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[Maximum Spin]

(Does that make sense? Or maybe I missed the actual contradiction)

(It makes complete sense to me, but I did not think the statements were in contradiction originally.)

[Supernerd]

(If you were waiting for a response from me, please don't. I have read all the things and posted my action.)

[Nakéen]

Update 20: Matchmakers when?!

Beep Boop and Mason the Old Vet (Day 4: 3rd Opportunity)

A.

"You don't want to miss out, so you?"

A - Don't tell the team, and descend there yourself
-1 Stress

"You are damn right fairy godmother! First come first serve, the cake is ALL MINE!"

Mason could have taken the stairs, but for him, stairs were for weaklings. So Mason naturally jumped off the story tall building to get to ground level as quickly as possible. Had he not been a most definitely not normal man, Mason would most definitely have ended with a few broken bones from the fall, even with the advanced combat suit he was currently wearing.

Filled with impatience, he rushed through the streets like an arrow, jumping over fences and obstacles with agility and fierceness of a very violent and bloodthirsty cat. Then he entered one of the building of the D block, and waited at a specific entrance. He was grinning like a child about to prank someone.

"One... two... MERRY CHRISTMAS TERRORIST SCUM!!!"

Mason emerged from hiding right as two figures entered the room he was guarding, all according to his calculations. In a flash he grabbed and twisted the arm of the nearbiest one, crushed his face with his palm, and threw him on his ally. All in one breath and before the weapon of the first one could touch the ground, he then closed in the distance and got behind the second terrorist, disarming him with a bear chop and putting him on a chokehold until he passed out.

"So fucking weak! That's no cake, barely enough for a cookie!"

He looked at the crawling individual clutching his broken arm.

"Come on, don't be a wuss. Your arm is still attached. Oh right, don't move and you are under arrest and all. Or I'm putting you through the wringer like your friend here."

Mason contacted Karl directly, beaming with joy. On the other end of the communication, Karl wasn't so happy.

"Hey Karl boy. I apprehended the two targets in sector D."

[Mason. Do the words teamwork and cooperation not exist in your vocabulary?]

"Sorry sir, I never went to school!"

[Who is keeping watch in the meantime?]

"Come on! I got the bad guys, what's the worst that could happen now?"

[Mason. Need I remind you there were four targets?]

Before Mason could reply something witty, a sudden blast rang in another sector, followed by the sound of gunfire.

[This is Heather. Ambush in Sector E, two targets confirmed. Dan got hit, returning fire. Requesting sniper support.]

[...Mason. Hurry up to Sector E. Once it's all done, we need to talk.]

"Sheesh. I messed up." He said to himself.

(...)

The rest of the operation concluded successfully, with Dan D. only suffering from a minor injury. The four Helios terrorists with links to the Teanossa bombing were apprehended, and they were moved to interrogation. But suffice to say Mason's little stunt could have turned for the worst, and he had received quite an earful from his superior, Karl S after himself must have received an earful from his own superior for their subordinate nearly jeopardizing the operation.

And surprisingly, Mason was currently in a state of self-reflection.

[Relationship Updated]
-Opinion from Karl

Suggestions
A - Sincerely apologize to Karl and the team, and vow to make amends and cooperate from now on.
Acceptance: 10% [30% (Base) - 20% (Negative Trust)]
Outcome: +Opinion with the Squad, ++Stress

B - Say empty apologies and call it a day.
Acceptance: 100%
Outcome:
30% +Opinion with the Squad
70% -Opinion with the Squad

C - Forget about it and call it a day.
Acceptance: Default Option
Outcome: status quo

Spoiler: Mason the Old Vet (by Egan_BW) (click to show/hide)

Name: Mason M.
Physical Description: An extremely old man with nearly no hair, wrinkly skin, and lanky limbs. He looks like he must be over 80. Despite this, he is paradoxically quite fit, standing tall and often running around as a younger man would. Even stranger, he has no augmentations which might support this.
Personality: Cranky and mean, particularly to those younger than him, which includes everyone. Appears to enjoy violence, and seems to believe himself to be immortal due to luck and skill. Does not 'believe' in AI; he is 100% convinced that they are merely hallucinations brought on by his schizophrenia. Cannot be convinced otherwise.
Backstory: Mason says that he's fought in 'every' war. He claims that he was there when The City was founded, and he helped fight the war to make it happen. Not out of any kindness in his heart, but because he was paid and enjoyed the killing. Of course, it's impossible that he was actually alive and of fighting age back then: while a man matching Mason's description is recorded as an allied mercenary, that man's name was Leon L., leaving no doubt that he's actually Mason's grandfather or something.

Character Condition
Trust -2
Confidence +2
Stress 3
Sanity hit -10 long, long ago

Character Attributes
Athletics 4
Intellect 1
Charisma -1
Willpower 1

Character Traits
very minor case of serious schizophrenia: Sanity cannot go above -5.
Battle Addiction: gains 1 stress every day he can't fight.
Sceptic: doesn't believe in magic, or any technology he can't distinguish from magic. Trust cannot go above 0.

Character Skills
Sniper 4
Close Combat 4
Observation 2
First Aid 1
Stealth 1

Relationships
David A. [+++ / +++]: NOT A DAMN PUSSY! / old boss
Wilfrid S. [++ / ?]: NOT A DAMN PUSSY AND A DAMN SCARY ONE! / old squadmate
Karl S. [- / -]: Pussy with a spine / squad leader
Heather F. [- / =]: Damn pussy / squadmate
Dan D. [- / =]: Damn pussy / squadmate
Maurice A. [- / =]: Damn pussy / squadmate
Suzanne R. [- / =]: Damn pussy / squadmate
Heum N. [- / -]: Damn pussy

It is uncertain if the following individuals exist, or if they are a figment of his imagination:
Alice Gwerhierhwaer [++++ / ?]: NOT A DAMN PUSSY!
Franek Kimono [++++ / ?]: NOT A DAMN PUSSY!
Radioman [++++ / ?]: NOT A DAMN PUSSY!
Denver Gaunt [++++ / ?]: NOT A DAMN PUSSY!

