Question
Your
Sexuality!

Start counting to one thousand.

I hadn't thought about it before, but you should probably get out of there. The paint thinner fumes are either going to make you loopy, or pass out completely. You should also extract Gladii--it's not clear whether passing out would cure basilisk exposure, but it would be disadvantageous to lose an agent. (In case Mr. Painter guy shows up.)

Also, I would advise against using the Gladii-full-healer, since 'recovery' might mean they are rendered non-existent until the next mission, and you don't know how to end the mission and return to non-existence yourself.

Finally, it appears someone has tampered with the requisition form. I don't speak German, but I can guess a "splittergranate" is not something you want to use in an enclosed space.

>>1120670
Ohhh wow that's a lot.
The TWO of swords. There's two of Gladii. Or, used to be? Left hand and right hand. What we saw on the card was their other "hand". Also that one voice in the Gallery listed out all the suits, with "Fera" as the last one... which is interesting since that voice was also using latin and Fera in Latin is Beast. So I think we can conclusively state that's what your name means. That word... can be interpreted in many ways. Why is its symbol a spiral though? Or maybe that's just your curly hair.
"Eripe nos ab existentia! A mundo!" translates to "Rescue us from existence! The world!". It seems even Gladii's Peanut Gallery wishes for death. Also apparently they had some sort of plan and Gladii screwed it up which resulted in their current state. Gladii tried to kill the universe, but the act somehow got them tied into the very nature of the universe itself...

...your hair color changed while you had the earpiece in. It was a lighter shade of pink, close to Gladii's skin color. ...I just realized, Gladii has a skin color, but everyone else we've seen appears to have white skin! Does that mean anything...?

>>1120676
Someone tried to sabotage your requisitions by putting what seems like a bomb on the list... that means there's a double agent in the Agency? Good thing whoever's in charge of authorization has some sense. Ask Gladii what the item was, since we can't know for sure.
>gun to heal Gladii
Uh, but Gladii can't die? What good is that? ...unless, shooting Gladii right now would change them into their other "hand"? Ask them what would happen if you used the gun on them.

>>1120679
Be wary of the fumes. Close everything up and exit the room so you're nearer the ladder and thus the supply of air.

aw damn, we should have asked for a mask, probably a big fan too. Get out of the room before you pass out, fall down, and get an eyeful of bask.

Don't pester Gladii anymore, but just rest in the hall. If she wants to talk be ready to listen.

Huh.
Her peanut gallery are far less horny than yours fera.
I dont know what this means about you or her or your respective subconciouses but, bears thinking about.
>>1120679
Aw, dammit.
No raver goggles.
I guess the agency is having a secret party without you.

Hmn. That other paper and the gun.
I... i think it might be the agency solution to her injuries.
The document see...
Are they implying gladi cant die?
Or that she dies but it doesnt take?
And they use it as a reset button on her?
Thats what it seems like and i dont like at all.
Lets find reasons not to shoot our buddy, huh?
Oh hey, you missed a bit. Use more paint thinner. View the chemical inhalation as a perk ofmthe job.

>>1120676
Gladii's character sheet lists their physical stats as "construct" stats.
And they implied that the Ten of Swords card is really them, even though it looks totally different...
Does it mean that they look different whenever they manifest? Will you look different the next time you manifest?
I like your current look, but I'm sure the new you will be just as pretty!

But then, they have a "true" height and weight listed where all their other stats are "n/a". So Gladii has a real body that's smaller and much lighter than their human body, but has no skin, hair, eyes, or blood. Could it be that they really are a sword?

Oh, but don't ask this out loud. Gladii doesn't like us prying into their secrets and they're already having a bad time.

>>1120843
>Her peanut gallery are far less horny than yours fera.
Do you think that's part of why Gladii has such an unhappy outlook on life? Their operating buddies are always giving them grief, but we like to show our agents a good time.

Hey Fera, after this assignment is done, what would you like to do for fun? Have some nice food? Go for a joyride? Maybe figure out some things about your body?

