T-This is your main reason to be here?” Carol doesn’t like the lack of serious commitment. You aren’t a fan either. Flint is known as the Silver Tiger, but this can’t be the reason why she’s joining. “Y-You know this is an actual dangerous mission, right? We don’t need someone who will bail on us at a moment's notice.”

“Haha! If you’re scared, I’ll have your back as long as you have mine! Ditching you is not in my nature!” White Tiger smiles, all carefree. “Oh, hang on, is this a job interview? I thought I already had the job.”

“Be at ease, we only want to learn more about our new partner. I’m Vivienne, and this is Carol.” You dryly say. Carol doesn’t want her name divulged. The thing is, she’s an idol. Does she expect any privacy? “Tell us about yourself.”

“I’m Rasha, the Actual White Tiger. Nice to meet you two girls! Agility, strength, discipline, I have all that good stuff. And with my partner to boot? I’m basically invincible. And don’t tell anyone, but we’re working on a big Secret Technique.” Rasha winks as she cheerfully goes along. “I’m a fitness trainer. Ever heard of the Tiger Claw Dojo? I work there, my family built that place years ago! I implore you to check it out! We can help you burn those calories after your banquet, Carol.” She noticed from the start all the desserts on the table…

“T-Tiger Claw Dojo? You mean the Gym?” Carol asks back.

“Gym, Dojo, it’s the same difference! We can train you how to fight, and we can train you to stay in shape.” Rasha doesn’t overthink it. “Everyone is welcomed!”

“Also, feel free to eat as you please.” You suggest in hopes to not waste this food. Carol glares at you for offering without asking her.

“Don’t mind if I do!” Rasha starts looking around. “Is there no cake? That’s my favorite stuff…”

“…” You and Carol silently look at each other, then you two shake your heads. Rasha grabs anything that catches her attention to indulge in...

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>>6481568

“Speaking of your gym, how are things going on your end with the mafia’s fall?” You wonder as both are associated. The Youhao Clan invested heavily in the Tiger Claw to get new recruits.

“Huh? Good riddance, I say! These assholes were the worst. Walking around the city like they owned the place. Expected ME to handle some of their problems. Unbelievable.” Rasha is unaware of whatever connection her business had with them. “Hehe, like a trainee of mine used to say; it’s good to have a treat once in a while. Speaking of, I can’t imagine I’ll get many of these since our income took a big hit today for whatever reason. Like half of my trainees just disappeared! Their money just vanished from our account!— Today’s pay is gonna really make a difference. You K-Corp people have a lot of cash.”

“...” You and Carol blankly stare at this woman.

“Hehe, you girls look funny, kinda make me wanna blush with how much you’re staring! Still, Vivienne, Carol, I know we’re gonna get along great!” Rasha is enjoying your presence.

...This woman is immensely stupid.

...

Before you can fully assess this woman, another member of your party arrives.

“As early as ever, Neuville, Sung. I didn’t expect any less from you.” Charlie Ironheart stands by the table.

“Ironheart, I’m glad you could make it with time to spare. Please, join us as we wait for the agreed time.” You say as dryly as humanly possible. He smiles back. The tension is palpable.

“You must be our new recruit, miss?” Charlie grabs a seat. “My name is Charlie Ironheart, it’s a pleasure to make you my acquaintance.”

“Yeah, name’s Rasha, fancy boy.” The Fitness Trainer winks. “You all hate each other or what?”

“W-What? No! We’re big buddies!” Carol denies any tension.

“Hate is a strong word for coworkers.” Charlie retorts.

“Felt more friendly when you weren’t around, big lips.” Rasha admits.

“We’re all professionals working towards the same goal. Any animosity is superficial.” You say.

“Right…” Rasha wants to pry.

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>>6481569


Charlie Ironheart is your boss’ right hand man. A former political activist of sorts... the violent type. He’s a member of a former aristocratic family who is trying to rebuild his family’s social standing. He’s polite, cunning, and ambitious. And without going into details, within the corporation, your two groups are always at odds with each other. Even aside from the difference in methods — there’s a lack of trust.

To mend the rift, you two are working together today for the perceived greater good. Behind all this charade, you believe he’s planning some sort of coup against your boss. You don’t care about the backstabbing, but the fallout this will provoke. To keep Charlie at arms’ length is not an option anymore.