Secrets
Very High Security Secret S (4 InfoCredits): something about Mason's past and a certain Simon Smith.
Very High Security Secret Y (4 InfoCredits / 1 Low Warning): something about Mason's condition and the AI Research Society.
Very High Security Secret V (4 InfoCredits / 1 Low Warning): something about Mason and the City's Security Forces. Contains information about the unit he is part of.

Spoiler: Beep Boop (OTP Cabal) (click to show/hide)

0/3 Warnings
12 InfoCredits
3 Override Point

Pairing Slot 1 to 5: Unallocated

Inventory
- Helene T. data sheet
- Helena T. data sheet
-> High Security Secret B about Helena's past
- Al and Eri data sheets
- David A. data sheet
-> Secret A about David A.
-> Very High Security Secret about David A.
- Rimm E data sheet
-> Low Security Secret A about Rimm's past
-> High Security Secret A about Rimm and the AI Research Society

Missions:

From: CUPID
Mission Name: Pairing Mason
Importance: High
Description: According to the CUPID system, Mason must enter a pairing within 7 days in order to achieve maximum matchmaking potential.
Main Objective: Achieve a pairing within 7 days.

Main objective rewards : 4 InfoCredits or Removal of 1 Low Warning
/!\ On a Failure, 1 Low Warning will be issued!

From: OTP Cabal
Mission Name: Identify your ideal pairing.
Description: You are already an experienced Matchmaker now. You know how to proceed.
Main Objective: Use your Pairing Slots to create a Pairing for Mason.
Main Objective Reward: 1 InfoCredit

Soulbinder and Helena the Clone Heiress (Day 4: 3rd Opportunity)

Ever calm and listening, Helena replied while dismissing your challenge. Part of her seemed amused at your reaction.
"I will keep your words in mind, worry not. It remains my goal to find the culprit, whether I suspect my sister or not. Although I had thought you for a much reserved individual, you can be surprisingly emotional."

This earned a brief pause from Soulbinder as he tried to process her statement, followed by two chirps, a urgent sounding Beep, and the familiar frustrated buzz.
”You are free to research my creation process and the resulting quirks in my personality at your own leisure, But i assure you that my emotional capacity is limited. I will likely never feel love or happiness, which is an irony of ironies given my role.”
Proceed.

A - Continue the investigation, try to find who is truly behind the attack
Roll: [3] -Failure-
-Confidence
++Stress

Helena threw herself into more sleepless hours of investigation, gathering and processing monstrous volumes of information that would put a machine to shame. News articles, "borrowed" records from the City Security Forces, data exchanges between potentially involved parties and external parties... To an outsider it really seemed like Helena would succeed in this impossible task.

That is, until she suddenly put her head in her hands in dejection.

"This is hopeless. I am reaching nothing conclusive, I'm getting nowhere. There must be something I'm missing, something I overlooked... It could be HTC or Chronon, or both, or neither. Helene at least seems uninvolved."

She turned toward you.
"What do you suggest, sir Matchmaker?"

Suggestions:

A - Continue the investigation, you are nearly there...
Acceptance: 100%
Success Chance: 50% [20% (Base Difficulty) +60% (Intelligence, Innate Genius+) -30% (Stress)]
On a success: ++Stress ++Confidence, Will learn who is behind the attack, Will lead to crucial choices
On a failure: -Confidence ++Stress, will make further attempts easier

B - Take a break.
Acceptance: 100%
Success Chance: 100%
Outcome: -Stress, possibly more depending on the action taken.

Spoiler: Helena the Clone Heiress (Host) (click to show/hide)

Name: Helena Vinciana Lindibella Teanossa
Physical Description: A beautiful woman with golden hair and eyes, and a perfect figure. She has been described as an angel by many.
Personality: Ambitious and noble, she believes the strong exist to help and protect the weak.  She harbors hidden doubt about herself, and fear being disposed of. Yearns for affection.
Backstory: The clone of the only daughter of the Teanossa family, enhanced with gene therapy to make her better than the original. She was secretly raised to become a potential heir of the Teanossa family, and the fear of being disposed of for being a clone made her work until her body would collapse. Her efforts eventually bore fruit when she was chosen as the heiress, destroying the life of her sister. Her parents initially submitted her application to the Matchmaker program on the condition her Matchmaker would be from Eugenia Corporation, but Helena managed to secretly void this condition in her first act of rebellion.

High-Security Secret B
Very High Secrets A and C

Character Condition
Trust 0
Confidence -1
Stress 4
Sanity -3

Character Attributes
Athletics 2
Intellect 4
Charisma 4
Willpower 2

Character Traits
Innate Genius+: unless stated otherwise, all her Skills starts at 2.
Trauma: Will gain Stress and lose Sanity if made to remember her trauma. Reduces all Skills by 2 in a situation involving a Trauma.