Silicon 2026/03/11(Wed)13:25 No. 1123308 ID: 6d3a6d
File 177323555110.png - (642.15KB , 1500x1000 , C01_15_A.png )

> Aw, dammit.
> No raver goggles.
> I guess the agency is having a secret party without you.

So rude.

> Oh hey, you missed a bit. Use more paint thinner. View the chemical inhalation as a perk ofmthe job.

Really wondering if part of you is actually trying to kill me or if it's just jokes. I'm gonna go with the latter. And hope.

> Be wary of the fumes. Close everything up and exit the room so you're nearer the ladder and thus the supply of air.

> aw damn, we should have asked for a mask, probably a big fan too. Get out of the room before you pass out, fall down, and get an eyeful of bask.

Okay. I put the lid back on the bucket with the paint thinner and leave the room. I take a few deep breaths by the ladder. Hopefully that'll help.
Agent Gladii has opened the book and is apparently working on a puzzle.

Silicon 2026/03/11(Wed)13:26 No. 1123309 ID: 6d3a6d
File 177323556075.png - (642.68KB , 1500x1000 , C01_15_B.png )

> I hadn't thought about it before, but you should probably get out of there. The paint thinner fumes are either going to make you loopy, or pass out completely. You should also extract Gladii--it's not clear whether passing out would cure basilisk exposure, but it would be disadvantageous to lose an agent. (In case Mr. Painter guy shows up.)

Fera: "The air's getting pretty bad in here. Let's get you up the ladder, Agent Gladii."

Agent Gladii doesn't look up.

Gladii: "Please hhgkk leave me be, Agent Fera. We're so close to done here. hhHhhh"
Fera: "What if you pass out?"
Gladii: "Then I hhhgh pass out. Who cares?"

I sigh.
There's no way I can do this without their cooperation.

Okay what now?

Silicon 2026/03/11(Wed)13:26 No. 1123310 ID: 6d3a6d
File 177323556996.png - (794.89KB , 1500x1000 , C01_15_C.png )

> Start counting to one thousand.

To... measure the time it takes for the paint to dissolve? Is that what this is about? I'll consider it for later.

> Huh.
> Her peanut gallery are far less horny than yours fera.
> I dont know what this means about you or her or your respective subconciouses but, bears thinking about.

You all don't strike me as all that horny. I mean there was that one bit in front of the gas station, I guess.
I don't have much in the way of comparison. But I suppose you're right that out of everybody whose Peanut Gallery I've been privy to, I'm the horny one.

> Question
> Your
> Sexuality!

What's there to question? Do I even have one? I haven't actually met a lot of people to be potentially attracted to. But I guess I can think about it for a bit? Let's see.
Gladii's attractive, I guess. Looked very cool until I wrapped them up in gauze, nice voice. Kinda grating personality though.
David is... cute? Likeable. Strikes me as kind. Could be something there.

And that's everybody I've met. I've seen other people of course but I'd rather not evaluate the dead guys. Yuck!

That goth... woman... is also cute? I guess? She seems to be a complete disaster, which is... endearing?
And the mysterious painter, well... I haven't really seen much of them. They're compelling. But not in a sexy way, I don't think. Also there's that whole murder thing.

Is that everybody?
Oh wait.
Me.
Yeah I saw myself in the bathroom mirror earlier and let's not kid ourselves. I'm a smokeshow. And also adorable.

Conclusion: ... I have no idea.

Silicon 2026/03/11(Wed)13:26 No. 1123311 ID: 6d3a6d
File 177323557911.png - (331.63KB , 1500x1000 , C01_15_D.png )

> Ohhh wow that's a lot.
> The TWO of swords. There's two of Gladii. Or, used to be? Left hand and right hand. What we saw on the card was their other "hand".

Oh interesting. They did say "Maybe there used to be more of me" or something like that. Maybe they lost their other hand? Not sure what exactly that means, but I think we're on to something.
Not sure it matters, but I do wonder which hand was lost...

> Also that one voice in the Gallery listed out all the suits, with "Fera" as the last one... which is interesting since that voice was also using latin and Fera in Latin is Beast. So I think we can conclusively state that's what your name means. That word... can be interpreted in many ways. Why is its symbol a spiral though? Or maybe that's just your curly hair.

