MegaCity 2

[Neptune]

A small smirk graced Ruby’s lips as the figure reacted to her nickname by giving her one in return. One that she rather liked. She couldn’t help but to chuckle slightly but she quietened down quite quickly to listen to what he had to say. The name of the currency made her eyebrows raise a little. It was certainly not something that she had ever heard of. It made her doubt that this money had any real value outside of these weapons. At least she won’t be undecided on what she could spend it on at the very least. Her thumbs ran across the cool metal of the guns as she shifted her weight to her right leg as she watched the figure closely. She wanted to ask what kind of jobs and missions he was talking about, however he clicked his fingers and a rather oversized gun appeared in his hand, which looked rather like the kind of toy gun that her little brother used to play with when he was a little boy.

She tilted her head before she scoffed a little at his warning, “Okay, first off, Shorty… is that a fucking nerf gun? And secondly… live fire exercise? As in live ammo?” She lifted her gun and looked at it before cocking her head a little at Shorty, “I’m kind of glad to hear you say that. Training with fakes and blanks isn’t real training at all. I like to get stuck in the deep end of shit.” She smirked a little, “Like a cage fight. I like to get thrown in there with no warning or training. It’s fun and exciting, and makes victory even more sweeter. So, bring it, Shorty. What am I shooting at?” She lifted her gold gun and extended her arm out and aiming it at some of the boxes nearby. She tilted her hand a little so that her gun was sideways before she snorted and straightened it again, because it looked ridiculous. It made her look like a wannabe gangster. 

[Manni]

On 21/05/2019 at 16:20, Chiyako said:

"Early? Why it's never too early for a good romp! Probably! I wouldn't know! Oh, you're totally going to make me blush!"

The shark-toothed grin remained, flashing sharp pearly whites. To be completely honest Katsumi had never managed to actually get very far with anyone. She always ended up scaring away the few people who'd tried! Usually it was the teeth. She couldn't help it. It was something she was born with. It could also be the eye patch too. Or the scar that it in turn covered. Heck, it could be her personality for all she knew! But then who couldn't find it in their heart to love the little mad bomber?

"You're even cuter still when you smile though. You should try and do that more, ya know? Smiling's great! Ya gotta find something you enjoy and throw yourself into, onto, or against it! I mean look at me! I'm all smiles!"

She was honestly having a great time, even if she'd ended up losing some of her explosives. Also her privacy. And, in a way, her bunker home. But hey she had to look on the bright side here: she was getting a newer home, potentially more funding, a lovely date, and possibly more explosions! How could she say no to that? Although if she did say no then she'd end up getting arrested or worse. But that hadn't really even bothered her much. It was quite difficult to actually scare Katsumi. She had nerves of steel! But then one needed that in a profession where one tiny mistake might end up blowing said person up!

"So hows steak sound to you? Or would you prefer something else? A date ain't just one person, ya know?"

"Steak's good actually, I feel like some protein." Angela replied. Admittingly, she hadn't had a good steak for a while, as she usually was a bit too busy to enjoy the finer things in life. Angela still really didn't know what to make of Katsumi, whether the way she was acting now was just an act or if this was how she was usually. Though it didn't really matter as far as what their job would entail, Angela preferred if it would be the latter. Of course, when it came down to things, Angela hoped the girl could be serious and get the job done. From what she read in the girl's file, that wouldn't be too difficult as long as it involved explosives. And given what Katsumi was going to be given, that wouldn't be a problem either. "Anyway, we really should get this show on the road. Driver, if you would..." she said, as she 'buckled up' with the seat belt. "You best secure yourself too, unless you feel tossed around like a doll. I'd recommend it, if only so you don't damage yourself or the car. I hear the Consortium doesn't take well to employees that wilfully damage company property."

*After making sure that Katsumi was secure and it took a bit with all the fidgeting and all that, they were on their way...quite quickly as the person driving was a bit of a speed demon and though they never crashed any vechicle they drove, it didn't mean that other people on the roads were safe...from themselves.*

[Chiyako]

"Protein it is! To the nearest bestest steak house!"

