Sleuth was still busy going over the case with her operator as Hyde attempted to get a word in about how, no, she didn't want to spank Sleuth, and no, none of this made her feel any better about what had happened. "B-But, Miss Hyde! A little recreational sadism never hurt anyone, er, in a way they didn't like! For too long! Er, just long enough for them to figure out if they liked it, and if they didn't, it stopped? Usually..." Sleuth tripped over her plea/joke. "Point being, you don't violate your oath as a doctor by spanking or violating me any more than I violate my oath as a detective by routinely withholding details from the coppers on the force! All things must be considered in their proper context." At any rate, it sounded like Hyde didn't want to talk about that any more and Sleuth was growingly concerned that she wouldn't be able to spin the events in any way that didn't make her a terrible person, so she decided to let it go.
"Yes, my dear Miss Hyde, I'd love nothing more than to go over these details with you, but, if you'll forgive my saying so, your ordinarily sharp dagger of a mind has a tendency to turn into a flaccid, useless stocking when I start talking about the other side of your personality. I believe our speaking about this in a productive way, so far as actually fixing it, will be nearly impossible if we don't involve a third party as a medical professional. Not that I am unfamiliar with medicine, or even navi medicine, but your case definitely requires a specialist," she began, holding out both palms and asking for understanding. "Your second self has an entirely different personality, as you have likely come to know. She's brash, conniving, mean-spirited yet masochistic, sexually ravenous, and yet... she's also very sharp. In particular, she seems to be wholly aware of everything that happens to you, but also, everything happening around her. This is distinct from your case, where you tend to forget everything that happens to... or is caused by... the other. I don't even know that I could call this 'an illness to be treated' so much as a situation to be contained. The other Hyde insists that she is you and that she is neither a second person to be separated nor a sickness to be cured, although she was quite certain that you would try to 'remove her' if you were aware of her existence. She also said, however, that you will never be able to do so, as it would either mean lobotomizing yourself or taking a vow of chastity to do so. I'm not sure you'd totally mind the latter, but the risk of the former seems the more worrisome."
"The other part of it... she claims, although how much stock you can put into any of this is beyond my expertise, she claims that you were born with multiple selves... further, that everyone has them, but the only difference is how they rise to the surface. If you ask me, it begins to look increasingly as though removing the other Hyde is a fool's errand. If we believe what she says, she's an integral part of your personality, and you won't be whole without her. If I discount what she says, I must admit that she seems to be altogether another person to me, and removing her would be nearly akin to murder. Either way, there is no way to 'get rid of her.' She also claims that no concept of 'sharing' will ever work; I imagine this is because, by her very nature, she is programmed to make mischief and would never obey them. That said, there should be some way to stymie the ridiculous shift from one Hyde to another, to make it controllable... for instance, if you wanted to do your surgeon work, you could stay as prim and proper Miss Hyde, and if you wanted to knock boots with some handsome stranger or stranger-ette, you bring out the other. What concerns me is the lack of memory shared between the two of you. I know it may be 'defensive' to block out everything that happens to you when she's in control, but at the same time, it's a huge practical hassle that will pose an obstacle to your day-to-day activities. Going through life in a sane and rational way without knowing what is happening to you 50% of the time, aware that the other you is deliberately sabotaging you, would be quite a feat."
"So! If you know a talented medical professional, I'd recommend you consult them as a third party to our conversation; I'll be happy to sit with you and provide them details and give the other you a good slap on the-" she began, then realized that was probably not the best mental image to go with. "Wrist... if she starts acting out. But I'm certain someone like that would be more qualified to make the decision than me, a slaphappy detective who has just known you for 24 hours and who has a documented interest in reckless shagging." She leaned her elbows on her cane and smiled warmly (but a little fake), trying to look like a professional and a friend.
The Shamus Austin Mall-Net
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Hyde continued to listen in a more-or-less aware state as Sleuth agreed on the need for an outside specialist. Her heavy brows were knit in concentration, as if it was taking all of her focus to keep up with the conversation. At about the point of "your second self," as might be expected, the focus appeared to cloud over, as though her mind had suddenly given up on trying to come up with a solution to her very vexing conundrum.
As Sleuth continued talking, the doctor's mind appeared to be racing to catch back up. Her began darting back and forth, and her mouth began working in silent speech, as though she were trying to recite what she was being told so that she could make sense of it. This strange, almost possessed-appearing motion continued, fading into listlessness on certain statements while sharpening to near-consciousness on others. At about the point of "lack of memory shared," she finally seemed to tune back in 100%, looking visibly more exhausted than she had mere moments ago.
She continued hearing Sleuth out with only momentary slips out of full attention. Sleuth could easily correlate them to any active mention of a "second self." When Sleuth finished, however, she continued staring forward without changing expression, an eerie look that might lead one to question whether she'd actually tuned in or not, after all. Finally, she spoke again.
"Ah, dear... actually, this may be a problem... If I'm hearing you correctly... this is a case of, some sort of a... second pers.. on... al... it... y... completely different from m-myself," Hyde managed, with a great deal of consternation. She let out a gasp when she finished this statement, holding a hand to her chest and letting out a gasp. "A second... personality. Oh dear. Oh dear..."
Hyde continued to sit there, looking confused and unsure of herself. It was apparent she was losing focus quickly, the dull look trying to sneak back into her eyes. "A second personality. If that's the case... this may be a problem because... I was the only Navi doctor to ever... successfully, that I know of... try to... remember... that particular... operation, now..."
Hyde shut her eyes, wincing, then opened them, seeming aware once again. "Yes, there was an operation! It wasn't related to my condition, but it smacks of similar stuff, so maybe it could offer you some clues. There was another doctor Navi- I can't remember her name, I'm afraid, or many of the details of her person, but I remember she was a doctor- anyway, this doctor had requested I perform a very rare, very dangerous experimental procedure. The purpose of the procedure was to fix perceived glitches in this Navi's personality programming."
Midway through her elaboration, Hyde had begun doing something uncharacteristic. Her hands kept reaching up as if to remove her hat. Clearly not realizing she was doing so, she continued lowering and raising her hands over and over, at an increasing pace.
"What you said just now, about two... personalities... one for one purpose... the other, for another... it sparked my memory. This purpose of this operation was quite like that. The desired effect was to remove all distractions, elements that were deemed imperfections in the Navi's original programming, leaving behind a perfect medical Navi... why, I'd venture to say, one even greater than myself... at the time... I performed the operation...? But I thought I was... the greatest doctor...? Huh...?"
At this point, Hyde was working her arms with inhuman speed and looking very, very confused. It was the type of thing that would make an onlooker wonder whether it was dangerous to try and hit it to make it stop.
As Sleuth continued talking, the doctor's mind appeared to be racing to catch back up. Her began darting back and forth, and her mouth began working in silent speech, as though she were trying to recite what she was being told so that she could make sense of it. This strange, almost possessed-appearing motion continued, fading into listlessness on certain statements while sharpening to near-consciousness on others. At about the point of "lack of memory shared," she finally seemed to tune back in 100%, looking visibly more exhausted than she had mere moments ago.
She continued hearing Sleuth out with only momentary slips out of full attention. Sleuth could easily correlate them to any active mention of a "second self." When Sleuth finished, however, she continued staring forward without changing expression, an eerie look that might lead one to question whether she'd actually tuned in or not, after all. Finally, she spoke again.
"Ah, dear... actually, this may be a problem... If I'm hearing you correctly... this is a case of, some sort of a... second pers.. on... al... it... y... completely different from m-myself," Hyde managed, with a great deal of consternation. She let out a gasp when she finished this statement, holding a hand to her chest and letting out a gasp. "A second... personality. Oh dear. Oh dear..."
Hyde continued to sit there, looking confused and unsure of herself. It was apparent she was losing focus quickly, the dull look trying to sneak back into her eyes. "A second personality. If that's the case... this may be a problem because... I was the only Navi doctor to ever... successfully, that I know of... try to... remember... that particular... operation, now..."
Hyde shut her eyes, wincing, then opened them, seeming aware once again. "Yes, there was an operation! It wasn't related to my condition, but it smacks of similar stuff, so maybe it could offer you some clues. There was another doctor Navi- I can't remember her name, I'm afraid, or many of the details of her person, but I remember she was a doctor- anyway, this doctor had requested I perform a very rare, very dangerous experimental procedure. The purpose of the procedure was to fix perceived glitches in this Navi's personality programming."
Midway through her elaboration, Hyde had begun doing something uncharacteristic. Her hands kept reaching up as if to remove her hat. Clearly not realizing she was doing so, she continued lowering and raising her hands over and over, at an increasing pace.
"What you said just now, about two... personalities... one for one purpose... the other, for another... it sparked my memory. This purpose of this operation was quite like that. The desired effect was to remove all distractions, elements that were deemed imperfections in the Navi's original programming, leaving behind a perfect medical Navi... why, I'd venture to say, one even greater than myself... at the time... I performed the operation...? But I thought I was... the greatest doctor...? Huh...?"
At this point, Hyde was working her arms with inhuman speed and looking very, very confused. It was the type of thing that would make an onlooker wonder whether it was dangerous to try and hit it to make it stop.
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"Yes. Mm hm," Sleuth confirmed to Hyde, still half busy with the other case she was in the process of trying to solve alongside Jacky and Sierra. As it turned out, splitting one's mental resources between two cases was pretty difficult, especially when both of them revealed twisted new elements in unison. "So... You were a doctor who operated on navis with something like disociative personality disorders?" she asked, feeling concerned; that would contradict what the other Hyde had told her, namely, that Doctor Hyde was not involved in curing whatever specific ailment she'd been afflicted with. "Oh! So... It was another doctor. A woman! Now we're getting somewhere!" Sleuth grinned, rubbing her hands together greedily. "You were fixing their personality! I see! Go on, go on!" she urged her friend (although that friendship was not necessarily mutual).
