Scene #8493: A Fox Revisits L-Corp

Owner	Pose
Tamamo	Tamamo has visited the facility once before, and thus, already knows the way. Once again, she arrives in that overly formal dress, though it seems like she moves quite comfortably in it. It only feels a bit like something one might wear to grand ceremony, or while expecting others to bow in reverence. Even if she wore something else, something that better fit in with the aesthetic of this city, however, she'd still be a woman with three large and fluffy tails following her at all times. Maybe there's a district in which that's normal, but probably not. If asked for identification, her Paladins Chevalier card is available, though she otherwise behaves as if she expects to be immediately identified and shown to Angela. She'd phoned ahead that she'd be here around this time, after all, though she hadn't explained what those things were that she'd need to speak of. Something or other important, in addition to voicing an interest in both the Abnormalities and in the upper floors. Something about the one Sephirah that had already undergone a meltdown.
Angela	Everybody remembers the deity that visited the other day. Nobody is going to ask for identification. Even in the future corporate horrorpunk hellscape of The City, employees will do less work if it seems extraneous to do it. It's Tamamo. she's a guest. She talked about visiting the other day. And she phoned ahead. She's greeted warmly by all the Agents (agents that don't handle fox ladies well are off duty today, mysteriously, not that there are many) and the Clerks are particularly effusive in their interactions with her. Angela is waiting for her as she arrives. She bows her head, trying not to think of the Banter conversation which made her go through like seven different emotions in just as many radio comments. "Hello again, Tamamo." Angela says. "It is good to see you again." She has heard of the topic Tamamo wishes to talk about, of course, but her initial instinct is to ask... "Did you wish to converse about romance as well or just ... work?" Sadly between the possible topics, Angela has a clear preference of interest. She mantains a nonchalant and stoic disposition.
Tamamo	"Good evening, Ms. Angela." Tamamo is all gentle smiles. "It is always good to speak of romance, should the occasion present itself. Oh, but did we have more to discuss of weddings...? I suppose we might, though I must confess, I cannot recall just where we had left off, the other day. I could speak to you of the traditions of this place or that one, and of how families come together or, in some ways, apart. I could speak of rings and dowries and the duties of mothers, or else, I could of hopes and dreams and the promises of youth. Does any of this appeal to you?" But as they walk and talk, she does say, "Still, between these things and 'work'... ah, I do have duties of my own. Even 'love' may present one with responsibilities, it seems to be. I suppose that I did wish to know more of your own work, that I might be better prepared to help in some small way, should I be able. Lilian did speak of wishing well for you, did you know?" That's a terribly vague way of putting it, but much more polite than saying 'she talked about getting you out of here.'
Angela	ansi153, "Yes,") Angela says to the first question. And the second really. Then it occurs to her that maybe she should give a little more than that. So she cups her chin thoughtfully. It did occur to her that romance and weddings are connected, of course. "You spoke of how you participated in weddings at a distance--" Though she supposes thta means the big question she wanted to ask is not really viable so she asks, "I was curious. How does one discern a strong friendship from romance?" Angela has been thinking a lot about friendship as of late, then the topic of romance kept coming up and she has a similar intellectual curiousity about it. "Though of what you suggested--hopes and dreams, do they come true for those who participate in a wedding?" She starts walking, heading towards Control--well technically she's already in Control, so it makes more sense to say she's heading towards Malkuth. "...I heard the conversation. It was...too awkward to participate in. Binah goes after blood like a shark." She looks back to Tamamo. "Right now I am also covering for Hod, due to her undergoing a Meltdown. It is good that we are handling her Meltdown early as she is more difficult later on--I tried changing the order a few times. Malkuth's is complete, however, so perhaps she could help you by describing the experience?"
