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87O is in chaos. Security incidents are rare, and nothing of this scale has appeared in the records you've perused. The sheer scope of the attack has made it clear that Code Cracking was involved. It's impossible for the general populace to ignore it.
What's more, there's been a physical displacement of citizens. People in the neighboring districts are seeing people move into their hab-partitions, and have ample opportunity to harry them for questions. A ripple effect is spreading outwards, despite the assurances on television that everything is okay.
"So, what do you think?" Wind asks, after you've both been watching in silence for a bit.
"Pretty great. I see what you were going for now." You smile softly.
Nobody has been hurt (that badly), but the status quo has been shaken up. People who were once living in blind comfort are now looking up and paying attention. And most importantly, rebellious youths like yourselves are going to be very interested in finding out more. It's satisfying, in a twisted way.
<span class="mu-s">"So what's next?"</span>
"That depends. Before I start talking payment, I'd like to extend the two of you a formal invitation."
You set your hands on the table. You expected this. And despite knowing now that they're serious about all this, you still feel a sense of lingering suspicion because of what you've discussed with your partner. Phascomon is shaking his head too. These people could do a lot for you, and you could likely return the favor, but you don't want to chain your fates together.
"An invitation to join the Dogs of War?"
"Yes. Right now, we value your contributions as an independent contractor. But I'd like to offer you full membership, and everything that comes with it. I think we could work well together, and you won't need as much onboarding."
If you say yes to this, you're going to be pulled into their whole quest to change the city and bring power back into the hands of humanity. You don't want that. You just want to climb The Tower and go. Even if a changed world would be better, there's nothing there for you.
"No. Sorry, I'm going to have to decline."
He nods slowly, disappointment clear on his face, but doesn't press the point further.
"Okay. Let's talk payment then. I still remember what you told me the other day, loud and clear."
<span class="mu-s">"Yeah! But we won't be needing that anymore, so let's see you cough up something else!"</span>
You stare at your partner, who's sitting in the same egg chair as the day before. He's gotten a lot bolder suddenly, now that he's not fearing them snatching him away from you. His natural cockiness is back. Wind glances at him, annoyed, while Kaus Gammamon looks straight ahead without a word.
"I was going to say that it was still in the works. Will you accept an IOU, Marnie? I'm still figuring out what comes after Champion stage myself."
"Give me a moment to think..."