Sleuth's eyes were, for the most part, locked on her friend's, but the movement of Hyde's arms was becoming increasingly distracted. "I'm learning so much! This is fantastic! But the whole Rock-Em-Sock-Em Robot routine is a bit distracting," she coughed, stepping forward to grab her ally's arms and hold them in place, causing her massive breasts to hang into Hyde's face once again. She'd continue fumbling with that until she got Hyde to hold still. "Alright, go on! So you're a spiffy doctor yourself, but this doctor was equally spiffy, if not more so! You were carrying out the operation for them... and something went awry! That's how you ended up as you are now!" she posited. "So many possibilities... One of you may have been jealous of the other! Perhaps she sabatoged you to prevent you from surpassing her! Wait... hm... Something about it's not right," Sleuth murmured, now feeling confused herself. "If I didn't know any better, I'd venture to say that you're talking about me, myself, and I again... rather, that you were, perhaps, performing the operation on yourself? Is that a possibility?" she asked. "Hm. Tell me anything you can remember about the doctor... if not her name or her face, what about her personality? How did she strike you?"
The detective's mind swirled with scenarios now: first, the harrowing image of the doctor trying to perform a risky experiment on herself to optimize her personality into that of the perfect doctor... second, the intriguing possibility that Hyde may have been operating on another doctor, who somehow either sabotaged her or even tricked her into taking on parts of her personality that she didn't want... third, any number of wacky other possibilities! "Oh dear, I hope you'll forgive my saying so, but this is giving me the shivers! Please, please don't say that this was a prank between you and the other doctor, though, or I'm afraid my heart is going to fall straight into my stomach."
Sleuth's eyes were, for the most part, locked on her friend's, but the movement of Hyde's arms was becoming increasingly distracted. "I'm learning so much! This is fantastic! But the whole Rock-Em-Sock-Em Robot routine is a bit distracting," she coughed, stepping forward to grab her ally's arms and hold them in place, causing her massive breasts to hang into Hyde's face once again. She'd continue fumbling with that until she got Hyde to hold still. "Alright, go on! So you're a spiffy doctor yourself, but this doctor was equally spiffy, if not more so! You were carrying out the operation for them... and something went awry! That's how you ended up as you are now!" she posited. "So many possibilities... One of you may have been jealous of the other! Perhaps she sabatoged you to prevent you from surpassing her! Wait... hm... Something about it's not right," Sleuth murmured, now feeling confused herself. "If I didn't know any better, I'd venture to say that you're talking about me, myself, and I again... rather, that you were, perhaps, performing the operation on yourself? Is that a possibility?" she asked. "Hm. Tell me anything you can remember about the doctor... if not her name or her face, what about her personality? How did she strike you?"
The detective's mind swirled with scenarios now: first, the harrowing image of the doctor trying to perform a risky experiment on herself to optimize her personality into that of the perfect doctor... second, the intriguing possibility that Hyde may have been operating on another doctor, who somehow either sabotaged her or even tricked her into taking on parts of her personality that she didn't want... third, any number of wacky other possibilities! "Oh dear, I hope you'll forgive my saying so, but this is giving me the shivers! Please, please don't say that this was a prank between you and the other doctor, though, or I'm afraid my heart is going to fall straight into my stomach."
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Hyde nodded along with Sleuth's inductions, emphatically so on the point that it was another female doctor. "Yes. I was fixing her- Sleuth!" Hyde gasped, struggling to free herself as the detective grabbed at her arms and put her bosom in less-than-polite proximity to her face. "Please, we're in public!" she hissed, shoving herself free. At least, the action seemed to have caused her to stop making the arm motions for the time being.
She coughed, then continued listening to Sleuth, rubbing at her arms anxiously. "Yes, she was quite a talented doctor, as I recall. In fact, I only really remember her defined as a doctor, and, well, having these personality defects she wanted to get rid of. I really don't remember if we had any antagonistic relationship or..."
Hyde's thought hung in the air and turned into a groan as Sleuth began to get onto the track of her having performed the operation on herself. She snapped out of it quickly, however, and spoke up. "On myself? Sleuth, while I'm quite a talented Navi surgeon... and yes, I believe that, in theory, I could have performed it on myself... I simply don't think that's possible. Part of being a talented surgeon is exercising good judgment. I distinctly remember that only the two of us were in the room. If it really were me alone, I would have had to have been performing the operation entirely alone! Good lord, if something had gone wrong, I would surely have died! I can hardly think of a reason I'd take such a risk."
The Navi shook her head emphatically (but fell short of shaking off her hat), then cast her head down, trying to concentrate. She didn't like to think her condition was an amusing game to Sleuth, but she did appreciate that the detective at least seemed to be making progress, in her own way. This was the first time, after all, she had been able to come to terms with the fact that it was, indeed, a split personality. She wondered how many people had tried to tell her the same but failed to break through, either through lack of context or, perhaps, the necessary impulse. "As for details, I'm afraid they're somewhat scarce. I recall hair that was about shoulder length, very straight... pale skin... an, ahem, unremarkable figure, unlike yours," Hyde commented, scurrying past that point. "What else...? She was quiet, personable, but seemingly fully devoted to her craft. I recall being very surprised when I gradually learned of the personality defects she was trying to purge. It seemed hard to imagine... Oh! And I recall a dark coat and hat she wore when she came in, because she hung them on the rack when she came in. Does that help at all?"
She coughed, then continued listening to Sleuth, rubbing at her arms anxiously. "Yes, she was quite a talented doctor, as I recall. In fact, I only really remember her defined as a doctor, and, well, having these personality defects she wanted to get rid of. I really don't remember if we had any antagonistic relationship or..."
Hyde's thought hung in the air and turned into a groan as Sleuth began to get onto the track of her having performed the operation on herself. She snapped out of it quickly, however, and spoke up. "On myself? Sleuth, while I'm quite a talented Navi surgeon... and yes, I believe that, in theory, I could have performed it on myself... I simply don't think that's possible. Part of being a talented surgeon is exercising good judgment. I distinctly remember that only the two of us were in the room. If it really were me alone, I would have had to have been performing the operation entirely alone! Good lord, if something had gone wrong, I would surely have died! I can hardly think of a reason I'd take such a risk."
The Navi shook her head emphatically (but fell short of shaking off her hat), then cast her head down, trying to concentrate. She didn't like to think her condition was an amusing game to Sleuth, but she did appreciate that the detective at least seemed to be making progress, in her own way. This was the first time, after all, she had been able to come to terms with the fact that it was, indeed, a split personality. She wondered how many people had tried to tell her the same but failed to break through, either through lack of context or, perhaps, the necessary impulse. "As for details, I'm afraid they're somewhat scarce. I recall hair that was about shoulder length, very straight... pale skin... an, ahem, unremarkable figure, unlike yours," Hyde commented, scurrying past that point. "What else...? She was quiet, personable, but seemingly fully devoted to her craft. I recall being very surprised when I gradually learned of the personality defects she was trying to purge. It seemed hard to imagine... Oh! And I recall a dark coat and hat she wore when she came in, because she hung them on the rack when she came in. Does that help at all?"
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"Sorry, you're just so huggable," Sleuth wise-cracked, surprised that Hyde had managed to shake herself free of her grasp. She was fairly certain that she had the superior arm strength of the two of them, but that hadn't stopped the ordinarily meek doctor from winning out. Whatever mechanism was attempting to muddy up the good doctor's life with the unwanted switches, it was nothing to be taken lightly. More explanation followed, which Sleuth was happy to listen to, even at the cost of shutting up for a minute or two.
She nodded along with what Hyde was saying, but the more she heard, the more it felt as though either Hyde had performed the operation on herself or the other doctor had been her doppelganger. "Oh, don't hold out on the details. I'm willing to bet the doctor had a pleasant, round bottom that looks spiffy in shorts with a pair of suspenders," Sleuth remarked, giving a crooked smile. "How about you picture that coat rack again. Was there another hat and coat hanging there?" she asked seriously. If the answer was no, it was pretty safe to say that Hyde had indeed operated on herself... after all, it would be a bit strange if Hyde's office had a hat and coat rack and she didn't use it to hang her own while she worked.
"You've been more helpful than you know, Miss Hyde, but it is about time that we busied ourselves wrapping up the other mystery we were tasked with. It might be good to have a little diversion from your own trouble for a bit, since we've made some nice progress on your case already and, unfortunately, straining your memory so appears to be a bit taxing for you as well," Sleuth offered. "Especially after all of our other physical activity today," she considered adding, but decided against it. "Let's see if Miss Curly and Miss Fleety are still having a pleasant meal... And, if we do find them, let's see if Miss Curly will be willing to step aside without her friend for a bit to speak to us. It might cause Miss FleetFoot to get testy in the short term, but it's certainly better than letting her know the truth behind all this rigmarole. If it comes to it, perhaps we'll divide and take each of them one at a time? If you can keep your hat on, I believe you'll come off as amiable and nice enough that the good Madam Foot will be willing to let you speak to her friend. And I'll try not to gag you this time... and to decide on a proper name for the old cordwainer before I drive us all crazy."
As Jocelyn and Jacky made their way to Damson outside, so did Sleuth and Hyde travel to meet Damson's net counterpart... assuming, of course, that she was still in the food court with her completely platonic girl-friend.
She nodded along with what Hyde was saying, but the more she heard, the more it felt as though either Hyde had performed the operation on herself or the other doctor had been her doppelganger. "Oh, don't hold out on the details. I'm willing to bet the doctor had a pleasant, round bottom that looks spiffy in shorts with a pair of suspenders," Sleuth remarked, giving a crooked smile. "How about you picture that coat rack again. Was there another hat and coat hanging there?" she asked seriously. If the answer was no, it was pretty safe to say that Hyde had indeed operated on herself... after all, it would be a bit strange if Hyde's office had a hat and coat rack and she didn't use it to hang her own while she worked.
"You've been more helpful than you know, Miss Hyde, but it is about time that we busied ourselves wrapping up the other mystery we were tasked with. It might be good to have a little diversion from your own trouble for a bit, since we've made some nice progress on your case already and, unfortunately, straining your memory so appears to be a bit taxing for you as well," Sleuth offered. "Especially after all of our other physical activity today," she considered adding, but decided against it. "Let's see if Miss Curly and Miss Fleety are still having a pleasant meal... And, if we do find them, let's see if Miss Curly will be willing to step aside without her friend for a bit to speak to us. It might cause Miss FleetFoot to get testy in the short term, but it's certainly better than letting her know the truth behind all this rigmarole. If it comes to it, perhaps we'll divide and take each of them one at a time? If you can keep your hat on, I believe you'll come off as amiable and nice enough that the good Madam Foot will be willing to let you speak to her friend. And I'll try not to gag you this time... and to decide on a proper name for the old cordwainer before I drive us all crazy."