Tamamo	"Yes, I do believe that would be helpful. Ah, so it is Hod, and not Yesod... I seem to have guessed the order wrongly. Are these 'meltdowns' something that may last for a long period...?" Tamamo addresses the last part first, to establish the direction of their walk. "Friendship and romance. Hm, how shall this be put...? Romance is a 'special' type of relationship. One may have many friends, but how can every one of them be 'special'? If one's devotion is split between many others, it cannot help but be lessened thereby. One may admire many others, and a priest may show reverence to many gods, but even then, they must do so by having a feast day for each, and letting no two land upon the same date. Should one do the same in romance, and seek a lover for each day of the year, such a one would be the lowest of the low, no?" Hopefully, the hallway is long enough, because Tamamo shows no signs of tiring in the slightest amount, as much as her voice remains a gentle, rising and falling flow. "Still, this does not quite answer the question, I know. Regretfully, I cannot say what it is that one must do. I sought romance, and I found it, as have many others before me. If one does not seek romance, one may instead seek friendship. I wished most for knowledge of that coveted relationship, of the feeling of being the greatest and most important existence to another -- for this is something of which I did know -- but moreover, of making another the most important existence, for myself -- for this is something I had not known. I had known what it was to be worshiped, but never did She know why it was that humans worshiped Her." This feels like... the revelation of a secret. But maybe it's just the way she speaks. There's no telling how many people have heard this story, but perhaps not too many. "A wedding, I do know, is the dream of many young maidens, but it cannot fulfill all their hopes. It is a step upon a path, and a happy one, for it confirms that their feet continue along solid ground. The path may yet turn to mud, later on. Such are the seeming whims of the weavers of fate. Hope is in the future that lays beyond."
Angela	"Ideally the Meltdowns do not last long." Angela says. "But they can be difficult to predict before the Manager is ready to deal with one--and more relevantly to the Multiverse, when I can assemble a team. I cannot participate in the Meltdowns myself so I try to gild the lily as much as possible." Fortunately the hallways ARE long but Angela's pace is a patient one all the same. "I see, all my friendships are especially precious to me though I do not believe I need too many friends. It is less because I feel it would weaken the 'specialness' of those friendships nad more that it is already a bit difficult for me to know how to manage the friendships I have. I... do not want to lose any of them." She isn't sure she exactly wants to be the type of person to say 'Friend Limit Reached' either, though, so she doesn't go that far. "I suppose for Romance, I am at least curious about it. I haven't exactly made a decision yet, I suppose. I've had 'a friend' before, but never a romance, so it is more alien a concept to me." She frowns thoughtfully. Tamamo is insightful. Something is certainly going on with Yesod, perhaps a meltdown, but out of the Sephirah he is one of the most adept at hiding what is going on with him simply because he is strict and doesn't talk about it. Being the most important to someone, she isn't sure but... having a most important someone... "One of my creators had a most important someone. She remembered him having a kind smile. I've yet to see it myself." Angela admits. "With romance comes vulnerability, does it not?" To be worshipped and not know why... "Does she...know now?" Angela asks. "Perhaps people enjoy the sensation of being warm when they've known nothing but the cold." She nods a little. "Life has many steps." Malkuth notices the two approaching her near the Punishing Bird cell and the boxbot waves an arm towards them. "Oh!" She says. "Is it the Upper Layer today?" She preforms an awkward bow mostly because she's also a boxbot. In her 'hands' is a clipboard. "Greetings Miss Tamamo! Welcome to L-Corp! I am Malkuth, and it's wonderful to finally meet you!" "She wished to know about the Meltdowns." "Ahh...haha..." Malkuth says as if asked about an embarrassing memory. "Well... at first I didn't remember Elijah and her past, but when I did--it was hard to keep my cool and eventually... Snap! But I'm doing much better now!"
