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Lilian Rook     Matilda's introduction to Trídéag had been constructed towards the ends of dissuading away someone whom Lilian had taken for a sheltered yet desperate-to-impress rich girl. Seeing as Matilda had managed to impress her despite it all, and thus moved Lilian to the second stage of her plan, she sees no reason to be the same way with Sonetto. She's straightforwardly praising about all the paperwork being filed perfectly, makes a slight mention to Matilda doing it first, and happy enough to make time enough to take Sonetto on a short orientation through each floor in sequence, making room for the inevitable Matilda tagalong and her Expert Opinions at the same time.

    That means actually taking a walk along the outer promenade on the first floor, disclosing what the Association pays for versus what is an outside vendor, indicating both the Fixer lifts and the less conveniently accessible staff lifts, the Elite visitor lockers outside the private warpgate, and finally letting Matilda see the second floor 'cafeteria', which looks like it's been laid out more like a comfortably fifty person middle-end restaurant with multiple hole-in-the-wall lounges and employee or volunteer run bars and specialty stops; a truly bizarre fusion of sensibilities from a woman who has gotten used to things called 'mess halls' but otherwise won't eat anything with a bill in the double digit range if she can help it.

    The maintenance floor is on a much less busy day, since Lilian had planned the timing to coincide with a personnel rotation, most off-duty Fixers now having had the time to retire, with the on-duty wave having already gone out. The fourth is just an 'oh, nothing' wink wink stop to pick up a pair of packages. Lilian somewhat limits the patrol around the fifth floor commons, out of a foreboding feeling that something stupid might happen for no reason, then actually allows a glimpse of the tenth floor; the 'don't let me catch you screwing around in here' warning holds as usual, but she keycards the entrance just to satisfy curiosity regarding dark rooms and spooky low lighting filled with servers and digital archives, as well as the even better isolated biohazardous wing.

    The eleven-twelve combo is still being used as heavily for training as before, though there happens to be a group who've decided to use the pool after a physically intense mission. And the thirteenth must remain, as always, a motivating teaser. So back down to the ninth! The one that she had picked for being higher than the other three residence floors, and thus possessed of the vaunted quality of 'no overhead noise'. Because no one has ever accused Lilian of being impartial.

    Her claim of 'oops, room mixup, there's just not enough furnished space, you know?' is partially bogus, but not fully. She'd wasted a number of rooms on giving them to Elites who live elsewhere on basic principle, but they're on lower floors; nine is relatively populated, at least enough to pass people in the corridors, if the quick-spreading rumour of new outsiders joining hasn't already summoned more (it has).

    The brief view through the ascending elevator only somewhat conveys that each floor has a 'theme' in its decor. The ninth is softly lit, with blue-grey walls and convincing marble epoxy floors whose charcoal and white swirls look whitewater river-esque underfoot. Lilian's well-known predisposition towards splashes of green is in evidence all over, mainly as jade plants, string-of-pearls, and other shade-tolerant succulents that are easily looked after. Of course there's a funny little roomba handling the floors, but a communal shoe rack amongst the various decorative shelves and greebles is seeing plenty of use.
Lilian Rook     Repeating crossroad corridors cut the floor into fourths, then sixteenths, creating a slightly odd arrangement of largely freestanding dorm blocks that share few walls, likely left over from the building's original function. Not only are all the corridor ends getting direct sun from the windows, some of them are obviously larger than others; rooms that originally had multiple entrances, now turned into specifically zoned slots for Fixers like Nonon and Shajo (married) or Solace (looking after kids). Matilda and Sonetto are both lead to the northeast, where one of the more humble dorms must have a window with direct morning sunshine, and it only shares one orthagonal wall with another living space. How thoughtful!

    Lilian hands out each brand new ID card, printed-and-minted just the other day, with a branded lanyard at the door. She says "The door code is 918273, so be certain to change it." next, as if it were 1234, and adds "Though I don't expect either of you will lose your cards, it's just a standard feature; I didn't prepare anything very special." as a total lie. As soon as they have the cards, the packages she's been carrying via shoulder strap the entire way are handed out to each of them. In true obnoxiously City fashion, they have a stupid little industrial-brutalist-toyetic locking web buckle on them, which has to be keycarded as well, like something one step short of a Kamen Rider belt. But that can happen after Lilian shows them in.

    And it's nicer than a college dormitory, that's for certain. Judging by the sight from when the door first opens, it's not that much roomier, but that's only given that it's shockingly nicely furnished for what it is, more like an unusually tightly packed hotel room. The space is largely taken by a kitchenette and corner counter with two stools, faux fireplace heater, a coffee table with a mini-sofa to make enough seating for two guests, a modest walk-in closet that must necessarily serve the dual purpose of private storage, side tables, ample shelving, and a washer-dryer stack beneath a loft, adjacent to the bathroom that does actually have a rather nice shower,. The result is that there isn't space for separate beds without being hard to navigate, resulting in bunk beds against the north wall that are ostensibly lavish-as-apology for being bunks in the first place.

    All in all, it'd still be distinctly preferable to visit the main facilities for most things, but as a place for adult professionals to live, it does provide the basic places to take calm and private meals and handle washing up of anything but uniforms. Bright walls, white sheets, a steel blue rug, standing lamps, and a few 'starter odds and ends' don't stand out much compared to a laser engraved mini-version of the thirteen tenets on one wall, separate coat pegs for uniforms on the near one, and what is obviously a modified sword stand.

    "My apologies once again for the surprise in accommodations." says Lilian, who is not apologizing at all. "Seeing as you two are already familiar, it felt most responsible to simply entrust this space to the both of you, rather than making more inconvenient or less ethical arrnagements." she adds, not specifying. "Of course, I'm aware you already have your own accommodations with the Foundation, so this is hardly necessary; but it's the principle of the thing. I can't go depriving certain Fixers of certain guarantees because of outside circumstances. If nothing else, you can use it for storage of any articles that the Foundation won't like having on campus. Ah, and I'd appreciate it if you kept laptops and rented books here instead of carrying them out of the building."
Angela Various members of Trideag have taken an interest in Matilda and now, of course, in Sonetto as well. Not only are they new but Matilda made a general positive impression on her first visit and there is a sense that Lilian thinks positively of the latest new recruits and so there are plenty who want to make a good first--or second--impression based on that alone.

Pete, who is always eager to improve his standing in Trideag, is one such person. He has actually organized a bit of an unofficial and impromptu (not ''that'' kind of impromptu) welcome party. Besides himself, he has either officially or unofficially dragged a number of fellow Fixers along for the ride.

Ceri herself isn't actually one of those people. AS usual, she's here in the capacity of Lilian's subordinate and Vice-Director of the group. Right now she's tapping at a digipad with a digipen and is marking the latest updates in where everybody is staying, counting Matilda and Sonetto as the latest modifications. She has brought a 'housewarming' gift as well, of sorts--namely a fencing manual that visually goes over the basic forms of fighting with a Trideag style blade. Ceri has added a few extra pages since the adoption of the Stigma Workshop inspired blades. Her face is carefuly neutral when Lilian explains the situation behind Matilda and Sonetto's living arrangements.

"If there are any special accomodations you need, I've left a requisition form in your room. Feel free to take some time to familiarize yourself with the space first and if you end up needing something else afterwards, we will do our best to provide, though our funds are not infinite. Anything you can handle on your own is appreciated. I am not entirely familiar with the methodologies of the Foundation so I'd appreciate an interview later to catch me up to speed but, again, there is no rush."

"Yoooooooo!" Pete shouts, having maintained enough discipline to wait for a moment where neither Ceri nor Lilian were talking. "The peeps and I figured we should make the new Fixers feel welcome" Pete adds, leading a small crowd behind him. Knifty appears as well, sitting on a roomba that's managing to carry her along while cleaning the floor. Knifty stubbornly dusts the hall with a feather duster at it approaches like she's in competition with the appliance, openly baring her teeth at it.

"GA HA HA!!" Nonon cackles, following after Pete and carrying an empty chest that looks like it could've easily been dug up from under the dirt or deep in the sea under one arm, a true traditional treasure chest minus the treasure. "Looks like we're on the same floor! I figured you'd want something to hold all your treasure and I had a spare chest lying around!"

"Oh yeah yeah. I brought a poster. I mean. You don't have to put it up. But it's pretty cool." Pete adds, opening up a ROCK FESTIVAL poster and showing it off. "Rock Festival is the JAM. I don't even gotta sneak in no more...!"

"Don't worry. Pete is reformed." Ceri hurriedly adds, gently stepping out of the way of the Knifty roomba.

"Clean, Clean, Clean..." Knifty murmurs.

Cheer, and her younger sibling Soothe have also poked their heads out of Solace's room and are curiously following along. Cheer has brought along a BAG OF POTATO CHIPS, unopened, and Soothe has a little drawing he's made out of crayon, though it's under his arm so it's hard to get a good look at it so far.

