*comment é x

*text_image chap6.png center Chapter Six: Real Talk

*set showignite false
*set crystallineignitenameon false
*set crystallinenameon true

*if phtwenty
	*set power 120
	*set health 120
	*goto startchap
*elseif phten
	*set power 110
	*set health 110
	*goto startchap
*else
	*set power 100
	*set health 100
	*goto startchap

*label startchap

"I…I just…this isn't how my story is supposed to go."

He can't bear to say more than that, but he doesn't have to. The disappointment shows on Ignite's face like an open wound—one you can tell will leave a scar. Since Ignite seems to have nothing more to say, the show cuts to footage highlighting his time on The Hero Project, leading up to his fourteenth-place elimination. 

As if the Ani-cide bloodbath you stumbled upon weren't awful enough, the Rookies then had to endure a Leaderboard elimination ceremony directly after. You found it hard to care about the game at that moment, but given your leadership role and the presence of Fistfull and Monk on the Judges panel, you knew your place in the competition was suddenly at stake. 

So you forced yourself to care.

*page_break

*if (lb > 75)
	*set legended +10
	*achieve fivelbhigh

	Luckily the Judges, even Monk and Fistfull, seemed to think you did an admirable job in the mission. While they didn't exactly sing your praises at the elimination ceremony, they did at least commend your efforts to successfully coordinate the takedown of The Primals.

	As a result, your Leaderboard score of ${lb} tied you in first place with Crystalline, placing you both in the running for Immunity. But the top honor ended up going to Crystalline, for her role in capturing Lolli and saving Ignite.

	The Judges were less forgiving when it came to the rest of the Rookies. Claiming to want to push you all to do your best, they gave Griffin, Miss Boss, and Transfer mere passing scores. Then, when it came down to the low-score elimination, the bottom two spots were occupied by Tarsiero and Ignite. 

	While Tarsiero seemed oddly calm and content about this, Ignite looked like he might vomit.
	*goto thattiem
*else
	*set legended +5
	*achieve fivelblow

	Unfortunately, none of the Judges seemed impressed by your mission performance. They immediately gave Crystalline the high-Leaderboard Immunity for her role in capturing Lolli and saving Ignite, praising her as the clear MVP.

	The Judges were less forgiving when it came to the rest of the Rookies. Claiming to want to push you all to do your best, they gave Griffin, Miss Boss, and Transfer mere passing scores for their takedowns of The Primals. Then, when it came down to the low-score elimination, the bottom two spots were occupied by you and Ignite, tied with a Leaderboard score of ${lb}. 

	The Judges singled you out because of your visible leadership role, holding you responsible for the overall loss, while they singled out Ignite for his mishandling of the Lolli situation. 

	Standing on stage next to Ignite in the bottom two, you were so nervous that you thought you might vomit. Sadly, Ignite looked exactly the same way. 
	*goto thattiem

*label thattiem
*page_break

Ultimately, the Judges thought Ignite's inexperienced blunder handling Lolli showed a lack of field experience and instinct, so they sent him packing. 
*if (lb <= 75)
	While you experienced a surge of pure relief to have been spared, you couldn't help but feel bad for Ignite.
The elimination came as a serious blow to the young prodigy, who obviously seems very used to succeeding. Apparently viewers were equally surprised when the mission episode aired last night, given Ignite's former frontrunner status and showmance with Crystalline—his fans definitely thought he'd last much longer.

Though no one was more upset about this elimination than Crystalline. At the ceremony, you saw firsthand how she went from elation over her Immunity win to complete devastation in a matter of minutes. Even now, Crystalline has tears in her eyes as you sit beside her watching the production-approved snippets of the mission episode—apparently, from now on, you'll only be allowed to see certain edited portions of each episode, to "maintain the integrity of the game."

"It's just not fair," Crystalline says, watching herself on the 3V as she says goodbye to a stoic Ignite on stage. "He didn't deserve to go home at all."

*page_break
*achieve finalthirteen

As sad as it is to see someone as passionate and dedicated as Ignite go home, you think that this string of serial Ani-cide hate crimes is what's really unfair—and disturbing. You're itching to find out more about what Lyra and the DRPR have learned about these murders, especially now that Lolli has been captured successfully. So far you've been kept in the dark, told only that you'll get a full debrief at tonight's live voting ceremony. 

Which means that right now, whether you like it or not, your priority has to be surviving this upcoming Rookie vote. 
*if trilogyreader
	Apparently this vote will operate differently from last season:
Tonight, the remaining six Rookies will each have to cast a single vote to eliminate another of your own in thirteenth place. The only Rookie safe from this vote is Crystalline, given her Leaderboard Immunity, so you currently face a one-in-five chance of being voted out alongside Transfer, Tarsiero, Miss Boss, and Griffin.

You must survive this vote if you are to make it to the Final 12 and perform your last pending task from Loa Shift.
*if (societal > 50)
	You now also find yourself wanting to survive so that you can continue fighting against these Ani-cides and put a stop to them.
Which of course means that your relationships with the other Rookies matter now more than ever. So with Crystalline crying silently next to you and the camera orbs circling, what will you say?

*choice
	#"You're right, it really isn't fair. Someone else should have gone home."
		*set loyalcit +1
		*set floating +1
		*set rlshp_crystalline %+20

		"I know," Crystalline sighs. "Ignite may be a perfectionist and overthink things, but anyone could have been fooled by Lolli's trick. Besides, Ignite was the only one to spot that she was alive in the first place! He has more training than any of us."
		*goto crysbeat
	#"Ignite will have to learn this lesson sooner or later: being an adult means not coming in first place all of the time."
		*set solostar +1
		*set rlshp_crystalline %-20
	
		"He just wanted to do so well, for his family. And to make his school proud as their first Infini graduate. Everyone looks up to him so much," Crystalline sighs. 
		*label crysdefense
		"He put so much pressure on himself—maybe that's why he overthought things with Lolli. Still, Ignite was the only one to spot that she was alive in the first place! He has more training than any of us."
		*goto crysbeat
	#"Tarsiero should have been the one eliminated, in my opinion."
		*set loyalcit +1
		*set manipulater +1
		*set rlshp_crystalline %+20

		"He really should have," Crystalline says. "Neither of them has much field experience, but at least Ignite had extensive training. That's more than anyone can say about Tarsiero."
		*goto crysbeat
	#"Someone had to go and, unfortunately, Ignite made the worst mistake of the mission."
		*set loyalgmbt +1
		*set solostar +1
		*set rlshp_crystalline %-20

		"That's not fair," Crystalline returns. "Ignite may be a perfectionist and overthink things, but anyone could have been fooled by Lolli's trick. Besides, Ignite was the only one to spot that she was alive in the first place! He has more training than anyone."
		*goto crysbeat
	#"I think you're right—but this is a great bunch of heroes, so whoever goes home from now on won't truly deserve it."
		*set truehero +1
		*set rlshp_crystalline %+20

		"I just feel so bad for Ignite," Crystalline sighs. 
		*goto crysdefense
	#"Crystalline, how are you holding up?"
		*set floating +1
		*set truehero +1
		*set rlshp_crystalline %+20

		"I just feel so bad for Ignite," Crystalline sighs. 
		*goto crysdefense

*label crysbeat

As Crystalline finishes speaking, you can hear her heartbeat picking up its pace and see moisture welling up in her tear ducts. This is all thanks to your newly acquired owl senses, which increase your hearing and vision to extremely fine levels. Luckily today your Ani-Morpho transformation has left you looking mostly human: your eyes and ears have morphed to take owl form, but the rest of your body remains unchanged. Well, mostly—since your enhanced owl eyes now remain fixed straight-forward in your head, your neck can swivel nearly two hundred and seventy degrees.