You can’t let the tension ramp up.

What do you do?

>“Charlie, if anything happens today, just know that I will have your back.” Your objective is to mend the rift. Carol stressed as much. It’s the only way you can learn his true intentions.
>“We both know whoever saves Masterson, will likely have him join their side. But we can’t allow this to be a wedge between us. This mission is too dangerous for such pettiness.” Lay down the stakes and be honest.
>“Care to tell Rasha about yourself? We all are trying to build camaraderie over here.” Pretend to be friendly.
>“Tell us, Charlie. Are you good friends with Masterson?” Bait him into being disliked by Rasha.
>Write In.

(Only reply of the day, we continue tomorrow!)

>>6481570
>>6481570
>“We both know whoever saves Masterson, will likely have him join their side. But we can’t allow this to be a wedge between us. This mission is too dangerous for such pettiness.” Lay down the stakes and be honest.
>“Care to tell Rasha about yourself? We all are trying to build camaraderie over here.” Pretend to be friendly.

>>6481617
This

>>6481617
2nd

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There’s no point in building animosity, but you have to make the overall stakes and his intentions clear. And you won’t offer treats. That’s important too.

“Please, grab a seat. There’s no point in you standing over here.” You politely invite. The room is far from crowded, so you don’t want to draw the attention of one of the waitresses.

“Thank you, Vivienne.” Charlie has little hesitation to join the party’s table. He checks his wristwatch. “It’ll be a bit before Joe graces us with his presence, so let’s converse.”

“That guy always arrives on the dot…” Carol cares little for that guy. You’ll address him when he’s actually here. “Wait. H-He joined the mafia mission, didn’t he? That was a disaster! Is he in any condition to fight?!”

“He did. Joe is currently getting patched up, but he will join us in time. He owes me that much.” Charlie informs.

“Are you with the mafia, Big Lips?” Rasha sniffs trouble coming from the pompous man.

“Not something you’re keen on? I personally declined to join the efforts.” Charlie explains.

“Don’t give us that. You were the first one to suggest offering them assistance… Don’t try to deny it! Remember, I was there! And there was a guy with a very large chin...” Carol has her eyes on him.

“I thought it was best for the Corporation’s interests. Evidently, my advice was wrong. Is Ms. Rasha aware of our ties with them?” Charlie acts like it was a pragmatic decision.

“She just found out. Not that any of us are fully aware of how deep this connection was.” You say. “We haven’t been here from the beginning like you.”

“Interesting. Rasha, you must be quite the talent for my coworkers to open up about sensitive information this quickly.” Charlie applauds.

“Gah! Really?!” Rasha feels closer to you and Carol.

“O-Of course, we’re depending on each other for this mission!” Carol butters up. “That includes you, Mr. Fancypants!”

“Charlie, we both know whoever saves Masterson, will likely have him join their side. But we can’t allow this to be a wedge between us. This mission is too dangerous for such pettiness.” You lay down the stakes and get honest.

“That’s an interesting proposition. You really believe that his loyalties will shift?” Charlie is surprised. “I told Ka-Shing that this won’t earn him anything.”

“You said it: Him. Not us. He will value those who stuck their necks out for him, not the man who stayed back.” You reply.

“Heh, I must apologize then, you are more aware about what is at stake here.” Charlie bows his head down. “And I agree, let’s be there for one another. I was, what I can only crudely describe, as cannon fodder before; and it’s an unpleasant position that I don’t wish upon anyone.”

“Besides, we’re helping your old pal. To us, he means next to nothing.” Carol reminds him.

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>>6481898


“Old pal? I suppose he is. Much better than a certain schizophrenic kitty.” Charlie recalls someone else.

“Huh?! Are you calling me out?!” Rasha feels targeted.

“N-No, I was remembering an old collaborator. In actuality, she reminds me more of Carol over here.” Charlie chuckles.

“She must’ve been great then. Someone you can’t betray OR leave alone in a dangerous place!” Carol affirms.

“Charlie, care to tell Rasha about yourself? I don’t think you’re building the right rapport at the moment.” You want the team to gel well, at least make the effort to act friendly.

“I don’t wanna be on the wrong foot either, so I will. Tell me, Rasha, have you read any interesting books lately? I’m an avid reader myself.” Charlie asks.

“P-Please, don’t say you eat books…” Carol prays to herself.