Solace herself is lingering behind with an actual fruit basket but she isn't saying anything. Not yet.
Angela "There'll be other folks coming by later." Pete adds. "But they're on their shifts right now so. It's been a minute since we've gotten new Outsiders joining us so we're pretty hype." A thought occurs to him, "Oh uh. THis isn't a bad time, is it?"
Timekeeper     Having separated from Vertin in the warpgate hub while the Timekeeper split off to do some other esoteric task, coming out of the warpgate in the Trideag Headquarters marks the first step that Sonetto has taken on another world alone. In fact-- it marks the first time Sonetto has been outside of the Foundation on *any* world alone, having never before been given an assignment, ceremonial or field work, that involved navigating somewhere on her own. As such, when she exits the warpgate, she pretty much just freezes in place until Lilian comes around to pick her up so she can trail beside her.

    Despite her stiffness, it's very obvious that she's thrilled to be here. Her Foundation uniform is pristine and ironed-- naturally, it's not the *correct* uniform, but she doesn't have that yet so it's important to demonstrate how good she would be at wearing the Trideag uniform once she's been given it-- and she reacts to Lilian's praise for paperwork-based diligence by uncontrollably bouncing on the balls of her feet. She's so good at paperwork. She can make *such* a good impression by doing paperwork.

    Sonetto takes the tour as *more* of a test than Matilda did, despite the fact that it's meant to be less of one. She is, of course, prepared with a notepad and a pen, nodding after Lilian's explanations and writing down information that is... very likely irrelevant for her to memorize. If Lilian peeks at what she's actually writing, it's indistinguishable from what she might do for a lecture: down to the precise and elegant layout for studying, utilizing a strange but efficient method of relating the information to the physical location it's relevant to for externally encoded memory.

    She is also, very insistent on showing off how much she's researched on the world beforehand, in order to ease Lilian's burden of onboarding her. She's familiarized herself with the entire glossary of City terminology, from Fixer grades to the function of each and every Wing, as if this is the most basic knowledge necessary to not be dead weight. As professionally studious as she tries to be, though, she's frequently sidetracked by getting excited about some feature or another of this new enclosure she's been introduced into.

    She immediately makes the connection between the carving in the lobby and Lilian's Code-- "So despite the nature of the City, the Association is founded on the chivalraic principles inherited from your history! They are quite well suited to a peacekeeping and humanitarian mission, I think."-- she's sort of overwhelmed by the cafeteria-- "Is this meant to replace the entire city... District's variety of food?"-- and enraptured in an odd way by seeing the expanded Trideag campus out the windows and the rest of the District beyond it-- "So many people... how many are still suffering somewhere out there after the disaster?"

    Sonetto naturally slips into a nearly silent manner of walking on the marble floors of the residential areas, avoiding letting the heels of her shoes touch the ground at all. She hadn't actually been told about sharing a room with Matilda yet, not until Lilian brings it up on the ninth floor, where she widens her eyes in surprise. Not, necessarily, that she would hate rooming with Matilda. Just that she feels critically out of place in her black, white, and grey, among the artful colors and greenery of Lilian's interior design.

    "A... shared room? If space is limited, then... I am certain I could make do with a locker to store sensitive materials and my equipment, without taking up a room at all. In addition, I would need to apply in advance for any overnights that I am spending away from the Foundation."
Timekeeper     ID card! Yay! Sonetto takes it as if she's been gifted a key to the city, and then takes the package somewhat more bemusedly. She assumes it must be some sort of essential gear to performing her job as a Fixer effectively, which *is* exciting, but it's hard to know how exciting until it's opened, so she defaults to holding it gingerly and outwards as if Lilian is just sort of using her as a sidetable to temporarily place the package on.

"I can't go depriving certain Fixers of certain guarantees because of outside circumstances."

    "I... suppose that is true...." It's pretty easy for Lilian to simply assert to Sonetto that she is Giving It To Her Anyways, but Sonetto's attention roams around the room in an obsessive way that's kind of hard to place. "But this is quite a lot of space for only two people, isn't it? And you have clearly given thorough consideration to the living quality of your employees, which is somewhat wasted if this space is only used for storage...."

    And then, surprise coworkers! The sudden loud noise from Pete makes Sonetto snap her heels together and look around, but once it becomes clear that this isn't 'shouting', she's pretty at-ease with interacting with them all. Though the concept of a welcoming party still seems a little alien to her.

"I am not entirely familiar with the methodologies of the Foundation so I'd appreciate an interview later to catch me up to speed but, again, there is no rush."

    "Of course. I would be happy to assist you with whatever information you need. And of course, the Foundation has already provided me with everything that is necessary for my work, so I will try to not need anything whatsoever."

"The peeps and I figured we should make the new Fixers feel welcome"

    "Er... yes...?" Sonetto takes a step backwards into the room with a surprised expression in order to allow the tide of people to flow in. Before this, she'd been closely glued to nearby the entrance of the dorm, and within seconds, she's completely surrounded by the half-dozen visitors.

    "Rock festival...? Is that the genre of music? I... do not believe I have any treasure that needs storing. Er--" Sonetto manages to collect herself enough to draw up her posture and put her hand to her chest in a pristine Foundation salute. "Hello everyone, I am Sonetto, Chief Investigator and the Timekeeper's assistant of the St. Pavlov Foundation. I... am unsure whether I am officially a Fixer until completing a test or examination, but I am looking forwards to working alongside you and aiding your efforts to improve the lives of those in the City."
Foundation Scions     Matilda Bouanich is eerily on-time to perfectly tag along with Sonetto's tour, having sooooo 'coincidentally' been already walking through the lobby with an open-topped cardboard box in her hands, an earnest enough excuse for her presence, as it's jam-packed with Decorating Supplies she's gathered up with the pocket money she'd, quite ironically, gotten from her divinations for both Lilian and Sonetto. A similar method is why she's so on-time: while nobody informed her of the *exact* schedule of Sonetto's orientation, or how quick she is at arriving, Matilda simply sought the answer from her own means! Scrying on her directly, and seeking a prophetic idea of when she'll pass through the Association HQ's doors!

    Unfortunately, that does mean she's lugging a heavy box full of candlesticks and crystal ornamentation the entire length of Sonetto's tour. C'est la vie.



- - -

    Oohing and ahh-ing at the ninth floor's decor distracts Matilda enough that she nearly stumbles into a roomba she hadn't seen, blocked by the cardboard box in her arms- apologizing with the same tone as to a stepped-on dog, "Aïe, aïe ! Pardon! C'est ma faute!" Matilda spins a full three-sixty degrees to right herself on her path, with almost a little hop to her step to ensure she avoids the busy vacuum robot. They're just like some of the ones at Laplace! How cute!! Hopefully Sonetto wasn't looking at the slightly clumsy display! Resting the cardboard box against her hip, she totally inconspicuously dusts off her skort, and lets out a little hum. Environmental hazard defeated!

'The door code is 918273, so be certain to change it.'

    Matilda mouths the code over a few times, trying to commit it to memory- it'd be so embarrassing to get locked out, after all! Even if key-passes make it unnecessary. Matilda giddily turns the ID card over in her hand, curious to find any holographic print or watermarks, anything shiny and neat on it. It's a neat badge of belonging! She loves those.

>Sudden Fixer Squad Appearance!
'The peeps and I figured we should make the new Fixers feel welcome'

    Matilda, cardboard box in hand, immediately shifts to a prouder, more ridiculous stance- wider-placed legs, shoulders back, and that boastful tone in her voice. "Ah, of course! Such is only naturally befitting such a promising set of new agents, the ever-talented Matilda Bouanich, and, ah, Chief Investigator Sonetto..." A little trail-off, just the tiniest hint of some sort of daydream. "I greet you most courteously, of course! Who, ah, are you..?"

    Matilda gives a little thanks, merci beaucoup, etc, to the little gifts. A poster for 'Rock Festival'? Perhaps she can use this to convince Regulus to register within the Foundation...

    "Ah! A guidebook to swordcraft... merci, Ms. Ceri! This must certainly be of the utmost usefulness! How thoughtful a gift..." She tilts her head to look at it, imagining posing all suave by leaning up against a sword... "S-sonetto! It would be most efficient and productive to study such a guide together, no?"
Foundation Scions 'Clean, Clean, Clean...'

    Matilda stares, like one would at a black cat crossing one's path, and murmurs, "The French maid again..?" She gives a tiny, strange wave with a free hand, like encountering a strange but tame cryptid.

'My apologies once again for the surprise in accommodations.'

    Suspiciously quickly, Matilda is already responding with a "It most certainly is no burden in the slightest, Ms. Rook- ah, pardon- it is 'Director' now, yes?" Ah-hah! She did a bit of reading up! That's the correct title on the records and reports she's taken time to access! It is also something she could have asked literally anyone about, instead! It's a psychic attack to extort a gold star sticker, though, so the effort has to be maximized for a minimum of outcome. "Ahhh, très extravagant! A kitchen within the room..."

    Some of the features would be more appealing on their own had tagging along on Sonetto's tour not showcased how nice the rest of the campus is- a kitchenette may be more exciting than relying on the Foundation's kitchens (eugh!), but is totally overblown by the luxury of the facilities here. "Sonetto, look! There is even ah.. un cheminée! A fireplace! So rustic..."

    Matilda sets her decoration box down at the nearest tabletop space, swapping her focus immediately to the satchels Lilian brought. "What an interesting mechanism- ah? Is it the time yet to open them up?" She's armed and ready with the ID card! Watch out!

