Proton Story Part 3 [The Tour]

f"So....." Said Proton, awkwardly tugging at the collar of his hero outfit. "This is it."

"Yes. I understand you are cautious about what goes on here. Simply relax and follow my lead. You will find everyone very accommodating."

"I mean, yeah yeah I know that."

"You guys are on the level I'm uh. Just. Well. I mean i've heard rumors about what goes down in Korps sites and... well... I mean I'm down for the general mission statement but Im not sure I'd fit in with that kinda scene."

"Just relax." Said Hopper.


"I understand it will be a lot to take in, but we in the Korps are simply much freer about engaging with our desires in an open, safe fashion. That means you're never expected to go beyond your comfort level. Though I would encourage you to have an open mind."


"Ok, I mean. Im just not used to this kind of... liberated environment? I mean I got invited to that con once, and I mean everyone was pretty nice but, boy was I not ready for that artist's alley."

"Like I said, I want you to feel welcome here Proton."

They were in another Korps black-car, but Proton still liked to stick to Codenames while in "public."

"Yeah, I know, and I'm grateful. Just, don't be embarrassed if I need to duck out."

"You'd be surprised how easy it is to acclimate."

"Yeah well you guys have mental nudging from your fancy glasses to help. Not judging, but. Well, that's one of the things they do right?"

"No offense. And they don't radically alter your mind, they help ease you on to a path you'd take naturally, with less hesitation."

"Hm. I guess I'm still a little cautious about letting stuff into my head. Plus im kinda naturally resistant to that stuff anyway. Captain Science told me its because my nuerons are firing with a lot stronger stuff than most folks. Plus the anti mind control helmet. You can't be too careful these days with so many villains running around and... er... Not that you guys-"

"You're fine, Proton."

"Yeah. Yeah. Sorry. But I'll trust you if you say its cool. I mean heck, you're not exactly..."

"Lewd?" She asked.

"Well, I mean in comparison to most other Korps agents I've seen out in the field you're definitely the most conservatively dressed."

"...I prefer to remain focused on my duties when I'm operating. That doesn't mean that is my entire personality."

"Oh, so the stoic friend of justice has a "fun" side?" He smirked.

"Oh, now you're interested?" She said, smiling. "I thought you were being cautious about our kind of 'fun.'"

"Yeah, but I'm also ready and willing to get ammo to tease you with about."

"Do not attempt to start a war you will lose."

"Yes ma'am." He said hurriedly.

"Ah, We're here."

"Welp, into the breach and all that."

The building was fairly non-descript, as a skyscraper in the middle of the city went. The large art feature out front in the shape of the infamous Korps Helix was really the only real sign anything Korps was going on here.

'You'd think they'd tint the windows pink.' he thought.
‏
+++++

"Hello! Welcome back Agent Hopper!" Said the synth/drone secretary in a cheery, automated way. The Pink dome that took up most of her face was ablaze with bits of information.

Proton followed Hopper behind the threshold of the reception desk when the secretary's screen went red

"NO RCGS DETECTED. UNREGISTERED SUPER-POWERED BEING. THREAT LEVEL, HIGH."

The secretary-bot leapt onto the desk in front of her, and the synthetic rubberized flesh making up her body -swelled- into artificial muscles, quickly going past amazonian and into pure hyper-stronk.

Like a bullet, she was on Proton, holding him down with one of the strongest grips he'd felt in months.

"UNIT 5527!" Yelled Hopper. "What are you doing?! This is Proton, my friend, I've reported him as trustworthy to high command several times!"

The drone paused.

It's visor flashed as she gave Proton a scan, and faded back to friendly pink. "My apologies, Agent Hopper and [guest]," She said, letting him go.

"A recent attack by a squadron of super-powered individuals with ties to known Korps enemies has caused security to be heightened. It appears my Non-Korps personnel recognition software requires maintenance. Again, I apologize deeply on behalf of the Korps. Please do not let this experience sour your opinion of our humanitarian organization."

"It's fine, it's fine." Said Proton, getting up.

He looked to Hopper, and she returned it with an apologetic and embarrassed one. "That was... not the impression I wanted to give you."