"I just wish I could talk to him," Crystalline sniffles before you can snap out of your owl adjustments enough to respond. "You know, make sure he's okay. It's so unfair that they won't let us see each other. I don't know how I'm going to do this alone."

"You started this thing on your own, and that's how you'll finish it, Crys," Transfer suddenly says, breaking hir silence. You had almost forgotten ze was in the room, since ze has been sitting on hir bed, watching quietly. 

Transfer offers a sympathetic look, but Crystalline doesn't seem interested in any comforts at the moment. Swiveling your entire head to fix your owl eyes on Transfer, you realize that it's much easier to read hir expressions today, since ze is in human form. You also can't help but notice the seams of Transfer's black-cloak costume stretching and straining, since ze turns out to actually be very full-figured and stocky in hir human form, as opposed to hir muscled and lean vampire form.

"We both worked so hard to be here, to deserve this shot," Crystalline goes on. "We deserve to be here. Together."

*page_break

"Everyone has earned their spots here, Crys. Everyone deserves to be here," Transfer sighs. "I know this isn't what you want to hear, but real life isn't about winning the first time out. It's about how often you can get up after being knocked down. It's not like school, with defined rules and tests to pass and constant congratulations. Real life is messy and complicated and unpredictable. Ignite's not trained for that, but he's a fast learner. He'll figure that out like the rest of us."

Transfer says the words and registers immediately that Crystalline just isn't ready to hear them. Realizing this, Transfer then adds: "Ignite may have taken a tumble, but you can still win this thing yourself. The last thing he'd want is for you to give up because of him. Don't forget why you're here—this is your one shot to prove to your parents you can make it as a hero."

Keeping your owl-eyes on Crystalline, you can tell that these words finally seem to get through to her. But before she can answer, the door opens and one of the Rookies' production handlers, Kevin, pushes a cart of lunch trays inside. You swivel your neck to face him and ignore the little startle he gives seeing your head turned entirely over your shoulder.

"Sorry to interrupt," Kevin says, "but why don't you three go have lunch outside in the crystal garden? The light out there is perfect right now."

Kevin isn't actually your handler, but you figure you should follow his suggestion anyway, since your own handler, Weaver, was the one who recommended you pay this visit to Crystalline and Transfer in the first place. A little lunch date might be just the setting necessary to do what you came here to do.

*page_break INTO THE GARDEN
*set meetweaver true

You have to admit, the handlers were very astute in choosing this lunch spot—it's a gorgeous place to film. 

Now seated in the leaf-lined courtyard beneath Crystalline and Transfer's room, you find yourself surrounded by clusters and constellations of vibrant crystals. Each one glitters a different color in the afternoon sunlight, creating a shimmering ocean of reflections and refractions. The crystals also happen to be nestled between grand strands of orchids, which to your complete surprise seem to be singing some familiar aria. You were told not to touch these operatic orchids, though, since apparently they stain your fingertips.

You do feel tempted to touch one of the crystals instead. You think about how much JK would love a pink crystal, since it's her favorite color. She isn't usually into super girly stuff, claiming instead that her attraction to pink is more of a jellyfish thing. Whatever the reason, you also resist the urge to pick a pink crystal, since you know those are quite explosive.

During the last mission you learned that Crystalline color-codes all of her creations by usage category, so you focus on your own favorite:

*fake_choice
	#Pink, just like JK.
	#Blue, for heat.
	#Red, for cold.
	#Clear, for force.
	#Black, for healing.
	#Green, for teleporting.
	#Purple, for strengthening.
	#White, for dehydration.
	#Yellow, for shielding.

You know there are also subtle variations in color for subcategory crystal types, plus Crystalline rotates categories a few times a year so that her potential foes can't predict her moves. Apparently Crystalline is vulnerable to her own crystal creations, since they can be activated and utilized by others—yet another reason you resist the urge to pluck a crystal and ask a question instead.

"Crystalline, these are all so incredible," you begin. "Do you always have to pre-grow your crystals like this?" 

"I can generate crystals on the go, but those tend to be pretty weak," Crystalline explains, her eyes falling across her creations. "The longer I let the crystals grow, the stronger they become. I have a huge crystal garden at my parents' house, but the production team let me grow some important crystals here, to bring into missions."

"Can you really make crystals that do anything?" you ask, noticing that Crystalline is currently forming an icy red crystal in her palm, probably to cool her down in this sunny courtyard.

"Well, up until now I was focused mostly on making traditional battle crystals, but then I figured out how to design crystals that enhance human physiology temporarily. Those are trickier compositions though, so I still need time and focus and rest to make them," Crystalline explains. "I thought that was the limit, but Ignite was teaching me how to make natural-resource crystals, too. He's the first Infini Powered I've ever met…."

*page_break

For a moment there Crystalline seemed excited and engaged, but she then slumps back down at the mention of Ignite. 

"Hey, if the limit to your crystal creation really is your imagination," Transfer jumps in, "you might actually be Infini Powered yourself."

"That's what Ignite said," Crystalline sighs. "I haven't tested at that Power Level yet, but he thought that if I kept practicing, I could someday create any crystal I want at any strength level instantly, instead of taking so much time. Ignite even thought I might be able to combine multiple functions in single crystals, someday. He said if I learned to do that, I'd be virtually unstoppable."

Crystalline seems to gain a bit of optimism at this thought, but you can't help but repress a shudder. That thought is a bit more discomforting than exciting to you, given all you've experienced with intense Power sets affecting human physiology and psychology. What could that level of Power and influence do to a person?

"Still, before I do any of that I need to find a way to make the crystals only work for me," Crystalline adds, perhaps catching the look of unease on your face. "Until then I need to be extra careful—I'd never want my crystals to fall into the wrong hands or be used for anything other than good."

*page_break

"Infinite power, infinite responsibility," Transfer says, hir eyes fixed on a spot beyond Crystalline. Ze keeps hir eyes focused there for a few more seconds before seeming to snap out of it. "Wow, sorry, I get really spacey when I'm hungry. Mind if we start eating?"

Before you or Crystalline can so much as nod, Transfer uncovers hir tray to reveal a plate of roasted vegetables and a dressed bean salad. This most definitely was not what you were expecting, given Transfer's usual rotating daily diet of brains, blood, and red meat.

"On my human days I try to eat vegan and gluten-free, to get some clean eating in," Transfer says, obviously noticing your surprised stare. "I was actually a vegetarian before I got my Powers, so the food adjustment has always been…jarring. My diet on the other days is all fairly, uh…."

Transfer doesn't finish the sentence, clearly embarrassed by hir less than usual dietary requirements. But you understand unusual Ani-cravings better than just about anyone, so instead of responding, you uncover your own plate to reveal:

*choice
	#Rabbit risotto. My owl-self was craving rodents and insects today, but I was too embarrassed to actually ask for that.
		*set image %+25
		*goto cravingsa
	#Insect stew. I don't care what anyone else thinks—in fact, I like freaking everyone else out by eating Ani-delicacies.
		*set image %-25
		*goto cravingsa
	#Trout. This seemed like the most palatable option—while my tastes seem to change with my daily transformations, my actual digestive system doesn't. 
		*if (image > 50)
			*set image %+15
			*goto cravingsa
		*else
			*set image %-15
			*goto cravingsa

*label cravingsa

"My cravings change everyday, I totally get it," you say, smirking at Transfer.

As you do, you suddenly hear hir heart pick up its pace, as ze stares back at you. When you return the look with your owl eyes, the intensity makes you so uncomfortable that you have to shift your eyes down. Which of course means shifting your entire head down, rather obviously.