A finger pointed forth towards the front of the vehicle. Not that they'd listen to her, although they might. Any steak would do really. She'd never had anything super fancy before. But then she'd always ended up spending her money on other things. Like explosives.

Of course when it came down to a job Katsumi was at least somewhat serious about it! Perhaps not enough to damper her spirits, but certainly enough to get the job done. After all, why do anything when one couldn't simply let loose and have fun doing it? What was the point?

The girl's single eye stared at the woman's chest once she was secured. "Squish" she mumbled to herself, although she did heed Angela's warning, slipping a seat belt onto herself! Then she simply leaned as best she could against her new friend slash date.

"Now this is the life!"

Dinner! A home! A date! A daredevil driver! Even a limo! Today was just getting better and better! At least the crazy driving gave her an excuse for bumping repeatedly against Angela's body. And hey, if perhaps her face or a hand ended up somewhere a little naughty, well, she could blame the trip!

[Yue ThenZhi Banned]

From a convenience store Xiang step out with her both arm full of bags of vegetables and meat heading straight back her aparment where her brother is waiting. After a while, she arrive at home, her little brother come rushing as soon as he hear the knocking, “Sis you finally back! Have you bought the ingredients for the hot pot tonight ?” he ask, She let out a small giggle seeing the small boy jumping up and down trying to see what inside those bags she holding

 

“Calm down Yu, i’ve bought every thing we need, we’re going to have a seafood hotpot, your favorite” she answer with a grin on her face, the  boy has twinkle in his eyes upon hearing the news but quickly faded away as Xiang continue, “But you have to finish your home work first”, “Ahhhhgg~” he bow down his head disappointed but fast risen up with smile on his face “Fine, don’t start without me ok sis?” he said before going back to our room to do what he need to

 

As for Xiang, she change into a more comfortable clothes then head to the kitchen, put on an apron, take out the ingredients and start cooking. *A few hours passed* Yu come out of the room “Sis i’ve done my home work!” he run into the kitchen to inform Xiang, “Good ! The food is ready ” she look at the watch “And it’s about time too. Yu you go take a shower first i will go in after you”

 

“Ok sis” he said then head to the bath room. Xiang turn off the gas stove, go to the wardrobe to grap some clothes but there nothing iside except for a panties she bought the other day and a tank top left. She remember that she forgot doing the laundry today so that all she got. Signed, she go in the shower with Yu inside and take a bath with him before got out to have diner… Later that night, Xiang’s arm computer turned on midnight with words inside *Hero OS installing*

[Manni]

*In the morning, Xiang would notice that the OS on her Arm Computer had changed from its normal OS to a so called HERO OS. It didn't seem all that different from what the normal OS was, albiet with a few new features and new files on it. Though if Xiang tried to roll back the OS installation, she would find that she would be unable to do so. Some of the new files that Xiang would find on her Arm Computer was a few video files and some new apps. *

*In one of the new video files, Xiang would notice it seemed to be some sort of video presentation for the Security Forces of MegaCity 2, run by the Dissidents who had splintered from MegaCity 1. In this presentation which was known as the 'Induction Video' by most and was made the the Consortium, much like most Arm Computer related technology. In the Induction Video, there was a representative from the Consortium with one of the high ranking officials of the Dissident Security Forces of MegaCity 2. It was quite a high production value video, it must be said with all the bells and whistles. Ruby could pick and choose what sections of the video he wanted to watch, much like a Blueray movie. In the video, the representative of the Consortium was talking about the HERO OS product and the related product, the Game Images (GIs for short). Now, if Xiang was up-to-date with his news, he would know that the Consortium had won a large government contract to help develop a new 'defense program' a year ago and it seemed from the video that this was the result. It appeared that this "Hero OS' update was in limited release for security and police personnel. From the sounds of it, this was not so much a live 'beta-test' where there were still bugs but a full release product specifically made for the Security Forces, including police personnel. As the video continued, the various functions of the Hero OS were described and demonstrated. As it turns out, the Hero OS does a few things more than the ordinary OS that Arm Computers have. For example, the Geo-Location and 'Map' capabilities have been changed and modified to allow for real-time information on sighting of threats to be uploaded and tracked. In other words, if anything bad in MegaCity 2 happened, those with the HERO OS would get a notification on the threat, its location and its nature and be able to track it in real-time. Another example of the functionality of the Hero OS was access to a special 'App' Store, linked to the Game Images. It turned out that one could purchase special functionality and quality upgrades for the Arm Computer and the Game Images from this Store, which was unusual as most Arm Computers were not easily upgraded. Also, the video would speak of the Game Images or GIs for short. It seemed that the GIs were essentially kind of like a specialised 'loadout' or configuration that people could use to defend themselves with. It seemed to be some sort of advanced technological development that allowed for rapid deployment of armed units to react and respond to threats. There were limited  live demonstrations of the technology in the video, showing how the GIs functioned and what exactly they did. The operation of using the GI was quite easy, almost idiot-proof despite how mindbogglingly compelx the actual technology was. From the video, Ruby would learn the basics of how to use a Game Image and that there were more advanced tutorial features in the Hero OS product, under the How To Guide section in the OS GUI itself. It appeared to offer advanced simulations and helpful advice on how to use the OS and the GIs.*