One of you suggested it might be a crystal ball earlier? I have no clue.
But okay, we know Gladii is swords. They also said earlier that Calices means cups. Pentacula is clearly pentacles. So by process of elimination Virgae must be wands.
It seems I'm the odd one out.

> "Eripe nos ab existentia! A mundo!" translates to "Rescue us from existence! The world!". It seems even Gladii's Peanut Gallery wishes for death. Also apparently they had some sort of plan and Gladii screwed it up which resulted in their current state. Gladii tried to kill the universe, but the act somehow got them tied into the very nature of the universe itself...

I... Okay I mean I definitely see the conclusion that Gladii has problems with the world, but... They tried to kill the universe? Is such a thing even possible?
That comment about uh... cutting the throat of the world was pretty graphic, I agree. I wonder, though. I don't do everything you guys tell me. Maybe that's just something they want to do?
In either case that's... That's worrisome.

> ...your hair color changed while you had the earpiece in. It was a lighter shade of pink, close to Gladii's skin color.

Hmm the colour thing again. I need to pay more attention to that. Really wonder what that could mean.

> ...I just realized, Gladii has a skin color, but everyone else we've seen appears to have white skin! Does that mean anything...?

Well I have a skin colour. It's just... Pretty light?

OOC: *Sweats in Quest Author who mostly interacts with white people IRL*
OOC: Please don't read too much into this. I accidentally frontloaded this cast with white people. My bad.

> Gladii's character sheet lists their physical stats as "construct" stats.

> But then, they have a "true" height and weight listed where all their other stats are "n/a". So Gladii has a real body that's smaller and much lighter than their human body, but has no skin, hair, eyes, or blood. Could it be that they really are a sword?

I was wondering about that... Yeah I think you got it. That height and weight seem like they might be right for the sword. That's so strange!

And now that I'm looking at it again, it lists Gladii's complexion as light brown instead of pink. Weird. And who knows what's up with the eye colour part?

> And they implied that the Ten of Swords card is really them, even though it looks totally different...
> Does it mean that they look different whenever they manifest? Will you look different the next time you manifest?
> I like your current look, but I'm sure the new you will be just as pretty!

I suppose that would be a possible alternative explanation. We'll see when it happens, I guess. If it happens.

> Don't pester Gladii anymore, but just rest in the hall. If she wants to talk be ready to listen.

> Oh, but don't ask this out loud. Gladii doesn't like us prying into their secrets and they're already having a bad time.

Awww but I have so many questions!
Fine. I'll give them a break. I guess I shouldn't push it.
Only important questions from now on.

Silicon 2026/03/11(Wed)13:26 No. 1123312 ID: 6d3a6d
File 177323559269.png - (767.39KB , 1500x1000 , C01_15_E.png )

> Also, I would advise against using the Gladii-full-healer, since 'recovery' might mean they are rendered non-existent until the next mission, and you don't know how to end the mission and return to non-existence yourself.

Yeah even if that worked, I'm not gonna do that! That's messed up! I'm not gonna shoot Gladii! That the Agency suggests this as a solution makes very uncomfortable. What kind of operation is this??

> Hmn. That other paper and the gun.
> I... i think it might be the agency solution to her injuries.
> The document see...
> Are they implying gladi cant die?
> Or that she dies but it doesnt take?
> And they use it as a reset button on her?
> Thats what it seems like and i dont like at all.
> Lets find reasons not to shoot our buddy, huh?

> gun to heal Gladii
> Uh, but Gladii can't die? What good is that? ...unless, shooting Gladii right now would change them into their other "hand"? Ask them what would happen if you used the gun on them.

This strikes me as important enough to maybe pester Gladii just a little. Surely this isn't a secret or anything.

Fera: "I requisitioned something to help you and the Agency sent us a gun."
Gladii: "Eeehhhhggkkhh Of course."
Fera: "I'm not gonna shoot you. But... If I did, what would happen?"
Gladii: "This body would die. The Agency would nngghh... reset me. That's how it operates."
Fera: "Huh... And if I died?"
Gladii: "The same, but- hhghh... Do not get careless. Sometimes the reset fffhgh- fails."
Fera: "Retrieval failure."