That's when you notice the tattoo on Transfer's neck, which must only be visible in hir human form. It matches the enamel symbol sewn into the front of hir costume-cloak: a perfectly symmetrical letter T. You immediately realize this must not just stand for hir name, Transfer, but also for hir three Morpho-Powered forms. It looks like you're not the only one who has taken a kind of triquetra as your personal symbol…

"Well, I guess my food thing doesn't really compare," Crystalline says, breaking the silence before you can mention Transfer's tattoo. You have no idea how long you and Transfer were staring in silence, but it must have been a while, given Crystalline's awkward tone. "But I have a super sensitive stomach, hence the plain white rice and chicken."

"Look at that!" Transfer says as ze starts eating. "Little Miss Perfect is human after all."

*page_break

"What makes you think I'm perfect?" Crystalline asks, suddenly frowning.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be rude," Transfer says, looking from you back to Crystalline. "It's just, I mean, come on! Not only do I quite literally look like a monster most of the time, but my Morpho-transformations give me pretty severe chronic pain. Do you know what it's like to regrow claws and fangs every few days, not to mention dropping and gaining thirty pounds every time I switch in and out of human form? My life, by its very design, is difficult all of the time—and we're not even talking about how most people tend to treat someone like me, including my own parents, once upon a time.

"While you, Crystalline, are a beautiful girl from a loving, wealthy family and possess near-limitless, smiled-upon Power. People look at you and see something desirable," Transfer continues, seemingly unable to stop hirself now that ze is on a roll. "I know you appreciate all you have and you've worked hard to become a hero, but you have to understand that to me, you don't have all that much to complain about. I mean, if an occasional case of the runs and a new boyfriend getting cut were all I had to worry about, I'd be dancing a motherslugging jig on this table right now."

You can tell Transfer didn't mean to be harsh when ze started, but as ze takes a deep breath and finishes, Transfer suddenly seems keenly aware of the camera orb hovering just behind hir shoulder. Meanwhile, Crystalline sits silently across the table, her face a mask of seriousness. You almost expect her to burst into tears, but instead, a look of compassion comes over her.

*page_break

"I would never compare my situation or my troubles to yours, of course not," Crystalline says calmly. "And I get that maybe, to you, my Powers and my life might look easy. Still, you say you've been judged by the way you look or where you come from, but don't you see that's exactly what you just did to me?"

Hearing this, Transfer looks thoughtful. Ze certainly didn't expect that to be Crystalline's reaction, and you have to admit, neither did you. You look between Crystalline and Transfer, having much to say but knowing this is probably something these two have to settle themselves.

"You're right. I guess it's easy to be defensive when I have to be all the time, but you've been nothing but kind and supportive. So I am sorry," Transfer begins. "But listen, you also have to understand, Powereds like me, and if I may, like ${codenamed}—we have to face a million little indignities and disadvantages every day that you probably can't even begin to imagine. The world opens up for Powereds like you, Crystalline, and you don't even know it. That's why I came on this show in the first place, to show the world that your problems quite often aren't exactly the same as ours, as the Underrepresented.

"Still, I didn't mean to jump down your throat," Transfer sighs. "Honestly, I think being on this show is making me a bit nutty…"

*page_break

"My number-one guilty pleasure is reality 3V, and the first season of The Hero Project is my favorite show of all time, but I never thought someone like me could be a Finalist.
*if trilogyreader
	Especially not after what Scoundrel pulled last season, which just reinforced all the negative stereotypes about Ani-Powereds.
When my best friend dared me to try out I never thought I'd make it past the front door, but now here I am.

"At first I hoped this would be good for me, you know, to break me out of the San Francisco bubble," Transfer continues, the words now seeming to tumble out of hir mouth. "But being here is so different than I thought it would be, and I considered myself an expert going in. I forgot that I tend to get lost in big groups, and I'm learning now that I'm a much more private person than I thought. I wanted to be here to represent my community, but I'm not sure I'm the right person for the job. I'm…not sure I really belong here, anymore."

Taking a moment to breathe, Transfer appears momentarily at ease. Ze seemed to have forgotten all about the cameras, but once a hovering orb repositions itself beside the table, Transfer looks tense once again.

"Jeez, get it together, Transy," ze says to hirself. "Sorry, I also just tend to get like this on human mornings. It's hard to explain, but it's like a rush of emotions return all at once after the vampire days. I don't mean to take it out on you two. Besides, I share a bathroom with you, Crystalline, and you're right—your stomach must be very sensitive."

At this, everyone at the table bursts out laughing, including you. You might have a lot you want to say on this subject, but this is Transfer's moment—you know you'll get your own very soon. Besides, all you can really think is that:

*choice
	#I have a crush on Transfer. A big one.
		*set crushtransfer true
		*set rlshp_transfer %+20

		You must have settled your owl eyes on Transfer as you think this, because you now find hir staring back at you. You're not sure if it's just your imagination, but you swear you can feel invisible energy crackling between the two of you. It's almost as if you can say it without saying it… 

		[i]I know what you've been through.[/i]

		Right here at a table in front of Crystalline and the camera orbs and an entire production crew is not the time to say it, though, especially given all that Transfer just confessed. For now, you just have to hope that Transfer is feeling all of the things you're feeling, too.

		*if (bisex) or (pansex)
			*page_break
			*goto votecittalk
		*else
			Feelings that are new for you, in fact. You didn't necessarily expect to be attracted to someone with a non-binary gender, but you should be proud of yourself for being open enough to expand your horizons.
			*page_break
			*goto votecittalk
	*if (attractwomen) #Actually, I have a crush on Crystalline.
		*set crushcrystalline true
		*set rlshp_crystalline %+20

		*if pansex
			Which is new for you, since you're not usually attracted to binary gender identities. However, you've always promised yourself to remain open to falling for people without restrictions, so this isn't all that unusual in that sense. 
		*comment endif

		Crystalline seems pretty smitten by Ignite at the moment, however. Besides, even if her situation were different, you're not sure if she would ever return your feelings.
		*if maled
			You realize that will be a thought for another time, however, as Crystalline finally stops laughing long enough to respond.
			*goto votecittalk
		*else
			You think she seems to be attracted mostly to men, unfortunately. You suppose you'll just have to find a way to figure that out later, if you really care enough.
			*goto votecittalk
	#It's too soon and I have too much else on my mind to focus on crushes, but I don't necessarily want to rule out the possibility for the future, based on my first impressions.
		*if bisex
			*set crushtransfer true
			*set rlshp_transfer %+10
			*set crushcrystalline true
			*set rlshp_crystalline %+10

			You don't want to rush into anything, but you also want to keep an open mind, because you are potentially intrigued by Transfer and Crystalline. Whether that means being friends or more with either, you're not sure—you'll just have to see if you last here on The Hero Project long enough to find out.
			*goto votecittalk
		*elseif pansex
			*set crushtransfer true
			*set rlshp_transfer %+10

			You don't want to rush into anything, but you also want to keep an open mind, because you are potentially intrigued by Transfer. Whether that means being friends or more, you're not sure—you'll just have to see if you last here on The Hero Project long enough to find out.
			*goto votecittalk
		*elseif attractwomen
			*set crushcrystalline true
			*set rlshp_crystalline %+10

			You don't want to rush into anything, but you also want to keep an open mind, because you are potentially intrigued by Transfer and Crystalline. Whether that means being friends or more with either, you're not sure—you'll just have to see if you last here on The Hero Project long enough to find out.
			*goto votecittalk
		*else
			You don't want to rush into anything, but you also want to keep an open mind, because you are potentially intrigued by Transfer. You didn't necessarily expect to be attracted to someone with a non-binary gender, but you should be proud of yourself for being open enough to expand your horizons.