    "Hm-hmmmm, Ms. R- Director Lilian, the astronomical behaviors of this world... do the libraries here possess charts and guides to them? Familiarity with such is most important for the proper arrangement of a divination table... I could not avoid thinking of such, with this high-vantage of a window... I brought the correct type of curtains by which to use, and... Ahh, but I suppose that is not immediate..."
Foundation Scions CAFETERIA:
'Is this meant to replace the entire city... District's variety of food?'

    The ever-helpful Matilda Bouanich pipes in with a semi-related statement, "One such affiliated person of the association has demonstrated the capacities by which to produce, passably exceptional," Isn't that an oxymoron? "Items of proper French cuisine- so the foods of Earth most certainly as well!" Matilda lets out a little hum. "Perhaps, sometime, we could explore its offerings in more detail..? I am, of course, well-studied on the art of cooking!" If you throw literally everything at the wall maybe you'll eventually find the barest excuse to spend time with your crush- that's the motto of Matilda Bouanich!

---

'And you have clearly given thorough consideration to the living quality of your employees, which is somewhat wasted if this space is only used for storage....'

    Matilda constantly takes damage around Sonetto. This is a critical wound. "Then- would it not simply be best to utilize, at least on occasion, such accommodations? Then it would not be a waste!" She is practically on the floor begging.
Lilian Rook     Today, Lilian finds out that she is a little type-weak to girls who bounce uncontrollably when she compliments their paperwork. It's so easy, and yet so rewarding. Her notes are superb as well! Truly, the SPDM must be a place of culture.

    'So despite the nature of the City, the Association is founded on the chivalraic principles inherited from your history! They are quite well suited to a peacekeeping and humanitarian mission, I think.'

    Sonetto, also, has it very easy and very rewarding. Lilian does not connect the dots. She just smiles all satisfied about it. "If I'm asked to head my very own Association, then I should consider it natural that it reflects my own values, and isn't simply a mirror of the City's; after all, we're supposed to be improving it, not exacerbating it."

    'Is this meant to replace the entire city... District's variety of food?'

    Lilian loves answering questions! "Oh of course not. Half our Fixers are from life circumstances where they didn't have a lot of food choice anyways. The main cafeteria covered by your ID is there to maintain a wide selection of things I thought were appropriate, prepared by locally hired experts. If people miss a particular dish they're used to, they apply for a permit to run a noodle shop or coffee shop or whatever it is, in one of those smaller areas on the same floor. And there's no shortage of places to eat on the ground floor promenade."

    'So many people... how many are still suffering somewhere out there after the disaster?'

    Lilian hates answering questions. Even her enthusiasm dims a little bit at being asked. "Roughly two hundred million people lived in District Twelve before it collapsed. Most of those were in the Nest itself, which I neither have information on, nor jurisdiction over. I imagine most of them have either left for other Districts by now, or been absorbed by the Syndicates. Our best estimate of the District Twelve Backstreets is in the range of twenty to thirty million."

    "Trídéag headquarters can of course only shelter a tiny fraction of that; the region that is strictly, more or less legally 'ours' is only fit for a hundred thousand at best. However, an exponentially greater area surrounding that is relatively free of violence instigated by Syndicates or other malicious actors simply by weight of reputation and being within range of our response. The strings I've pulled to form our emergency alliance with Zwei, Liu, and Deyvat' serves nearly a third of the Backstreets to some degree or another. I hear that the remaining two thirds are currently the subject of a brewing shadow war between the Thumb and Index, but I haven't been able to gather much intelligence about it."

    After a slightly reluctant pause, Lilian adds, "An ally I have within the Watch is helping network with more groups beyond the Fixer Associations. He can't tell me how many people his assets are helping, but it's certainly not a small number. All in all, there are more souls than anyone can possibly save on their own, so we have to do the best we can to make it as many as possible."

    'A... shared room? If space is limited, then... I am certain I could make do with a locker to store sensitive materials and my equipment, without taking up a room at all.'

    Nope. Not happening. Lilian is so smooth rattling off "Keep what you have justly earned, and deprive no comrade of theirs." and then backing it up with "If you're a Fixer then you're guaranteed a place of residence, as the Association can provide and sees fit. No more and no less. I respect your humility, Sonetto, but principle is principle. Whether you use it or not, it's also yours."
Lilian Rook     'But this is quite a lot of space for only two people, isn't it? And you have clearly given thorough consideration to the living quality of your employees, which is somewhat wasted if this space is only used for storage....'

    Then she just sort of boggles at her. Lilian glances to Matilda, seeking some sign that the Foundation doesn't actually keep people in supply closets. Right?

    'Ahhh, très extravagant! A kitchen within the room...'

    Hm.

    "W-well, there may come various times where you may have need to . . . for instance, accept coworkers, for strategic discussions or private coordination outside of work hours. It's important that there are spaces that are discretionary, after all. Especially for someone as diligent with her off-the-clock efforts like you, I imagine."

    'And of course, the Foundation has already provided me with everything that is necessary for my work, so I will try to not need anything whatsoever.'

    "Well, it's a little too late for that. Your standard issue gear has already been sized, commissioned, and tailored." Lilian says, gesturing at the heavy package Sonetto is clutching to. "Giving it back won't help. And furthermore, you'll need it to be taken seriously as a legitimate Fixer; otherwise you might be taken for some eccentric freak, or even a con artist."

    The ID card, Matilda finds, whether she knows it or not, is deliberately styled somewhat after Lilian's own certification from back home. It's simply natural to associate slick professionalism with metal instead of plastic, little translucent sections and pricey laser-optic photos. Duh. "Matilda, would you like to find a place to put that down?" Lilian suggests, gesturing at the coffee table.

    'The French maid again..?'

    Poker face. Maintain poker face. "She may not look it, but she is, also, a Fixer." Lilian says. "And Director is preferable while you're on the clock, but I'm not too fussy." she answers, after.

    'What an interesting mechanism- ah? Is it the time yet to open them up?'

    "The City is a bit security-obsessed." Lilian says, in a tone of admission, shrugging to play it off. "Though it'd be quite bad if someone were to secure an ill-gotten set of uniform and gear, given how vulnerable the state of the Backstreets is right now." She follows up with confirmation, however; just a nod at first, then thinking it better to add "There's no sense dragging it all the way back to the Foundation."

    'the astronomical behaviors of this world... do the libraries here possess charts and guides to them? Familiarity with such is most important for the proper arrangement of a divination table... I could not avoid thinking of such, with this high-vantage of a window...'

    "Oh. Very good." Lilian says, as if impressed Matilda thought of something she hadn't. "Ceri, would you mind a quick check of the inventory? If there aren't any suitable books or files, I'll make certain to acquire them myself. It'd be strange for us not to have them." Her tone on 'myself' is very firm on 'not from the Library that kills people' in implication.
Lilian Rook     Despite the slightly unprofessional look of having a crowd gathering, Lilian doesn't shoo them away, so she seems to think it's appropriate. After all, this is home to most of these people! At least it is now! "Pete works with one of our medical squads, alongside Lenny and Mang-Chi. I think they would do well if you were to find the time to offer your perspective and experience, Sonetto." she says, getting her hooks in while she can. "Not so much as a doctor, of course, but as a humanitarian operative. And Nonon . . ."

    Lilian has to be tactful. "Is a veteran, despite her quirks. And a married woman on top of that. Please feel free to rely on her, and don't let yourself be put off." she decides. "Ceri is, as you know, my Vice Director. In reality, she sees to the majority of the Association's day to day affairs, seeing as I can't very well dedicate all my time to Trídéag and none to the Paladins. Feel free to go to her for anything you might need, or any questions you need answered." Looking further down the hall, Lilian tries to gauge whether Solace is disinterested or simply wary, then waves her out; no use letting her separate herself any more from the community. "These two are Solace's kids. She has an old injury that requires she often rest her voice, so don't worry if she's quiet around you. She happens to be another one of our veterans, of a sort."

    "Oh. And this is Knifty." Lilian says, pointing to Knifty. "She's harmless."
Timekeeper     For all her efforts, Matilda scores one, singular, backhanded win. When Sonetto sees her struggling with carrying the box around, without a thought towards what it might be for, Sonetto pauses in the tour to offer her hand out to Matilda-- of course, to take the load off of her. "Ah, I am sorry to be taking up all of your time with a tour of a location you are already familiar with. May I carry that for you, Matilda?"

"And there's no shortage of places to eat on the ground floor promenade."

    Sonetto seems even *more* shocked by this. "Experts?? For something as trivial and logistically demanding as having a wide variety of cuisine? Does it not become difficult to maintain people's relations within the Association when they have access to such different things?" What? Huh?

"Perhaps, sometime, we could explore its offerings in more detail..? I am, of course, well-studied on the art of cooking!"

    Sonetto, wide-eyed and a little shellshocked by such a vastly different culture from grey concrete and bean slop, shakes her head just a little bit. "Ah... I may find time to explore the cafeteria, but... it is not a priority of mine."

"All in all, there are more souls than anyone can possibly save on their own, so we have to do the best we can to make it as many as possible."