They look up from the book, eye narrowed.

Gladii: "Indeed. How did you know?"

Uuuuhhh, if I tell them about the document they'll probably be upset.

Fera: "Lucky guess?"
Gladii: "Mhmm..."

I don't think they bought that. They return their attention to the book anyway.

Gladii: "In any case, as I said: It hhHhhhh never sticks for me. You be careful, though."
Fera: "I will."
Gladii: "Good."

Silicon 2026/03/11(Wed)13:26 No. 1123313 ID: 6d3a6d
File 177323560247.png - (740.24KB , 1500x1000 , C01_15_F.png )

> Finally, it appears someone has tampered with the requisition form. I don't speak German, but I can guess a "splittergranate" is not something you want to use in an enclosed space.

> Someone tried to sabotage your requisitions by putting what seems like a bomb on the list... that means there's a double agent in the Agency? Good thing whoever's in charge of authorization has some sense. Ask Gladii what the item was, since we can't know for sure.

Wait huh? Hang on.
I look at the requisition form again.
Holy shit, you're right! Okay, that's definitely important!

Fera: "Gladii, look at this!"

They seem annoyed but they look at the form wordlessly. Perhaps they recognise the alarm in my voice.
I point at the extra line.

Gladii: "..."
Fera: "I didn't write that! I don't even know any German! What does it mean?"
Gladii: "One fragmentation grenade, pin pulled."

Oh that's bad.

Fera: "I did not write that."
Gladii: "I believe you, but... Who did?"
Fera: "I don't know. I didn't leave it out of my sight for even a moment between filling it in and sliding it under the gas station door!"
Gladii: "hhHhhh... That's not possible."
Fera: "There wasn't anybody inside the gas station either. I mean aside from David, who was asleep."
Gladii: "I have no explanation. hhgghkk That is very troubling."

I'll say!

Silicon 2026/03/11(Wed)13:26 No. 1123314 ID: 6d3a6d
File 177323561037.png - (695.17KB , 1500x1000 , C01_15_G.png )

After a few moments of silence, Gladii returns their attention to the book.
I sit. And I wait for Gladii to speak, in case they have anything to say.

I start counting to one thousand.

Gladii turns a handful of pages in the meantime, but doesn't say anything.
By the time I reach one thousand, I definitely feel less dizzy, so that's good.

Silicon 2026/03/11(Wed)13:27 No. 1123315 ID: 6d3a6d
File 177323562080.png - (650.43KB , 1500x1000 , C01_15_H.png )

I get up and head back to the other room with the angle goggles. Time to take another picture.

ka-chrrzzzt

Back to work I guess.
I give the wall another treatment of paint thinner with the roller and I find that the roller comes away distinctly orange. I keep going.

Silicon 2026/03/11(Wed)13:28 No. 1123317 ID: 6d3a6d
File 177323569665.gif - (1.93MB , 1500x1000 , C01_15_I.gif )

When I start getting vertigo again, I set down the roller, close the paint thinner bucket and leave the room. And I take another picture.

ka-chrrk

Huh. Another?

ka-chrrk

The camera isn't dead! Does that mean we're done?
What's the best way to make sure?

Well, I can try the trick from before. I hide the camera's screen with the note and switch the camera to photo viewing mode. Then I slowly slide the note off the screen.

At no point do I feel anything bad except a slight nervousness. And finally. The full image is revealed.

That doesn't really look like anything to me.

Silicon 2026/03/11(Wed)13:34 No. 1123320 ID: 6d3a6d
File 177323608102.png - (708.28KB , 1500x1000 , C01_15_J.png )

Fera: "I think that did it. I have successfully taken a photo of the basilisk and the image didn't hurt me."

Gladii closes the book and sets it aside. The grip the sword's sheath tightly.

Gladii: "Good. Hhhggk.. Ack. I believe direct visual confirmation will complete the mission. I will..."

They attempt to rise to their feet, leaning heavily on the sword, but they don't get far.

Gladii: "Rrggh hhHhh... Damn it! Help me up, will you? I will have another look around the corner and bring this to an end."