			Whether this ultimately means being friends or more, you're not sure—you'll just have to see if you last long enough here on The Hero Project to find out.
			*goto votecittalk
	#I definitely want to get to know Transfer and Crystalline better, but just as friends.
		*set rlshp_crystalline %+10
		*set rlshp_transfer %+10

		So you know that continuing to listen is probably the best way to do that.
		*goto votecittalk
	#Honestly, I'm not sure I like these two at all.
		*set rlshp_crystalline %-20
		*set rlshp_transfer %-20

		Though they don't need to know that until you want them to—it's probably best to keep these feelings to yourself, until the right time comes.
		*goto votecittalk

*label votecittalk

"Transfer, I think that you being on this show is brave for so many reasons," Crystalline says, raising her water glass for a toast. "And I'm very glad that you're my roommate, so I can continue to learn about you and your experience. But I have to say, you're wrong about one thing: you do belong here. And I'm sure ${codenamed} agrees with me."

As you clink your own glass against Crystalline and Transfer's, you smile and remain silent, wondering if Crystalline is proposing what you think she is. 

"Speaking of, what are you all thinking about the vote tonight?" Kevin abruptly says from his spot beside a cluster of camera orbs, pushing the conversation fully into the territory you thought it was heading.

As this question is posed, however, you are suddenly very aware of the sound of Crystalline, Transfer, and yourself chewing in silence. As uncomfortable as this subject might be, you know it's actually the reason that your own handler, Weaver, sent you here in the first place. Weaver has left you to figure out the politics for yourself mostly, but ${weaverze} did give you one major tip….

*page_break
*set loyaltotal ((loyalcit) + (loyalgmbt))

Weaver explained that there are several standard strategy archetypes in reality 3V that you could be aiming to fill, to clarify your position in the competition and bolster your overall status—with so many heroes still remaining, it's going to be important to try to define yourself and stand out to viewers. You're not sure how you feel about this, since the line between "archetype" and "stereotype" feels very thin to you. Still, Weaver took the liberty of analyzing the decisions you've made since you reached the Final 14 and came up with the following tally:

[b]True Hero:[/b] ${truehero}
*line_break
[b]Solo Star:[/b] ${solostar}
*line_break
[b]Game Manipulator:[/b] ${manipulater}
*line_break
[b]Floater:[/b] ${floating}
*line_break
[b]Alliance Loyalist:[/b] ${loyaltotal}

Based on this list, you can see where you've been focusing your attention so far even if you weren't necessarily aware of it. Weaver didn't recommend that you change anything, just that since you may already be leaning in some directions naturally, you should try to stick to the type you're most comfortable with whenever possible. You're still not sure you love the idea of being boiled down to a reality punchline, but then again, you figure that you can at least try to find one that feels like an expression of your personality.

Especially since your spot in the Final 12 depends on navigating this next vote successfully.

*page_break

Some natural friendships have formed among the Rookies since the Semi-Finals, but so far everyone has been getting along pretty well. Knowing that Weaver scheduled you to visit the other half of the Rookies after this lunch, you suppose the question for you now is: Should you try to keep the peace, or start drawing some political lines in the sand yourself? 

As Crystalline and Transfer continue holding their tongues, it's clear that it's going to be up to you to get the conversation started.

*if warningsysnine
	"Hooty hoo, look at you!" MeChip Prodigal suddenly hoots in your ear, operating on her MeChip Warning System protocols. "I know you've got a lot on your plate, both literally and figuratively, so let me offer some advice. Definitely try to build off of whatever political game you were playing last mission, intentionally or not. 

	"If you want to float or manipulate, be as subtle as possible. If you want to play the hero, go for team strength. If you want to fly solo or flock with the other Rookies, don't give away your intentions. And of course, if you fancy this fanciful pair, commit to them right here and now. Hoo, I'm as winded as an owl after all that, so Prodigal out!"
	*goto thefirstcitchoice
*else
	Whatever you do next, you know it will only further solidify your "type," whether you want it to or not.
	*goto thefirstcitchoice

*label thefirstcitchoice
*choice
	#Subtly place the target on the other Rookies, since this might keep you safe in the middle and leave your options open as a generally liked swing vote.
		*set officialmanipulater true
		*set officialfloating true
		*set manipulater +2
		*set floating +2

		"I have to say, I really like spending time with you both," you say. "Still, I'm not sure what I should do about tonight yet. I guess I was thinking maybe Griffin or Miss Boss should be in consideration for the vote." 

		You say this knowing that Griffin and Miss Boss are the other pair that has formed among the Rookies besides Crystalline and Transfer. Naming them will be sure to split the group down the middle, instead of allowing for the possibility of those two pairs to team up and form the majority.

		"Don't even get me started on that bully Griffin," Crystalline practically spits, surprising you with the force of her words. She's so angry that she can't seem to keep speaking, so Transfer jumps in for her.

		*if (manipulater > 2) or (floating > 2)
			*set legended +1
			*set respected %-15
			*set rlshp_crystalline %+20
			*set rlshp_transfer %+20
			*goto thereactiona
		*else
			*set rlshp_crystalline %+10
			*set rlshp_transfer %+10
			*goto thereactiona
	#Make an official alliance with Crystalline and Transfer right here and now—one that I plan to remain loyal to.
		*set officialloyalcit true
		*set loyalcit +2

		"Well, I don't know about you two, but I think the three of us should officially stick together," you say, smiling from Crystalline to Transfer. 

		To your relief, both of them immediately return your smile, seeming to agree completely.

		"We can come up with an alliance name and everything, which I'm betting will be Transfer's specialty as our resident reality expert," you add, for good measure. "Though I guess this also means we have to vote for Griffin, Miss Boss, or Tarsiero tonight, huh?"

		"Don't even get me started on that bully Griffin," Crystalline practically spits, surprising you with the force of her words. She's so angry that she can't even seem to keep speaking, so Transfer jumps in for her.

		*if (loyalcit > 2)
			*set legended +1
			*set respected %+15
			*set rlshp_crystalline %+30
			*set rlshp_transfer %+30
			*goto thereactiona
		*else
			*set respected %+5
			*set rlshp_crystalline %+15
			*set rlshp_transfer %+15
			*goto thereactiona
	#I'm not sure who I want to side with yet or if I'd rather just play solo, so I'll try to find out how Crystalline and Transfer plan on voting without specifying my own intentions.
		*set officialloyalgmbt true
		*set officialsolostar true
		*set loyalgmbt +2
		*set solostar +2

		"I'm not sure what I want to do yet," you say. "I just want us to be the five strongest Rookies possible so we can defeat the Veterans next mission."

		"You sound like that bully Griffin," Crystalline practically spits, surprising you with the force of her words. She's so angry that she can't seem to keep speaking, so Transfer jumps in for her.
		
		*if (loyalgmbt > 2) or (solostar > 2)
			*set legended +1
			*set respected %-15
			*set rlshp_crystalline %-10
			*set rlshp_transfer %-10
			*goto thereactiona
		*else
			*set respected %-5
			*set rlshp_crystalline %-20
			*set rlshp_transfer %-20
			*goto thereactiona
	#Make it known I want to keep the Rookies as strong as possible and protect our team unity, so I'll be voting privately to keep heroes here who feel the same.
		*set officialtruehero true
		*set truehero +2
		
		"I'm not going to discuss my vote, I don't want us to start turning on each other," you say. "I just want us to be five best Rookies possible so we can defeat the Veterans next mission. I'm going to vote to keep the team as strong and unified as possible."

		Thankfully, it would seem Crystalline and Transfer don't want to discuss their votes either, since they match your statement with quiet nods. 

		Or at least, you hope that's what their gesture means.