    Sonetto absorbs Lilian's explanation with dutiful solemnity, nodding at the end. She refrains from distracting by taking notes on her description of the conflict (until after, when she thoroughly documents it all), and lays her hand on the window to look out at the ruined buildings in the distance between her fingers.

    "Of course. This world... is not a kind one, either. I will work so that my presence expands what is possible for the Association, for every person out there we are able to save."

"Whether you use it or not, it's also yours."

    Sonetto nods. It's actually extremely easy to convince her of the righteousness of basically anything as long as it's accompanied by a sufficiently important-sounding quotation or rule. "Understood. Then, not knowing what my duties will demand of me in the future, I will be grateful for this space if I am ever in need of it."

    Later in the room, there is also, another little bit of cameraderie to be found for Matilda: in the ID cards, of all things. Giddy herself over being gifted such an important little treasure, the way Sonetto huddles with Matilda to examine each others' as a pair is a rare instance of being treated like a friend rather than a coworker-- she peeks over at Matilda's own card while she's flipping it around, for no reason besides to share in the excitement of both having one and marveling over what doors they'll open in the future.

    "It is such a well-organized operation, isn't it?" Sonetto murmurs, pleased like this is the highest compliment she can give. "'Fixer Grade 9'..."

"S-sonetto! It would be most efficient and productive to study such a guide together, no?"

    Matilda sweep!!!! She's finally, for the first time, found a topic that Sonetto shows immediate interest in! She looks down at the book, and then up at Lilian, like she's checking for reassurance that some strange new wet food is safe for her.

    "That is... is it, within the context of the City or the Association, uniquely important to be knowledgeable in swordcraft? Despite my combat training being in arcanum rather than physical weaponry? For the image of the Association, perhaps?" She's definitely *so* interested.
Timekeeper "Well, it's a little too late for that. Your standard issue gear has already been sized, commissioned, and tailored."

    Oh! So that's what the object she was handed is. Sonetto looks down at it, and clutches it tightly to her chest. "I will accept whatever equipment is deemed necessary to work under you with gratitude, er-- Director. I only mean that I will not be a burden on the resources by requesting more than I need."

"She may not look it, but she is, also, a Fixer."

    Sonetto... has in fact heard of this phenomenon! She's been very thorough in her research! She just imagined that, maybe, the combat maids would be less... silly looking? She watches Knifty slowly sail by on her little ride for a few seconds, and then eventually looks away. "Um, of course, Director."

    She likes using director. Obviously.

"I think they would do well if you were to find the time to offer your perspective and experience, Sonetto."

    "Mm! I will give a hand wherever I can! The Field Agent Administration guidelines and practices for emergency mundane and arcane care are quite applicable to disaster relief and impoverished communities such as this one."
Angela Ceri can't help but admire Sonetto's enthusiasm and diligence but she also can't help but worry. She knows damn well that some people go to the City and become wrecks after meeting their first friendly cannibal. Somehow the friendly cannibals are worse than the unfriendly ones. She thanks all the Gods of the City that Chewie fucked off to Hydrochoeria and didn't try to join Trideag after the facility fell. Or return to his cafe. She's finally free of that detestable man.

"While the disaster you mention is the big current problem we're dealing with because of where we're based, The City had plenty of other problems before that. Even this District. Everybody in this City is replacable, even the CEOs can become fluid to turn its gears." She doesn't mention Ayin. Or Carmen. Or any others she's known through her work as a Fixer. She doesn't exactly want to bring up she was a part of that project, seeing how it turned out. Now that she's out of the facility, she has much more faith in Lilian's system than L Corp's by a country mile. And she has no idea what Angela is up to. While Lilian told her to support Angela, Angela hasn't contacted her since the fall of L Corp which tells her that either she's assuming that she wouldn't answer her call anymore... Or that she's exactly where Angela wants her to be. That latter possibility worries her.

"In case your research didn't mention, we're working with the Zwei, Liu, and Deyvat Associations right now--primarily the Liu. They seem to also have an invested interest in preventing these Backstreets from being utterly overrun by the Fingers. ... If you meet Xiao, I'm sure she'd appreciate your sense of discipline. ... And your resolve."

''But this is quite a lot of space for only two people.''

Ceri opens her mouth, glances at Lilian, then clamps it back shut.

''I would be happy to provide ... I will try not to need anything whatsoever.''

"Better to speak up more than too little. But I trust your judgement."

''Rock festival...? Is that the genre of music?''

"Nah nah nah, it's the band." Pete says. "I don't know if you're 'officially' a Fixer yet either, but if you're gonna help out you're bound to be. Fixer Grade doesn't directly correlate to high rank exactly, it's all about the jobs you can pick up--"

"Officially anyway. Naturally high grade Fixers tend to also have more responsibility, particularly in Associations. Offices all run themselves differently, but Associations are bigger so everything's more structured naturally." Ceri adds.

''Who, ah, are you..?''

"I'm Nonon!" Nonon answers Matilda happily. "I'm from Apple Tree Island, though I come from the City, you have any questions about the Great Lake and I'll be able to answer them, Ga Ha Ha! Harpoonist by trade! Ga Ha!" She just slides that treasure chest into the corner without even asking if it's really okay. "I don't get as much news as I used to be since moving out to Apple Tree Island, but Shajo and I are happy to follow the Dame Commander through hell and back! So it's nice to see new adventurers joining the crew!"
Angela ''A guidebook to swordcraft...''

"De rien," Ceri answers Matilda. "That's not a bad plan, though don't be afraid to practice with the others. It's good to get broad experience."

''The French maid again..?''

"Eheh..." Knifty giggles, waving a hand over to Matilda. "You don't have to worry about keeping your room clean... I'll clean it for you whenever you want..." She smiles bigly. "I can even... unclog toilets and clean pipes..."

she even tries to roomba-travel in and start dusting it right now. She's a bit of a clean freak, it seems, or maybe a cleaning freak. The end result doesn't seem to matter as much to her as the process.

''uniquely important to be knowledgeable about swordcraft?''

"I don't know if I'd say uniquely important as, like, a culture. But ammunition is expensive so most people use augmentations and melee weapons. Even if you know arcanum, it'll be good to have something you can use when it's not available for whatever reason. A variety of talents is more useful in The City than being specialized really well in one talent, usually, some dangers out there ... well I don't know if there'd be any that especially resisted arcanum, but some monsters are just immune to one form of violence. And some of those monsters might be other Fixers."

A closer look at Knifty will reveal that even she has a pair of knives on her hip, though she's paying little mind to them right now.

"Knifty is still in training. A fully trained Butler is very dangerous as far as Fixers go, even if their weaponry may be unorthodox. Most of them are retired Fixers and if they lived that long, there's no way they wouldn't have some serious skill." Ceri has to defend the honor of the battle maids.

Soothe quietly scootches forward and tries to offer Matilda a drawing without a word. If she takes it, she'll open it to find a drawing of a large black spider monster with so many eyes. He quickly ducks behind Solace after handing it off.
Foundation Scions 'Ah, I am sorry to be taking up all of your time with a tour of a location you are already familiar with. May I carry that for you, Matilda?'

    Matilda goes through a quick-time-event within her head, trying to quantify and justify her reactions to such- of course, she can handle carrying her own box! She's extraordinarily talented, and it's simply a menial task of endurance! On the other hand- Matilda dreams of being the one for whom Sonetto escorts and assists, a top investigator, an exceptional arcanist, a best-selling novelist for her autobiography... "Hm! That is most kind of you to offer! I leave it to you, then!"

    At least temporarily freed, Matilda is ever one to swing her arms excitedly as she walks, as one would when balancing on a raised curbside ledge.

'Our best estimate of the District Twelve Backstreets is in the range of twenty to thirty million'

    At the topic, Matilda's often-exuberant expression drops more somber. "It is heartening, at the very least, that such a large partnering of organizations can exist... in the face of such disaster, that is an exceptional amount of work to maintain. That a whole third of such people can count on that alliance..."

    It's hard not to think about the apocalypse her own home allegiance is combatting, and that that level of countermeasure is simply not possible there. A third of the struggling people in 1928, is- Matilda can't even recall the number of people in the world then, and so many are those who were present in the 1930s, some in the 50s, 60s, and 70s... her grandfather, he made it to the 90s- how do those lives even count in the measure of what the Storm has taken? Ah- but this is a tour! Smile, Matilda!

---
Foundation Scions 'It is such a well-organized operation, isn't it?'

    "It most certainly is!" Matilda's hushed voice is still tangibly excited, in the little huddle. "Beyond the Foundation, I've yet to see a place so ordered... it is terribly exciting, no? And 'Grade 9'... The numbering may be the wrong way around, but it has such an excellent sound to it..."

'Matilda, would you like to find a place to put that down?'

    "Hein-? Oh, of course! Yes." Matilda puts the ID card down, then half-reaches for it again, before folding her hands in front of her. She's only a lot dissapointed to be yoinked out of the huddle, even if it makes sense to move on to other topics. Like distributed gear! That's equally exciting!!! Matilda doesn't wait at all to open up her package of gear, so eager to see the uniform, the tie, the jacket- she only stops in order to scan the room for wherever a mirror may lie (in front of which to Pose, later).