Gladii raises their right arm towards me.

They really want to do this themself, huh? Get up and go look even though they can barely stand at all. Should I really be enabling this?

Gladii has agency, and also can’t die. If she really wants to check herself, she can. I feel like it wouldn’t be right to not object though! Mention her condition, make sure she’s SURE she wants to chance looking at it again. Possibly offer to look yourself instead? But if she says yes, so be it. We’ve probably rendered it harmless anyways, but it *is* good to have a person check, so if she insists, at least it’ll be productive.

Ok so. You slotted the requisition form into the gas station called the German word for gas station and the form was edited to include (in german) a object that would've killed you if it was sent to you.

Keep in mind that both the environment and the people in the environment give no indication that you are currently IN germany...

I think that gas station might be anomalous.

>>1123328
This... is a fair point. Last time i checked Germany doesn't have a desert.

>>1123320
Okay, we can confirm that you enjoy the way you look. Congrats! And also that our connection to the Agency is being sabotaged somehow. That gives us even more of a reason not to put your nice body at risk, which means act with extreme caution.

Fera, you're the lead agent on this case, and as the lead agent, I advise that you overrule your partner's self-destructive habits. Gladii will continue to rest. You will apply an extra round of paint thinner for good measure, and when that's done with, observe the anomaly yourself to confirm its neutralization.

Also, since our own Agency is behaving strangely, we should mention to Gladii that we got their "Agent Dossier" when we used the requisition form, even though we didn't ask for it. They won't be happy about it, but they have a right to know.

While we're waiting out the paint thinner one more time... like I said earlier, can you think of anything you'd like to do for fun after the mission?

>>1123320
Before we end the mission... ask to look at the sword unsheathed. Just curious.
But yeah you two can go look at the disabled anomaly together.

>>1123313
Different ink colours so no one hijacked your unconscious and autowrote it onto the list.
I dont know if thats a thing, but im a voice in your head so it might be.
Anyway.
The other note was also in german. The one with the symbols.

>>1123320
Shes your friend.
Tell her its dumb, but still help her to do it.
I mean, youve got to help her out of gere anyway so youre picking her up...
Need to Show you value her choices as much as her safety if youre gonna get along.
Besides, tell me you dont think she'll just try to do it anyway even without your help. You know she will

>>1123338
>The other note was also in german. The one with the symbols.
Your right! I completely missed that and just assumed the words shown to us in our interface were words Fera was seeing and understanding.
But if that's not the case then does that mean you couldn't read that note Fera and only saw the symbols? You didn't really mention anything about the note besides the symbols afterall.

Either way. I think the gas station may have SOME connection to this group.

...ah, it's probably that speech is automatically translated for the Agents, but writing is not. We're in Germany.

That suggests that somehow, someone from here intercepted the note and wrote the grenade request on it before it arrived at the Agency. Which, yeah, should be impossible... I wonder if there's a rival Agency? Or a rival group with similar capabilities at least. Gladii's peanut gallery implied as much.

Its hard to know how to help Gladii with they're going through. So best to show respect. Help her up, if she wants to do this then so be it.

Hopefully your next case will be a little less stop and go. You succeeded in this one, so they'll surely send you on another, for better or worse.

Silicon 2026/04/01(Wed)10:39 No. 1124116 ID: 815fee
File 177503995957.png - (744.31KB , 1500x1000 , C01_15-5_A.png )

> Before we end the mission... ask to look at the sword unsheathed. Just curious.

Fera: "Hey Gladii, uhm... Before we end this, can I... can I maybe see your sword? Like unsheathed? Just the once?"
Gladii: "Huh? Oh. Yeah, sure have at it."
Fera: "Really??"

Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!

Silicon 2026/04/01(Wed)10:39 No. 1124117 ID: 815fee
File 177503996966.png - (600.49KB , 1500x1000 , C01_15-5_B.png )

With the Sword of Truth in hand nothing can stop me!

I am!

Invincible Sword Princess Fera!

Evildoers Beware!