“Yeah, I listen to audio books whenever I work out. Which is plenty of the time, by the way!” Rasha boasts.

“Non-fiction, I presume?” Charlie continues to pry.

“I ask my trainees for recommendations, and I eat them! Don’t care about the topics, anything is good!” Rasha puts her hands on her waist to laugh. Charlie presumptuously expected a No for an answer. Awkward. “The self-help ones are trash though. There’s one about historical politics that I didn’t understand, but that trainee was so nice, I listened to it to the end! I wish she came by more often. Hmm, maybe I should look for her again. I gotta make everyone use their memberships to the fullest.”

“Oh god...” Carol didn’t actually believe that Rasha was going to say it.

“You’re a fitness trainer, I presume.” Charlie wasn’t here for that part of the conversation. “We’re a little bit of the opposite then. I’m from a wealthy background, raised to care about academics, standards, and traditions. You can call me a disgraced noble, but my only wish is to ensure that justice prevails in the world. As long as you have a good heart, I know we’re going to work well together.”

“Well, I’m the only one here who didn’t work with gangsters, so that makes me the nicest gal in the whole table!” Rasha nudges Carol as she laughs.

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>>6481901

Before you can get to know each other even better, the final arrival shows up right on time, in the most literal sense of the phrase.

“You’re all here already…?” Joe is disappointed that there won’t be any delays.

“We’re professionals. You shouldn’t expect any less.” You remind him.

“At least I’ll be in good hands for once.” Joe admits this is a good thing.

“I expected you to look rougher. Did you really go out and fight? Or did you hide the entire time?” Carol asks.

“If I knew the whole mission was in the dumps by the time I acted, I would’ve stayed out of the way. But I had to do my job.” Joe sighs.

“Be thankful I intervened in your fight before things got ugly.” Charlie says.

“Yeah, that Wrench guy was as tough as they come.” Joe sighs… again. “I’m glad we talked it out…”

“We won’t be able to do that in this one, so beware.” You inform. The threat… is sizable. “Rasha, this is Joe, our final member for today’s team.” You explain.

“Hey, sleepyhead, how’s it holding?” Rasha tries to be humorous with her introduction.

“Barely. Nice to meet you and all…” Joe grabs a seat without asking for permission.

Joe Riddle is the example of bare minimum amount effort personified. If the task is hard, he’s a genuine asset who never disappoints. If it’s too simple, you wished he could’ve done more. In other words, he’s average.

It’s becoming routine, but you need to address Joe so Rasha knows his deal…

What do you do?

>“Joe, tell us about yourself. It’s your turn.” You wonder if you’re turning this into a therapy session.
>“Joe, we know you’re wounded, so we’re going to take the brunt of the work for you.” Be a good teammate, even if he’s in Charlie’s camp.
>“Care to explain how you sustained these injuries? How did the mafia plan go wrong?” You’re genuinely curious about what happened today. You heard about the civil unrest, the riots, and the arrests. But having a first person account of the events is more interesting.
>“How did you even get recruited by Ka-Shing anyway?” You don’t have the backstory of this lazy person. This is likely the first time you exchange words in a meaningful way.
>Write In.

>>6481903
>>“Joe, tell us about yourself. It’s your turn.” You wonder if you’re turning this into a therapy session.
>“How did you even get recruited by Ka-Shing anyway?” You don’t have the backstory of this lazy person. This is likely the first time you exchange words in a meaningful way.

>>6481903
>“How did you even get recruited by Ka-Shing anyway?” You don’t have the backstory of this lazy person. This is likely the first time you exchange words in a meaningful way.

>>6481903
>“Joe, tell us about yourself. It’s your turn.” You wonder if you’re turning this into a therapy session.
>“Care to explain how you sustained these injuries? How did the mafia plan go wrong?” You’re genuinely curious about what happened today. You heard about the civil unrest, the riots, and the arrests. But having a first person account of the events is more interesting.
>“How did you even get recruited by Ka-Shing anyway?” You don’t have the backstory of this lazy person. This is likely the first time you exchange words in a meaningful way.

>>6481903
>>>“Joe, tell us about yourself. It’s your turn.” You wonder if you’re turning this into a therapy session.
>>“How did you even get recruited by Ka-Shing anyway?” You don’t have the backstory of this lazy person. This is likely the first time you exchange words in a meaningful way.