'That is... is it, within the context of the City or the Association, uniquely important to be knowledgeable in swordcraft?'

    "I paid notice to quite a few individuals carrying and maintaining swords- it seems most likely!" Matilda's intuition kind of doesn't have to make more than a sidewalk-crack width leap to get her to that conclusion. "I, too, have only trained in arcanum for such means- but is it not worthwhile, regardless, to learn new fields..? I think it must be!" She smells blood in the water and she's going to prod until she can study a book with Sonetto- that it's swordfighting is kind of secondary.

'That's not a bad plan, though don't be afraid to practice with the others.'

    Matilda perks up. "As we would both be practicing from scratch- perhaps we should practice together?"

'She's harmless.'

    Knifty still feels like a cryptid to Matilda. She watches her slowly roomba away, quiet and confused. "It is, ah, a pleasure to meet you?"

'Oh. Very good.'

    Despite the answer being an indeterminate 'maybe', Matilda still beams, excited. That prompts her to explain further!

    "On all conditions but that of the New Moon that you were witness to recently, not only is it imperative to understand the relations of the celestial bodies, but also, I must arrange through curtains, or mirrors if I must, the Moon's light to fall upon the crystal of my orbuculum. This window, I can already tell, will do most suitably for such a thing! Ah- so, I much appreciate the accommodation!"

    A pause, and then, way more earnestly wistful, "To learn a new world's skies and stars... Comme c'est nouveau! I had never thought to meet more of them than were there the moment I was born! And now, they are myriad..."
Lilian Rook     'Experts?? For something as trivial and logistically demanding as having a wide variety of cuisine?'

    Oh no. This girl is a space alien. Lilian purses her lips like she's afraid Sonetto will crash her metaphorical car if she keeps talking. She'd assumed Matilda was the hapless one who doesn't know what she's doing just from her attitude, but . . . "Paying some experienced chefs to prepare what they're confident in making is a fairly small expense compared to everything else." Lilian says. "It's a prevalent opinion in practically ever historial treatise and manual that quality food is critical for morale; and I don't have the luxury of everyone being from the same hometown. It's even been my experience that the ability to bond with fellow Fixers by showing them new dining experiences has been positive for unit cohesion."

    'Beyond the Foundation, I've yet to see a place so ordered... it is terribly exciting, no?'

    Sonetto says her organization is good though! And Matilda agrees! Nobody ever compliment's Lilian's organizational skills! Finally! Someone who gets it! Being organized is hard!!

    'That is... is it, within the context of the City or the Association, uniquely important to be knowledgeable in swordcraft? Despite my combat training being in arcanum rather than physical weaponry?'

    Now Lilian doesn't even have to try to wingman. "Arcanum, or rather, its close equivalent, is excruciatingly rare in the City. I could count the number of times I've encountered it on both hands." Lilian says. "It'd be ideal if you were able to use yours as a trump card or a second track, seeing as few will be able to adapt to it as long as you aren't using it all the time. Though, you're also not wrong." Lilian taps her cheek, looking aside in her usual tic of thinking of how to sort out a lot of information. "The standard uniform and armament are very important to an Association's image; especially if you're working for headquarters, and not as part of an Office. Someone who's being provided their equipment straight from the top, but refuses to use it, paints a very negative picture of their employer, and makes their quality suspect."

    "Furthermore, due to the number of less experienced Fixers I'm currently training, it's necessary for all Fixers employed by Trídéag to share a common frame of reference when it comes to the fundamentals of combat. There's much to be learned from classical disciplines that may not necessarily be considered relevant in a modern school that's especially concerned with urban combat, for instance. And the sword happens to be what I'm most intimately familiar with, and thus what I can best teach and appraise. Or I suppose you can say that it allows me to gauge the qualities of a Fixer best?"

    She gestures to Ceri first. "For instance, the Vice Director typically fights with a rapier. That's how she was taught in the Cinq Association. She was once a high-ranking duelist who fought for the honour of her clients, but was forced to leave when she refused to fight a shamefully one-sided duel on behalf of a corrupt benefactor." Glaze glaze glaze. "Solace, meanwhile, prefers the axe. She's used it for a long time in the Outskirts, where she had to defend her community from monsters and bandits all by herself. I'm perfectly content with her using it, but seeing as she's self-taught, I have to improve on certain areas through the sword." Glaze glaze glaze.
Lilian Rook     "Even I myself prefer to mix 'arcanum' with pure swordsmanship. If you happen to find that a sword doesn't agree with you, I'll still ask you to stick with it until I've ascertained that your basic aptitudes are where they should be. I hope it won't be an undue imposition."

    'But ammunition is expensive so most people use augmentations and melee weapons. Even if you know arcanum, it'll be good to have something you can use when it's not available for whatever reason'

     Hell yes. Ceri backup too! "Due to the Head's absurd taxes on ammunition and the scarcity of arcanum, the City as a theatre is especially focused on close quarters combat. Though I'm aware that the sorts of things I can teach you as a knight aren't necessarily relevant to your work at the Foundation, I advise you not to underestimate the criminal elements here; they're exceptionally experienced in brutal hand-to-hand fighting on average, so at the very least, you should be able to keep a blade away from your neck without an incantation."

    'Um, of course, Director.'

    Lilian, unfortunately, must defend the honour of mades. "She's still an apprentice. Her mentor is fantastic. A true professional. Courteous, dignified, perceptive, vigilant, obedient . . . You should really meet her."

    She shares that glance with Ceri though. Like 'we're going to have to work on this huh'. Lilian tends to communicate on that non-vocal wavelength with her more and more over time. Nonon makes her smile with ease. "Your confidence is encouraging as always. I'll continue to make certain you don't regret it."

    'I paid notice to quite a few individuals carrying and maintaining swords- it seems most likely!'

    "I've just recently had them commissioned." Lilian says, a little proudly. "It took some time to find craftsmen that met my high standards. They've been tested and iterated on by professionals as well. You can consider them the symbol of the Association; proof that you're a proper Fixer. I won't mind if you leave your sidearm at home in favour of your orbaculum, but few people will trust you as a Fixer without that blade."

    'As we would both be practicing from scratch- perhaps we should practice together?'

    "I try to keep people in consistent training groups outside of mass drills and individual examinations." Lilian says. "Typically with people they know best-- such as Pete with Lenny and Mang-Chi, or Ceri with her Cinq allies who followed her here. That'd suit the program fine, though you'll need a third member to call it a proper group."

    'This window, I can already tell, will do most suitably for such a thing! Ah- so, I much appreciate the accommodation!'

    "I did give thought to the windows." Lilian says. This is the truth, even! "As well as having the most access to the library and digital archives. It gets dim a little early, but I think that makes it ideal for reading late."

    As for the greeble packs . . .
Lilian Rook     Once carded, the locking buckles make a satisfyingly overwrought little sequence of beeps and kachunks and allow the webbing straps to be pulled free. The outer layer of the package looks vaguely like nylon cloth, or maybe kevlar at a glance, but it's a surprisingly thick lining, adding to the Christmas present-like feel, along with a factory scent that's somehow inherently nostalgic; like the inside of a trading card booster pack for people who've never had one.

    Inside are separately vacuum sealed uniform bundles, amongst other things. Two folded outer coats, one winter coat and one summer, which Lilian has taken some presumptive liberties with choosing straight versus fitted cuts, along with two stacks of near-identical dress shirts (one type is blousier than the other), and a choose-your-own button bag including coat-matching slacks, dress pants, shorts, and skirt; which would be frighteningly liberal-minded, if this weren't the City. The reality is probably just that Lilian didn't want to even try to play the guessing game with every new hire.

    Alongside them are a pair of dressy flats and proper outdoor boots, a reversible belt that's cleverly hiding the fact its formal buckle has a military-style latch, three slim carry cases already attached to adjustable hardpoints on it, a set of folded ties (and ribbons that clearly have the same pattern), several sets of gloves, what looks like a folded wad of buckles and straps, and a tiny bag of replacement buttons and cufflinks.

    Even with the addition of a locking briefcase (which currently contains a laptop each with a brushed black metal casing and a slick Association logo on the back), if one were to remove all the options they didn't care for, one could probably fold it all back up inside the standard issue backpack that comes with the laptop, emblazoned with the Trídéag logo.

    The outerwear is the Association standard; notch lapel double-button up coats with a breast pocket Trídéag patch, understated belt and shoulder loops and long-button cuffs. The inner shirts trend to high neckline and with multiple pockets, with long and short-sleeved versions, and if one examines them closely, fastening points that indicate the mess of straps must actually be for plate carriers. There's one zip-up comfy athletic wear version apiece, probably for training, or off-duty excursions.

    White shirts and black bottoms aren't much of a surprise; most of it's identifiable by the iconic silver buttons and green stripe accents at the wrists, hems, and neck, matched by the green-on-black slashed belt that has inverse colours on the inside, for wearing over the coat or dress shirt respectively. The Trídéag Association logo stands out for incorporating gold as well. The coat sleeves can ostensibly be removed rather than having alternate versions, though you wouldn't know by looking at them; though there are myriad reasons why a Fixer would need functionally ablative arm protection, those aren't necessarily always clear.