"I'll be fine, really. Just lets hope it doesnt happen again."

"I have sent an update to all security systems and personnel." Piped the drone.

"I promise it will be better inside." Said Hopper, as they walked to the elevator.

"Ok, but if there's a place to eat you owe me lunch."

"I promise"

"So, up we go?"

"To the offices? Proton, I'm showing you the interesting areas.

She pressed a hidden button.

"We go down."

Proton goggled at the size of the main Atrium. Massive overhead lights mimicking skylights, numerous floors of railed walkways and tiered gardens.

"You guys built all of this under the city?"

"It was easy enough to make the authorities look the other way." Said hopper.

"Also, we had a-"

"Eyy Sakura! Good to see you back!" Came a boisterous voice.

A mountain of a morphic woman blindsided Proton. She was a pangolin, armor plates shining and covering a muscular yet softly padded body. "You hear about the last attack?"

"Only just now." Said Hopper, or Sakura now that everyone was safely out of the public eye.

"Fucking bullshit is what it is. You fucking know who was pulling the strings of that."

"While I agree Humanity at Heart members likely collaborated with them, - [>]

[->] Intel indicates that whoever's cooperating with super criminals is a fringe group. The heart of their numbers distrust metahumans nearly as much as morphics, as you recall."

"Rose by any other name is still a racist piece of shit."

"Fair enough." Said Hopper.

"Yeah, well I say-... Hold on." The lorge Pangolin woman looked down, noticing the average hight human between her and Sakura.

"Oh shit. You're that hero kid."

"Hi?" Said Proton, only slightly (extremely) nervous.

"Heh. Relax pipsqueak." She said, patting him on the back.

Her large mitt knocked the wind out of him. "I'm very relaxed!" he said, hoarsely.

"Heh, sure." She looked back to sakura. "So this is your little mentorship project?"

"I would not call it that, but yes, I've been easing my friend into the Korps."

"Jacob, this is Cheyenne," Sakura said, introducing the pangolin.

"A pleasure." Said Proton, still a little winded.

"Shit, it's weird having just a regular human in here."

"Hey, -Super- human, thanks." Said the hero, indignantly.

"Right, right." She said placatingly. "So, super guy, what do you think of the korps so far?"

"Well, aside from getting knocked around by large women a lot today, this is definitely a swanky lair. I have to work with the abandoned maintenence tunnels under my apartment."

"Trust me kid, you've only scratched the surface. Hopper, once your done showing the boy scout around, lets meet up for drinks at Bacchus."

"Bacchus? Are you sure you want to go there for simple recreation? The last time-"

"Yeah yeah yeah. Look, my squad just accomplished a big mission, we're out to celebrate, and damn the consequences." She looked back down at Jacob and grinned. "How about you light-weight? -Super- enough to hang with us?"

"Course I am!" He said, crossly. "I mean..."

"I don't really 'drink' that much. I mean, super powers and all. I mean I can, I just tend not to do that in public when I'm out of the mask, or IN the mask because drunk supers are tabloid gold and-"

"Jacob. You're rambling."

"Ah. Hah. Sorry. But yeah No I can totally hang."

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Cheyenne restrained a *snrrk* of laughter. "Heh. Yeah. The gals are gonna love you. Well, I gotta go get debriefed, seeya tonight Hops. And you too, Boy Scout."

"Is that gonna be my nickname forever." Proton asked, witheringly.

"For at least a month, probably."

"Great."

+++++


[Some time later]

"Sakura."

"Yes?"

"Was that a fucking Renamon."

"Hm?"

"Was that a fucking renamon from the anime and videogame franchise Digimon that we just walked by. Wearing hotpants.

With Juicy writtin on the butt."

"Welcome to Korps Site 003."

Sakura couldn't help but smile at Jacob's constant attempts to politely avert his eyes from scantily clad agents, and how he'd blush when that tactic failed. She knew he'd get used to it, but it was oddly refreshing to see someone new to the inhibition-free Korps lifestyle.


After showing him around the main atrium, how the major layout functioned, the pair ran into another one of Sakura's friends, Fia, and Jacob was able to meet a real life plush-morph in person. She was very accomodating to his surprise at her physiology

Very, accommodating, as she shoved her big bappy beans into his face excitedly. The large, boob-squishing into face hug she gave was also a lot for him to take in, leaving him a blushing mess.