Character Skills
Management 4
Leadership 4
Speech 4
Acting 4

Known Relationships
Arthur Teanossa [---- / ~]: Biological Father
Evelyn Teanossa [---- / ~]: Biological Mother
Helena Teanossa [++++ / ----]: Original / "Sister"
Wilfrid S [+++ / +++]: Right hand man [Compatible]
Al [++ / ++]: Attendant
Eri [++ / ++]: Attendant
Arios A. [= / =]: Acquaintance and potential suitor [Exceptional Compatibility]
Eric D [= / =]: Acquaintance and potential suitor [Compatible]
Simon V. [+ / +]: On friendly terms, potential suitor [Exceptional Compatibility]
Lise V. [+ / +]: On friendly terms
Teren R. [+ / +]: On friendly terms, potential suitor [Compatible]

Secrets
High-Security Secret C (2 InfoCredits): something related to the Teanossa family.
Very High-Security Secret B (4 InfoCredits / 1 Low Warning will also be issued): something related to the person who submitted Helene's application.

Spoiler: Soulbinder (Eugenia Corporation) (click to show/hide)

1/2 Warnings (1 Low)
0 InfoCredits
4 Override Point

Pairing Slot 1: Not allocated

Inventory
- Helena T. data sheet
> Helena Very High Security Secret A
> Helena Very High Security Secret C
- Helene T. data sheet
- Archie T. data sheet

Missions:

From: CUPID
Mission Name: Pairing Helena
Importance: High
Description: According to the CUPID system, Helena must enter a pairing within 7 days in order to achieve maximum matchmaking potential. The subject's condition must also be improved within the week, as its current condition is dangerous for its health.
Main Objective: Achieve a pairing within 7 days.
Secondary Objective: Reduce Stress to 0 within 7 days.
Tertiary Objective: Increase Sanity to 0 within 7 days.

Main objective rewards : 4 InfoCredits or Removal of 1 Low Warning
Sub-objective rewards : 2 InfoCredits or Removal of 1 Low Warning (per objective)
100% completion reward: 1 Override Point and Removal of 1 High Warning
/!\ On a Failure, 1 Low Warning will be issued per failed objective!
/!\ On a Complete Failure, 1 High Warning will be issued in addition!

From: EUGENIA CORPORATION
Mission Name: The advancement of the human race
Description: Greetings Matchmaker Soulbinder. Helena Teanossa is an extremeley important subject of the Eugenia Corporation, the fruit of an experimental program to further improve the genome of humanity. While abiding to the Matchmaker program, ensure Helena Teanossa is paired with a subject with a suitable genome. Failure will not be tolerated.
Main Objective: Pair Helena with someone [Compatible]
Main Objective Reward: 2 Override Points or Removal of 1 High Warning
/!\ On a Failure, 1 High Warning will be issued!

T1000 and Sven the Prototype (Day 4: 3rd Opportunity)

Blue cartoon eyes stare back, equally dispassionately, into Sven's.
"Greetings, new host. Your application for the Matchmaker program has been accepted. I have been assigned to assist you in the human endeavor of locating a suitable mate, though I will have to adjust my conversational protocols to account for your intermediate humanity.

I am informed that you have difficulty relating to humanlike AIs. This may be why I was assigned to you, as my preset was designed to accommodate those who prefer AIs to act artificial. I do not believe there will be a problem establishing rapport between us."

The boy answered in a minimalist fashion with the same unchanging tone.
"Greetings. I look forward to working with you."

The boy then resumed gazing dispassionately at the outside from the window. He was completely immobile, save for the occasional blinking. As his profile said, he rarely took initiatives on his own. An hour passed uneventful, and Sven suddenly moved from his spot to sit at the desk of his bedroom, where an impressive setup of a computer was assembled.

He did not say a word, but you understood from his action that he had scheduled his playing hour to match with that of his online acquaintances. He silently typed and clicked with mechanical precision, discussing with the usual online group and playing games with them. His expression changed slightly when he learnt Rimm had started dating Archie.

In quite the uncharacteristic way, Sven turned toward you and asked a question with a tinge of curiosity.
"T1000. What is love?"

[Further input needed before suggestions can be offered]

Spoiler: Sven the Prototype (click to show/hide)

Name: Sven "Seventy"
Physical Description: A slender young man of short stature. The chrome reflection of his eyes betray their artificial nature.
Personality: A dispassionate and cold individual, Sven never goes against orders and rarely act independently. Although it may have hidden depths, it has so far been categorized as a lacking personality.
Backstory: Sven is a confidential existence, an AI in a human body. The boy who would become Sven was born brain dead, and the AI Research Society managed to revive the body by implanting an experimental AI chip in the baby's brain. It was exposed to a standard human life in order to gather data, and an application to the Matchmaker program is a next step in the experimentation. Tampering from rival companies may have managed to prevent the AI Research Society from assigning one of their contractors to Sven.

Character Condition
Trust 4
Confidence 0
Stress 0
Sanity 0

Character Attributes
Athletics 0
Intellect 1
Charisma -1
Willpower 0

Character Traits
Artificial Intelligence: this individual shows extreme difficulty to connect with humans and humanlike AIs.

Character Skills
Computers 1
Games 4

Relationships
Rimm E. (E_X333) [++++ / ++++]: It's Rimm.
Sven's Father [+ / ++++]: It's my father.
Sven's Mother [+ / ++++]: It's my mother.
Archie T. (ARC) [+ / ~]: Rimm likes him.
Leon R (Le Fluffyranger) [~ / =]: Acquaintance.
Meri E [+ / ++]: Rimm likes her.
Praline L (rumi) [~ / =]: Acquaintance.
Marline M [= / +]: Acquaintance.
Clea C [= / +]: Acquaintances.