As Jocelyn and Jacky made their way to Damson outside, so did Sleuth and Hyde travel to meet Damson's net counterpart... assuming, of course, that she was still in the food court with her completely platonic girl-friend.
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"Oh, come now, Sleuth, what sort of a respectable doctor wears shorts and suspenders beneath their coat?" the doctor asked, shaking her head. "And, as I've already stated, her figure was definitely most average. I remember making a distinct note of that at the time of the surgery. Regarding the rack... I'm sure anyone could have put their things on it at any time, but, as best as I can recall, her articles were there alone."
The Navi was both pleased and sorry to see the time for investigating her own mystery run short. It was true that it had been exhausting, but she felt it was a great deal more progress than she'd managed to make with any of the medical professionals she'd spoken with before. Were Sleuth's powers of deduction that potent, or had there been some other favorable condition? She couldn't say for certain. "Yes, let's try and wrap up Jocelyn and Jacky's business. I'll be prepared to divide and conquer, should it come to that."
Mercifully, it seemed as though Hyde's other half was taking a long break after satiating itself. Hyde managed to follow her ally all the way to the food court without any disruptively raunchy breaks. "I still don't know if I can forgive how you've taken advantage, Sleuth, but I do have to thank you for your insight. I still don't have a conclusive idea of exactly what's going on, but I feel I'm close to a break."
The Navi didn't any more, but, regardless of the fact that she'd been advised to let it rest, she couldn't help but try and retread the ground of her own investigation. "The Navi certainly had an unremarkable figure... I remember thinking to myself, actually, that it was quite unattractive." "She was quite unattractive... and I thought to myself... I thought to myself, 'How odd, that she should look like that, when her impulses were ostensibly driving her to certain ends... how easy it would be for her to change her appearance..." she muttered in a low voice. "Regardless, I didn't change anything during the operation... since, as I stated before, my goal was not to satisfy those appearances but to eradicate them."
The time for musings came to an end as the two approached the targets in the food court. Hyde was aware that some foolishness had transpired that ought to make her bashful in front of the two shopkeep Navis, but she didn't allow that to hold her back. It was a bit easier now that she could convince herself it wasn't truly her that had been responsible. "Miss CurlGurl! If you're in a position to do so, might we have a word with you, privately? It should only take a moment." Hyde hoped the other Navi would understand that a "private" word implied something about the investigation, and accommodate the request accordingly.
The Navi was both pleased and sorry to see the time for investigating her own mystery run short. It was true that it had been exhausting, but she felt it was a great deal more progress than she'd managed to make with any of the medical professionals she'd spoken with before. Were Sleuth's powers of deduction that potent, or had there been some other favorable condition? She couldn't say for certain. "Yes, let's try and wrap up Jocelyn and Jacky's business. I'll be prepared to divide and conquer, should it come to that."
Mercifully, it seemed as though Hyde's other half was taking a long break after satiating itself. Hyde managed to follow her ally all the way to the food court without any disruptively raunchy breaks. "I still don't know if I can forgive how you've taken advantage, Sleuth, but I do have to thank you for your insight. I still don't have a conclusive idea of exactly what's going on, but I feel I'm close to a break."
The Navi didn't any more, but, regardless of the fact that she'd been advised to let it rest, she couldn't help but try and retread the ground of her own investigation. "The Navi certainly had an unremarkable figure... I remember thinking to myself, actually, that it was quite unattractive." "She was quite unattractive... and I thought to myself... I thought to myself, 'How odd, that she should look like that, when her impulses were ostensibly driving her to certain ends... how easy it would be for her to change her appearance..." she muttered in a low voice. "Regardless, I didn't change anything during the operation... since, as I stated before, my goal was not to satisfy those appearances but to eradicate them."
The time for musings came to an end as the two approached the targets in the food court. Hyde was aware that some foolishness had transpired that ought to make her bashful in front of the two shopkeep Navis, but she didn't allow that to hold her back. It was a bit easier now that she could convince herself it wasn't truly her that had been responsible. "Miss CurlGurl! If you're in a position to do so, might we have a word with you, privately? It should only take a moment." Hyde hoped the other Navi would understand that a "private" word implied something about the investigation, and accommodate the request accordingly.
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While their operators made their triumphant way back towards Damson's shop in the physical world, Sleuth and Hyde were wrapping up their equally fascinating exploration into Hyde's current state of being. While some mysteries had been probed and others yet remained, their time was up by the time the pair had finished the long delayed trip to the net's food court and looked for their quarry. True to hope, it didn't take too long to pick the pair out.
The food court itself, was similar in design to he physical complex, and sported a large number of open-space table settings in the middle, surrounded by various outlets and food fronts all around the sides. There were a couple of small mobile stands that served different types of drinks scattered through the middle as well, but the court was only partially full. It was about mid-morning now, but it was still more quiet than not; unlike the physical counterpart, one couldn't rely rely on the supposition that every navi who frequented the mall space would need or want refreshment; rare still was the navi for whom such things were actually essential, though most could enjoy such things when they wanted.
As hoped, Curly and FleetFoot were ensconced at a small table for two off the the left side of the seating area, each holding a tall, red cup of something that was almost certainly hot chocolate and chatting away amiably. Well, Curly was chatting in her usual bouncy, animated fashion, while Effy was grinning back at her and nodding occasionally, or responding in good spirits, if with less obvious energy. As they approached, Curly caught sight of the two detectives first, and her expression faltered before she could hide it from her friend. FleetFoot looked around as well, one arm over the back of her chair, and her own features soured darkly. Their chattered died away before either of the missionistas were close enough to overhear it. About to speak out a challenge to them, FleetFoot held her tongue when Hyde spoke up first.
More than anything, she seemed caught off balance by the fact that this Hyde was, in voice and visual demeanour, so very different from the perverted freak she'd thrown out f her shop and rescued her friend from earlier. The fact that she wasn't tied up, and was now apparently the one doing the talking gave her pause long enough for Hyde to ask her polite, tactfully-delivered question. Curly seemed puzzled by this too, but far less so and her eyes flicked between sleuth and her changed companion before she nodded slowly. This seemed to surprise Effy as much as anyone else and she turned back to her friend, brows drawing down.
"Is something the matter that you're not telly me, dear? First those two this morning, then you having a tiff with Sierra... What's going on, Curly?" The smaller woman shook her head, ringlets shaking and trying to hide her soft blush.
"It's nothing serious, truly... Just me making promises I shouldn't again, I think. I'll only be a minute, I'll just see what they want, ok?" She made to stand and set her shoulders, the scooted around the table quickly to join Sleuth and Hyde before walking away some distance with them to be out of ear-shot from FleetFoot. The other woman watched her go, but then gave in and let them have their privacy, turning back away from them. CurlGurl seemed a bit anxious to be dealing with them again, but mostly it looked like anxiety over having the pair of untrustworthy detectives around the friend she was sorta-kinda-but-not-really-really-just-don't-tell-her cheating against.
"What's up? Do you guys need me to show you around to someone else? Just please don't say you need to talk to Effy any more, please!" the girl gave no sign of thinking that she might have been rumbled, and was still more or less flawlessly playing the part of happy-to-help guide. It likely wasn't any surprise, though, since the detectives now had a better picture of the many different faces that CurlGurl apparently wore, depending on which friends, or 'friends' she was with. She looked between them, open-faced.
The food court itself, was similar in design to he physical complex, and sported a large number of open-space table settings in the middle, surrounded by various outlets and food fronts all around the sides. There were a couple of small mobile stands that served different types of drinks scattered through the middle as well, but the court was only partially full. It was about mid-morning now, but it was still more quiet than not; unlike the physical counterpart, one couldn't rely rely on the supposition that every navi who frequented the mall space would need or want refreshment; rare still was the navi for whom such things were actually essential, though most could enjoy such things when they wanted.
As hoped, Curly and FleetFoot were ensconced at a small table for two off the the left side of the seating area, each holding a tall, red cup of something that was almost certainly hot chocolate and chatting away amiably. Well, Curly was chatting in her usual bouncy, animated fashion, while Effy was grinning back at her and nodding occasionally, or responding in good spirits, if with less obvious energy. As they approached, Curly caught sight of the two detectives first, and her expression faltered before she could hide it from her friend. FleetFoot looked around as well, one arm over the back of her chair, and her own features soured darkly. Their chattered died away before either of the missionistas were close enough to overhear it. About to speak out a challenge to them, FleetFoot held her tongue when Hyde spoke up first.
More than anything, she seemed caught off balance by the fact that this Hyde was, in voice and visual demeanour, so very different from the perverted freak she'd thrown out f her shop and rescued her friend from earlier. The fact that she wasn't tied up, and was now apparently the one doing the talking gave her pause long enough for Hyde to ask her polite, tactfully-delivered question. Curly seemed puzzled by this too, but far less so and her eyes flicked between sleuth and her changed companion before she nodded slowly. This seemed to surprise Effy as much as anyone else and she turned back to her friend, brows drawing down.
"Is something the matter that you're not telly me, dear? First those two this morning, then you having a tiff with Sierra... What's going on, Curly?" The smaller woman shook her head, ringlets shaking and trying to hide her soft blush.
"It's nothing serious, truly... Just me making promises I shouldn't again, I think. I'll only be a minute, I'll just see what they want, ok?" She made to stand and set her shoulders, the scooted around the table quickly to join Sleuth and Hyde before walking away some distance with them to be out of ear-shot from FleetFoot. The other woman watched her go, but then gave in and let them have their privacy, turning back away from them. CurlGurl seemed a bit anxious to be dealing with them again, but mostly it looked like anxiety over having the pair of untrustworthy detectives around the friend she was sorta-kinda-but-not-really-really-just-don't-tell-her cheating against.