		*if (truehero > 2)
			*set legended +1
			*set respected %+15
			*set rlshp_crystalline %+10
			*set rlshp_transfer %+10
			*goto thereactionend
		*else
			*set respected %+5
			*set rlshp_crystalline %-10
			*set rlshp_transfer %-10
			*goto thereactionend

*label thereactiona

"Griffin has already decided he wants to vote me out tonight," Transfer explains. "He thinks I should go next because I 'don't want to be here as much as everyone else' and honestly, he's not totally wrong. I told Crystalline not to be mad at him for that."

*page_break

"It's not just the fact that he wants to vote you out," Crystalline explains. "It's more the way he went about it. He just came up to me and told me it's what I should do if I wanted to be smart, and that he wouldn't be able to 'protect' me if I didn't vote his way. 

"As if I need his protection," Crystalline scoffs. "Besides, I don't trust Griffin one bit—I don't think he's in this for anything other than himself, and he already seems to have Miss Boss and Tarsiero in his pocket. He's been keeping them so close, I haven't even had a chance to talk to either of them."

"Yeah, I thought I could bond with Tarsiero, but honestly I found him to be a bit…" Transfer begins, immediately looking wary of what ze was about to say. You nod at Transfer, knowing how ze feels, but not wanting to voice that kind of divisive Ani-sentiment either.

*if officialloyalcit
	"Well then, the three of us should team up and give Griffin a dose of his own medicine," you say matter-of-factly.

	"Yeah, but if we vote for Griffin, we'll be forcing a tie," Crystalline explains. "There's no way Miss Boss or Tarsiero will stray from him, so it'll be up to the public vote to decide who stays between Transfer and Griffin."

	*page_break

	"Then we have to just hope the viewers see Transfer and Griffin the way that we do," you say, smiling at Transfer. 

	You mean these words, but you also can't help but feel nervous—if the public tiebreaker doesn't end up favoring Transfer, that could leave you and Crystalline at a serious disadvantage as a pair against the three-person Rookie majority. Then again, you haven't even decided what you really want from the competition past making the Final 12 to secure JK's final treatment. Do you even care about staying or winning beyond that?

	Whatever you decide, fighting for Transfer now feels worth the risk. You just hope you still feel that way as the competition continues to unfold….
	*goto thereactionend
*else
	*page_break

	"Well, I'm supposed to see the other Rookies after this lunch," you say. "Let me see what I can find out."

	You smile at Crystalline and Transfer, knowing that what you say is true—but also that if what Crystalline claims is really true as well about Miss Boss and Transfer's loyalties, you might have to side with Griffin to stay safe in the majority. You suppose it's a good thing you left your options open and didn't make any promises yet.
	*goto thereactionend

*label thereactionend

The table settles into silence once again, save for the whir of the camera orbs, and you sigh, knowing you only have until tonight to figure out what to do.

*page_break LATER, ACROSS THE CONTESTANT MANSION

The sun feels good on your skin, but you're pretty sure it doesn't look as good on you as it does falling on the lean, muscled bodies of Griffin and Miss Boss. They both lounge beside the pool in their bathing suits, looking like a fashion holo-spread come to life.

"You did all of the right things during the mission," Griffin says, his deep blue eyes focused intensely on you.
*if (lb > 75)
	"And I think you deserved to win that Immunity, too. Crystalline shows promise, but she
	*goto theprom
*else
	"If you had gone home instead of Ignite, that would've been such a tragedy. He shows promise, but he
	*goto theprom

*label theprom
still has a lot to learn. There are just some things that can't be taught in a classroom, am I right?"

Griffin flashes you a dazzling white smile,
*if attractmen
	creasing the skin around his eyes in just the right way. You smile back at him, trying not to tilt your entire head to stare at the curve of his well-defined chest or the line of fine hair that trails down the ridges of his tan stomach muscles.
	*goto wonderyou
*else
	so you try to return the gesture and keep your eyes level to avoid tilting your entire head down to look at his shockingly short swimsuit.
	*goto wonderyou

*label wonderyou
You wonder if part of his Power is maintaining a perfect, fatless body at age 49.

"It's too bad about Ignite, though," Griffin continues monologuing. "He wouldn't necessarily have been my choice to go home at fourteenth, but I still see why the Judges chose him. He just doesn't have the ease of experience yet. Real heroing doesn't come with an instruction manual. He'll learn to loosen up and lighten up, to not overthink everything. I remember having to learn the same thing as a young hero."

*page_break

"Are you sure you don't want to come in for a swim?" a floating Miss Boss asks from her spot across the pool, interrupting Griffin. Your owl eyes can make out every droplet of water resting on her caramel-colored
*if attractwomen
	skin, especially the ones on her ample cleavage.
	*goto nahcode
*else
	skin, so you try not to stare.
	*goto nahcode

*label nahcode

"Nah, ${codenamed} likes it up here on dry land with me," Griffin says, placing a hand on your knee and blinding you once again with his smile.

Swiveling from Griffin to Miss Boss, you can't help but wonder how the slugger you ended up here. You feel like you're getting to sit at the popular table, and against expectations, they're actually being nice to you—they haven't even said anything about your owl head rotations. You wouldn't necessarily have thought you'd belong with this pair, but do you find it at all tempting to be considered one of them? 

*choice
	*if (attractwomen) #Get in the pool with Miss Boss to keep flirting, because I have a major crush on her.
		*set crushmissboss true
		*set rlshp_missboss %+25
		*set rlshp_griffin %-10

		*if pansex
			Which is new for you, since you're not usually attracted to binary gender identities. However, you've always promised yourself to remain open to falling for people without restrictions, so this isn't all that unusual in that sense. 
		*comment endif

		You make your way down into the pool, thankful that your body is mostly human today and not furry or feathery. As you wade closer to Miss Boss, she smiles at you and your heart starts pounding—but you are distracted by the disappointed sigh that Griffin lets out, evidently from being left behind.
		*goto betthsy
	*if (attractmen) #Stay close to Griffin to flirt with him, because I have a thing for him.
		*set crushgriffin true
		*set rlshp_griffin %+25

		*if pansex
			Which is new for you, since you're not usually attracted to binary gender identities. However, you've always promised yourself to remain open to falling for people without restrictions, so this isn't all that unusual in that sense. 
		*comment endif

		You stay seated behind Griffin and try to match the wattage of his smile. Your heart nearly skips a beat as he smiles back—he has the kind of eyes that make you feel like the only person in the world. You wonder how frequently he uses them…or whether you really even care, as long as they stay focused on you.
		*goto betthsy
	#I don't know anyone well enough to develop any real feelings, but I'm open to the possibility of a crush once we get to know each other better, based on my initial impressions.
		*if (bisex) or (pansex)
			*set crushgriffin true
			*set crushmissboss true
			*set rlshp_missboss %+10
			*set rlshp_griffin %+10
			*if pansex
				Which is new for you, since you're not usually attracted to binary gender identities. However, you've always promised yourself to remain open to falling for people without restrictions, so this isn't all that unusual in that sense. 
			*goto netutmbg
		*elseif (attractmen)
			*set crushgriffin true
			*set rlshp_griffin %+10
			*goto griffriend
		*else
			*set crushmissboss true
			*set rlshp_missboss %+10

			*label netutmbg
			
			You make sure to smile at Miss Boss, but stay seated beside Griffin as he speaks up once again.
			*goto betthsy
	#Stay where I am—and stay friendly. There's no harm in getting to know these two better, but I don't want to start anything.
		*set rlshp_griffin %+15
		*set rlshp_missboss %+15

		*label griffriend
		You stay seated behind Griffin and try to match the wattage of his smile. You find yourself disarmed by his lingering stare—he has the kind of eyes that make you feel like the only person in the room. Though you can't help but wonder how frequently he uses this particular charm….
		*goto betthsy
	#Stand up and step back, because I don't like the idea of being associated with either of these two yet.
		*set rlshp_griffin %-15
		*set rlshp_missboss %-15

		You stand up and take a few steps back, keeping your face even against the wattage of Griffin's lingering stare. He has the kind of eyes that make you feel like the only person in the room, but you have a feeling he uses them all the time to get what he wants….
		*goto betthsy

*label betthsy

"So I'm guessing your handler showed you the same parts of last night's episode that Kevin showed us, right?" Griffin asks. "I don't really understand why we can't see more. It's very weird being kept this much in the dark, so late in my career."