Silicon 2026/04/01(Wed)10:39 No. 1124118 ID: 815fee
File 177503997786.png - (497.67KB , 1500x1000 , C01_15-5_C.png )

???: "Oh come on. This thing doesn't take tenpence? This is bullshit..."

Silicon 2026/04/01(Wed)10:39 No. 1124119 ID: 815fee
File 177503998831.png - (522.97KB , 1500x1000 , C01_15-5_D.png )

???: "Hm?"

Silicon 2026/04/01(Wed)10:40 No. 1124120 ID: 815fee
File 177504000040.png - (763.93KB , 1500x1000 , C01_15-5_E.png )

Gladii: "What? Hhhggkkh... No! Keep your fingers off my sword!"

No further suggestions needed. Proper update comes soon. Happy April First!

>>1124120
:(

Dont worry fera.
Youll always be our sword princess.

Silicon 2026/04/29(Wed)13:29 No. 1126046 ID: 502fb1
File 177746936278.png - (849.28KB , 1500x1000 , C01_16_A.png )

> Ok so. You slotted the requisition form into the gas station called the German word for gas station and the form was edited to include (in german) a object that would've killed you if it was sent to you.
> Keep in mind that both the environment and the people in the environment give no indication that you are currently IN germany...
> I think that gas station might be anomalous.

> This... is a fair point. Last time i checked Germany doesn't have a desert.

Sheriffs in Germany doesn't sound quite right either. Yeah something's up. Tell you what. We deal with the basilisk and if that doesn't do it, we can have another look at the gas station.

> Okay, we can confirm that you enjoy the way you look. Congrats! And also that our connection to the Agency is being sabotaged somehow. That gives us even more of a reason not to put your nice body at risk, which means act with extreme caution.

Uh yeah I'll... I'll be careful. I guess I do need the body.
Maybe next time we use a requisition form we can take some measures to make that sort of sabotage more difficult? Worth thinking about.

> Different ink colours so no one hijacked your unconscious and autowrote it onto the list.
> I dont know if thats a thing, but im a voice in your head so it might be.
> Anyway.
> The other note was also in german. The one with the symbols.

Wait...
I pull out the note again for another look.
You're right! It's in German! How did I...
Do I know German? I'm confused.

> Your right! I completely missed that and just assumed the words shown to us in our interface were words Fera was seeing and understanding.
> But if that's not the case then does that mean you couldn't read that note Fera and only saw the symbols? You didn't really mention anything about the note besides the symbols afterall.
> Either way. I think the gas station may have SOME connection to this group.

No I... I did read it. Now I'm looking at it and it's in frickin' German. I still know what it says, but... How?
So... What kinds of writing have we seen so far? The agency documents were all in English. The note, the name of the gas station and the tampering on the form are in German.

> ...ah, it's probably that speech is automatically translated for the Agents, but writing is not. We're in Germany.

Yeah, maybe it's not that the gas station and the goth and the mysterious saboteur are linked but that we're in Germany or some other place where German is standard.
But then again, the writing on the cop car is in English. Very strange, all this.

I hand Gladii the note.

Fera: "Can you read this?"
Gladii: "... Yes. Mrgh."
They frown a little.
Fera: "What language is that?"
Gladii: "German."
Fera: "So you know German?"
Gladii: "Not exactly."
Fera: "What does that mean?"
Gladii: "Nrggh hhHHhh Fera what is this about?"
Fera: "I don't know German. I didn't know what a 'Splittergranate' is until you told me. But I looked at this note earlier and I read it just fine! That's weird!"
Gladii: "You also listened in on my Peanut Gallery earlier. And you hhghkk pull cards out of a person and stick them in another. We are Agents, Fera. We are not people."
Fera: "Okay, but... you implied you can't listen to other people's Peanut Gallery, but you also kind of know German?"
Gladii: "HhhHhh yes, I suppose it's... not just you in this case."
Fera: "So then why?"
Gladii: "Please, Agent Fera... hhghk... That's going to take so much time to explain. We're so nearly done here. I hhkkggkk Ack! I am tired. I am in pain."
Fera: "There's no short version?"
Gladii: "Fine. The short version. hhhHhggHhgggack. Here it is: The world is broken."
Fera: "Huh?"
Gladii: "This is a recent development. There was a time when the world made more sense and answers could be found. Things could be relied upon to have mngh meaning."
Fera: "But not any more?"
Gladii: "The universe is leaking meaning and sense like a sieve. It cracked. That is the short version."
Fera: "How... did that happen?"
Gladii: "That would be the long version."