"What's up? Do you guys need me to show you around to someone else? Just please don't say you need to talk to Effy any more, please!" the girl gave no sign of thinking that she might have been rumbled, and was still more or less flawlessly playing the part of happy-to-help guide. It likely wasn't any surprise, though, since the detectives now had a better picture of the many different faces that CurlGurl apparently wore, depending on which friends, or 'friends' she was with. She looked between them, open-faced.
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Sleuth had to put her mind on the mission now, but she was certainly interested in getting back to Hyde's problem as soon as she was able. "Does she... not actually realize she wears that outfit underneath her cloak? Is it possible her defensive mechanism has gone so far as to shroud her from understanding her own wardrobe?" Sleuth contemplated. There was more she wanted to ask, but she needed to focus her attention elsewhere, as the two of them were now headed into the food court.
Curly and FleetFoot were indeed together (although not in the way Sleuth privately wished to see them) at the food court, soliciting another hammy smile from the detective. She was already doing her damnably annoying park stroll, complete with raising one hand as she began to speak, but Hyde took the lead. In the end, that was probably for the best; the shock of seeing Hyde act like a reasonable human being was clearly just what the doctor ordered, as it pertained to getting the navi to let them speak to their employer without throwing too much stink-eye or protest. "Don't worry, Miss Foot," Sleuth murmured, deciding on the least flattering but funniest of the names she'd proposed earlier. "We'll return her in just the condition we found her!" she reassured, giving a fake salute, before sweeping one arm from her shoulder-cape to indicate "right this way" to Curly.
She lowered her voice as the she, Hyde, and Curly gained some distance from FleetFoot. "Speaking of things being returned in just the right condition... Don't look so nervous!" she joked, resisting the urge to tweak the hairdresser's cheek, as that would certainly draw attention from her protective friend. "After all, we have only good news! You'll be happy to know the case is solved," she continued, smiling broadly into Curly's face and tilting her head slightly, leaning on her large-headed cane. "The personal item is going back to your operator. Better yet, we know the culprit as well. Well, I hope that that culprit enjoyed herself, because the fun is all over and now it's lesson time," Sleuth chuckled, leaning harder on her cane to bring her eyesight more in level with Curly's. "There's really no 'crime' at all, or none anyone needs to concern themselves over at this point. At this point, there are two options: one, we tell your operator who it was who dun it, using all of the trademark subtlety and eloquence you've come to expect from us. The better alternative, however, would be for you to have a heart to heart with your operator and explain to her what you did. You're both nice gals, I'm sure you'll forgive, forget, and it'll all be smiles, rainbows, and skyscraper hairdos for the foreseeable future," she finished, really, truly fighting the urge to slap Curly on the back in her chummy way. Instead, she threw an arm around Hyde and did it, as if unable to resist the urge to pat someone. "What do you say? It all comes out sum zero, you get to stop worrying, no one but you and your operator... and Miss Sierra... are any the wiser. A nice outcome, wouldn't you say?"
She predicted that CurlGurl would probably protest a bit; after all, if it was easy to apologize to her operator, she would have fessed up right when they were first put on the case. "I know what you're thinking! Telling your operator that sort of thing isn't easy. The key to remember is this: you pulled this prank because you know your operator and know that this sort of thing would make her squirm a bit, in the way that friends love to push each other's buttons. I can sympathize! I love it too! But the key: you two are friends and this prank was harmless. I think you'll feel much, much better if you fess up and the two of you hug it out... well, as much as operators and navis can hug it out. She'll understand... That's my detective's intuition," she finished, giving a warmer smile rather than a teasing one. "... As for Miss Sierra's involvement, well, I'll leave that up to you. It might be best to just skirt around it and only answer it if Miss Damson asks who was involved on the real world side? If she does ask, then at this point, it's up to you... I'm sure it will irritate Miss Sierra, but, well, she can handle it," Sleuth shrugged, still posed over her cane. "I'd give Miss Damson some kind of answer if she asks, though. If she really cares about it and you don't satisfy her, she'll remain suspicious of all of her friends, wondering 'gee, I wonder if that's the gal who knows about my diddler and helped my navi steal it,' which will be hurtful to everyone. For our part, our operators won't say. I'll leave that to your judgment."
At this point, another thought occurred to her; something from much earlier. They'd worked pretty hard to help Curly clear up one secret, but... "Once you tell her and reflect upon it, knowing how it feels to have it off your chest and also to reconcile with your friend... There may be other secrets you'll feel comfortable about clearing up with other friends," the detective suggested, briefly shooting her sharp brown eyes over towards FleetFoot. "Of course, one step at a time. It's all tough, my dear Gurl, but these are the sorts of things that we human sorts who are so weak in our natural impulse towards mischief often find ourselves wrestling with. Speaking from experience, though, I can say that it's a really good feeling to just live with everything out in the open! You can still be at least a little more bashful than me, if you like. Obviously, I'm not forcing you to do anything there. That's honestly none of my bee's-wax! Just another observation of a nosy detective."
Curly and FleetFoot were indeed together (although not in the way Sleuth privately wished to see them) at the food court, soliciting another hammy smile from the detective. She was already doing her damnably annoying park stroll, complete with raising one hand as she began to speak, but Hyde took the lead. In the end, that was probably for the best; the shock of seeing Hyde act like a reasonable human being was clearly just what the doctor ordered, as it pertained to getting the navi to let them speak to their employer without throwing too much stink-eye or protest. "Don't worry, Miss Foot," Sleuth murmured, deciding on the least flattering but funniest of the names she'd proposed earlier. "We'll return her in just the condition we found her!" she reassured, giving a fake salute, before sweeping one arm from her shoulder-cape to indicate "right this way" to Curly.
She lowered her voice as the she, Hyde, and Curly gained some distance from FleetFoot. "Speaking of things being returned in just the right condition... Don't look so nervous!" she joked, resisting the urge to tweak the hairdresser's cheek, as that would certainly draw attention from her protective friend. "After all, we have only good news! You'll be happy to know the case is solved," she continued, smiling broadly into Curly's face and tilting her head slightly, leaning on her large-headed cane. "The personal item is going back to your operator. Better yet, we know the culprit as well. Well, I hope that that culprit enjoyed herself, because the fun is all over and now it's lesson time," Sleuth chuckled, leaning harder on her cane to bring her eyesight more in level with Curly's. "There's really no 'crime' at all, or none anyone needs to concern themselves over at this point. At this point, there are two options: one, we tell your operator who it was who dun it, using all of the trademark subtlety and eloquence you've come to expect from us. The better alternative, however, would be for you to have a heart to heart with your operator and explain to her what you did. You're both nice gals, I'm sure you'll forgive, forget, and it'll all be smiles, rainbows, and skyscraper hairdos for the foreseeable future," she finished, really, truly fighting the urge to slap Curly on the back in her chummy way. Instead, she threw an arm around Hyde and did it, as if unable to resist the urge to pat someone. "What do you say? It all comes out sum zero, you get to stop worrying, no one but you and your operator... and Miss Sierra... are any the wiser. A nice outcome, wouldn't you say?"
She predicted that CurlGurl would probably protest a bit; after all, if it was easy to apologize to her operator, she would have fessed up right when they were first put on the case. "I know what you're thinking! Telling your operator that sort of thing isn't easy. The key to remember is this: you pulled this prank because you know your operator and know that this sort of thing would make her squirm a bit, in the way that friends love to push each other's buttons. I can sympathize! I love it too! But the key: you two are friends and this prank was harmless. I think you'll feel much, much better if you fess up and the two of you hug it out... well, as much as operators and navis can hug it out. She'll understand... That's my detective's intuition," she finished, giving a warmer smile rather than a teasing one. "... As for Miss Sierra's involvement, well, I'll leave that up to you. It might be best to just skirt around it and only answer it if Miss Damson asks who was involved on the real world side? If she does ask, then at this point, it's up to you... I'm sure it will irritate Miss Sierra, but, well, she can handle it," Sleuth shrugged, still posed over her cane. "I'd give Miss Damson some kind of answer if she asks, though. If she really cares about it and you don't satisfy her, she'll remain suspicious of all of her friends, wondering 'gee, I wonder if that's the gal who knows about my diddler and helped my navi steal it,' which will be hurtful to everyone. For our part, our operators won't say. I'll leave that to your judgment."
At this point, another thought occurred to her; something from much earlier. They'd worked pretty hard to help Curly clear up one secret, but... "Once you tell her and reflect upon it, knowing how it feels to have it off your chest and also to reconcile with your friend... There may be other secrets you'll feel comfortable about clearing up with other friends," the detective suggested, briefly shooting her sharp brown eyes over towards FleetFoot. "Of course, one step at a time. It's all tough, my dear Gurl, but these are the sorts of things that we human sorts who are so weak in our natural impulse towards mischief often find ourselves wrestling with. Speaking from experience, though, I can say that it's a really good feeling to just live with everything out in the open! You can still be at least a little more bashful than me, if you like. Obviously, I'm not forcing you to do anything there. That's honestly none of my bee's-wax! Just another observation of a nosy detective."
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"Yes, no more than a minute or so. Terribly sorry to interrupt," Hyde agreed, giving a polite nod to FleetFoot (who she, honestly, could barely even remember in her current state). She rolled her eyes at Sleuth's nickname for their acquaintance, then turned back to the curly-haired Navi that was the matter at hand.
Hyde let Sleuth take the lead in explaining the matter to CurlGurl. After all, Hyde was really only aware of the case details secondhand. She decided to hang back and investigate Sleuth's "pressing" method, which, as was typical of most actions Hyde had seen Sleuth take, involved a distinct lack of respect for personal space. Hyde wished the detective would take some awareness of how similar her methods of pressing a culprit and treating a supposed friend were. She jumped again as she received a slap on the back, shooting a quick glare to her ally and bristling a bit, before turning back to CurlGurl with a smile that was intended to convey "in spite of everything, I agree with this woman."
For her part, Sleuth was very lucky not to have knocked the doctor's hat out of place and delayed the resolving action of events another hour. Then again, the prolonged period of polite Hyde could be taken to imply the other side was still taking a rest.