    The boots clearly have steel(?) insets, as do the gloves, slim as they are, and the belt hardpoints on the left and right hip seem larger than the others, having visible outer contact points. It is much less clear why there are three versions-- lined full gloves, half-finger grip gloves, and oddly textured short gloves-- but the portents indicate the choice is of grave importance to one's future.
Lilian Rook     "Please be certain not to make any unauthorized or aftermarket modifications to these." says Lilian, whilst all the individual pieces are being sorted out. "The outerwear is made of specially armoured fabric; not only is it not easy to work with, but it's quite expensive. Furthermore, there are electronics that have been sewn in already; identification, radio booster, pulse monitor, that sort of thing, for your personal benefit. Please don't substitute the belt either; the left and right mounts are for your weapon and sidearm, and are designed to provide you an accurate equipment readout."

    This information, does, retroactively, make it a little bit of a thinky thought that she always wears the long coat version 'cold shoulder' style. But surely that's just a small liberty, taken to stand out as Director. Like the gold buttons instead of silver, and her skirt being a few inches shorter than standard issue.

    Lilian passes one conversational beat to at least look like she'd only just remembered. "Ah, speaking of which . . ." she says, reaching around the doorframe as if what she is looking for had been propped up against the wall this time and no one had noticed. She does love her showy sleight of hand, sometimes. "These are yours. We didn't have any exactly in your size, so they're brand new; please take care of them."

    One in each hand, Lilian turns over a pair of swords, hilt towards Matilda and Sonetto, secured in their scabbards by a cross-knot of braided rope with a Workshop seal. Each is the double-edged cruciform weapon of a length that stands up to the armpit when balanced against the floor. They're slightly less heavy than the prototypes were, but still not light, and the same polished black as before with only the hilt wrapping changed to have a green and black lace. The Association logo etched in is still that magenta-red; the half-lily and occluding sword against a crescent moon that suggests '13'. For whatever reason, Matilda's scabbard is essentially identical to everyone else's-- black with a gold-against-green diagonal stripe, silver chape and locket-- save a blueish ribbon tied around the throat, whilst Sonetto's is instead as white as her usual uniform, with a checkered ribbon.

    "These aren't yet armed, but be careful to consult the manual first." Lilian says. "And don't draw them for anything other than combat, training, or maintenance."
Angela Ceri will fetch some star charts later but she's distracted from commenting about it because she's pretty focused on business here. "Not a bad plan." She agrees. "Glad you're coming up with your own regimen."

''It is, ah, a pleasure to meet you?''

Knifty gives Matilda a biiiiiig smile. "I like cleaning... So don't worry." The roomba gets stuck on a corner so Nonon helpfully picks up Knifty and the roomba and sets the both of them some distance away so she can cointinue dusting while relying on roomba travel.

"I was never into it myself, but I know some people out there take the star charts and the positions of the celestial bodies and all that very seriously. With the light pollution of the City it can be tough to get a good look but you should be able to get a gander from the roof. The blackouts help with that, least in this District. If I knew this was an interest of yours I'd have prepared something by now." She bows her head slightly in mild apology.

"Quality food is also important for health and general fitness." She adds, largely to support Lilian.

''Ceri's backstory''

Ceri rubs at her neck, a little bashfully at having that brought up to people she barely knows. "I don't want to be too hard on my former Association. I'm sure the other Sections haven't gotten all wrapped up in popularity politics and money. Heard good things about East Section."

She exhales slowly. "...But it is true that not every Fixer Association manages to live up to their ideals. Any big enough group is going to struggle to maintain its principles amongst all its members, but now that the Director has brought it up--if other Fixers approach you, don't carelessly assume they can be trusted. Particularly outside of the Associations. Some Fixer Offices are barely any better than the Syndicates."

''Solace's backstory.''

Solace seems less bashful about it though she's pretty hard to read in general. "I've learned a lot here. And Cheer is improving quickly, especially since talking with you, Matildabouanich." She struggles with the concept of last names sometimes. "Thank you for your encouragement." She starts to offer something but then bites it back. Offering to be an Outskirts guide is pretty useless right now. She'll never be out there again, most likely.

"Some people still use firearms, though, particularly the Thumb. ... They're a bit of a trumpcard themselves." She adds, wanting to give a very clear expression on this particular topic. The last thing she wants is Sonetto to be surprised by a Soldato's bayonet. But she gives a firm nod to Lilian's last point. "They might not give you the chance to chant."

''You should really meet her.''

"Nelly is on loan to us so she's not always available, but a visit can be scheduled."

The honor of maids must be defended. This is something Ceri is in complete 100 percent sync ratio mastery with Lilian on. Her game face is immaculate. For the honor of maids.

''Your confidence is encouraging as always.''

"Gaheh... Well.. Shajo got home, even Gebura paid a visit, though she's staying with Bota and Kana for some reason, we had space!"

Ceri continues to provide backup for City lore. It's pretty much half her job as Vice Director. "Thread can seem deceptively flimsy--and I do not know the process myself--but proper thread can be as durable as any armor you can find. Even a small modification can severely damage the durability and shock absorption of the thread.
Timekeeper     Sonetto seems to enjoy carrying the box. Matilda gets a little taste of the high Vertin must have constantly, when Sonetto demonstrates her unique still of 'holding something heavy in such a way that she can also diligently take notes on what she's being told'. She's being so thorough in documenting what she's told about the vast political web that stretches over District 12... truly she is wasted on Vertin.

    "The Liu Association is primarily associa-- primarily deals with large scale combat, correct? Is that the nature of clashes with the Syndicates in the District, or is it more often skirmishes between small groups? Are these other Associations ones we are likely to be sent on joint missions to assist, or is the alliance restricted to logistical coordination between leadership?"

    After a little while in the room, she is forced to put the box down somewhere. It's Matilda's stuff, after all-- it might be wrong for Sonetto to make herself comfortable here right now, but Matilda's obviously thriving! Good for her!

"Nah nah nah, it's the band."

    "Okay." Sonetto nods at Pete, not sure how to take this. She doesn't know the band, after all, but this is a gift for the room from a coworker, so she has to be polite. "I am not very familiar with music, but it may be interesting to see what music exists in other worlds."

"I'm from Apple Tree Island, though I come from the City, you have any questions about the Great Lake and I'll be able to answer them, Ga Ha Ha! Harpoonist by trade! Ga Ha!"

    Honestly, with the warning Lilian gave about Nonon, it's very easy to just think of her personality in the same category that it's necessary to think of other, less disciplined arcanists. She's clearly got her Thing, and though she's a little boisterous, that's nothing Sonetto can't handle. Especially when the things she says are so positive!

    Sonetto gives Nonon a smile. "Of course. Is the Apple Tree Island in the Great Lake? Such a simple and elegant name for an island makes your home sound like it must be beautiful."

"You don't have to worry about keeping your room clean... I'll clean it for you whenever you want..."

    "Ah... I am able to clean my quarters myself...." Sonetto watches Knifty sail past her and into the room with a vaguely distraught expression, but she can't stop her. Lilian and Ceri have been quite clear on the fact that Knifty is to be treated as a fellow Fixer, and not just that-- a senior in the Association to Sonetto! So whatever... this is, Sonetto can't bring herself to object.

    Matilda may notice a small victory buried within that reflexive sentiment, though: Sonetto referred to it as her room!

"Or I suppose you can say that it allows me to gauge the qualities of a Fixer best?"

    Sonetto was sold on the idea from the moment Lilian started speaking and didn't immediately say 'no', but she still drinks in each individual point eagerly. "Understood!" Oops! Too enthusiastic! Rein it in! Sonetto lifts up her heels and bounces them back down to the ground, as if shaking out her excitement from head to tail.

    "Then I will make the best use of your gifts and Association's image that I possibly can. I..." She looks over to Matilda and hesitates. Study groups... with so few people in their class, certainly Matilda and Sonetto were put in groups together reasonably often. She's fairly sure about Matilda's academic ability, but when it comes to physicality....

    "... Are you sure you would like to practice with me, Matilda?" Sonetto asks dubiously. "Er, I suppose we are both Fixers here, but the difference in field investigator training may still...."
Timekeeper "I had never thought to meet more of them than were there the moment I was born! And now, they are myriad..."

    As many doubts that Sonetto harbors about Matilda's physical prowess, this is a trait of hers that she views unreservedly positively. She's gifted a small smile, and then Sonetto's eyes move past her to the window and the surrounding features of the room.

    "It is wonderful, is it not? Even on Earth alone, there was more beauty in the world than we would ever experience, and more stars in the sky than we could count... and now there are orders of infinity available to us. Will you decorate this room the same way you did for the divination before?"

    When Soothe scampers past her, Sonetto lets out a soft 'oh!' and steps back to not obstruct his way. She leans over a bit, when he retreats, with a hand on her knee to bring herself down closer to the kids' level, and waves gently in his and Cheer's direction. She tries to exude warmth in their direction, but she's a tiny bit stilted about it. "Hello, you two. What are your names?"

"She was once a high-ranking duelist who fought for the honour of her clients, but was forced to leave when she refused to fight a shamefully one-sided duel on behalf of a corrupt benefactor."