Tamamo	"To devote oneself is to make oneself vulnerable to another, it is so. If one is important to you, would you not be harmed by all harm that befalls that person? The connections between you ensure this, and the more tightly and beautifully wound those bonds, the more that that which is done to one is done to the other, even if the two of you remain forever distinct existences." Tamamo doesn't immediately elaborate on why beauty in binding should be part of it. "An important someone with a kind smile, was it...?" 'Does she... know now?' "The core of the question remains unanswered, and so, I continue to seek it." More roundabout responses, for that one, though one could take it as a simple 'no.' Malkuth is met, and one might wonder why Tamamo's bells aren't at all noisy, even when she inclines her head. They'd probably be a nuisance on long walks, if they were, and if it isn't just that she has learned to walk without ringing. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Malkuth. I suppose that you have heard my name, but I shall give, to be sure, as Tamamo-no-mae. I did wish to hear of that matter, and also, of your... memories. Is 'Elijah' your...?" She doesn't actually finish that sentence.
Angela	Angela takes it as Tamamo having a partial credit answer, but not enough to satisfy. She knows the feeling. "Yes, the one they called 'A' on the radio. I sought that smile for a long time. I do not anymore." She was...harmed by the harm done to Lilian. She is ignorant of the harm done to Persephone. Petra, despite the occassional stammering and sputtering, just seems so triumphant as of late. She listens to words of binding. It seems that it can be used for more than just marriage and romance--though maybe as a step to friendship, laying a temporary ground rule is not exactly an unreasonable path. "O-oh! Yeah! Elijah, mm, you could say she was my past life. She died horribly and then they used what was left of her to make me. Sometimes she speaks to me, not unlike an EGO I suppose, hehe. I guess it is like...she is me, but also not?" Malkuth brings that accentuator arm up to her head as if to rub at her head, though she doesn't. "Control is where we decide the action plans for dealing with Abnormalities or--ah--Outside Worlds. That is why Petra is on our team, she's really useful to have around because she knows so much more about the Multiverse than typical agents...!" "She has established a solid comradery with most of the Control Team. I was not sure how well they would get along but it seems...they rather care about her." "Which is great! For teamwork and...well, I may be a sack of meat in a metal shell--but that doesn't make me sour on friendship. I feel a lot better after the Meltdown, like...a weight has been lifted? Like having a big shouting match with your friends and hugging it out after maybe?"
Tamamo	Tamamo has heard of 'A' at least once, but only gives that an 'mm' in passing. She's more curious about 'her,' one of the creators. "As if it were a past life, you say? My, but I do believe I understand. 'Malkuth' would be the name you were given, afterward, in being a Sephirah, in this case? 'Elijah'... just what sort of person was she?" Though Tamamo isn't sure if 'Elijah' is a girl's name, this is conveniently made irrelevant by the language she's actually speaking making no gendered distinction. How this works is a mystery of the Multiverse and should not be questioned. "Like an 'EGO'... I fear I am not well-versed in such things. An EGO is something derived from an Abnormality, yes? I have heard of this and, as well, I believe I did meet one such, who was called the Queen of Hatred. Or else, am I mistaken, and she was an agent? It was unclear to me, in the moment, though it seemed as if her presence was a surprise to the other agent who had been present."
Angela	Malkuth says, "Mm. I mean, if you trust me to be that self reflective... I'd say Elijah was eager, hopeful, foolish...She wished to please those who seemed difficult to please. She wanted to do a great job and saw herself as a hard worker." She brightens, somehow, even without a proper face. "Of course, I'm a lot of those things as well, hopefully a little less foolish...! Of course, I can be a bit vengeful too? Though I don't know if you want to hear about those aspects of me so much!" Angela decides to offer her own opinion on Elijah. "Malkuth is reliably the first one to have a Meltdown every time. So in a sense, she is also the one who heals the most quickly if you want to think about it like that." "H..hey you don't have to put it like that..." Angela nods slowly to Tamamo. "As for EGO, it is as described over the radio. The easiest explanation is they are a kind of psychic armament one can use without personally being psychic. The EGO can speak to its wielders and wearers and make one an instant expert--even if, of course, some people are still better at using some EGO than others." "And we have to be careful so the EGO doesn't corrode and take over the wielder's psyche." Angela nods her agreement and her eyes widen faintly. She shakes her head, uncharacteristically quickly. "Ah, no, the Queen of Hatred is an Abnormality. Some time ago the 'Magical Girl' Abnormalities escaped. One has returned to us, but the Queen of Hatred tends to act in a way that is helpful until they act in a way that is murderous. Rose was wounded by that Abnormality in the past so she has some compunctions with working with her now."