She listened to Sleuth's further advice, deciding to butt in at a certain point. "I can say for certain that you'll only suffer increased stress from continuing to maintain a tangled web of relationships. If you're willing to elaborate, I would very much like to hear the reasons that led you to the actions you've taken. I may be in a better position to offer advice if I were aware of the underlying factors... then again, I only have interest and usefulness in action in the capacity of one versed in health and medicine, so, as Sleuth has said, the decision would be up to you." She intended that to be advice regarding the matter pertaining to their case, but didn't really specify if it was also on the table for CurlGurl's love triangle issue.
The doctor thought about intervening and pointing out this kind of mischief wasn't necessarily harmless. Something in her head was flying red flags high, screaming at her that she needed to take a stand here and make a moral point of it... but for now, she didn't truly understand if mischief was CurlGurl's only motivation. She decided to keep that lecture in her pocket until it became necessary.
Hyde let Sleuth take the lead in explaining the matter to CurlGurl. After all, Hyde was really only aware of the case details secondhand. She decided to hang back and investigate Sleuth's "pressing" method, which, as was typical of most actions Hyde had seen Sleuth take, involved a distinct lack of respect for personal space. Hyde wished the detective would take some awareness of how similar her methods of pressing a culprit and treating a supposed friend were. She jumped again as she received a slap on the back, shooting a quick glare to her ally and bristling a bit, before turning back to CurlGurl with a smile that was intended to convey "in spite of everything, I agree with this woman."
For her part, Sleuth was very lucky not to have knocked the doctor's hat out of place and delayed the resolving action of events another hour. Then again, the prolonged period of polite Hyde could be taken to imply the other side was still taking a rest.
She listened to Sleuth's further advice, deciding to butt in at a certain point. "I can say for certain that you'll only suffer increased stress from continuing to maintain a tangled web of relationships. If you're willing to elaborate, I would very much like to hear the reasons that led you to the actions you've taken. I may be in a better position to offer advice if I were aware of the underlying factors... then again, I only have interest and usefulness in action in the capacity of one versed in health and medicine, so, as Sleuth has said, the decision would be up to you." She intended that to be advice regarding the matter pertaining to their case, but didn't really specify if it was also on the table for CurlGurl's love triangle issue.
The doctor thought about intervening and pointing out this kind of mischief wasn't necessarily harmless. Something in her head was flying red flags high, screaming at her that she needed to take a stand here and make a moral point of it... but for now, she didn't truly understand if mischief was CurlGurl's only motivation. She decided to keep that lecture in her pocket until it became necessary.
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Already the smallest woman amongst the three, CurlGurl began to look smaller still as sleuth began; something about her delivery and turn of phrase keyed the girl in to the fact that something else was up and the hint of uncertain nerves grew more direct and present when she heard that the case was solved. for a moment or two she tried to grin and put on a relieved face, just on the of chance that they had fingered someone else, but her features fell and her head dropped when it became clear that the truth had outed. She rocked side to side slowly, one hand clutching at her opposite elbow in front of her like a scolded child, and when she looked up again her expression had grown truly miserable.
"Please don't! I-I just," She began as Sleuth proposed that they might go and tell Damson everything themselves, but she bit her lip again as the detective continued offering other possibilities. Her head dropped again as she listened, unconsciously shuffling one foot until, in the brief silence that followed she mumbled just barely loud enough to hear, "None of this was supposed to happen..." It sounded just a little bit soggy, and this time when her eyes came up again it was clear why; having been found out, the girl was now visibly on the edge of tears. "You can't tell her, please. It wasn't supposed to go like this!" He eyes darted back and forth between sleuth and Hyde, but she found no refuge with the doctor either. With a head shake that made the cascades of her hair shimmer she settled on looking to Hyde again, and opted to answer the question of why, perhaps in an effort to stave off the inevitable confession.
"No-one else was supposed to get involved. It was only going to be for a day, just as a joke. I wouldn't really have made her go get it herself, either, That would be too mean! But, I... when Damson found it gone, she panicked, like, really, really freaked out. I didn't know what to do, I couldn't say anything, or, well, anything, but I couldn't take it back. Before I knew it, she'd tried to hire people, and I didn't know what to do! I sent a message to Sierra's home navi, I begged her to come in quickly and put things right, right away, but I didn't even know if she'd got the message until just now, and I thought maybe, if it turned up again, no-one would ask any more questions..." She had begun to cry as her explanation went on, punctuating her words with intermittent sniffles.
"I didn't mean for any of this... It was just, I was..." Her fists clenched and uncurled slowly and she squeezed her eyes shut, causing a second track of tears to form on her cheeks. "I was jealous." If either sleuth or Hyde were incredulous to hear that admission they had every right to be. Certainly, Curly herself seemed to realise that it was a questionable motive, all things considered, and she didn't even know that the two knew about 'the special'. She looked down at where the velvet bag was tied neatly about her wrist by its drawstring, regarding it now like some kind of guilty lodestone.
"It was just, she ordered this new fancy awesome toy, and I read all the specs on it when she ordered it, and it had all these amazing features, and I guess, I guess... I must have missed the part where they mentioned a free digital copy was included. So I felt jealous about it, and I thought it might be funny to scare her a little, just for a moment, you know? Nothing more than that. But then it arrived, and there was a copy for me too, and I felt terrible! I couldn't call it off though, because, you know, Sierra keeps her navi at home, just as a house and estate keeper, and I couldn't get a message to her in time. It was awful!" She had clutched at the soft cloth bag giving shape to the device within in an unconsciously unfortunate manner as she pleaded to both of them. "I felt so guilty I thought I was going to be sick. I was awake all night feeling helpless and I couldn't do anything! And I had to go on and pretend I was having a good time and all, because Damson would have thought something was up if I hadn't, and it was all just making everything worse but I didn't know what else I could do. Please, you can't tell her it was me, she'll hate me forever! Can't you jsut say you found it, but you don't know who it was, or, or something?"
Amidst the blubbering her breathing had grown heavy and it was making her chest heave in a way that was far too visible given her obvious lack of restraining undergarments but CurlGurl herself was far too overwrought to notice something like that. Looking between the two victorious case-breakers, however, she seemed aware that her pleading wasn't going to cut it. She swallowed, taking a couple of breaths.
"If I don't own up, you're going to tell her for me, aren't you?" Her voice sounded wretched and broken now. "I'm scared. She'll never forgive me for this, it was so petty of me, and such a nasty thing to do to her, and it wasn't even funny in the end, and everyone just got hurt!" A few more seconds passed before she nodded sullenly at the floor. "Alright, I'll tell her... but do you think your operators could give us some privacy, maybe? I don't think anyone else should be around." Provided the right arrangements could be worked out, Curl would eventually take a step further away and bring up an opaqued dialogue screen that hid her from the others.
"Damson? Um... Listen..." If they were polite detectives, they'd do the decent thing and give Curly enough space not to deliberately eavesdrop on her. If, on the other hand, they were terribly nosy and insensitive detectives, they'd hear the girl stumble her was through a very difficult, awkward and tearful confession of her sins to her operator, riddled with copious apologies and much begging for forgiveness. When the call was finally done, it was a very subdued CurlGurl that returned to them. If Damson had outright rejected her for it, chances were the girl wouldn't have been as collected a she seemed, but at the same time she didn't exactly seem happy or relieved either.
"It's done." She didn't manage to meet either of their eyes as she spoke this time. A few more seconds would see her look up again, and press fingertips over her face gently, smoothing her expression. When she was done there was little sign of her earlier tears, though she wasn't trying to put on anything brighter than a neutral, becalmed front. "Hey... do you two really think I should come clean with Effy too? I mean... what's the worst that can happen, right? Worst case, maybe Damson will want to disown me, and Effy will never speak to me again, and BoneMan won't be able to see me any more... and I just go down the way to LL and tell her everything, and get her to make the pain stop forever, right?" She tried a grin, but there was no disguising how bleak she sounded, talking about it like that.
"Please don't! I-I just," She began as Sleuth proposed that they might go and tell Damson everything themselves, but she bit her lip again as the detective continued offering other possibilities. Her head dropped again as she listened, unconsciously shuffling one foot until, in the brief silence that followed she mumbled just barely loud enough to hear, "None of this was supposed to happen..." It sounded just a little bit soggy, and this time when her eyes came up again it was clear why; having been found out, the girl was now visibly on the edge of tears. "You can't tell her, please. It wasn't supposed to go like this!" He eyes darted back and forth between sleuth and Hyde, but she found no refuge with the doctor either. With a head shake that made the cascades of her hair shimmer she settled on looking to Hyde again, and opted to answer the question of why, perhaps in an effort to stave off the inevitable confession.
"No-one else was supposed to get involved. It was only going to be for a day, just as a joke. I wouldn't really have made her go get it herself, either, That would be too mean! But, I... when Damson found it gone, she panicked, like, really, really freaked out. I didn't know what to do, I couldn't say anything, or, well, anything, but I couldn't take it back. Before I knew it, she'd tried to hire people, and I didn't know what to do! I sent a message to Sierra's home navi, I begged her to come in quickly and put things right, right away, but I didn't even know if she'd got the message until just now, and I thought maybe, if it turned up again, no-one would ask any more questions..." She had begun to cry as her explanation went on, punctuating her words with intermittent sniffles.
"I didn't mean for any of this... It was just, I was..." Her fists clenched and uncurled slowly and she squeezed her eyes shut, causing a second track of tears to form on her cheeks. "I was jealous." If either sleuth or Hyde were incredulous to hear that admission they had every right to be. Certainly, Curly herself seemed to realise that it was a questionable motive, all things considered, and she didn't even know that the two knew about 'the special'. She looked down at where the velvet bag was tied neatly about her wrist by its drawstring, regarding it now like some kind of guilty lodestone.
"It was just, she ordered this new fancy awesome toy, and I read all the specs on it when she ordered it, and it had all these amazing features, and I guess, I guess... I must have missed the part where they mentioned a free digital copy was included. So I felt jealous about it, and I thought it might be funny to scare her a little, just for a moment, you know? Nothing more than that. But then it arrived, and there was a copy for me too, and I felt terrible! I couldn't call it off though, because, you know, Sierra keeps her navi at home, just as a house and estate keeper, and I couldn't get a message to her in time. It was awful!" She had clutched at the soft cloth bag giving shape to the device within in an unconsciously unfortunate manner as she pleaded to both of them. "I felt so guilty I thought I was going to be sick. I was awake all night feeling helpless and I couldn't do anything! And I had to go on and pretend I was having a good time and all, because Damson would have thought something was up if I hadn't, and it was all just making everything worse but I didn't know what else I could do. Please, you can't tell her it was me, she'll hate me forever! Can't you jsut say you found it, but you don't know who it was, or, or something?"
