You mull over the questions, your mind trying to decipher what would be the most appealing for Eiko to hear. She wouldn't ask if your answers were expected, though you don't know what she knows of you either. You regret even more how you hadn't had the chance to talk to her before this...

"I like the gang. I don't mesh too well with the culture sometimes, but the folks are alright. And it pays the bills." You try to keep it nonchalant.

As you speak, she munches on the orange chicken quietly, expression neutral. You find yourself averting your eyes to the food every few seconds to get a break from her.. undressing stare. Your fingers instinctively twitch to drum them. You can't help feeling nervous.

More the interrogated than the interrogator.

"The Boss? Well... I'm not gonna complain to his face. He may be a suspicious bastard, but he doesn't expect us to throw our lives away for him. Or, well, he didn't used to.. And I'm not exactly gonna to volunteer for the cavalry either.. And if he asks, I'll deny it."

Which is true. A few others feel the same way you do, but they keep it to themselves. Everyone else seems to have this overzealous loyalty, the cash stuffing their heads instead of sense. The power too, of course. The Boss has created a pretty cushy throne in the city, whatever law enforcement leftover from that last purge now dug deep into the dirt under his heel. And a lot of people like how he'll look the other way no matter what you do, as long as you're keeping the cash flow good and not getting any funny ideas. You can beat on anyone you want, walk anywhere you want, offer cash and false promises of protection. Dangle it over peoples' heads and laugh at the way those poor suckers will cling to a shred of decent living.

Maybe that makes you a bad person, to be a part of this. You do what you do, finding the people running away from their debts, just to drag them back into this wolfs den to be eaten up. You look the other way, get your cash, and keep quiet. But not outright endorsing, not doing any extra shit. And when the pups are getting too hot with the city folk, you'll tell them to knock it off.

... Everyone has to be a little bad to live decently around here.. Not just you.



Refocus. There. Eiko's gaze softens just a bit, your nose tuning in to the easier, almost lighter air she starts to exude. Her friendliness steadily increases. Close to half now. Your ears perk up as you try to press on.

"It doesn't really feel like he's looking out for the people below him like a leader should, you know?" You don't know how much of that you believe.

Eiko though seems to sigh, leaning forward, and you find yourself leaning in too.

"That's true... A leader should take some responsibility too. Your group's only as good as you are, right?"

That doesn't sound wrong...

Her tone takes on a gentleness that gives you pause, the strain on her throat coloring her voice with a certain depth, "We do this to earn a living, but it's what we have to do. You, me, we're just doing what we can, right? But Julien... he's only doing what he wants. While we're just collateral. Despite all that what we do for him." She gestures, "But without us.. What does that make him?"

Eiko's not... not wrong. But the implications leave you pause.

"I'm not sure.."

Her hand brushes against yours, "You do know. You don't have to pretend. And I won't say anything."

Your mind whirrs, the gears hitting against each other.

"Why do you ask?"

Eiko stares, "Because I care. I didn't always, but I care now."

... Was she always like this? This doesn't sound like the Eiko you've heard about.. And what did that mean? That she cares now?

"What, um.. What exactly happened on that mission? The one earlier today?"

Is the mission why she's asking you to be a traitor?



For a moment, you think you asked the wrong question. It's not obvious in her features. Instead, her scent takes on a harshness, a perfume a bit too strong, grabbing hold of you.

You trace the red lines of her bloodshot eyes as you stare into each other.

Eiko's voice follows, deceptively sweet, "Do you really want to know?"

You find yourself inching closer and closer, the gap between you starting to close.

"Yes."