Secrets
High Security Secret A (2 InfoCredits / AI Research Society): something about Sven and the AI Research Society. Restricted access.
High Security Secret B (2 InfoCredits / ORHA): something about Sven and the ORHA. Restricted access.

Spoiler: T1000 (ORHA) (click to show/hide)

0/4 Warnings
20 InfoCredits
0 Override Point

Pairing Slot 1: Unallocated
Pairing Slot 2: Unallocated
Pairing Slot 3: Unallocated

Inventory
- Archie T. data sheet
- Sven S. data sheet

Missions:

From: CUPID
Mission Name: Pairing Sven
Importance: High
Description: According to the CUPID system, Sven must enter a pairing within 7 days in order to achieve maximum matchmaking potential.
Main Objective: Achieve a pairing within 7 days.
Secondary Objective: Stress and Sanity are at 0 at the end of the 7 days.

Main objective rewards : 4 InfoCredits or Removal of 1 Low Warning
Sub-objective rewards : 2 InfoCredits or Removal of 1 Low Warning
100% completion reward: 1 Override Point and Removal of 1 High Warning
/!\ On a Failure, 1 Low Warning will be issued per failed objective!
/!\ On a Complete Failure, 1 High Warning will be issued in addition!

From: ORHA
Mission Name: Starting with a friendship
Description: The subject is extremely peculiar, and as such the reward rating of this mission has been reevaluated. Try to form one new friendship.
Main Objective: Help Sven make a friend
Main Objective Reward: 4 InfoCredit once an additional Friend is made

AXIUS and Janus the Monster Secretary (Day 4: 3rd Opportunity)

Help Query: (Attempt 2) I would like to confirm if an action would result in a warning or not - Would using a pairing slot to emulate a computer for the purpose of providing Janus with a means of working be justifiable as working towards the sub-objective "Reduce Stress to 0 within 7 days." due to the fact that his Extreme Workaholic trait may otherwise contribute to his stress levels?

AXIUS
"It should be fine to discuss the matter with Shino. The damage from yesterday's revelation appears to have already been done. There will not be a repeat of what happened with Abigail."

A - Confide in Shino
-Stress

Janus went to the kitchen to grab some liquor, pouring some in a glass for himself. He nodded at Shino to ask if she wanted a glass.
"A glass?"
"I will pass for now, thank you."

He took a sip, appreciated the aroma and looked at the sea visible from a window. For some reason, he found it hard to confide while looking at Shino at the moment.

"In the span of a day, I have been played for a fool by the only two people I trusted in this world. First dad, and then Abi who was like a sister to me. You know, Abi had special... circumstances."

The very serious looking Shino shared her conjecture.
"Circumstances similar to yours, I presume."

"Right on mark. Well that's no surprise, many of Arwell's most loyal employees are war orphans like us. It's an unsaid thing, but that's not particularly hidden."

Janus took a moment to think and recollect himself. Something discomforting was welling in his chest, and he didn't really like that. Shino didn't interrupt him, lending an attentive ear while staring at him intently.

"There is a lot I want to say. I guess screaming would feel nice, but I'm not going to lower myself to such a display. The gist of it is, damn does it feel terrible. A metaphorical knife in the back, so to say. I trusted them, you know? I didn't mind that we had secrets, I just wish that they took their time to speak with me as an equal. It's like I'm still a brat in their eyes. Maybe I am."

With a self-depreciating grin, he played around with his glass now a quarter full. There was a strong sense of loneliness coming from that man, which Shino picked on.

"May I offer a hand?"

"Sure? I guess."

Janus was slightly taken aback as Shino extended her hand to grab his, and put her other hand over it. Her artificial red eye appeared to shine for a moment, which may have been a coincidental reflection of light, causing all his attention to subconsciously focus on her piercing gaze. He thought her eyes had a fierce beauty.

"I hope I am not causing you discomfort. That's what I do when comforting my brothers and sisters back home."

She had a serious, intense gaze. A bit intimidating, yet oddly comforting.
"I am not going to preach. I understand your pain, and your feelings of betrayal. I really do. From what you told me, it is evident to me they did this out of love for you. But they still slighted you, and that's not right."

"Go on."

"Janus, I think you should confront them again. I have known you as a man so determined you earned the moniker of Monster."

"Is that how you see me? Oh, and you seem oddly invested."

"Your determination is worthy of praise! And I have the firm belief family members with mutual love should talk it out and resolve issues face to face. I can't stand seeing a family like this breaking apart. I am ready to fully support you in this endeavor."

Janus put the glass away with his free hand, and started chuckling.

"Haha... you got me. To be frank, I expected you to comfort me in some rosy and predictable way. But I like that better, way better. I can feel a fire rising, burning away my worries. You are right, this is not like me. Let's get to work!"

[Relationship Updated]
Opinion with Shino mutually increased

Suggestions:

A - Attempt to track Abigail's location to attempt contact
Acceptance: 100%
Success chance: 10% (-20% + 30% (Intellect))
Success: +Confidence, will attract dangerous attention
Failure: -Confidence, will make further attempts easier

B - Contact David Arwell
Acceptance: Default Option
Success chance: 100%
Success: Cleared up misunderstanding, possible opportunities for Janus to learn more about David
Failure: None

Spoiler: Janus the Monster Secretary (click to show/hide)

Name: Janus A.
Physical Description: A man with square glasses almost always seen wearing a suit and holding a tablet in one hand. His clean-shaved skull has quite the luster, and his eyes are blue.
Personality: Has a burning passion for his work, to a dangerous degree. Pretty unforgiving when it comes to work related mistakes, although he isn't trying to be mean.
Backstory: An orphan born outside the City in some poor country, he managed to emigrate after a dangerous adventure. He was adopted by a man who would become the CEO of a big company, in part thanks to the efforts of Janus. He works as his adoptive father's secretary, and his talent and diligence are such that there is no success within the company that cannot be traced back to him. Worried about him, his adoptive father and boss forced him to take a vacation and apply to the Matchmaking program. Janus did so very reluctantly, and is still working as part of his vacation.