Tamamo	'Though I don't know if you want to hear about those aspects of me so much!' "Oh, I do not mind should you wish to give frank opinions. I have come to better equip myself with knowledge as may be made of use, after all." Tamamo nods along to the explanation, not seeming at all put out by Angela's addition. That gentle smile of hers might even have fondness in it. One could easily imagine as such, and wonder for what that fondness is held. 'And we have to be careful so the EGO doesn't corrode and take over the wielder's psyche.' "Oh, I see. Rather than an armament, or cast-off clothing, it is something of a 'self,' or else, a piece of a 'self,' is it not? The name is understandable, if this is so. I had not expected to hear... ah, it does sound rather like a tool youkai... but I suppose not. Its age is unrelated, after all, and though 'sentiment' is still part of its equation, it is delivered in a different form." Maybe she's half-speaking to herself, when she starts getting into what must be specifics from some mystical tradition. '...act in a way that is helpful until they act in a way that is murderous.' "Oh, dear." There's probably a lot more that can be said about that, but... Petra becomes the (not unrelated) topic of conversation, and Tamamo steeples her fingers, nearly hidden by her voluminous sleeves, as a look of sincere concern overtakes her features. "It is well that she is properly performing her duties, and is making an effort to get along." Tamamo holds in that 'wanting to say something' look for several more moments, before saying to Angela, "I would like to hear more from Ms. Malkuth, but might we step away for a moment?" If she allows herself to be so led, Tamamo gestures Angela just far enough away to have the appearance of a private conversation. It isn't actually far enough away for Malkuth not to overhear. Tamamo will absolutely not admit to a preference for being overheard. "I am not certain as to when might be an opportune moment to discuss Ms. Soroka's past, but as one who does, as well, care for Lilian, I believe you should be made aware of this. Ms. Soroka did, prior to her employment here, and before her murder of another Paladin Chevalier, take every opportunity to hurt Lilian. She sought to stalk and learn of her only so that she could better use that knowledge to find what would cause her the greatest suffering, to tear her down from her position, and to make her more like 'Petra.' She sought kinship in degradation, and to spread her own misery to others. She hated what she saw in Lilian even as she yearned for her, perhaps out of a justified hatred of herself." Tamamo's tone is low, though tactically not quite low enough. There's true feeling in her words, a passing along of a warning against terrible events she's experienced, even if she isn't mentioning herself until she gets to, "I sorely wish I had done more to protect Lilian from her, and for that failure, Lilian did-- had to--" She doesn't finish, instead starting again. "It is well that you have provided a place for her, but please do be aware that she is akin to a dangerous animal. She can be controlled, but only by those willing to do so. You may sympathize with her plight, to some extent, but she is one who has used that sympathy to cause terrible hardship for others. She is not one to whom you should make yourself vulnerable. The best that you may do is to firmly hold her leash, before her weakness again leads her to ruin another, as she attempted to destroy my love. I trust you will be up to that task, but if you suspect that you may not be... I will render my aid in this, as well." She's perfectly willing, with all of that said, to go back to talking about the Abnormalities.