"Yep," you say, trying to relate. "I'm still curious to know who the Veterans are."

"I'd do anything to have unrestricted MeChip access again," Miss Boss adds. "I feel like an unplugged heathen back in the twentieth century, missing out on national news and what's going on in the world."

"Ah, you'll get access to all your gossip and fashion holo-zines once the show is over," Griffin says, winking at Miss Boss. "Hey, you'll probably even get to be on the cover of one, if we win this thing."

Miss Boss manages a smile for Griffin, but her eyes betray the gesture. You know Miss Boss thinks she needs Griffin's energy source for her telekinetic Powers in missions, but you wonder what she's really thinking underneath that strained smile of hers….

*page_break

"I remember my first holo-zine cover story, back when I won Charleston's Hero of the Year for the first time," Griffin says wistfully, setting his blue eyes on the cloudless sky. "I had just defeated the unbeatable Uncivil. Of course, it was much easier to recover from those battles when I was in my twenties."

You catch a momentary shadow of doubt crossing Griffin's face, and your mind immediately flashes back to his energy blast sputtering out at Smyther's Manor. You've always heard that Powers are like a muscle or a talent, that they need proper care and cultivation to last—and if you abuse them, they start to strain as you age. Thinking this, you wonder if perhaps Griffin needs Miss Boss much more than he is letting on, too.

"I envy you beginner heroes, really," Griffin goes on. "You have your whole career to learn the lessons I've learned. That's what I love about you two and Crystalline and Tarsiero and even poor Ignite. You're all so willing and eager to learn and grow from this experience."

You notice that Griffin has rather glaringly left Transfer off of his list. Still, you promised yourself you'd try to get to know these two a bit more before talking game, if only for the sake of the cameras, so you try to change the subject.

"Miss Boss, do you miss Reigna?" you try, settling your owl eyes on the fabric headband Miss Boss now wears in her hair, no doubt in honor of her eliminated best friend.

*page_break

Miss Boss flinches, and you can make out the threat of tears in her eyes with your owl vision, but she quickly covers these up. "Very much, thanks for asking," she says. "Reigna isn't just my best friend, she's my heroic partner. Still, I'm grateful to be able to work with Griffin, since our Powers are so complementary. I'm learning a lot from him."

"It's my pleasure, missy," Griffin answers before turning to you. "${codenamed}, did you know StarSoar very well? It's such a shame what happened to him. It's so sad when people can't control their Powers properly. They can really get the best of you if you let them."

You feel a flash of anger, hearing Griffin's words—but then you realize this anger may be fueled by guilt, given the fact you essentially took StarSoar's spot here. Wherever the anger comes from, you can't help but think: Who says whatever StarSoar potentially suffers from is a sign of weakness, some matter of control or willpower? You can feel words of protest bubbling up uncontrollably in your throat when suddenly Miss Boss speaks first.

"I'm just so thankful for the paycheck," Miss Boss jumps in, sending you a cautious side-glance. "I've been heroing for years, but this is the first time I'm really getting to make a full living off of it."

"It's so gratifying, isn't it?" Griffin says, seemingly unaware of whatever emotions you were just feeling. "I remember my first heroic paycheck; it was the best day of my career. Of course, I'm giving all my earnings from The Hero Project to charity, to support Powered youth programs."

*page_break

You keep your eyes on Miss Boss through Griffin's latest soliloquy and watch as she visibly grinds her teeth together. Once he's done speaking, however, Miss Boss twists her lips into another smile before responding to Griffin.

"If I make it to the Final 12, I think I can finally afford to rent an apartment up here in Millennia City," Miss Boss says, looking truly excited for the first time since you've met her. "Reigna and I have been trying to move to MC for years. Let me tell you, living in my Tía Camilla's house in the valley back in LA is getting really, really old."

"Well, I wouldn't worry about that, we'll all be living in this mansion as American Protectorate members if I have things my way," Griffin says. "What about you, ${codenamed}? Any plans for your income yet?"

Griffin asks you this question nonchalantly, as if you haven't already memorized every penny you'll be receiving for being here on The Hero Project. 

*page_break
*set moneyed +3000

SALARY RUNDOWN
*line_break
[b]Finalist Participation Through Finale:[/b] $10,000 (Received at Finale)
*line_break
[b]Final 14:[/b] $2,500 ($12,500 Total)
*line_break
[b]Final 13:[/b] +$500 ($13,000 Total)
*line_break
[b]Final 12:[/b] +$2,500 ($15,500 Total)
*line_break
[b]Final 11:[/b] +$500 ($16,000 Total)
*line_break
[b]Final 10:[/b] +$3,000 ($19,000 Total)
*line_break
[b]Final 9:[/b] +$2,000 ($21,000 Total)
*line_break
[b]Final 8:[/b] +$3,000 ($24,000 Total)
*line_break
[b]Final 7:[/b] +$2,000 ($26,000 Total)
*line_break
[b]Final 6:[/b] +$4,000 ($30,000 Total)
*line_break
[b]Winner:[/b] +$70,000 ($100,000 Total)
*line_break
[b]Winner:[/b] A One-Year Contract with The American Protectorate

If you make it just a couple more weeks, you'll have earned the equivalent of nearly eight months' worth of shifts at the Millennial Mews. It's stunning to you how just a few months ago you could barely get an interview for even the lowest-paying jobs—and any interviews you did manage to get went very poorly anyway, once they saw that you were Ani-Powered. 

You never thought you'd be in a position to make this much money this quickly, ever.

So despite yourself, you've already thought about how you'll start spending this money. Which means you are also very ready to answer Griffin's question:

*choice
	#"I'm going to use it to make a better life for my sister and me," I say, purposely remaining non-specific. It's my business how I'll spend this money.
		*set societal %-15
		*set public %-15
		*goto allgoodstuff
	#"I would love to use it to move my sister JK and me into a bigger apartment and get better health insurance."
		*set societal %-15
		*set public %+15
		*goto allgoodstuff
	#"I'd like to donate some of it to create an Underrepresented support program, to benefit other Disembodied, Ani, and Morpho-Powereds."
		*set societal %+15
		*set public %+15
		*goto allgoodstuff
	#"I want to use the money to make a difference," I say, purposely remaining non-specific. It's my business how I'll spend this money.
		*set societal %+15
		*set public %-15
		*goto allgoodstuff

*label allgoodstuff

"I'm using my moneys to buy more honeys!" a new voice suddenly shouts, just as soon as you finish speaking.

You turn and spot Tarsiero leaping off of the nearest balcony, his tarsier body curled into a tight cannonball. Before anyone can react, Tarsiero slams into the pool, sending great splashes of water cascading over everyone. Miss Boss catches the brunt of the soaking and looks pissed as hell about it at first, but by the time Tarsiero resurfaces, she is once again all smiles.

"Am I right, Boss lady?" Tarsiero asks, his wet fur waving in the water. "So what is everyone discussing? What did I miss? Oh hello, ${codenamed}, I didn't see you there! Neato eyes today, they look just like mine! #AniTwins!"