Silicon 2026/04/29(Wed)13:29 No. 1126047 ID: 502fb1
File 177746937471.png - (828.60KB , 1500x1000 , C01_16_B.png )

> That suggests that somehow, someone from here intercepted the note and wrote the grenade request on it before it arrived at the Agency. Which, yeah, should be impossible... I wonder if there's a rival Agency? Or a rival group with similar capabilities at least. Gladii's peanut gallery implied as much.

The "Media of the Collective" could potentially be a rival group.

Fera: "What is the 'Media of the Collective'?"
Gladii: "..."

Gladii looks at me like I asked them to fill out a hundred page questionnaire.

Gladii: "Another topic that will take a lot of time."
Fera: "The short version, then."
Gladii: "There isn't one. Not for this."

I sigh.

Fera: "Okay."
Gladii: "So will you help me up now?"

> Fera, you're the lead agent on this case, and as the lead agent, I advise that you overrule your partner's self-destructive habits. Gladii will continue to rest. You will apply an extra round of paint thinner for good measure, and when that's done with, observe the anomaly yourself to confirm its neutralization.

That is basically what I was thinking but if you put it that way it sounds a little like... I dunno. A bit bossy? I am in charge, sure, but I feel a bit weird throwing my weight around like that, especially given Gladii's superior experience.

> Gladii has agency, and also can’t die. If she really wants to check herself, she can. I feel like it wouldn’t be right to not object though! Mention her condition, make sure she’s SURE she wants to chance looking at it again. Possibly offer to look yourself instead? But if she says yes, so be it. We’ve probably rendered it harmless anyways, but it *is* good to have a person check, so if she insists, at least it’ll be productive.

> Shes your friend.
> Tell her its dumb, but still help her to do it.
> I mean, youve got to help her out of gere anyway so youre picking her up...
> Need to Show you value her choices as much as her safety if youre gonna get along.
> Besides, tell me you dont think she'll just try to do it anyway even without your help. You know she will

> Its hard to know how to help Gladii with they're going through. So best to show respect. Help her up, if she wants to do this then so be it.

Yeah. I guess I'll try reasoning with them. Treat them like an equal even if I think they're being unreasonable.
I reach out and grab their arm. But before I pull, I speak up.

Fera: "Are you sure about this? You're already injured and I am a bit worried, that you're hurting yourself for no good reason."
Gladii: "Why- ghhkkhh do you care?"
Fera: "Why wouldn't I care?"
Gladii: "You don't even know me."
Fera: "I don't really know anybody. And compassion isn't just for the people we know."
Gladii: "Well... hhhGHhkhh isn't that sweet?"
Their tone suggests that it is not.
Fera: "Well what I'm saying is, you can just sit there and relax and I'll go look at it."
Gladii: "No, Fera. Unreasonable risk. hhHHhhhh It's best if you don't risk getting impaired as I have. In the worst case it kills me and the Agency will handle me while you finish up the mission."
Fera: "... If you're sure..."
Gladii: "I am."

Silicon 2026/04/29(Wed)13:29 No. 1126048 ID: 502fb1
File 177746938795.png - (571.69KB , 1500x1000 , C01_16_C.png )

I pull on Gladii's arm and they manage to get up to standing, a bit wobbly, leaning heavily on their sword. I wordlessly wrap my arm around them to steady them.

> Also, since our own Agency is behaving strangely, we should mention to Gladii that we got their "Agent Dossier" when we used the requisition form, even though we didn't ask for it. They won't be happy about it, but they have a right to know.

Fera: "The uhm, the Agency sent me your Agent Dossier earlier. Heavily redacted, of course, but still. Mostly to explain why the gun would 'fix' you, I think."
I can see them setting their jaw, but their tone remains ever neutral.
Gladii: "I see."
Fera: "Sorry."
Gladii: "I can't be helped. Treat what you learned with nnghh... care, will you?"
Fera: "Of course."