Amidst the blubbering her breathing had grown heavy and it was making her chest heave in a way that was far too visible given her obvious lack of restraining undergarments but CurlGurl herself was far too overwrought to notice something like that. Looking between the two victorious case-breakers, however, she seemed aware that her pleading wasn't going to cut it. She swallowed, taking a couple of breaths.
"If I don't own up, you're going to tell her for me, aren't you?" Her voice sounded wretched and broken now. "I'm scared. She'll never forgive me for this, it was so petty of me, and such a nasty thing to do to her, and it wasn't even funny in the end, and everyone just got hurt!" A few more seconds passed before she nodded sullenly at the floor. "Alright, I'll tell her... but do you think your operators could give us some privacy, maybe? I don't think anyone else should be around." Provided the right arrangements could be worked out, Curl would eventually take a step further away and bring up an opaqued dialogue screen that hid her from the others.
"Damson? Um... Listen..." If they were polite detectives, they'd do the decent thing and give Curly enough space not to deliberately eavesdrop on her. If, on the other hand, they were terribly nosy and insensitive detectives, they'd hear the girl stumble her was through a very difficult, awkward and tearful confession of her sins to her operator, riddled with copious apologies and much begging for forgiveness. When the call was finally done, it was a very subdued CurlGurl that returned to them. If Damson had outright rejected her for it, chances were the girl wouldn't have been as collected a she seemed, but at the same time she didn't exactly seem happy or relieved either.
"It's done." She didn't manage to meet either of their eyes as she spoke this time. A few more seconds would see her look up again, and press fingertips over her face gently, smoothing her expression. When she was done there was little sign of her earlier tears, though she wasn't trying to put on anything brighter than a neutral, becalmed front. "Hey... do you two really think I should come clean with Effy too? I mean... what's the worst that can happen, right? Worst case, maybe Damson will want to disown me, and Effy will never speak to me again, and BoneMan won't be able to see me any more... and I just go down the way to LL and tell her everything, and get her to make the pain stop forever, right?" She tried a grin, but there was no disguising how bleak she sounded, talking about it like that.
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"Oh yes, quite right, Miss Hyde. If your personal life becomes too convoluted and riddled with secrets, you may find yourself staring at my admittedly charming but normally unwelcome mug again in the future when someone calls me to untangle it all," Sleuth joked, although Curly's tears soon reminded her it wasn't a good time to be picking on anyone. "I'll just say that you weren't wrong, at least not from the beginning, my dear Gurl. After all, playing pranks on friends is perfectly normal and a sign of the most robust bonds, I'd say. It builds character! Although it's better to pick a more good-spirited reason than jealousy," she conceded. "The flaw was, er, when you did not inform your operator that it was all a joke after she hired a professional, to wit, myself, to investigate the disappearance. You're certainly mistaken in your assumption that she'll hold this against you for the rest of your lives together! Come now! You're birds of a feather, two peas in a pod! Two rolls in a set of hair curlers! All that rot. Listen: if Miss Jacky can put up with her navi, then yours can put up with you!" she joked, ribbing Hyde in the side and already forgetting her silent-promise to lay off the yuks for a while.
"Unfortunately, that our jokes sometimes end up not so funny as we intended is an unfortunate price of being a free-spirited jokester. The fact of the matter is that this has cost nothing more than Miss Sierra's gaining knowledge that your operator has a fancy diddler, which shouldn't really be a big deal... as er... I'm guessing Miss Sierra has one herself," Sleuth added with a wry smile and a sideways glance, taking a guess based on the girl's prickly personality. "And that Miss Damson went a short period without her own. But I highly doubt she'd be so petty as to hold that against you. Just be your natural, winsome self and she won't be able to help but love you!" Sleuth encouraged the young navi with another broad smile.
Next Sleuth had Jocelyn give the two some privacy, although that was basically a foregone conclusion, seeing that Damson had requested the same. The end result, when Curly returned, was not nearly so chipper as she'd hoped; apparently, Damson wasn't quite of the same mind to ease her navi's worry about all of this. Still, Sleuth figured she'd stuck her nose into that relationship quite enough already, so she'd allow them to resolve it themselves. "Well, things may not quite be patched up yet, but over time, you'll see. The fresh wound stings the hardest, while the long-held one shall become nearly invisible," she suggested. "Niceness begets niceness; you two merely need to be good to one another and surely the two of you will find each other's company agreeable." That might make one wonder why Sleuth wasn't nice more often and insisted upon being a bully sometimes, but unfortunately, what Sleuth practiced and what she preached often tended to be two different behaviors. She'd argue that one can't really be a proper detective without being a nuisance, of course.
Damson next laid out her reaction to Sleuth's other suggestion, which was, unfortunately, rather reasonable. "Well... I'm a bit of a biased party. I don't think a relationship should be built on lies, because, well, I've spent a quarter of my career investigating such things and in the process pulling them apart while both sides gnash their chompers and think about how much happier they'd be if they were just up front. But your worries are understandable... I'm not so dense as to try to compare the unfortunate, yet weighty, concept of mutual exclusivity of partners with a prank like this. I say we blame the outdated concept of an exclusive relationship. What bollocks! You'd think that the invention of personal terminals and the vast world of the net would not have predated the end of useless rituals like exclusivity of partners and marriage, wouldn't you?" Sleuth ranted, part as a joke, part as her genuine feelings. "That rubbish aside, here's the truth of it: you have every reason to clear the air of this. Let me lay it out for you," she insisted, lowering her voice to try and keep their conversation private.
"The struggle you're already dealing with is the most obvious problem. Hiding this is its own challenge and coping with guilt, which you've admitted you feel, is another. Putting this to bed... ugh, excuse me... will end both of those. Next, consider the common observation that if you tell them yourself, at least you have the high ground of, 'yes, I realize it was wrong of me to do this behind your back, and I'm sorry for it.' They will hopefully appreciate that you've come forward with it instead of keeping it a secret and, trust me, it's also much better than the alternative of being walked in on, or worse, having a snooping, blabbering detective hounding you until she figures it out. Additionally, despite our difficulty with figuring out this puzzle, you are, at least according to some of your friends, not the best at keeping secrets, so... yes, probably not best to wait. Finally, consider your friends... I'd imagine your doggy friend has his own internal struggles right now regarding all of this. He might even support you in your 'coming out'; it would definitely be best to speak to him about it first. Hopefully, you've made a good choice of friend... man's best friend... sorry, that slipped out. Anyways, assuming you have, he'll probably be willing to help as well. Also consider Miss FleetFoot. Is she better off being ignorant of it all? You two think of each other as best friends, do you not? Who better equipped to understand your position? A friendship can bounce back... people can work to understand each other following any kind of slight."
"But, of course, I'm speaking about all of this as an outside party. I don't have the stakes that you do and of course it's hard for you to give up your current status quo for the sake of honesty. I'm just one of those 'better to live with a harsh truth than blissful ignorance' types, but it can't all be that way. Clearly, governments have their reasons to keep secrets, as do spies, and leaders, and so forth so on. But remember this: you're speaking to friends! Friends aren't governments, or corporations, or spy cells! They have an invested interest in truth to one another... that's part of what it means to be friends, isn't it?" she urged Curly. Of course, she'd like to offer the final reason that a round of all-too-literal doggystyle might only be enhanced for both Miss Curly and Miss Foot if it was all done as a threesome, but frankly, expecting all of this to turn into a wild, flowery love party was a bit optimistic even for her. "How about... if you need me for support, you call me?" she further offered. "I'm not the most trustworthy types, but I'm very, very smart! If it's troublesome, we'll think about it together," she offered. "We both have our pluckiness! Pluck enough to get us through anything."
Of course, she also had her obligation to Hyde to think about. Speaking of her partner, she figured she ought to get a doctor's second opinion. "What do you think? It's sort of inevitable that us outside parties looking in will think being honest makes the most sense, isn't it?" she inquired.
"Unfortunately, that our jokes sometimes end up not so funny as we intended is an unfortunate price of being a free-spirited jokester. The fact of the matter is that this has cost nothing more than Miss Sierra's gaining knowledge that your operator has a fancy diddler, which shouldn't really be a big deal... as er... I'm guessing Miss Sierra has one herself," Sleuth added with a wry smile and a sideways glance, taking a guess based on the girl's prickly personality. "And that Miss Damson went a short period without her own. But I highly doubt she'd be so petty as to hold that against you. Just be your natural, winsome self and she won't be able to help but love you!" Sleuth encouraged the young navi with another broad smile.
Next Sleuth had Jocelyn give the two some privacy, although that was basically a foregone conclusion, seeing that Damson had requested the same. The end result, when Curly returned, was not nearly so chipper as she'd hoped; apparently, Damson wasn't quite of the same mind to ease her navi's worry about all of this. Still, Sleuth figured she'd stuck her nose into that relationship quite enough already, so she'd allow them to resolve it themselves. "Well, things may not quite be patched up yet, but over time, you'll see. The fresh wound stings the hardest, while the long-held one shall become nearly invisible," she suggested. "Niceness begets niceness; you two merely need to be good to one another and surely the two of you will find each other's company agreeable." That might make one wonder why Sleuth wasn't nice more often and insisted upon being a bully sometimes, but unfortunately, what Sleuth practiced and what she preached often tended to be two different behaviors. She'd argue that one can't really be a proper detective without being a nuisance, of course.