Angela	Angela is an AI that can lie, but that doesn't mean she's a pathological one. Since Malkuth's Meltdown has passed, she has no reason to continue her torment of her--indeed, it is easier to focus on the people she still has to properly torment. Assuming Hod doesn't destroy the facility (unlikely), that leaves Yesod, Netzach and then...who would be next? There's three options. Chesed's the easiest but dealing with the others first might be encouraging... Getting past four would be nice. ''It is something of a 'self', or else, a piece of 'self''' "A piece of self might be the best way to think about it. Of course, an Agent that resonates with a particular EGO more is likely to have a stronger one--but is also at greater risk of corroding. It is important to understand Abnormalities, even occassionally empathize with them--but allowing yourself to get drawn into their story is a recipe to become a part of it--and lose the place in your own." Angela says. She quirks her head curiously. "A tool youkai? I know not the term but it would not surprise me if there were similar items in the Multiverse even if they don't work precisely the same way." She doesn't press on it though. 'Oh, dear' isn't exactly a bad conclusion to draw. It's hard to take down a Magical Girl BEFORE they turn hostile, of course, for many reasons. "Of course. A moment, Malkuth." "Eheh. I'm not going anywhere." Angela follows along with Tamamo obediently. She has no idea what this talk is going to be about until... Ms. Soraka's past. Angela opens her mouth to protest that she would rather not hear about Petra's past from someone who isn't Petra--but of course the difference between Tamamo and Ishirou is that Tamamo is a Goddess and the time Angela considers how to properly interrupt without being rude, the important part of the story has already left Tamamo's lips. Angela closes her mouth, visibly stunned. Angela's experience with Petra is so APART from this that Tamamo might as well be speaking in another language. But Lilian--and Petra herself--were quite clear that Petra's past wasn't exactly clean of sin--and worse, clean from hurting one of those three favorite people of hers. Eventually, Angela says, "...Are you saying this to warn me, Tamamo?" Angela asks. Tamamo said this more or less, but if she has hurt Lilian Rook in this method--well--she wouldn't exactly begrudge Tamamo a bit of revenge either. She exhales. "While I do not doubt you and this is serious. My only personal experiences with Miss Petra have been assisting the Dame Commander, and--allowing me to help in assisting her in the helping of the Dame Commander, and her exceptional work in Lobotomy Corp." Well a few other...precious moments, certainly, but she has to be a 'Manager' here, she realizes, and set aside those feelings for a moment. For anyone. "I would like to, if you'll allow me, time to properly discuss this matter with Petra and the Dame Commander." She is quiet for a moment before admitting, "I do not know what her 'plight' is exactly either, if I am being honest. But if she is akin to an 'Abnormality' in terms of appropriate protocol, then this should be an ideal place for her." Angela doesn't seem to think ill of Abnormalities though she still feels uncomfortable talking about Petra in this way--but it seems she cannot simply accept the joys of ignorance any longer. She has to look into it. Malkuth meanwhile looks away, pretending not to hear but... wh-wh-what did she do to hurt someone like the Dame Commander?? Malkuth thinks. Angela is not thinking that because she is pretty aware at this point that Petra is adept at finding the emotional weakpoint of someone and stabbing it with a claymore. Angela has that talent too though she likens it to a scalpel.
Tamamo	'I would like to, if you'll allow me, time to properly discuss this matter with Petra and the Dame Commander.' "I would rather not place any greater burden on Lilian regarding this matter, in her present state, though I could hardly bar you from seeking her counsel. Ms. Soroka herself can attest to the depths of the sins she has committed, and the degree of difficulty through which she must now put herself to have any hope of atoning for them. That is, she can do so, should she speak truthfully. I have means of enforcing this, but no means of granting this ability to another." That's true in a strictly technical sense. Tamamo could force Petra to never speak falsely to Angela, but can't grant Angela an ability to tell truth from lies. Angela will need some other method, or the very trust that Tamamo is warning her not to hold. "It is true, to be sure, that she wishes to atone for what she has done to Lilian. It is likewise true that she sees Lilian as the only one against whom she may do wrong, and is utterly blind to the possibility of hurting any other. I have learned this from the girl herself, as well." 'But if she is akin to an 'Abnormality'...' Tamamo takes a moment, at this, and then shakes her head. "No, I fear not. Petra Soroka is normal. She and her faults are entirely human. You may treat her as another agent, and one willing to work hard for you, for the moment. I do applaud, in fact, that she has sought out more productive employment than her... past associations." Tamamo's opinion on the Watch, as an organization, isn't great. The Concord would be... fine, if it had fewer supervillains. It's fine. "I hope that the experience will be good for her. She does not deserve it, but it would be a sorry world if we only gave people as much as they deserved, would it not?" 'Since we're stuck with her, she should at least be made useful,' Tamamo doesn't say. She doesn't even think it particularly loudly. "So long as you understand, I have said as much as need be said on the matter. I would quite like to hear more about the meltdowns and their necessity, being a matter that still causes me some confusion. I do not suppose you are permitted to tell me the reason for these?"