"She was. ...Friendly." He said, getting his bearing.

"Most plushies are."

+++

"So you're..." He said, tentatively. "Cool with all the attention im getting?"

It appeared, in a Korps dominating setting, that a reasonably attractive human became something exotic by default. Drones would pause and turn their heads as he passed, looking at him quizzically.

It was quite awkward when more... recreationally oriented drones would pose for his attention, silently inviting him to make use of their skills and smooth bodies.

He would very politely and VERY flustered-ly decline.

"Of course I am. I treasure my relationship with you Jacob. But I also believe in open sharing of intimacy with others. It's simply sharing in mutual comfort and affection. You don't need to worry about being unfaithful to me."

She put an arm around him and pulled him close to reassure him. "I just think it would be... pleasant, if you could share in these comforts with us. As I have promised, there is no pressure. But I think there's a part of you that wants to enjoy this very much."

"I mean... I'm. Well." He said, eyes darting around. Unfortunately this hallway was plastered with ads for the new Korps-Branded A.I. Pop Sensation, who had a very loose definition of "not naked" for this album cover.

"I think I have an idea on how to help you loosen up." She said, already making an appointment on her RCGs.

"How?"

"Just trust me on this one."

+++++

Deep into the facility, and beyond a series of silken curtains lay Sakura's destination.

"Welcome~" Cooed the green colored tigress, draped in silks and jewelry. "Miss Batta, a pleasure to see you again. Ah, with company?"

Sakura nodded. "This is Jacob, a close friend."

"Hi?" He asked, before whispering to his buggy girlfriend. "What is this place?"

"You'll see." She replied. "We have a reservation for two in relaxation room one, thank you."

"Ah, I see. A lovely choice, especially for a first timer."

"Do not worry young sir. Gaia's bounty is here for the comfort of all comers. Her love shall caress your weary spirit~"

"What"

"Just follow along Jacob." Said Sakura.

Minutes later they were in a large circular room, decorated with drapery and filled with cushions for decadent lounging.

Jacob, awkwardly leaned back, sinking into the incredibly soft pillow behind him, hoping it wasn't another plushie in disguise.

That's when the entertainment walked in.

Drones. Sleek, yet curvy. Many different hights, but all with expressionless gasmask-like faces. But more.. intricate than others he'd seen so far. They were also more anatomical than usual, large nozzle-like nipples on their breasts.

He watched one prostrate itself before a pair of 'customers,' offering her chest in a perfectly fluid series of movements. The pair literally plucked the nippled off of the drone's chest, and he saw that they were attached by long cables or.. tubes.

"Wait." He said.

"Are they???"

The two customers, a pair of otters, he thought, stuck the nozzles int heir mouths, and began to puff.

"Are these... Hookahs?"

Sakura nodded. "Yes. Drones built for special recreational functions."

"Uhhh ok this is, kinda exactly the level of weird I'm still trying to get used to."

"Give these a chance and that will become a lot easier very quickly." She said, calmly.

She flagged one over, medium hight. He realized they were probably so varied so hight difference wasnt a-

-problem. The drone made soft, gentle huff/hiss sounds as it came closer, kneeling and presenting itself to them. Closer up it seemed to be like, a jackal, or maybe a doe. Intricate patterns of metal flowed across its latex body.

He hesitated, looking at it as it's blank lenses held an expecting air. "So. These, uh, used to be people, right?"

"As I explained, yes. It's always voluntary. And their existence is more nuanced than being reduced to mindless automata. SOme people simply find comfort like this.

"O-okay." He said. "I havent really messed with this kind of stuff since like, once, in college."

"It will be fine. I assure you."

He gently took one, and noticed the faint shiver running up the drone's body. Before he put it in his mouth, he paused.

"This isn't gonna like. -Do- anything to me, right?"

"Of course not. At least not this one. This room is specifically for fostering a safe and pleasant high. Other sections of this establishment..."

"I think I'll just contemplate this one." Closing his eyes, he took it in.