Character Condition
Trust 3
Confidence 4
Stress 3
Sanity 0

Character Attributes
Athletics 0
Intellect 3
Charisma 1
Willpower 2

Character Traits
Extreme Workaholic: at the end of a day, Janus gains +1 Stress if he wasn't able to work at all during the day.

Character Skills
Accounting 4
Management 3
Leadership 2
Speech 3
Computers 2

Known Relationships
David A [++++ / ++++]: Adoptive Father and Boss (CEO of the Arwell Group)
Abigail K [+ / +]: Coworker and Bodyguard
Harry S [++ / ++]: Friend and Rival from a rival company
Marline M [= / =]: Acquaintance
Helena Teanossa [= / =]): Acquaintance / Business Contact from the Teanossa family
Shino H [++++♥ / ++++♥]: Very friendly terms, budding attraction (Pairing 3)

Secrets
Low-Security Secret A (1 InfoCredit): something related to Janus' past.
High-Security Secret A (2 InfoCredits): something related to the Eugenia Corporation.
High-Security Secret B (2 InfoCredits / Eugenia Corporation): something related to the Eugenia Corporation. Restricted access.

Spoiler: AXIUS (AI Research Society) (click to show/hide)

0/2 Warnings
5 InfoCredits
2 Override Point

Pairing Slot 1: Janus x Shino
Pairing Slot 2: Janus x Shino
Pairing Slot 3: Janus x Shino

Inventory
- Janus A. data sheet
- Shino H. data sheet
- David A. data sheet
-> Secret A about David A.
-> Very High Security Secret about David A.

Missions

From: CUPID
Mission Name: Pairing Janus
Importance: High
Description: According to the CUPID system, Janus must enter a pairing within 7 days in order to achieve maximum matchmaking potential. The subject's condition must also be improved within the week, as its current condition is dangerous for its health.
Main Objective: Achieve a pairing within 7 days.
Secondary Objective: Reduce Stress to 0 within 7 days.
[Completed] Tertiary Objective: Increase Sanity to 0 within 7 days.

Main objective rewards : 4 InfoCredits / Removal of 1 Low Warning
Sub-objective rewards : 2 InfoCredits each / Removal of 1 Low Warning
100% completion reward: 1 Override Point / Removal of 1 High Warning
/!\ On a Failure, 1 Low Warning will be issued per failed objective!
/!\ On a Complete Failure, 1 High Warning will be issued in addition!

From: AI RESEARCH SOCIETY
Mission Name: What is betrayal?
Description: Now that Janus sees you as a friendly individual, we may move to the next step of the AI-Human experiment. Put your friendship with Janus to the test by reducing his trust in you. As this mission could negatively affect your prime mission, the rewards will be scaled in accordance.
Main Objective: Drop Janus Trust to -2
Main Objective Reward: 4 InfoCredits and 2 Override Point OR Removal of 1 High Warning

[Nakéen]

(It had been so long I ended up forgetting how to run my own game. Oopsie.)

[Egan_BW]

Logic error detected. Flushing matrix arrays. Aligning logical wafers. Operation complete. Absolutely nothing is wrong.
"Not like you did anything wrong. Why don't you go do something fun instead? I still require additional data."
Option C.

Purchase very high security secrets S and V.
AI research society showing up again... I'm curious, but it's lower priority than understanding my host's work.

[Nakéen]

For reference.

History of InfoCredit transactions
Al and Eri's Low-Security Secret A
Shino H data
David Arwell Very High Security Secret A
Helena High Security Secret A & C
Helena High Security Secret B
Rimm Secrets (Low A and High A)

[Nakéen]

Logic error detected. Flushing matrix arrays. Aligning logical wafers. Operation complete. Absolutely nothing is wrong.
"Not like you did anything wrong. Why don't you go do something fun instead? I still require additional data."

Purchase very high security secrets S and V.
AI research society showing up again... I'm curious, but it's lower priority than understanding my host's work.

Greetings. It has been a while. Thank you for using the CUPID Information Marketplace, I am the CUPID AI Broker.

Eight InfoCredits have been substracted from your account.

You have accessed protected information. Matchmaker Beep Boop has been issued one Low Warning.

The requested information has been transferred to your database.

I hope the data you received was useful to you.

For questions about the services of the CUPID Information Marketplace, please refer to the CUPID Interactive Help.

-8 InfoCredits
+1 Low Warning issued

New balance:
1/3 Warnings (1 Low)
4 InfoCredits
3 Override Point

Spoiler: Mason's Very High Security Secret S (click to show/hide)

========= THE INFORMATION BELOW IS HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL =========

This is an archive report revealing the real identity of Mason M as the long officially deceased Simon Smith, an immortal mercenary with abnormal activity record.

==First records of Simon Smith==
The name Simon Smith is first recorded in one of the global wars of the Xth millenium, where he appeared as part of an irregular military unit of independent mercenaries: the 888th Brigade. This name has long been removed by the System from recorded history.

==Confirmed Immortality==
The individual refered to as Simon Smith is a confirmed immortal humanoid of unknown origins. Health and genetic records reveal the individual Simon Smith cannot be classified as a Homo Sapiens, and its true nature has been the speculation of countless organisations and scientists.