*Also, there was a new notification on her Arm Computer, saying that she got two new message on her Messenger App. However, if she would go and look at it, the message did not say who the sender was or give any information away from where it came from. Xiang also wouldn't be able to delete the message either and none of the in-built antivirus or antispam apps on the Arm Computer blocked it or picked up any threat from it. If she chose to open the app, she would read the following message.*

 

For the Future that does not Exist yet...

From the Past that Mortals Deny...

Comes A Power That Will Decide

If and What Future you Deserve...

*The other message on her messenger device was a shipping notification, saying that a product would be arriving at her home today. It was odd as the message did not say what the product was nor who the sender was.*

 

[Reply to Neptune]

Quote

A small smirk graced Ruby’s lips as the figure reacted to her nickname by giving her one in return. One that she rather liked. She couldn’t help but to chuckle slightly but she quietened down quite quickly to listen to what he had to say. The name of the currency made her eyebrows raise a little. It was certainly not something that she had ever heard of. It made her doubt that this money had any real value outside of these weapons. At least she won’t be undecided on what she could spend it on at the very least. Her thumbs ran across the cool metal of the guns as she shifted her weight to her right leg as she watched the figure closely. She wanted to ask what kind of jobs and missions he was talking about, however he clicked his fingers and a rather oversized gun appeared in his hand, which looked rather like the kind of toy gun that her little brother used to play with when he was a little boy.

She tilted her head before she scoffed a little at his warning, “Okay, first off, Shorty… is that a fucking nerf gun? And secondly… live fire exercise? As in live ammo?” She lifted her gun and looked at it before cocking her head a little at Shorty, “I’m kind of glad to hear you say that. Training with fakes and blanks isn’t real training at all. I like to get stuck in the deep end of shit.” She smirked a little, “Like a cage fight. I like to get thrown in there with no warning or training. It’s fun and exciting, and makes victory even more sweeter. So, bring it, Shorty. What am I shooting at?” She lifted her gold gun and extended her arm out and aiming it at some of the boxes nearby. She tilted her hand a little so that her gun was sideways before she snorted and straightened it again, because it looked ridiculous. It made her look like a wannabe gangster. 

*Though Ruby wouldn't be able to tell as the face of the AI didn't came expression, the AI wasn't exactly enthused by her response. It thought that was the kind of response of someone that hadn't been 'in the deep end of shit' before, to use their phrase. While they certainly didn't hope for them to land in 'the deep end of shit', the AI knew that neither of them were not going to have a choice one way or another. It was going to tolerate their bravado for now because it certainly was not going to last when it came down to it. Now, the AI didn't care what they thought of their weapon. They knew exactly what it could do to an enemy, let alone a civilian. If only it were a toy and this was just some live action TV show...wait, did they just hold their gun sidewards like a newbie? Oh wait, they corrected it. Still, classic newbie mistake. As Ruby got ready for the upcoming 'training', the AI got ready and pointed their gun at Ruby.*

"Simple. Each other." the AI said rather bluntly before they fired a few shots at Ruby. 

