Downtime 4

Sun has a dumbfounded look on his face. "Bliss? What's that? Wait, nevermind. I'm not asking you to snitch on anyone. They just don't seem like good friends. If you're in trouble, they don't seem the kind of people to help you out. And if it's about getting work, I can give you some chores to get you started, and look around for something for you with a bit more future and growth potential"
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"Sorry, miss. No Jiangshi. I'm looking into a certain gang, ran by a certain Ork named King Cobra. I heard they're based out of some ruins and love snacks. I'm looking for any and all info available on them. If you can help me out, of course without endangering yourself, I can give you the scoop when we finish, so you know even before the police does. What do you say?"

Sam

A few hours later Sam's doll arrives back at his doorstep with a bill of 4437 Nuyen looking like this.

Sam transfers the money to Kitaro.

"Kid, your mom does such a honest job to provide for you. I understand well enough that you'd want to make life for you and your mom a little better. That's very admirable of you. Think of your mom, though. Would she be okay, knowing her son is doing what he's doing? Wouldn't she be happier knowing her dearest would be helping out in a honest way, a way that'll keep him safe and out of trouble? If someday cops crack down on your friends, or rivals move into their turf, and you get caught in the middle, I'm sure it would break her heart."
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"The most useful things would be if there's any reports on their numbers, if they have a set way of going about their business, specifics on their vehicles and weapons, and anything related to the ruins. Stuff like documents about them from before they were ruins, or from after that if that exists, maps, structural information, and information about the area it's in. I'm thinking wildlife specifics, denseness of the plants growing there, any known communities near there. That sorta stuff."

Kitaro notices his plan worked a little too well and decides to break the silence with

If I was an ice cream flavour I would be strawberry, because I'm sweet and a little fruity. How about you?

"I am fine, Auntie. I am at my friends' community center. I do not think that I have anything to worry about from the police. But, you never do know with police. If it seems like I may be in trouble, I will let you know."

"Yes, Auntie. I will be there for dinner."

Emiko smiles, giggles, and puts a hand on Setsuko's shoulder during the 'head turning' comment. At the mention of Setsuko's love life, however, Emiko leans in closer.

"What have I been up to?  Nothing too exciting like you but I can't help but keep from getting into trouble.  Just out there having fun, making a few nuyen in the process," Emiko says with a wink. "I got a little hurt and I'm getting much better."

Emiko thinks to herself, "I should go back and find samples of my voice to practice with and make sure not nobody else notices a difference."  

Continuing the conversation, Emiko puts her hand on Setsuko's, and says, "That's why I have a hard time watching you play. I mean, I know you can kick ass but I would worry if something happened to you."" Emiko follows up to lighten the conversation by saying, "let's get that big serving of meat and booze and see what we can do about calming those nerves."

She then leans back and says, "so you broke a troll's jaw, tell me all about it!"

Sun scratches his beard for a moment, then starts talking about random pleasantries for a bit, to then follow with: "So Niku, why did you join the big brother project?"

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"Thank you for the info. You've been most helpful! I'll make sure you get the scoop once we finish things." Sun says goodbye to the journalist, and relays the info he got back to the rest of the team.

Homura

Kitaro smiles and says "Very nice miss Homura, it's really ... you" He points at the bunny ears and asks "May I?".
As Homura hands him the bunny ears, Kitaro uses his fashion spell to make them match the color of his suit perfectly and puts them on his head.
"How do they look on me?"

"I am not really able to talk about it," Sam tells Hanako. He speaks slowly, choosing his words carefully. "I had a... problem... with an... assignment... I was working on. At work. You know I am not allowed to talk about what I do at work. But it is being handled. I may have to move."

While Setsuko is sharing her story, Emiko cooks meat for herself and drinks her fruity beverage.

Emiko says wide-eyed, "Wow! That sounds intense."

"Here's to you kickin' ass," Emiko says raising her glass to Setsuko's to clink. "I'll have to go back and watch it.  In fact, if you're not doing anything later, how about coming back to my place after this and we can watch it together?"

"No. I am not leaving the city. I will probably stay here. At least until I can find a new apartment in the city."

"Ooh, I figured Madouka would have mentioned that already."
Kitaro bends a little over the table towards Homura.
"I can do lots of fun stuff."
Kitaro touches Homura's hand for a moment and uses his 'Makeover' spell to color her fingernails in a variety of flashy colors.
"See."

Putting her hands out together, wrists upright, Emiko smiles and says, "you got me! Can't blame a girl for trying."

"I think it's the intoxicating drinks, all these shirtless men, the mouthwatering meat, " Emiko pauses, "and you looking so amazing that I'm feeling really good right now and I want to take you home and spend the evening with you." Emiko leans in closer to Setsuko, "Let's get out of here and take this party back to my place."

"I think that you are probably right. I will consider it. But, for now, I am comfortable here."

Sam does not notice it.
"Okay," he says. "I will see you then." And he turns away from Hanako to go tinker some more with his new android in his room, shutting the door behind him.

Homura

Kitaro puts up an index finger and says "Don't be down on yourself miss Homura. Sewing is a VERY nice skill to have. I would go as far as putting it in my top 5 favorite skills ever!"

He straightens his napkin and slowly begins to nibble on his food."I don't go around bragging about my magical skills you know. As a matter of fact, I usually try to hide being awakened. Once people know you're a magician they always seem to want something from you."

Sun finishes the conversation with Niku by talking about general pleasantries, including stuff the kid enjoys doing, tales of when Sun was younger, and such. He sets up a date for the next time they meet, and parts.

Back at the community center, he asks around if anyone has any idea where to find a Bliss den, to show the kid what it does to those who use it.