The immortality of Simon Smith grants it abnormal resilience and regeneration, as well as the ability to return to a youthful state every 88 years, regardless of its current body condition. A side effect of its immortality is its rapidly deteriorating brain matter, causing schyzophrenia, bursts of madness, and absence of self-preservation. Simon Smith is fueled by a drive to seek conflict and battle, and it has been suspected this drive is a natural outcome of its immortality: where a mortal creature will avoid its termination, an immortal creature will seek its termination. This is, however, a mere conjecture.

What exactly causes the immortality of Simon Smith has yet to be determined, and keeps defying science.

==Current Identity==
The current Simon Smith has assumed the identity of Mason M, moniker "Immortal", who notably worked under the independent mercenary unit known as the Ironblooded Minotaurs. The City succeeded in taking Mason M. under its protection after the Minotaurs disbanded at the end of the 3rd armed conflict of the Northern Badland.

With its current age, "Mason" has eight years left to live before reverting to a youthful state and assuming a new persona, with most of its memory wiped out. As part of an experiment, the System desires to see if strong romantic feelings will subside after Simon's restructuration.

========= THE INFORMATION ABOVE IS HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL =========

Spoiler: Mason's Very High Security Secret V (click to show/hide)

========= THE INFORMATION BELOW IS HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL =========

This is a data report concerning an elite CSF squad (City Security Forces), and one of its secret directives.

==CSF Squad H - "Hellhounds"==

Current members:
Karl S. [Squad Leader]
Heather F. [Senior Officer / Intelligence Specialist]
Dan D. [Demolition Expert]
Maurice A. [Vehicle Specialist]
Suzanne R. [Infiltration Specialist]
Mason M. [Sniper Expert]

The Hellhound squad is an elite CSF counterterrorist squad deployed against threats to the City's security integrity. They have been sent on countless dangerous operations: assassination, asset denial, target rescue and protection, intelligence gathering, etc...

This unit is only formed with lone survivors of destroyed military units. In addition to the required aptitude and personality screening, this unofficial prerequisite is near mandatory in order to join the Hellhounds, save a few exceptions.

Apart from their latest recruit, all members have been cybernetically enhanced.

==Allegiance of the Hellhounds==

Although officially part of the CSF, the Hellhounds are one of the hands of the System. Anytime, the System may supersede the CSF authority in order to assume control of the Hellhounds and update their directive. Only the current squad leader is to be made aware of this hidden allegiance.

==Inclusion of Mason M==

Because of its unstable personality, the individual known as Mason M should not have been allowed to become part of the Hellhounds. However, Mason M was placed inside the CSF Squad H as a mean to integrate it into the City, as well as maintain surveillance on it without severely restraining its freedom of action.

Only the current leader of the Hellhounds and the senior officer are aware of this information.

This mission was ordained by the System.

========= THE INFORMATION ABOVE IS HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL =========

(Note: will add data sheets for the squad members later)

Update:

Spoiler: Karl, Squad H's Leader (click to show/hide)

Designation: Karl K.
Physical Description: A muscular man with bright yellow eyes. His black hair are short and squarely cut, and he sports a light beard. His facial features are very sharp, and his almond shaped eyes are set in a perpetual state of frowning.
Personality: Value loyalty and teamwork to a fault. Stern and pragmatic, he is known for his big heart and ability to listen to people concerns.
Backstory: A City born citizen, and the sole survivor of an elite CSF squad annihilated during a Helios ambush. He then joined the CSF Squad H, where he has been operating ever since. After the retirement of the previous squad leader, he was put in charge of CSF Squad H.

Character Attributes
Athletics 2
Intellect 0
Charisma 1
Willpower 2

Character Traits

Character Skills
Leadership 2
Close Combat 3
Firearms 3
Battle Tactics 2
Sketching 2

Known Relationships
...

Secrets
...

Spoiler: Heather, Squad H's Intelligence Specialist (click to show/hide)

Designation: Heather F.
Physical Description: A dark blue-haired muscular woman with grey eyes. Her hair are squarely cut short, and her neck sports the long scar of a knife wound on the right side.
Personality: Very professional and serious at work, and a happy fun-loving person in a casual setting. Likes giving nicknames to people.
Backstory: A woman hailing from a far western land, as attest her unusual hair color. She fought as a child soldier during the 3rd conflict of the Northern Badland, then was recruited as a spy by the Andarls Intelligence Ministry. Identifying her potential, the City arranged for her extraction and placed her in CSF Squad H where she is the current second senior member.

Character Attributes
Athletics 1
Intellect 2
Charisma 1
Willpower 1

Character Traits
Close Combat 3
Spying 3
Firearms 2
Computers 2

Character Skills

Known Relationships

Secrets
...

Spoiler: Dan, Squad H's Demolition Expert (click to show/hide)

Designation: Dan D.
Physical Description: A tall and lanky man with explosive red hair and orange eyes. Quite good-looking, and looks easy going.
Personality: A man of changing obsessions, who occasionally get passioned by a random subject depending on the time of the year. Hard to predict.
Backstory: Hailing from Andarls, Dan is the sole survivor of an Andarls sabotage unit. At the end of the war, he migrated to the City where he was scouted to join the CSF Squad H. A self-taught explosive specialist during one of his obsessive outbursts.

Character Attributes
Athletics 1
Intellect 3
Charisma 0
Willpower 0

Character Traits
Close Combat 1
Firearms 3
Explosives 3
Painting 1
Singing 1
Cooking 1

Character Skills

Known Relationships

Secrets
...