Angela	Angela nods slowly. "Mm." Angela's ability to tell truth from lies is merely that of a reasonably perceptive individual. She certainly has no way to seek absolute confirmation. Is Angela a supervillain? Well, she is a supervillain's daughter at least. She does seriously consider Tamamo's offer to leave it all to her. It rankles her pride but that's not enough of a reason to not accept an offer that allows her to continue... ...Hahn... She isn't the sort of person to just accept a dreamworld is she and turn her eyes away from an uncomfortable truth is she? She'll have to figure this out one way or another. What should she do? Just give her the opportunity to lie? ... Hahn... "I will speak to her. I do not wish for this to cause the Dame Commander--or you--any extra grief. If it is possible for us to handle this matter on our own I would rather do it that way. Obviously, Tamamo, I cannot punish her for behavior before I was even connected to the Multiverse before I knew any of the parties involved--but I know that carelessness in relationships can result in weaker ones over time--not stronger." She kneads her fingers together. "You can then come by again and we can discuss the matter further afterwards. I have nothing but time. I agree that she does seem to desire atonement--if that is something I can help her achieve, I'd be grateful for the opportunity of course. We certainly won't have time to do the Lower Layer as well today." ''But it would be a sorry world if we only gave people as much as they deserved, would it not?'' "Mm. There is much that I have not deserved but have been given so I am inclined to agree, if for selfish reasons." She nods and starts making her way to Safety. "The Meltdowns refine the Enkephalin we draw from the Abnormalities into a form of energy that can be used to generate the Seed of Light. And the purpose of the Seed of Light is to allow the people of the City to draw out their own EGOs. My purpose, of course, is escape." They move into the slick green halls of Safety only for Angela's foot to hit an empty Enkephalin container that sprawls away from her. Past the empty Enkephalin containers is a leaking-green goop Netzach lying on the floor. "Oh good." Netzach says. "Company. Finally come to bring it all tumbling down?" "...This is Netzach, our Safety Department Head." Angela says in a deadpan tone.
Tamamo	'You can then come by again and we can discuss the matter further afterwards.' "Of course, I shall make time for you, should you wish it. I do not, nor would I, demand any hasty action on your part, for that matter." 'I agree that she does seem to desire atonement--if that is something I can help her achieve, I'd be grateful for the opportunity of course.' Tamamo perfectly controls herself from speaking any of the things she would consider sufficient atonement. None of them would be survivable for a human with only a century's life expectancy, anyway. Her expression has smoothed back into a neutral pleasantness by the time they're on their way toward Safety. "'The Seed of Light,' is it? Aha, yes, I understand. There is some familiarity to the plan. It is rather interesting, though I confess I do not know if it is particularly wise. As to your own purpose, you may count upon me as an ally in this matter. Should there be some method other than the project's completion... I had wondered." 'Oh good.' Netzach says. 'Company.' "Hello, Mr. Netzach. Have we..." Tamamo, brows raised, glances at Angela, "...suffered poor timing? Should I return later? Oh, I am Tamamo-no-mae, as it happens. Perhaps word of my visit had not reached you?" Somewhat uncertainly, her head beginning to tilt. "Do you require some assistance?"