Damson next laid out her reaction to Sleuth's other suggestion, which was, unfortunately, rather reasonable. "Well... I'm a bit of a biased party. I don't think a relationship should be built on lies, because, well, I've spent a quarter of my career investigating such things and in the process pulling them apart while both sides gnash their chompers and think about how much happier they'd be if they were just up front. But your worries are understandable... I'm not so dense as to try to compare the unfortunate, yet weighty, concept of mutual exclusivity of partners with a prank like this. I say we blame the outdated concept of an exclusive relationship. What bollocks! You'd think that the invention of personal terminals and the vast world of the net would not have predated the end of useless rituals like exclusivity of partners and marriage, wouldn't you?" Sleuth ranted, part as a joke, part as her genuine feelings. "That rubbish aside, here's the truth of it: you have every reason to clear the air of this. Let me lay it out for you," she insisted, lowering her voice to try and keep their conversation private.
"The struggle you're already dealing with is the most obvious problem. Hiding this is its own challenge and coping with guilt, which you've admitted you feel, is another. Putting this to bed... ugh, excuse me... will end both of those. Next, consider the common observation that if you tell them yourself, at least you have the high ground of, 'yes, I realize it was wrong of me to do this behind your back, and I'm sorry for it.' They will hopefully appreciate that you've come forward with it instead of keeping it a secret and, trust me, it's also much better than the alternative of being walked in on, or worse, having a snooping, blabbering detective hounding you until she figures it out. Additionally, despite our difficulty with figuring out this puzzle, you are, at least according to some of your friends, not the best at keeping secrets, so... yes, probably not best to wait. Finally, consider your friends... I'd imagine your doggy friend has his own internal struggles right now regarding all of this. He might even support you in your 'coming out'; it would definitely be best to speak to him about it first. Hopefully, you've made a good choice of friend... man's best friend... sorry, that slipped out. Anyways, assuming you have, he'll probably be willing to help as well. Also consider Miss FleetFoot. Is she better off being ignorant of it all? You two think of each other as best friends, do you not? Who better equipped to understand your position? A friendship can bounce back... people can work to understand each other following any kind of slight."
"But, of course, I'm speaking about all of this as an outside party. I don't have the stakes that you do and of course it's hard for you to give up your current status quo for the sake of honesty. I'm just one of those 'better to live with a harsh truth than blissful ignorance' types, but it can't all be that way. Clearly, governments have their reasons to keep secrets, as do spies, and leaders, and so forth so on. But remember this: you're speaking to friends! Friends aren't governments, or corporations, or spy cells! They have an invested interest in truth to one another... that's part of what it means to be friends, isn't it?" she urged Curly. Of course, she'd like to offer the final reason that a round of all-too-literal doggystyle might only be enhanced for both Miss Curly and Miss Foot if it was all done as a threesome, but frankly, expecting all of this to turn into a wild, flowery love party was a bit optimistic even for her. "How about... if you need me for support, you call me?" she further offered. "I'm not the most trustworthy types, but I'm very, very smart! If it's troublesome, we'll think about it together," she offered. "We both have our pluckiness! Pluck enough to get us through anything."
Of course, she also had her obligation to Hyde to think about. Speaking of her partner, she figured she ought to get a doctor's second opinion. "What do you think? It's sort of inevitable that us outside parties looking in will think being honest makes the most sense, isn't it?" she inquired.
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Hyde didn't necessarily agree with Sleuth's notion that there wasn't anything wrong with such a convoluted prank being played on one's dear friend, but she was certainly moved by the tears of the other woman. She couldn't find it in her heart to chide her in that state. "Yes, I understand how it can be to be paralyzed by the fear of consequences. However, I'm sure your operator will understand your reasons, in time. As it stands, she might be a bit grouchy, feeling her emotions were played with and being forced to pay for the assistance... I imagine you two will be in good standing in no time, though." She took Sleuth's ribbing and flinched, giving a thin, irritated smile. "Yes, and if Ms. Jocelyn can put up with her Navi, I'm sure Ms. Damson can put up with you!"
She continued wringing her hands nervously as CurlGurl turned back to them from her conversation, seeming even more miserable. On some level, delivering bad news was a requirement of her job, but it was still hard for her to see such a lively young woman twisting in the wind. She patted CurlGurl on the shoulder while Sleuth gave her best "everything will be all right" speech. Hyde hoped that, even though the two of them had been chiefly responsible for bringing CurlGurl's actions into the light, she would still be able to see that, in the end, they didn't bear her any ill will.
Hyde saw that Sleuth was going to take a crack at giving their perp/buddy some relationship advice, so she decided to stay quiet and listen, not having much romantic experience to speak of. She weighed her own thoughts against the discourse until she was finally asked for an opinion. She also kept an eye over CurlGurl's shoulder, trying to make sure nobody was approaching who might be listening in before she spoke up. She put her hand to her chin, ruminating.
"Hmm... well, in general, honesty is the best policy... but, in terms of damage control, this could be a more difficult matter... If you've learned nothing else today, Sleuth, I hope you will at least concede to the fact that people we'd like to think of as friends sometimes have a hard time accepting secrets we've kept from them and slights we've done to them, especially explicitly sexual ones," Hyde jabbed, in a comment that would hopefully be understood by the detective and probably be misinterpreted by their client's Navi. "Good intentions are all well enough in retrospect, but, as we say with Ms. Damson, these types of things create wounds. In the case of small wounds like you've caused Ms. Damson, time may heal them... but, in the case of a friend like FleetFoot, I'm sorry to say I'd not be surprised if she found this a most serious offense."
She turned to CurlGurl with a serious expression, finally seeming to find the gravity as a doctor that had escaped her for the entirety of this visit. "Unfortunately, this is your difficult decision to make. In any case, I don't believe it's healthy to maintain this relationship behind the back of your friend. You must choose one or the other, your friendship or your fling... or, otherwise, test the strength of your friendships by laying facts bare. You've surely learned from your experience today: when we were brought in to handle your case, you knew consequences were in store, but your fear lead you to inaction and you ended up facing the inevitable, regardless. To continue your relationship in secret will only harm those you love more. This isn't as simple as ripping off a band-aid quickly, though... you need to think it through, and be prepared for the consequences."
The doctor sighed, frowning and crossing her arms again. "I know it isn't easy to hear. I'm not so optimistic that I think you can keep this up and never be caught. I'm also not nearly so pessimistic as to suggest you need to burn all of your bridges and retreat to a different life. Things are far from over, and your friends are counting on you to make the right decision, even if they don't know it yet." The Navi intended to leave it off there, but she suddenly remembered that Sleuth had offered her help. She thought it would be pretty rude not to match that offer. "Ah, yes! Um... I'm not sure if I could be of any help on this matter, and as I said, it will ultimately be your decision, but... if there's anything I can do for you, please, let me know!"
She continued wringing her hands nervously as CurlGurl turned back to them from her conversation, seeming even more miserable. On some level, delivering bad news was a requirement of her job, but it was still hard for her to see such a lively young woman twisting in the wind. She patted CurlGurl on the shoulder while Sleuth gave her best "everything will be all right" speech. Hyde hoped that, even though the two of them had been chiefly responsible for bringing CurlGurl's actions into the light, she would still be able to see that, in the end, they didn't bear her any ill will.
Hyde saw that Sleuth was going to take a crack at giving their perp/buddy some relationship advice, so she decided to stay quiet and listen, not having much romantic experience to speak of. She weighed her own thoughts against the discourse until she was finally asked for an opinion. She also kept an eye over CurlGurl's shoulder, trying to make sure nobody was approaching who might be listening in before she spoke up. She put her hand to her chin, ruminating.
"Hmm... well, in general, honesty is the best policy... but, in terms of damage control, this could be a more difficult matter... If you've learned nothing else today, Sleuth, I hope you will at least concede to the fact that people we'd like to think of as friends sometimes have a hard time accepting secrets we've kept from them and slights we've done to them, especially explicitly sexual ones," Hyde jabbed, in a comment that would hopefully be understood by the detective and probably be misinterpreted by their client's Navi. "Good intentions are all well enough in retrospect, but, as we say with Ms. Damson, these types of things create wounds. In the case of small wounds like you've caused Ms. Damson, time may heal them... but, in the case of a friend like FleetFoot, I'm sorry to say I'd not be surprised if she found this a most serious offense."
She turned to CurlGurl with a serious expression, finally seeming to find the gravity as a doctor that had escaped her for the entirety of this visit. "Unfortunately, this is your difficult decision to make. In any case, I don't believe it's healthy to maintain this relationship behind the back of your friend. You must choose one or the other, your friendship or your fling... or, otherwise, test the strength of your friendships by laying facts bare. You've surely learned from your experience today: when we were brought in to handle your case, you knew consequences were in store, but your fear lead you to inaction and you ended up facing the inevitable, regardless. To continue your relationship in secret will only harm those you love more. This isn't as simple as ripping off a band-aid quickly, though... you need to think it through, and be prepared for the consequences."
The doctor sighed, frowning and crossing her arms again. "I know it isn't easy to hear. I'm not so optimistic that I think you can keep this up and never be caught. I'm also not nearly so pessimistic as to suggest you need to burn all of your bridges and retreat to a different life. Things are far from over, and your friends are counting on you to make the right decision, even if they don't know it yet." The Navi intended to leave it off there, but she suddenly remembered that Sleuth had offered her help. She thought it would be pretty rude not to match that offer. "Ah, yes! Um... I'm not sure if I could be of any help on this matter, and as I said, it will ultimately be your decision, but... if there's anything I can do for you, please, let me know!"
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Perhaps unwittingly, Sleuth and Hyde began on something of a 'good cop'-'bad cop' discussion with CurlGurl, which gradually evolved into something more akin to 'buddy-cop'-'stern-for-your-own-good-cop' stance by the end. They'd be forgiven for wonder whether they weren't simply being played emotionally again, after everything, but this time it least the girl's distress and worry seemed quite genuine. Overall the encouragement from each of them that Damson would likely forgive her and the trust could repaired eventually seemed to to something to reassure her at least, so with any luck she wouldn't be making to the trip to LushLady and begging for an overdose any time soon.
Between Sleuths encouragement and Hyde's firmer insistence that, whatever else happened it oughtn't go on as it was, curly was left with her head down, swaying slightly like a scolded child, though she wasn't denying any of the things they were trying to say. the congenial shoulder-patting was a comfort she accepted with a unconscious lean of her body, even if she didn't readily acknowledge it. Eventually she nodded, though it was a motion directed more downwards at her own loosely restrained chest than at either of them. She shuffled a bit, and fidgeted.