You nod at Tarsiero, shaking off your half-soaked costume. Before you can say anything to your newly arrived "AniTwin," Griffin speaks up once again—for better or worse.

"I'm glad you're here, Tarsy," Griffin says, his biceps flexing as he runs his fingers through his now-damp hair. "Especially because if we all want that final cash prize, we should probably talk about tonight's vote."

*page_break

Miss Boss and Tarsiero nod at Griffin, who seems to be preparing for another speech. You settle in to listen, figuring you had to get down to business sooner or later.

"We've all worked extremely hard to get to this point and we all want to stay here," Griffin begins. "So I think it would be crazy for us not to work together to make that happen. Especially since there's one Rookie who doesn't seem to want this as badly as the rest of us. Who doesn't even seem happy to be here in the first place."

Griffin knows he doesn't have to say Transfer's name—since ze and Crystalline are the only Rookies not currently present and Crystalline has Immunity, Transfer is the obvious remaining target. 
*if (officialtruehero = false)
	Besides, this just confirms what you were already told by Crystalline and Transfer earlier.
*comment endif

"${codenamed}, we wanted Crystalline to join us too, but she's in too much of a funk from Ignite's elimination to think clearly," Griffin continues. "Miss Boss, Tarsiero, and I have already made up our minds, which means we just need one more vote to hold the majority."

"I see," you say, not playing into Griffin's hands just yet. Instead, you turn to Miss Boss and Tarsiero in the pool. "And you both are already set on this plan, too?"

*page_break

Miss Boss and Tarsiero both nod at you, but don't speak. Which makes it clear who is running the show here, if it wasn't abundantly clear already.

"If you vote with us, you're solid and safe. But without us…" Griffin starts, his face growing uncharacteristically stern. "Well, why risk making enemies when we can just make this easy for everyone?"

It isn't exactly a threat, but Griffin certainly does let the idea hang in the air by going silent afterwards.

"Yeah, #RookiesUnited!" Tarsiero shouts with his fist in the air, oblivious to any potential tension. Beside him, Miss Boss just floats along and scratches Tarsiero behind the ear, causing him to smile and rub against her hand adoringly. 

*choice
	#The sight threatens to turn my stomach. [i]You're human, not an animal[/i], I want to scream at Tarsiero.
		You're thankfully distracted from this internal tirade as Miss Boss catches your eye. She smiles up at you with a loaded look in her eyes—almost as if she's trying to tell you to trust her and join up despite these other two.
		*if crushmissboss
			And you can't help but secretly hope this look might mean more, given your potential feelings about Miss Boss.

			The look may be reassuring, but unlike Tarsiero, you are no one's pet.
			*goto mbcrushtest
		*else
			The look may be reassuring, but unlike Tarsiero, you are no one's pet.
			*goto mbcrushtest
	#As annoying as Tarsiero might be, I don't want to judge him too harshly. I'd much rather have the opportunity to talk to him and learn more about why he acts the way he does.
		However, Griffin doesn't seem to want to give you the chance to have any side conversations here.

		*label loadedsmilemb
		You're interrupted from this thought, thankfully, as Miss Boss catches your eye. She smiles up at you with a loaded look in her eyes—almost as if she's trying to tell you to trust her and join up despite these other two.
		*if crushmissboss
			And you can't help but secretly hope this look might mean more, given your potential feelings about Miss Boss.

			The look may be reassuring, but it's going to be up to you to decide whether to be a leader or a follower like these two.
			*goto mbcrushtest
		*else
			The look may be reassuring, but it's up to you to decide whether to be a leader or a follower like these two.
			*goto mbcrushtest
	#I don't want to feel annoyed by Tarsiero at all. That's a potential Ani-based instinct I'm perfectly happy to suppress.
		*goto loadedsmilemb

*label mbcrushtest

That said, you also have to face up to the reality of the situation: Miss Boss and Griffin need each other whether they like it or not, so they'll clearly be sticking together. And they seem to have locked in Tarsiero by accepting his antics, so these three can't be separated—at least not in the next few hours, since you're sure Griffin won't be leaving them alone for a single second.

*if (officialloyalcit = false)
	Which means that if you want to stay in the majority, you need to vote with them and send Transfer home. Otherwise, if you vote with Crystalline and Transfer and force a tie against Griffin, it will be a major risk. If the public decides to eliminate Griffin in the tiebreaker, you'll be safe in the majority with Crystalline and Transfer, and Miss Boss and Tarsiero will be freed to connect with you all. However, if it doesn't go your way and Transfer is eliminated, you'll be left a sitting duck in the minority alongside Crystalline.

	*page_break

	Then again, you haven't really decided what you want from the competition past making the Final 12 to secure JK's final treatment. Do you care about staying or winning beyond that? Even if you don't, Loa Shift still has one task left for you to fulfill in the Final 12—who knows what resources or relationships you'll need to pull it off?
*comment endif

"So what do you think, ${codenamed}?" Griffin asks, causing everyone to settle their gazes on you.

You know that the real decision will come later tonight when you actually cast your vote, but you also know that you have to say something now, both for the Rookies and for the cameras.

*page_break

*if warningsysnine
	"Tally ho, owl below!" MeChip Prodigal chimes in once again.
	*if (officialloyalcit)
		"Just remember, you told Crystalline and Transfer that you're in an alliance with them. It's in your best interest to stick to your word, so don't go chasing waterfalls unless you feel that you absolutely have to!
		*goto thefirstgmbtchoiceprod
	*elseif (officialmanipulater) or (officialfloating)
		"Just remember, you told Crystalline and Transfer that you were considering targeting Griffin's gang. Do you mean to honor that or were you just playing the field? Whatever you really feel, it's probably best to leave your options open and continue to not make any concrete promises. Don't go chasing waterfalls unless you feel that you absolutely have to!
		*goto thefirstgmbtchoiceprod
	*elseif (officialtruehero)
		"Luckily you left things ambiguous with Crystalline and Transfer, so you're free to do what you want here without breaking your word. However, remember that you promised to vote to keep the team unified and strong, so don't go changing that tune unless you feel you absolutely have to!
		*goto thefirstgmbtchoiceprod
	*else
		"Luckily you left things ambiguous with Crystalline and Transfer, so you're free to do what you want here without breaking your word. Just remember, you'll probably be held accountable later for whatever you decide to say here!
		*goto thefirstgmbtchoiceprod
*else
	"Tally ho, owl below!" MeChip Prodigal chimes in, obviously feeling the need to weigh in here. "If my Warning System were activated, I could be of much more assistance in deciding what to do here. Still, it doesn't take a sophisticated program to tell you to follow through on what you said earlier to Crystalline and Transfer.
	*goto thefirstgmbtchoiceprod

*label thefirstgmbtchoiceprod

"Whatever you do decide, you'll be setting expectations that will have major consequences when you cast your vote later tonight. Remember, you don't want to say the wrong thing and end up on the chopping block yourself!"

Hearing these last words from Prodigal sends a jolt of nerves through your body—you hadn't even considered the possibility that the target might turn on you if you make the wrong move. So, taking a deep breath, you hope you're about to make the right move…

*choice
	#"I think you might be right about Transfer," I say to appease these three, without indicating loyalty or turning on the others.