Angela	Angela says, "I doubt it is wise. Nevertheless, that is the plan." Is there another method though? Angela admits, "Not that I know of. Even if I could escape on my own I have others to worry about. But I have confidence in the Dame Commander and those she puts her trust in." Unsurprisingly, perhaps, this is something she says before they reach Netzach. But then they do. "Nah. Good time. I'm already awake." Netzach says. "Just trying to die peacefully here." Angela is oblivious to Tamamo's thoughts on the matter. She isn't a mind reader and Tamamo's no doubt had plenty of time to control her facial expressions and she is quite distracted with Netzach. Naturally, maybe atonement is impossible. Angela knows how damn hard it can be to get--and the number of bodies that can pile up in pursuit of it. Maybe she isn't really any different from her dad, Angela thinks miserably. Tamamo glances at her. "He is just like this." Netzach hiccups somehow and scootches up against the wall. "Hey... Hey... Didn't want to you know, be presentable when I could be honest right?" "I wish you would at least freshen up for guests." Angela says. "And use words for your honesty." Netzach considers Tamamo. "Still think burning it all down's the right call." Netzach says. He blinks his singular eye a few times at her. "...Hey..." He says in a haze. "You a gamer?"
Tamamo	'Just trying to die peacefully here.' "Oh," says Tamamo. She thinks of saying something about this being rather grim, but then considers the facility and the City as a whole, and thinks better of it. 'He is just like this.' "Are you certain that you do not require healing?" More quietly, to Angela, "Does he require sobering?" 'Still think burning it all down's the right call.' "And you are in charge of... Safety, yes?" 'You a gamer?' "Ah, no," says Tamamo, "I am the bunrei of Amaterasu-omikami, She of the Pale-Gold Face, Goddess of the Sun. You must be thinking of Arthur Lowell, Gamer, Wielder of Brooms, and God of Space."
Angela	Angela stares at Netzach for a moment before saying, "They said they would help us, you know. I would think you would appreciate that." Netzach lets out a proper doomer sigh and says, "...I guess..." begrudgingly. "I mean, even I know things are different this time, Miss Angela. But even if we get outta here it was all for nothing. What was the point of it all?" ''Does he require sobering?'' "Yes, but it would be papering over the illness." Netzach doesn't argue, the eye warbling over to look back to Tamamo. "Yeah... There's not point to the job. We're not actually expected to make the facility safe if you get me." ''You must be thinking of Arthur Lowell, Gamer, Wielder of Brooms, and God of Space.'' Netzach's eye blinks silently for a few moments and then it flits to look at Angela. "Okay I get it." He says. "I'll sober up even if this reality seems a lot more fun." He gets himself up to his 'feet', knocking enkephalin cannisters everywhere. "At least say Hello Tamamo." Angela places a hand on her hip. "Hello Tamamo, bunrei of Amaterasu-omikami, She of the...ah... Pale Gold Face...Goddess of the Sun?" "...I can take you to Yesod if you prefer." Angela seems more frustrated and exasperated than actually angry with Netzach though.
Tamamo	'Yes, but it would be papering over the illness.' Tamamo nods in sober understanding. She suspected as much. 'We're not actually expected to make the facility safe if you get me.' "Even less so than Welfare... is it? I see." She only sort of does. But it does seem like safety is somewhere in the lowest of priorities. Netzach attempts to repeat her title, and Tamamo affords him a small but encouraging smile. '...I can take you to Yesod if you prefer.' "We should finish our round of the floor, I do think." Before turning to go, "I know it to be difficult, but... please do your best, Mr. Netzach."
Angela	Netzach blinks another few times. Tamamo may have bought this guy some more time just by being realer than his reality. He mumbles an affirmation and it's only once they're gone does he murmur... "A Goddess huh... She's become something like that hasn't she... A Goddess of the Distorted." He hobbles away to mime doing work. He'd rather dive back into that Death Game. He can't imagine a better way to just...slip into a kind fantasy, one that might finally keep him there... Once they're out of earshot from Netzach, Angela says, "I'm sorry. Honestly, I find the talk of romance and weddings to be more interesting than this business talk--but I suppose it wouldn't be business if there wasn't some importance to it." Angela says, opening her eyes to take a long look at Tamamo. "He was friends with my mother." And onward to the purple halls of Information where Yesod is busy... ...Shredding employee records. "Ah." Yesod turns to face the two women as he hears them approach. "Our visitor, Lady Tamamo, bunrei of Amaterasu-omikami." Even his robot form is wearing a turtleneck. "I am in the middle of work as you see, how may I help you?" "If you could describe your work to Tamamo, that would be ideal." Angela says. "Well, we analyze information on Abnormalities, mantain and update employee records, and of course delete and destroy inconvenient information. It is this last task I am presently occupied with. How is the Dame Commander, Lady Tamamo?"