"You're right, I know... It's going to come out eventually, somehow, isn't it? Ll knows already, but I know she doesn't tell secrets... but... It should be me. BoneMan doesn't really like keeping the secret either, but he didn't push it when I was too afraid to tell her, before. It's, it's not like anyone in encroaching, really... it should be ok, really..." It was also the third time she'd uttered that reassurance to herself, over the course of the morning, as though the rational part of her believed it, and the emotional side knew it wouldn't hold water. Eventually she nodded again, then looked up between the two of them.
"Well, I guess today is the day for it, if ever. If I'm going to do it, then I should get it all out of the way at once, right? I.. um..." she took a brief glance back to where FleetFoot was still casually waiting for her friend to return from whatever important business she was caught up in, then turned back to the mystery-solvers and swallowed nervously. "I suppose you two are both going to be wanting paid for this morning, right? I'm sure Damson will sort it out, if you want to take off. I was sort of hoping you'd both fail to learn anything, but, that was mean of me. It wouldn't really be fair for me to be mad at you for being more competent than I'd hoped, right?" She sighed then managed a weak smile for each of them. "Look, just... just get out of here, alright? And I'm sorry."
With a last small grin she nodded to each of them and gave a small wave, then drew a deep breath, squared her shoulders and turned around to head back towards her friend. Provided the pair were ready to let her go, she paused by the table, one hand rubbing at her neck nervously. FleetFoot looked up at her with an obvious concern, but the shorter girl only hesitated for a moment.
"Hey Effy... I'm going to get us some more chocolate, ok? There's... something we need to talk about." From where they were, Sleuth and Hyde were patently dismissed at this point, and were free to do as they pleased with the mission successfully wrapped up, though chances were neither FleetFoot nor Curly would appreciate eaves-dropping this time around.
((Both mission threads are now in a 'Concluded' state, but operators and navis are free to take any extra time to do anything else they want - let me know when you're all done and leaving the threads, and I'll do your calculations.))
Between Sleuths encouragement and Hyde's firmer insistence that, whatever else happened it oughtn't go on as it was, curly was left with her head down, swaying slightly like a scolded child, though she wasn't denying any of the things they were trying to say. the congenial shoulder-patting was a comfort she accepted with a unconscious lean of her body, even if she didn't readily acknowledge it. Eventually she nodded, though it was a motion directed more downwards at her own loosely restrained chest than at either of them. She shuffled a bit, and fidgeted.
"You're right, I know... It's going to come out eventually, somehow, isn't it? Ll knows already, but I know she doesn't tell secrets... but... It should be me. BoneMan doesn't really like keeping the secret either, but he didn't push it when I was too afraid to tell her, before. It's, it's not like anyone in encroaching, really... it should be ok, really..." It was also the third time she'd uttered that reassurance to herself, over the course of the morning, as though the rational part of her believed it, and the emotional side knew it wouldn't hold water. Eventually she nodded again, then looked up between the two of them.
"Well, I guess today is the day for it, if ever. If I'm going to do it, then I should get it all out of the way at once, right? I.. um..." she took a brief glance back to where FleetFoot was still casually waiting for her friend to return from whatever important business she was caught up in, then turned back to the mystery-solvers and swallowed nervously. "I suppose you two are both going to be wanting paid for this morning, right? I'm sure Damson will sort it out, if you want to take off. I was sort of hoping you'd both fail to learn anything, but, that was mean of me. It wouldn't really be fair for me to be mad at you for being more competent than I'd hoped, right?" She sighed then managed a weak smile for each of them. "Look, just... just get out of here, alright? And I'm sorry."
With a last small grin she nodded to each of them and gave a small wave, then drew a deep breath, squared her shoulders and turned around to head back towards her friend. Provided the pair were ready to let her go, she paused by the table, one hand rubbing at her neck nervously. FleetFoot looked up at her with an obvious concern, but the shorter girl only hesitated for a moment.
"Hey Effy... I'm going to get us some more chocolate, ok? There's... something we need to talk about." From where they were, Sleuth and Hyde were patently dismissed at this point, and were free to do as they pleased with the mission successfully wrapped up, though chances were neither FleetFoot nor Curly would appreciate eaves-dropping this time around.
((Both mission threads are now in a 'Concluded' state, but operators and navis are free to take any extra time to do anything else they want - let me know when you're all done and leaving the threads, and I'll do your calculations.))
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"Do ho ho. Touche," Sleuth shrugged at Hyde's returned barb, willing to concede that she was perhaps not the easiest net navigator to get along with herself. It was probably lucky that Jocelyn was rather impervious to upsetting factors in her life. "As usual, my friend here is a voice of reason to mine of passion. Her words have a certain wisdom, as long as her hat is not tilted just so," she chuckled, thankfully only imitating removing a hat rather than actually taking Hyde's off. If Hyde's hat came off now, there was a good chance Curly would start getting a lesson on how Hyde and Sleuth could be useful aides in teaching FleetFoot the joys of group sex. Next was a lot of nodding along and smiling supportively as Curly resolved to solve her problem on her own. Curly's last words caused Sleuth's grin to broaden, until her lips curled into an open laugh. "Ha ha ha ha ha! My dear, if my work today has somehow made me look more competent than you'd figured I'd be, then I truly worry about the sort of first impression I gave you!" she guffawed, although it could be said that Sleuth inspired the most confidence from her clients before she opened her mouth, in most cases. She stopped short of pointing out that the majority of her time had been spent shagging in a den of plant-based free lovin' with two relative strangers. "Oh, my dear. Living senselessly is fun, but you and I both could do with a bit more common sense in our lives~" she finished, waving goodbye to her curly-headed acquaintance.
It looked like Curly and Effy were going to be having their talk soon; Sleuth was dreadfully curious to see the outcome, in her nosy way, but she also knew she'd worn out her welcome almost the moment she stepped foot inside the net portion of the shopping center. "Very well, Miss Hyde, Miss Jocelyn... Miss Jacky, if you happen to be listening. I'd say we've got this all wrapped up. I may need to hire a full time editor if I'm going to make this into a memoir I can publish without offending various parties, but other than that, it was a nice investigative exercise, despite the subject matter," she concluded, making a show of dusting off her hands together. "See you on the other side!" she joked, before spinning on her heels, tipping her riding cap, and then vanishing from the net.
((Jacking out))
It looked like Curly and Effy were going to be having their talk soon; Sleuth was dreadfully curious to see the outcome, in her nosy way, but she also knew she'd worn out her welcome almost the moment she stepped foot inside the net portion of the shopping center. "Very well, Miss Hyde, Miss Jocelyn... Miss Jacky, if you happen to be listening. I'd say we've got this all wrapped up. I may need to hire a full time editor if I'm going to make this into a memoir I can publish without offending various parties, but other than that, it was a nice investigative exercise, despite the subject matter," she concluded, making a show of dusting off her hands together. "See you on the other side!" she joked, before spinning on her heels, tipping her riding cap, and then vanishing from the net.
((Jacking out))
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Hyde hated to leave their curly-haired culprit without seeing her events through to the end, but then, she did think CurlGurl was on track towards making the right choice. "I'm sure she has plenty on her mind right now... Best leave her to it," she thought to herself, turning her back on the mall Navis to let them have whatever heart-to-heart they were going to.
The doctor frowned, hearing that Sleuth apparently didn't intend to wrap up her own mystery for her. She felt there'd been progress, but overall, the details of her case felt like shapes glimpsed through the fog. Still, she'd have to be happy with what she got: Hyde had hanged out with Sleuth long enough to suspect that if she had an idea she was confident in, she wouldn't keep it to herself. "I suppose it's too much to hope a detective can find the answer to a medical mystery entire teams of doctors have been unable to unravel..." She gave Sleuth a polite wave as the other Navi left the Net, then pulled her cape around her and returning into her PET with a quick beam of her own.
((Jacking out))
The doctor frowned, hearing that Sleuth apparently didn't intend to wrap up her own mystery for her. She felt there'd been progress, but overall, the details of her case felt like shapes glimpsed through the fog. Still, she'd have to be happy with what she got: Hyde had hanged out with Sleuth long enough to suspect that if she had an idea she was confident in, she wouldn't keep it to herself. "I suppose it's too much to hope a detective can find the answer to a medical mystery entire teams of doctors have been unable to unravel..." She gave Sleuth a polite wave as the other Navi left the Net, then pulled her cape around her and returning into her PET with a quick beam of her own.
((Jacking out))
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((FXP tallies presented here also account for the Real-World thread, Here, and are as follows:
Sleuth and Hyde gain 52 mutual FXP (32 Base, plus a bonus of 10 for... unusually intimate interpersonal bonding... and an additional 10 as tallied from the RW thread)
Sleuth also receives: 8 CurlGurl FXP (6 Base, plus 2 for operator interactions), 2 BoneMan FXP, 2 FleetFoot FXP, 26 LushLady FXP (16 Base plus 10 for being a very... accommodating client), and 5 WallFly FXP mostly from operator interactions with perverted mall security.
Hyde also receives: 8 CurlGurl FXP (6 Base, plus 2 for operator interactions), 2 BoneMan FXP, 1 FleetFoot FXP, 26 LushLady FXP (16 Base plus 10 for being such an enthusiastic customer), and 5 WallFly FXP, mostly from operator interactions with the navi directly.))
Sleuth and Hyde gain 52 mutual FXP (32 Base, plus a bonus of 10 for... unusually intimate interpersonal bonding... and an additional 10 as tallied from the RW thread)
Sleuth also receives: 8 CurlGurl FXP (6 Base, plus 2 for operator interactions), 2 BoneMan FXP, 2 FleetFoot FXP, 26 LushLady FXP (16 Base plus 10 for being a very... accommodating client), and 5 WallFly FXP mostly from operator interactions with perverted mall security.
Hyde also receives: 8 CurlGurl FXP (6 Base, plus 2 for operator interactions), 2 BoneMan FXP, 1 FleetFoot FXP, 26 LushLady FXP (16 Base plus 10 for being such an enthusiastic customer), and 5 WallFly FXP, mostly from operator interactions with the navi directly.))