Silicon 2026/04/29(Wed)13:30 No. 1126049 ID: 502fb1
File 177746939984.png - (611.01KB , 1500x1000 , C01_16_D.png )

We navigate the minefield of corpse limbs.

> Do you think that's part of why Gladii has such an unhappy outlook on life? Their operating buddies are always giving them grief, but we like to show our agents a good time.

I do wonder about that. If what Gladii says is true and one's Peanut Gallery is the thoughts one could have had but didn't, then perhaps the thoughts they do have are similarly bleak. It could be a chicken-and-egg-situation.

> Hey Fera, after this assignment is done, what would you like to do for fun? Have some nice food? Go for a joyride? Maybe figure out some things about your body?

I'm not really hungry with the constant stench of death in here. Not sure if I'll have an appetite anytime soon. I'd really like to get the sweat and dust off. And I probably didn't get all of the blood earlier. Euurgghh.
A shower. That would be nice.

My body is the least pressing mystery right now. Let's keep our priorities straight. I do hope that Gladii will be a little more talkative when this is over. I still have so many questions.
But you're talking about recreation, I guess. I dunno. I can't really think of anything. Maybe you have some ideas?
Karaoke, maybe?

> Hopefully your next case will be a little less stop and go. You succeeded in this one, so they'll surely send you on another, for better or worse.

I do hope next time will be less harrowing.

Silicon 2026/04/29(Wed)13:30 No. 1126050 ID: 502fb1
File 177746941257.png - (588.48KB , 1500x1000 , C01_16_E.png )

We reach the doorway. Gladii hesitates.

Gladii: "You did... well. Agent Fera."
Fera: "Huh? We haven't actually checked yet!"
Gladii: "Your testing methodology seems gghhHHhkkh robust enough."
Fera: "I hope so."
Gladii: "Assuming this doesn't kill me... hnnggh rgh. Your performance has been... adequate. In spades."
Fera: "Hah. Spades."
Gladii: "..."

They lean around the corner and...

Silicon 2026/04/29(Wed)13:30 No. 1126051 ID: 502fb1
File 177746942139.png - (563.48KB , 1500x1000 , C01_16_F.png )

Nothing happens.

Gladii: "Nothing but a smear."
Is that disappointment in their voice? Is it appreciation? Am I imagining things?

In any case. That should conclude things. Now how do I get Gladii out of th-

Silicon 2026/04/29(Wed)13:30 No. 1126052 ID: 502fb1
File 177746943006.gif - (2.38MB , 1500x1000 , C01_16_G.gif )

Reality ripples,
once
again
and where there were two Agents,
now, there is nothing.

Silicon 2026/04/29(Wed)13:30 No. 1126053 ID: 502fb1
File 177746945718.png - (13.40KB , 1500x1000 , C01_16_H.png )

There is dark. There is no thought. No experience.
Yet there is a sharp inhale.

???: "Oh shit"

A shuffling of paper.
A door closing.

And then: Nothing once again.

It's morbid to think that an interdimensional agency has perfected a method of creating immortal demigods, but will only use this method for the explicit purpose of creating disposable slaves.

Like watching a mad scientist crack perpetual motion for the sole purpose of torturing his nemesis' family for all eternity.

A lovely first case! Hopefully we see more of these two in the future!

>>1126053
Well someone fucked up and brought us back to the Agency without a body.
Not much we can do in that case is there? I guess you can TRY to do something... Like talk, or move, or open your eyes.

Wow look, nothing

The Agency really needs to find something to offer agents between missions. I assume they're just hemorrhaging talent. Crunch is a terrible way to run a business. At least get a break room in here, some snacks, maybe a Foosball table

>>1126053

Hm.
I know that symbol.
The letter writer.

>>1126074
...you're right! That means it's the girl, right? Which means... she snuck into the Agency somehow? Maybe she's the one that sent the grenade, even.

We need to go after her.

>>1126053

There’s nothing you can taste, nothing you can see, nothing you can hear, nothing you can feel, and you do not even know who you are.