Tamamo	'...but I suppose it wouldn't be business if there wasn't some importance to it.' "Though some journeys are difficult, to forgo journeying resigns oneself to remain in place and, at best, turn one's eyes from that present reality. Is it not better that we do what can be done?" It's a moment later that Tamamo adds, "We shall find a solution. You may have faith in that." It's a wholly irresponsible promise. 'He was friends with my mother.' "Was she the one you mentioned, before?")] But they're soon arriving in Information. Tamamo is treated to an unusually fashion-conscious robot -- or, she thinks, a cyborg. She's pretty sure that's the term, when a human's brain is in a body like that. On the other hand, Malkuth had claimed Elijah to be a different person. "Hmm." She'll think on it later. Presently, "Hello, Mr. Yesod. It is a pleasure to meet you. I admit some curiosity as to this part of your task. Is the information inconvenient to someone in particular, or is it inconvenient in a general sense?" 'How is the Dame Commander, Lady Tamamo?' "Though she was less than cheery upon waking, I am pleased to say that I was able to brighten her morning. Thank you for asking." Tamamo seems pretty cheery about whatever it is she did, too. "Ah, is it that you have met her, as well?"
Angela	Angela says, "Mm... You are quite stern to turn my eyes to the present." But it is, for a moment, harder to hear the King of Greed whispering into her ear. "But I would do the same if presented with this scenario so I cannot complain." Besides, if she spends TOO MUCH time enjoying herself, she might slack off like Netzach and fuck everything up for herself down the line. She does trust Lilian Rook, but that doesn't mean she thinks it wise to just lie there like Netzach and not do her part. "Yes. Carmen." Yesod is like the others, though for some reason--turtleneck. His frame is a lot...cleaner than Netzach's. "Excellent." Yesod turns back to his work and seems content to leave things at that when-- ''Is the information inconvenient to someone in particular'' "I do not know the criteria. I simply delete what Miss Angela has directed to me." Angela explains further, "And I am told to delete things as per the script provided to me by A before his departure." "Though I suspect some of it is acknowledging that some data is dangerous to hold onto." "That is so. Particularly considering Abnormalities such as CENSORED." "Abnormalities such as CENSORED are CENSORED for the safety of employees and any information we have about them has to also be CENSORED such as the fact that it CENSORED and also CENSORED." "We have naturally CENSORED ourselves as well." Angela adds. ''Ah, is it that you have met her, as well?'' "I would not say as such." Yesod says. "But we spoke on the radioband briefly. And she has a reputation here due to having broken into the facility by way of introduction. And of course there's Gebura's regard. As most of our Agents see Gebura as a Living Legend, well, that encourages a positive reputation amongst staff."
Tamamo	Tamamo will certainly ask more about Carmen some other time. "A script, is it? How interesting, and how mysterious. I would offer to scry into its past but, of course, this would require that I see the script, as well. I shall understand if you would rather it not be shown to, ah, outsiders." Just a touch wistfully regretful. CENSORED "Oh, dear, this has the scent of something especially dreadful. I shall imagine the worst possible thing, though I expect I shall fail to prepare myself for an even worse truth. Are there any Abnormalities that are not... lethal and frightening?" Tamamo goes on to nod and make happy 'mhm' approving sounds as Lilian is praised(?) for breaking and entering.
Angela	Angela frowns faintly at the offer to scry into the script's past. She wonders if it'll show an embarassing moment of her past or something worse. ''Are there any Abnormalities that are not... lethal and frightening?'' Yesod cups his chin in thought. "Perhaps the Wellcheers Vending Machine abnormality? Or the floating skull?" "One Sin is the gentlest Abnormality." Angela adds. "But not usually, no." She bows her head in apology.