[Way Overdue Reply to @Chiyako]

*Fortunately for Angela and perhaps unfortunately for Katsumi, the person who was driving the vehicle was a talented driver. It only seemed they were reckless because of the somewhat outrageous speeds they could get away driving with and yet not lose control over the vehicle. In fact, their control over the vehicle was pretty much total, so Angela and Katsumi were in safe hands. If only the rest of the people on the road could drive like this...oh well. Although this meant Katsumi wouldn't be getting 'lucky', it was probably for the best. Angela wouldn't exactly be pleased with Katsumi if she did and even if she were a kid, Angela wouldn't exactly show her mercy later. Well, at least Katsumi could enjoy the sight of Megacity 2 passing back rapidly...as well as the random vehicles getting out of the way of this seemingly speed obsessed driver. If there was one problem with this driver, it was they tended to like to show off. Then again, they were seemingly paid to get to Point A and B as fast as possible. Why bother with things that got in the way of that, especially if they were slow? It didn't take long for the scenery that Katsumi would see out of the window to change from her usual abode to a more urban environment as they passed through the city Centre to the 'better off' end of town in which they were going to. All  the pretty lights and all the new sights and sounds, what would Katsumi think of this? She was going to have to get used her new surroundings quite quickly as she was going to be put to work as soon as she was able.*

 

[Chiyako]

Alas, there would be no free groping during this trip! But then that didn't really hamper the mood any. There was always later! The night was still young and who knew what sort of crazy hijinks they could get up to! At least being good meant she could keep up the snuggling. That was still a win in her book!

As they ventured further into the city Katsumi managed to get a few glimpses out at the newer environment. It didn't really interest her too much. Sure, it was all pretty, but it'd look the same getting blown up! Probably! It could be different. If that were the case then she'd be in for a pleasant surprise! It might not be so bad living here though.

Anyways, no, most of her attention was planted firmly upon the woman escorting her. In fact her gaze hardly left the poor lady's face, a shark-toothed grin ever present upon her face. She hardly even blinked. Katsumi was a terrifying predator and she made no efforts to hide it.

"So ya mentioned second base. Whats it take to steal that? Or third base? What even is third base?! How bout a home run?!?! Or a grand slam! Ooooh ya got me all jittery!"

[Neptune]

On 23/12/2019 at 06:14, Manni said:

*Though Ruby wouldn't be able to tell as the face of the AI didn't came expression, the AI wasn't exactly enthused by her response. It thought that was the kind of response of someone that hadn't been 'in the deep end of shit' before, to use their phrase. While they certainly didn't hope for them to land in 'the deep end of shit', the AI knew that neither of them were not going to have a choice one way or another. It was going to tolerate their bravado for now because it certainly was not going to last when it came down to it. Now, the AI didn't care what they thought of their weapon. They knew exactly what it could do to an enemy, let alone a civilian. If only it were a toy and this was just some live action TV show...wait, did they just hold their gun sidewards like a newbie? Oh wait, they corrected it. Still, classic newbie mistake. As Ruby got ready for the upcoming 'training', the AI got ready and pointed their gun at Ruby.*

"Simple. Each other." the AI said rather bluntly before they fired a few shots at Ruby. 

 

Ruby narrowed her eyes slightly when she saw the nerf gun raised and pointed in her direction before the strange man fired it at her. While she doubted it would do any real damage, she still dove out of the way, rolling to get behind cover. Despite her quick reaction, one of the bullets clipped her thigh. And dammit, it hurt! It felt as if she had been punched in the thigh, as if she had been shot with a rubber bullet. It was sure to leave a horrific bruise on her otherwise flawless skin. As she hid behind some crates which, to her, didn’t look like it would be effective for very long. She twisted, getting up onto her feet and peering up over the top of the crate at the midget figure.

She then raised her own guns and pointed them at Shorty before she fired herself in rapid succession. She was surprised to note that there was hardly any kickback from the weapons, allowing her to keep her aim relatively straight. She still had to correct with each shot fired, but it allowed her to shoot quickly. She was really liking these guns.