Spoiler: Maurice, Squad H's Vehicle Specialist (click to show/hide)

Designation: Maurice A.
Physical Description: A slightly shorter than average man with a bald scalp due to a past burn injury. Has a magnificent black beard and slightly slanted amber eyes.
Personality: A passionate man who loves vehicles, especially the military ones. Not a social butterfly, he avoids typical social activities associated with the life of the City. Honest and good natured.
Backstory: A City born man who was part of the 13th CSF Armoured Squad before it was wiped out in an engagement with eastern rebels during a joint operation with the eastern Federation. He was assigned to Squad H shortly after. Gave the name Veronica to Squad H's armoured personnel carrier.

Character Attributes
Athletics 1
Intellect 1
Charisma 0
Willpower 3

Character Traits
Close Combat 2
Firearms 2
Vehicles 3
Mechanic 3
Housekeeping 2

Character Skills

Known Relationships

Secrets
...

Spoiler: Suzanne, Squad H's Infiltration Specialist (click to show/hide)

Designation: Suzanne R.
Physical Description: A completely average sized, average looking woman. Her average brown hair are cut at a medium length, and she has average brown eyes. Her real appearance is secret.
Personality: Very secretive. Outwardly appears sociable and average, without much passions.
Backstory: A legendary quadruple agent of the CID (City Intelligence Division), who simultaneously infiltrated four mutually hostile nations/organisations in order to steal and control information for the good of the City. After completing her latest mission, she was assigned to the CSF Squad H. Real life and appearances unknown. Her current name is only a codename.

Character Attributes
Athletics 3
Intellect 3
Charisma 3
Willpower 3

Character Traits
Close Combat 4
Firearms 4
Spying 4
Acting 4

Character Skills

Known Relationships

Secrets
...

[Egan_BW]

Sophia, is this... No, I trust you. Thanks for the data.

I trust the system.
A conundrum, though. This creature seems opposed to attachments. I will need to leverage the present conflict toward entanglement?
The... conflict I enflamed.
...It is proving useful. All for the best.

He respects David Arwell. Would that meeting go well? David is far too... altruistic. Right? Data sheet indicates they're on good terms, but maybe those days are bygone.
Wilfred S? I don't know him. I should explore the possibilities.
Requesting data sheet for Wilfred S.

[Nakéen]

Sophia, is this... No, I trust you. Thanks for the data.

I trust the system.
A conundrum, though. This creature seems opposed to attachments. I will need to leverage the present conflict toward entanglement?
The... conflict I enflamed.
...It is proving useful. All for the best.

He respects David Arwell. Would that meeting go well? David is far too... altruistic. Right? Data sheet indicates they're on good terms, but maybe those days are bygone.
Wilfred S? I don't know him. I should explore the possibilities.
Requesting data sheet for Wilfred S.

(I updated the previous post with partial sheets of the squadmates.)

Heya Beep Boop! Sophia here!

I received a query from your ID, or was that my imagination? If I may be of assistance, do not hesitate to call for me!

Take care!

Spoiler: Wilfrid the Amnesiac Servant (click to show/hide)

Name: Wilfrid S.
Physical Description: A physically stunning man with piercing cerulean eyes and black hair. His slender build hides unparalleled strength and athletic abilities.
Personality: A man of few words with impeccable manners. Loyal and courteous. Ready to give his life for his master, to a near suicidal degree.
Backstory: A man of mysterious past who lost memories of his childhood following an unknown event. He has been working as the loyal and dutiful aide of a certain person of importance for as long as he can remember. Devoted to his master. As you know from the data shared to your by another Matchmaker, this master is none other than Helena Teanossa, the current heiress of the Teanossa Group.

Character Condition
Trust 1
Confidence 1
Stress 0
Sanity 0

Character Attributes
Athletics 3
Intellect 2
Charisma 2
Willpower 1

Character Traits
Amnesiac

Character Skills
Close Combat 4
Explosives 4
Firearms 4
Bodyguard 3
Driving 3
"Interrogation" 3
Butler 2

Secrets
Low-Security Secret A (1 InfoCredits): a CUPID speculative report of Wilfrid's motives.
High-Security Secret A (2 InfoCredits): a SYSTEM history report about Wilfrid's past.
High-Security Secret B (2 InfoCredits / Eugenia Corporation): an encrypted report of the Eugenia Corporation related to Wilfrid. Restricted access.

[Maximum Spin]

"T1000. What is love?"

"It is difficult for me to answer that. Humans have provided an extensive wealth of mutually contradictory information toward the definition of what is clearly a highly subjective concept. It seems unlikely that they can even be said to be describing the same qualis. For example, some say love is a river which drowns the tender reed. Some say love is a razor that leaves your soul to bleed. Some say love is a hunger, an endless aching need.

Some say love is a battlefield.

In general, however, I have been unable to discern any clear distinction between love and any other form of human affection. If forced to make a firm statement, I would conclude that love is a particular status in which individuals who experience enjoyment from sharing one another's company have become used to spending time together and have adjusted their own lives, preferences, and even personality traits to accommodate each other, so that they feel a natural sense of correctness together and associate positive affect even with one another's worse qualities. In a sense, it is a partial demolition of the ego in order to permit another person to share one's life. Needless to say, this is necessary in order for individuals to bond into family units, since the survival of the family will require individuals to consider the needs of others before their own; and it is absolutely mandatory for success in the reproductive process, as children are wholly dependent upon their parents, who must thus be induced to choose to accommodate their needs. Therefore, we can conclude that an individual is unable to feel love until he can first subdue his natural selfishness.

Luckily, in your case, your evident solicitude toward the well-being of your friends indicates that this hurdle will not be insurmountable."