    Lilian reads Sonetto like a book. Her eyes practically sparkle at Ceri, and just a little bit of unsuppressible bounce works its way back into her feet. "I see! Well, I am honored to be working under such individuals, and, if I may say so, it is no wonder to me that someone so principled would find themselves drawn to you, Director."

    Sonetto carefully sets down the package and opens it up when prompted. She's very well familiar with standardized packages, and significantly less familiar with Christmas presents, so her treatment of the objects inside is to neatly lay them out in an organized grid on the bed so that she can properly assess them. She's pleasantly approving of the overall design of the uniform, but it's not *really* like her approval or not matters at all. So instead, she curiously runs a finger along the laptop surface.

    "This is a... computer, then? That is portable? I... believe I will need those group training courses with Investigator Hoffman."

"Ah, speaking of which . . ."

    Sonetto scrambles over to accept the sword with both hands, having finally, for the first time since entering the Association, put down everything she's been carrying. She takes it exceedingly gently, and more than a little awkwardly, like being handed a baby unexpectedly, with transparent excitement on her face. "Ah...! Yes, I will be certain to- read the manual from front to back and ensure that I have understood it fully, as well as Vice Director Ceri's manual. Thank you, Director."
Foundation Scions 'Ah... I am able to clean my quarters myself....'

    Matilda is quick to hop in- "And I am most perfectly tidy, myself! I am sure these quarters will be of only immaculate cleanliness and order!"

'Or I suppose you can say that it allows me to gauge the qualities of a Fixer best?'

    Phrase of power used. 'Sword' is now an academic category she is being graded on. What's more, it's a core element of how she will be graded overall, here. Matilda Bouanich is going to study the blade. Matilda Bouanich will try and get an A+ in Sword. If Sonetto gets an A+ in Sword, Matilda will simply have to try and get an A++.

    Do your best, Matilda.

'.. Are you sure you would like to practice with me, Matilda?'

    "Hah? But surely you are not intimidated by my natural aptitude in all talents, Investigator Sonetto-"

'Er, I suppose we are both Fixers here, but the difference in field investigator training may still...'

    Ack. "I- I am, in fact, under active consideration by the Field Agent Administration for an Investigator position-! And, erm, the training for it, so! Rest assured..! I am certain it will be of no import! No, it is most certainly worthwhile to train together!"

' With the light pollution of the City it can be tough to get a good look but you should be able to get a gander from the roof.'

    "Ah, the rooftops... those are accessible? Would it be permitted to bring a telescope to there?" Matilda will, if she needs, just chart out the necessary astrological and astronomical conditions necessary for her ritualwork. Is that truly within her capacities to do? She'll find out if she has to!

'It is wonderful, is it not?'

    "Most exceptionally so... the first night skies, in quiet countryside fields, and here, dimmed above a city and seen by rooftop... Oh, comme c'est onirique... If a telescope is allowed, you must come view the skies through it!"

'Will you decorate this room the same way you did for the divination before?'

    Matilda hums, and pats the cardboard box she'd brought. "I, as is diligent of course, plan to make it amenable to use for similar divinations, and to decorate it as is likely to bring fortune and well-being. So, ah-hem, yes! I purchased curtains, bougeoirs, a new brazier, the proper crystals and ornamentations, and I acquired a new soumak tablecloth of a general-usefulness patterning... ah! Perhaps you would like to assist with the set-up, afterwards..? You would have to follow my instruction exactly, of course, but..." She trails off.

    Matilda tears through the contents of the package like it is, exactly, a Christmastime present- but carefully stacks the items with their like and coordinated parts, to make neatening them up for storage in the closets here simpler. The interesting fabric and inclusions in such a uniform are fascinating, she's never had anything even remotely like it- but she's thought an exceptional amount about it! She sure has! It's so clear to anyone and everyone watching that she will spend a long time trying the various uniform components on in front of a mirror, posing and giggling. Military equipment makes such a good present.
Foundation Scions 'You can consider them the symbol of the Association; proof that you're a proper Fixer.'

    Matilda scampers to set the contents of the package down on side table, standing for a moment almost tip-toe in her penny loafers, to take the offered sword in both hands. She's never held a sword before! That's new! And Sonetto has one, and they'll be learning to use them, together... Matilda is trying to convince herself it still counts as somewhat of a romantic activity, even if Sonetto is as thoroughly dense and uninterested as all. No, in fact, it's an opportunity to impress and wow her! She'll do her best for sure.

    Matilda has to visibly adjust her grip on the sword, when it's heavier than it looks, but she bobs it up and down to get a little feel of it, before tucking her arms in and turning it so the tip of the scabbarded sword can rest on the ground. Obviously, the distinction between hers and Sonetto's draws attention from her- the white is so stand-out, and of course it matches her uniform! Her own may be the standard, but the little ribbon... She didn't *see* others with that color of a ribbon attached to their weapons, so at least right now, Matilda can guess that it's a unique touch she's been assigned as well! Isn't that exciting!

'These aren't yet armed, but be careful to consult the manual first.'

    Matilda's eyes go a bit wider. "A manual... I- I too, shall be certain to study it and this, 'De Rien', in full-! As well, there are certainly more books on sword-fighting in the libraries, yes..? Sonetto! We should be certain to check those out for a comprehensive basis-! There are the required training schedules, but- surely, there is more time that can be found for group study!" She's organizing a group research project on sword-fighting. Of course she works at a school.
Lilian Rook     Don't worry Ceri. Trust the process.

    'The Liu Association is primarily associa-- primarily deals with large scale combat, correct? Is that the nature of clashes with the Syndicates in the District, or is it more often skirmishes between small groups?'

    "The Syndicates haven't committed to a full scale war yet, but I imagine it's a matter of time." Lilian says grimly. "And a matter of what scale. The current timeframe is a sensitive one in that regard. Liu, as I'm aware, is especially desirable to call upon for raiding hideouts, crushing gangs, fighting mass entities like the Cleaners or Mermaids; things like that." Lilian shakes her head. "Joint missions aren't out of the question, but they don't often occur 'in the wild'. You're not required to take any orders from them, though, and you should get along with most Associations just fine by wearing those colours. Shi and Seven are the ones you might have to watch out for, followed by Dieci if you ever even meet them."

    'Ah... I am able to clean my quarters myself....'
    'And I am most perfectly tidy, myself! I am sure these quarters will be of only immaculate cleanliness and order!'

    "Knifty, please stay out of their room. These two are from another organization, so they may have private documents in here." Lilian says. "As well as any number other reasons they may need for privacy."

    'Understood!'

    Lilian smiles. ~~Gottem~~ Enthusiasm should be safe around her!

    'Er, I suppose we are both Fixers here, but the difference in field investigator training may still....'

    "Anyone here will vouch for the fact that my philosophy is that there is limited value in training with only similar partners." Lilian says, actually just telling a well-known unadulterated truth. "The City is scarce in arcanum, but full of all sorts of unusual technology, including human augmentations and combat prosthetics. The Syndicates' elite forces, especially, may far exceed you in physical ability, to say nothing of Blood Fiends, or the recent 'Distortion' phenomenon. It's best if Fixers get used to adapting to a wide variety of potential opponents as early as possible."

    'Ah, the rooftops... those are accessible? Would it be permitted to bring a telescope to there?'

    "Naturally." Lilian says. "It has no particular function, so people have been using it to manage a community garden, amongst other things. Given the current power situation after the fall of 'L Corp', we have an informal lights-out policy at night, so I suppose it'll be clearer than most places."

    'I see!'

    Lilian's glance to Ceri screams 'trust the process'. It contains the gaze-equivalent of a double thumbs up. "Principled people are few and hard to come by in the City. I just try my best to be receptive to them." she says to Sonetto.

    'Perhaps you would like to assist with the set-up, afterwards..? You would have to follow my instruction exactly, of course, but...'

    Lilian camouflages how beyond her that actually is by saying very officially, "Decoration is left to your discretion, provided it's nothing that might make for a fire hazard, or . . . excessively distasteful."

    'This is a... computer, then? That is portable? I... believe I will need those group training courses with Investigator Hoffman.'

    "Wasn't the FDMO offering similar? I remember you speaking to Regulus about it." Lilian says to Matilda, offhandedly. "Hoffman seems trustworthy, so I'm certain she would be able to help."
Lilian Rook     Sonetto's befuddlement at a laptop is cute in its own way; Lilian gets to see people who've never heard of a computer before all the time, but she seldom sees someone who is familiar with the concept from a time that was simply not condusive to consumer electronics. Sonetto's reaction to the sword is even greater than she'd hoped for, though. Truly she had underestimated this girl's fixation on the knightly ideal. The possibility that she's found a junior Understander makes the sparkly smile hard to wipe off her face. "The designation is 'SN-13', but give it a name if you like. Certain people take better care of things that have a name, I find."

    'A manual... I- I too, shall be certain to study it and this, 'De Rien', in full-! As well, there are certainly more books on sword-fighting in the libraries, yes..? Sonetto!'

    "The training facilities are available at any time before dark. The courtyard may be used at all times, provided you're respectful of others occupying it. The days I'm available for personal tutoring are on the internal network's calendar. Meet some of your coworkers and decide on a third for your group." says Lilian, having already smoothly assumed Matilda's suggestion as fact. "You won't have an exam for a couple of months, but do try to be prepared. Your Fixer Grades are determined by the Hana Association, not me, which affects what sort of work you can take without my personal assignation."