[Manni]

On 25/01/2020 at 19:54, Neptune said:

Ruby narrowed her eyes slightly when she saw the nerf gun raised and pointed in her direction before the strange man fired it at her. While she doubted it would do any real damage, she still dove out of the way, rolling to get behind cover. Despite her quick reaction, one of the bullets clipped her thigh. And dammit, it hurt! It felt as if she had been punched in the thigh, as if she had been shot with a rubber bullet. It was sure to leave a horrific bruise on her otherwise flawless skin. As she hid behind some crates which, to her, didn’t look like it would be effective for very long. She twisted, getting up onto her feet and peering up over the top of the crate at the midget figure.

She then raised her own guns and pointed them at Shorty before she fired herself in rapid succession. She was surprised to note that there was hardly any kickback from the weapons, allowing her to keep her aim relatively straight. She still had to correct with each shot fired, but it allowed her to shoot quickly. She was really liking these guns.

*As the AI fired its weapon at Ruby, it prepared itself to move to behind a nearby set of crates a few metres to the left of its current position. It knew that, while the crates themselves could serve as cover for a little while, all environmental objects spawned on this Game Field were destructible with enough firepower. It also knew that destroying environmental objects could cause Field Items to spawn, which could turn the tide of battle. Now, the AI was going to tell Ruby this as soon as it could as it felt it would be unfair not to give her such vital information. Though the AI knew that, in the battles to come, Ruby and whoever else got these Game Images would not always be able to rely on 'rules' and 'fairness' to get by. If anything, the AI should have thought it necessary to give this person the 'hard lessons of life'. Though, the 'AI' knew things that could not reveal yet as its instructions were clear. Though it did feel like this was a rather indirect way of helping, it knew enough to know that this was going to be the only way they could help them. While the AI thought it distasteful and unnecessary to involve 'civilians' like these which something so important, it knew that the decision was not its hands. All it could do now was give those under its care at the moment the best advice and education it could, given the constraints.*

Enough time thinking, time to act. 

*As soon as the AI noticed that Ruby had gotten behind cover, the AI made its move towards the crates to its left. The AI knew that it had a huge advantage in this fight, given its level of experience in combat. Even though its level was set at the lowest level, it knew enough about how this environment worked and about its own abilities to give even higher level opponents a hard time. As it moved towards its destination, it could hear her fire her own weapons at it. Now, the AI knew that it could make it to the crates safely my using one of its abilities, but it decided against its use. Why? So it could teach Ruby about Field Items, which included Health Pickups. It knew she had gotten hit by one of its bullets so it figured...heck, let her hit me a bit and show her how to use Field Items at the same time! Now, as the AI dove gracefully behind the crates, it felt a projectile graze its right leg. It hurt a bit but the main thing was...it wasn't fatal and not enough to prevent lots of movement.*

"One hit each, huh?" the AI shouted from behind cover. "Not bad for a newbie. Anyway, I should mention that all cover in this Game Field is destructible with enough firepower. Should also mention that, like in any game, destroying cover while useful in itself at times...has another benefit here. Each time you destroy a piece of environmental cover, there's a chance that a Field Item/Pickup will spawn."

[Neptune]

Ruby was mildly impressed by the grace in which Shorty dove behind cover. His short, squat form did not seem that wieldy, and yet he had hid himself with surprising grace. She paused in the firing of her guns when she no longer had line of sight of him. But she remained where she was, her weapon pointing towards the crates so that the moment he emerged, she could fire at him. Her eyebrow then rose a little when he began speaking. At his instruction that the cover could be destroyed with enough power, she smirked a little. That was a useful thing to know. Not only could she eliminate the cover that her foes could hide behind, but she could also get useful items from it. If they were like any games she usually played, they could range from ammo, to health pickups or even temporary perks.

“Good to know, Shorty. Any other useful tricks to know?” Ruby asked, even as she changed the aim of her twin guns to point the weapons towards the crates that Shorty was hiding behind and began to rapidly fire at them. She wasn’t firing at them just because Short was hiding behind them and she wanted to hit him more, but she also wanted to know how long it would take them to break when she unleashed everything she had at the breakable objects.