		You swivel your owl eyes and can tell that everyone is pleased with your words, thankfully. Turning to Griffin, though, you can tell he expects you to follow up with more. You don't want to seem suspicious, but you also don't want make any promises you don't intend to keep…

		*if (officialmanipulater) or (officialfloating)
			*set legended +2
			*set rlshp_griffin %+15
			*set rlshp_missboss %+15
			*set rlshp_tarsiero %+15

			"Perfectly played, chicken," MeChip Prodigal suddenly says, appearing with a gold star of energy in her hands and a matching halo around her head. "Say no more!"
			*goto pasummon
		*elseif officialloyalcit
			*set legended -2
			*set rlshp_griffin %+5
			*set rlshp_missboss %+5
			*set rlshp_tarsiero %+5
			*set rlshp_crystalline %-10
			*set rlshp_transfer %-10
			*set officialloyalcit false
			*set officialmanipulater true
			*set officialfloating true
			*set youblindsidegriffin true
			*set youblindsidetarsiero true

			"Escándalo!" MeChip Prodigal suddenly cries, appearing with a red pitchfork and matching devil ears. "You were singing a very different tune with Crystalline and Transfer earlier, but you've just flipped the archetypal script. You're now going to be seen as more of a manipulator or floater than a loyalist, so you'd better stick to that story, chicken. You reap what you sow!"
			*goto pasummon
		*else
			*set rlshp_griffin %+5
			*set rlshp_missboss %+5
			*set rlshp_tarsiero %+5
			*set officialloyalgmbt false

			"Escándalo!" MeChip Prodigal suddenly cries, appearing with a red pitchfork and an opposing golden halo around her head. "Does this mean you've decided where you stand on the vote, my solo hero?"
			*goto pasummon
	#"I think you're wrong about Transfer. Ze might have had some trouble adjusting at first, but Transfer still really belongs here."

		You finish speaking and swivel to cast your owl eyes over everyone, seeing immediately that they are as surprised as they are disappointed to hear your words. Griffin just looks straight-up angry, but he also doesn't want to make things worse by lashing out at you.

		*if officialloyalcit
			*set legended +2
			*set rlshp_griffin %-20
			*set rlshp_missboss %-20
			*set rlshp_tarsiero %-20
			*set rlshp_crystalline %+10
			*set rlshp_transfer %+10

			"Perfectly played, chicken," MeChip Prodigal suddenly says, appearing with a gold star of energy in her hands and a matching halo around her head. "Say no more!"
			*goto pasummon
		*elseif officialtruehero
			*set rlshp_griffin %-20
			*set rlshp_missboss %-20
			*set rlshp_tarsiero %-20

			"Escándalo!" MeChip Prodigal suddenly cries, appearing with a red pitchfork and an opposing golden halo around her head. "Does this mean you've decided where you stand on the vote, my true hero?"
			*goto pasummon
		*else
			*set legended -2
			*set rlshp_griffin %-30
			*set rlshp_missboss %-30
			*set rlshp_tarsiero %-30
			*set officialsolostar true
			*set officialloyalcit true
			*set officialfloating false
			*set officialmanipulater false
			*set officialloyalgmbt false
			*set youblindsidetransfer true
			*set youblindsidetarsiero true

			"Escándalo!" MeChip Prodigal suddenly cries, appearing with a red pitchfork and matching devil ears. "If your goal was to please these Rookie heroes, this was not the right tune to sing! You just flipped the archetypal script, and you're now going to be seen as more of a soloist unless you want to officially align with Crystalline and Transfer. Whatever you decide, you had better stick to one story, chicken, for you reap what you sow!"
			*goto pasummon
	#"I definitely want to stick with you three, which means we have the official majority alliance."
		*set loyalgmbt +3

		You swivel your owl eyes and can tell that everyone is pleased with your words, thankfully. You turn to Griffin and find his smile beaming even brighter than usual.

		*if officialloyalgmbt
			*set legended +2
			*set rlshp_griffin %+30
			*set rlshp_missboss %+30
			*set rlshp_tarsiero %+30
			*set officialsolostar false

			"Perfectly played, chicken," MeChip Prodigal suddenly says, appearing with a gold star of energy in her hands and a matching halo around her head. "You just joined an alliance! You'll be expected to vote with them now, so I hope that's what you plan to do."
			*goto pasummon
		*elseif officialloyalcit
			*set legended -2
			*set rlshp_griffin %+15
			*set rlshp_missboss %+15
			*set rlshp_tarsiero %+15
			*set rlshp_crystalline %-20
			*set rlshp_transfer %-20
			*set officialmanipulater true
			*set officialfloating true
			*set officialloyalcit false
			*set youblindsidegriffin true
			*set youblindsidetarsiero true

			"Escándalo!" MeChip Prodigal suddenly cries, appearing with a red pitchfork and matching devil ears. "Playing both sides, chicken? I hope you're goal wasn't to seem loyal, because joining both alliances makes you seem like more of a manipulator or floater than a loyalist! You'd better stick to that story from now on. You reap what you sow!"
			*goto pasummon
		*else
			*set rlshp_griffin %+30
			*set rlshp_missboss %+30
			*set rlshp_tarsiero %+30
			*set officialloyalgmbt true
			*set officialmanipulater false
			*set officialfloating false
			*set officialtruehero false

			"Escándalo!" MeChip Prodigal suddenly cries, appearing with a red pitchfork and an opposing golden halo around her head. "You just joined an alliance! You'll be expected to vote with them now, so I hope that's what you plan to do!"
			*goto pasummon
	*if (officialtruehero) #"I want to keep the Rookies as strong as possible and protect our team unity, so I'll be voting privately to keep heroes here who feel the same," I repeat once again.

		You finish speaking and swivel to cast your owl eyes over everyone, seeing immediately that they are as surprised as they are disappointed to hear your words. Griffin just looks straight-up angry that you haven't blindly followed his lead, but he also doesn't want to make things worse by lashing out at you.
		*goto trueheroreroute
	#I don't say anything, because I now know what I need to do—and these three don't necessarily need to, yet.
		
		The three Rookies await your response anxiously, but your owl eyes just watch them all squirm uncomfortably through your silence. 

		*label trueheroreroute
		*if (officialtruehero) or (officialsolostar)
			*set legended +2
			*set rlshp_griffin %-5
			*set rlshp_missboss %-5
			*set rlshp_tarsiero %-5
			*set officialloyalgmbt false

			"Perfectly played, chicken," MeChip Prodigal suddenly says, appearing with a gold star of energy in her hands and a matching halo around her head.
			*if officialsolostar
				*set youblindsidegriffin true
				*goto pasummon
			*else
				*goto pasummon
		*elseif (officialloyalcit)
			*set rlshp_griffin %-15
			*set rlshp_missboss %-15
			*set rlshp_tarsiero %-15

			"Perfectly played, chicken," MeChip Prodigal suddenly says, appearing with a gold star of energy in her hands and a matching halo around her head. "As Mama Artillery always said, if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all!"
			*goto pasummon
		*else
			*set rlshp_griffin %-10
			*set rlshp_missboss %-10
			*set rlshp_tarsiero %-10
			*set youblindsidetarsiero true		

			"Escándalo!" MeChip Prodigal suddenly cries, appearing with a red pitchfork and an opposing golden halo around her head. "You won't make many friends this way, but at least you're keeping your options open by not making any promises. I just hope you have a plan in place, chickadee!"
			*goto pasummon

*label pasummon

Before you can even process what MeChip Prodigal just said, a production assistant suddenly appears poolside beside you.

*page_break

"${codenamed}, Weaver needs to see you," the PA says. "Right away?"

Given the urgency of this message, you know Weaver must want to get you out of this situation quickly. Which is just as well, since it gives you the opportunity to leave things exactly where they are.

As you make your way away from the pool, you know that you might not have gotten to hear their spoken reactions, but luckily your owl eyes have told you all you need to know about Griffin, Miss Boss, and Tarsiero's feelings.

"See you all later," you say, waving as you follow the PA. "I'm sure it's going to be quite the night."

*finish NEXT CHAPTER: REAL FEEL