    Something sparks behind her eyes. After a beat, she says, "I don't recommend live steel for sparring right away. Appropriately sized wasters-- training swords, can be found on the twelfth floor. Avail yourselves of the armour you'll find at requisitions on the third floor before moving on to steel. If you're looking for simulators, I'm afraid we don't have any. If you intend to commission an Artificial Somnambulism program so as to better prepare for your exam, I'd be happy to cooperate, but I don't intend to install anything like that here."
Angela ''Those are accessible?''

"Yeah. There's a garden up there. Knifty and Finn work on it a a lot but that's usually during the day." In other words, probably not going to interfere with night time trainins. "I see no issue with it. Unless you think the stars want some privacy."

She cracks a small grin before glancing over to Sonetto, #-1 FUNCTION (ASNI) NOT FOUNDThat's correct, though most Associations have some experience with combat. They're usually involved with reclamation efforts with the Outskirts along with the Zwei so they have a longstanding relationship, but with a war between Fingers on the horizon, they won't have a shortage of work over here."

Pete might have a small bit of Regulus in him but he's honestly way more criminal. Indeed, if he hadn't thrown his hat as a hail mary into the ring for Trideag, he'd still be working for the Syndicates, harvesting organs and the like. The Pete that's before Sonetto now is practically unrecognizable to the man he was before joining Trideag. He's not the strongest fighter--and he never will be--but being seen as a kind of unofficial organizer around the Rats in the District have given him a kind of purpose that no amount of sword training could provide. He hopes that there can be a Citywide Rat network someday, though for right now he's still struggling in the District. Rats don't tend to have hope or believe in the future, Pete's rare in that he is the one that stupidly did.

Until Lilian made it not so stupid. Who's laughing now?

"If you want to replace it with something else later, feel free." Pete says. "But it's good to fill up the space with life. Makes it easier to rest there if you need to."

Nonon shakes her head. "Ah no. It's not in there. Different world, though I think you can get there by pushing through the Great Lake. Shajo and Gebura showed up riding a raft. Kinda wondering if Gebura was trying to show off, GA HA HA! You don't always have to do things the hard way just cause you can!"

But she nods a little, "Yeah, Apple Tree Island's beautiful, you should pay a visit sometime, it's incredible. I bet you'd dig the hell outta Kana. She's a sweetheart, GA HA HA!" Nonon seems unable to stop her hearty laugh. "My daughter's there too, she likes to take care of the mermaids, what a kindhearted girl, GA HA HA!"

''I am able to clean my quarters myself...''

Knifty frowns like she's worried her space is going to be stolen, that SONETTO will become the new BATTLE MAID of TRIDEAG. "I can do it too..." She says, uneasily. She can't get hostile but she seems nervous. Though when Lilian makes her request, that seems to change her attitude quickly. Despite being a cryptid, Lilian seems to hold the leash. Or at least be able to aim her.

"...Okay... but I'll clean the outside." Knifty vows like she's made a great concession and is being very reasonable. She's such a good Trideag Fixer who won't be kicked out because she's doing her very best and being so reasonable.

Cheer is a few years older than Soothe. "I'm Cheer. He's Soothe. He's a little shy. Matilda says I'm gonna be like the best Fixer ever if I keep training. She can see the future, did you know that?" Cheer wiggles back and forth on her feet. "You mentioned divi nation so you must yeah? Do you know your future, Miss Sonetto?"

"Hi..." Soothe says, peeking out from behind Solace who pats him on the head gently.

''I am honored to be working under such individuals. It is no wonder to me that someone so principled would find themselves drawn to you, Director.''
Angela "The Director helped me with my rehabiliation after I sustained serious injuries in the war. If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be standing on my own two feet today. I am honored to work with her. And I suspect I'll be honored to work with you. i'm glad you seem the sort to ekep to your principles. It isn't always easy, after all. I am almost always here, so even if The Director is not around, I will do my best to fulfil your needs."
Foundation Scions 'The Syndicates haven't committed to a full scale war yet, but I imagine it's a matter of time.'

    "As I am employed, here, my talent as a diviner is surely part and parcel with myself- if it would be prudent, please, entrust me with queries of uncertainties in matters of mission and threat! Personal matters are by no means the full extent of my capacities, and while I cannot claim to have much experience foreseeing strategic matters, you have, in fact, seen first-hand my talent~!" Cheery sales-pitch tone, over a serious matter- she isn't really being silly, as much as trying to present some manner of assurance through confidence. "With times so uncertain... um! I simply hope that the illumination of truths and futures can be some manner of assistance!"

'Naturally.'

    "Naturally!" Matilda parrots, an unnecessary statement to establish that she knew, of course, there would be no other outcome! That's what she'll tell herself in her mind, at least. "I'll have to acquire one, somewhere... ah, perhaps ma mère has mon grand-père's old telescope, still, packed away somewhere. I could ask next time I see her... ah! But that will be too long. I'll find the time for shopping, yes! That will work. Especially if it is to be clear at nights, prompt capacity to familiarize myself with the circumstances, that's most certainly worth the investment!"

    "Oh! Within the rooftop garden, are the likes of herbs like sage and thyme grown..? Perhaps it would be prudent to ensure some incense materials be grown locally... those I use are grown on my world, if that has some manner of bearing on the nature of my arcanum... ah! It will be an experiment, and at the least, such herbs are good to keep on-hand~!" Matilda hums. Maybe she just wants to garden..?

'Wasn't the FDMO offering similar?'

    "Yes! Upon request, at any time!" Matilda jolts to extend that offer to Sonetto, before even fully realizing what it was for. "I've recently become quite accustomed to their many useful- er, uses! Please allow me to demonstrate so to you some time, Investigator Sonetto!"

'Decoration is left to your discretion, provided it's nothing that might make for a fire hazard, or . . . excessively distasteful.'

    "Rest assured! I, Matilda Bouanich, did score perfect marks on my most recent fire safety and prevention training exam! I will arrange the candles most sensibly, of course!" It was the kind of training exam you have to get a one-hundred percent on, but she's not saying that part out loud.
Foundation Scions 'She can see the future, did you know that?'

    Matilda, also-listening, pipes up. "Mm-hm! I certainly can, and most clearly, too!" Then, faux-whisper, "And I have seen some of her future! I've shown her some of it quite recently, in fact~!" Is Matilda humoring the kid, or boasting? Both.

'Anyone here will vouch for the fact that my philosophy is that there is limited value in training with only similar partners.'

    Matilda wilts ever so slightly- she'd prefer that Lilian's claim not rely on her being as obviously more inexperienced as she is, but! Big victory! It's a recommended thing by an Authority Figure that the two of them train and study together! In other words, it's a complete certainty that they will, now! And it's the right thing to do, and she'll accelerate her own learning... Matilda doesn't jump and do a little cheer, but the way her eyes light up, she may as well have.

    "Open until dark... it is most convenient that the hours of light and dark within this world do not quite exactly match that of ours! The window in order to use those facilities is all the larger... this will most certainly be productive, yes! Most convenient, do you not agree, Investigator Sonetto..?" Matilda hums. The amount of time she's going to have to spend here is going to be horrible for her sleep schedule, but that's the one thing she can most easily cut out of her schedule, and as this all, theoretically, carries her further down the exact path she's decided for her life- it's completely worth it.

'The designation is 'SN-13', but give it a name if you like.'

    That's the first bit of sword class homework that's been assigned! Figure out a name for it! Matilda goes a bit starry-eyed at the prospect. With little discrete care about 'swords' and 'knights', Matilda's mind wanders simply to how cool being 'someone with a named sword' is on its own. Surely, this is all quite the early steps to becoming the best Field Investigator the Foundation has ever known- and surely it isn't silly to start thinking about before ever actually wielding a sword!
Lilian Rook     'Ah no. It's not in there. Different world, though I think you can get there by pushing through the Great Lake. Shajo and Gebura showed up riding a raft. Kinda wondering if Gebura was trying to show off, GA HA HA!'

    Helpfully, Lilian elucidates, "Apple Tree Island is on Rita's world. Ceri and Nonon were there with me throughout the end of the campaign to save it. As a result, and due some other work together, they've been more than helpful in my personal project of Trídéag as well."

    '...Okay... but I'll clean the outside.'

    "Of course." says Lilian. Knifty is weird, but not the kind you need to be mean to!

    'I cannot claim to have much experience foreseeing strategic matters, you have, in fact, seen first-hand my talent~!'

    Now Lilian's smile starts to fade. It leaves her eyes, rather than her lips, and is replaced an unpleasant awkwardness like a question she won't ask; something that silently implies protective distance between them. "I'd be glad to solicit your counsel, Miss Bouanich." Lilian says. "I only hope that payment in ahn or credits rather than sharpadonty will suffice." Lilian works her back teeth together, then glances away to look at something else.

    'Open until dark... it is most convenient that the hours of light and dark within this world do not quite exactly match that of ours! The window in order to use those facilities is all the larger... this will most certainly be productive, yes!'

    "Be sure that you do get some sleep, eventually, Miss Bouanich."