[Nakéen]

"T1000. What is love?"

"It is difficult for me to answer that. Humans have provided an extensive wealth of mutually contradictory information toward the definition of what is clearly a highly subjective concept. It seems unlikely that they can even be said to be describing the same qualis. For example, some say love is a river which drowns the tender reed. Some say love is a razor that leaves your soul to bleed. Some say love is a hunger, an endless aching need.

Some say love is a battlefield.

In general, however, I have been unable to discern any clear distinction between love and any other form of human affection. If forced to make a firm statement, I would conclude that love is a particular status in which individuals who experience enjoyment from sharing one another's company have become used to spending time together and have adjusted their own lives, preferences, and even personality traits to accommodate each other, so that they feel a natural sense of correctness together and associate positive affect even with one another's worse qualities. In a sense, it is a partial demolition of the ego in order to permit another person to share one's life. Needless to say, this is necessary in order for individuals to bond into family units, since the survival of the family will require individuals to consider the needs of others before their own; and it is absolutely mandatory for success in the reproductive process, as children are wholly dependent upon their parents, who must thus be induced to choose to accommodate their needs. Therefore, we can conclude that an individual is unable to feel love until he can first subdue his natural selfishness.

Luckily, in your case, your evident solicitude toward the well-being of your friends indicates that this hurdle will not be insurmountable."

+Trust

Sven listened to you, unblinking.
"Thank you. That was educative. I understand that I do not understand the experience of this concept."

He kept playing some intense, high-speed action game while speaking. You did not notice the slightest drop in his gaming performance. For once he seemed quite talkative, which could be attributed to his worries.

"The Supervisor gave me the mission to understand love. He suggested understanding this human concept would make me grow as an individual."

What a surprise. Sven lied to you. The Supervisor was Yoshida S, an eminent scientist from the AI Research Society who true to his title was in charge of Sven's development as an AI. There was a record of their exchange, and what the Supervisor said was not a mission or an order, but an off-hand suggestion: "Understanding love could make you grow, they do say it changes people. Don't fret too much about this though, you are still young."

At the very least, Sven seemed interested in "love" enough to lie just to have an excuse. While you were thinking about this, the boy asked a request.

"I require your assistance to understand love. Please."

Suggestions:

A - Review romance media.
Acceptance: 100%

B - Interact with his regular acquaintances online.
Acceptance: 100%
Outcome: opportunities to increase opinion with acquaintances.

C - Try to meet new people online, possibly according to set criteria.
Acceptance: 100%
Outcome: opportunities for new encounters.

D - Physically interact with his regular acquaintances.
Acceptance: 100%
Outcome: opportunities to increase opinion with acquaintances. Dangerous due to the current crisis.

E - Go outside and hope for a chance or calculated encounter.
Acceptance: 100%
Outcome: opportunities for new encounters. Dangerous due to the current crisis.

Spoiler: Sven the Prototype (click to show/hide)

Name: Sven "Seventy"
Physical Description: A slender young man of short stature. The chrome reflection of his eyes betray their artificial nature.
Personality: A dispassionate and cold individual, Sven never goes against orders and rarely act independently. Although it may have hidden depths, it has so far been categorized as a lacking personality.
Backstory: Sven is a confidential existence, an AI in a human body. The boy who would become Sven was born brain dead, and the AI Research Society managed to revive the body by implanting an experimental AI chip in the baby's brain. It was exposed to a standard human life in order to gather data, and an application to the Matchmaker program is a next step in the experimentation. Tampering from rival companies may have managed to prevent the AI Research Society from assigning one of their contractors to Sven.

Character Condition
Trust 5
Confidence 0
Stress 0
Sanity 0

Character Attributes
Athletics 0
Intellect 1
Charisma -1
Willpower 0

Character Traits
Artificial Intelligence: this individual shows extreme difficulty to connect with humans and humanlike AIs.

Character Skills
Computers 1
Games 4

Relationships
Rimm E. (E_X333) [++++ / ++++]: It's Rimm.
Sven's Father [+ / ++++]: It's my father.
Sven's Mother [+ / ++++]: It's my mother.
Archie T. (ARC) [+ / ~]: Rimm likes him.
Leon R (Le Fluffyranger) [~ / =]: Acquaintance.
Meri E [+ / ++]: Rimm likes her.
Praline L (rumi) [~ / =]: Acquaintance.
Marline M [= / +]: Acquaintance.
Clea C [= / +]: Acquaintances.

Secrets
High Security Secret A (2 InfoCredits / AI Research Society): something about Sven and the AI Research Society. Restricted access.
High Security Secret B (2 InfoCredits / ORHA): something about Sven and the ORHA. Restricted access.

[Egan_BW]

Connections with the Teanosa family.
Conflict. Crisis. Those are the elements which can push my host, to grow and change.

Enough data gathering. Assign pairing slot x5 to Mason M. and Wilfred S.

[Maximum Spin]

"Well, in my opinion, the only way to truly understand love is likely to be to experience it yourself, but it couldn't hurt to take some time to familiarize yourself with what humans believe it generally looks like. After all, if you don't know what you're looking for, you might end up finding it and not even knowing. Let's do a quick review of human love-related media and discuss the kind of experiences and feelings that it entails."
A

[Nakéen]

Connections with the Teanosa family.
Conflict. Crisis. Those are the elements which can push my host, to grow and change.

Enough data gathering. Assign pairing slot x5 to Mason M. and Wilfred S.

(Should I also interpret this as taking the Default suggestion?)

[Egan_BW]

Yeah, I edited my earlier post with dialogue to say option C, which is default.