A minute later, he had his helmet off, and was eagerly relaxing with Sakura.

"Hah... man... this stuff... is the stuff." He said, taking another drag. "You do... great work... Ma'am." He said, giving a mock salute to the drone, who simply huffed.

"Mmm." Nodded Sakura.

"Ssssso. Howdja wind up in this job?" Jacob said to the drone.

"Ksssh. Hfff."

"Wow. Life throws a curveball don't it."

Sakura giggled. "You're just acting stupid to make me laugh aren't you."

"Eh, column a, column b. Maybe c."

"Feeling less tense then?" She asked. She punctuated her question by stretching her long, green leg out and yawning in bliss.

"I gotta say, you were right about dis." He said. "I mean, I'd never be down for this kinda thing without you helpin me along. And this, this is pretty nice."

"Care to make it more fun?"

"Fun how so. Hackey sack? ...Sackey hack?"

"I was thinking something more... setting appropriate." She forced herself upright, letting out a long languid puff of smoke as she did. "Drone, experience enhancement - Play, with company."

The hookah drone shuddered, then began to animate more, rubbing its hands along its body, the HFF's and KSSSH's becoming livelier. It crawled closer, gently stroking its customer's legs, wriggling in delight.

"oh ok this is happening," said Jacob, "Hi there."

"So are we done with the smoking part or"

The Drone began to huff-moan as its filters began to puff out concentrated clouds of hookah smoke, a roiling purple cloud, quickly hitting the pair with another dose of happy dazed goodness.

"Alright" Said Jacob, adapting.

The drone paused, sending out a signal, for the "company." A door slid open and more drones appeared, these ones sleek and uncomplicated, with the exception of cat-ear speakers and tails swishing excitedly. These ones had mouths, and cooed and giggled as they approached.

The quickly swarmed the relaxing pair, to Jacob's dulled surprise. "Whoa, okay, hey! Ha, a little, touchy there, Sakura this is getting a little uh"

"Relax Jacob." Sighed Sakura. "Relaxation Room 1 is meant for light touching and cuddling. I wouldn't force you in the deep end."

"Oh." Said Jacob, relaxing slightly. "Ok. Uh, continue, I guess?"

A cat-drone to his left sighed and pressed against him, and on instinct he pet her side like a real life cat, making her coo and snuggle against him more.

"O-okay." He said, cheeks going red.

Sakura smiled. She leaned back as drones began to massage her shoulders, knowing her preferences thanks to her frequent uses of the parlor. "Mmm. How are you handling it Jake?"

"Mmffmfmph" He replied, the catdrones swarming all over him. A gauntleted hand emerged from the pile in a thumbs up.

The two enjoyed the relaxed and drug-filled atmosphere, appretiating the live music performed by a lovely snake morph (with a rebreather to stay focused).

"Mm, how about a few more minutes, then I show you something a little more exciting, huh Jake?"

"...Jake?"

"Jake are you alright?" Concern edged into her voice.

She peered over.

"Zzzzzzz.... zzzzz.."

She brought a synth-chitinous hand to her mouth in amusement. He was curled up amongst the drones in a deep sleep, head nestled against a pert drone-butt-turned-pillow.

"Alright Jacob, I'm glad you're comfortable, but we still have plenty to see." She said, lightly patting his cheek to wake him.

"mmrfh. Five more minutes... got the pillow how i like it." He mumbled, still in dreamland. His head-rest drone cooed.

Sakura rolled her eyes.

"Come on now, up up!" She said, taking him by the shoulders and lifting him up.

The drone whined pitifully at her user being taken away, like a child denied their teddy bear.

"Aw... you've gotten attached haven't you?" She said, patting its head, making it mewl in delight.

She instructed her RCGs to record the drone's unit-number. "He has a lot to do today, but you'll see him again. I promise."

The drone waved goodbye as Sakura lead a bleary jacob out of the parlor, and back into the Site proper.

"Do you need some coffee?" Asked Sakura, watching jacob try to shake his head clear.

"Nah, hang on, I got this."

For a second, a pulse of protonic energy flowed up and down his body, his eyes blazing bright pinkish white for a second. Afterwards, he was immediately more alert.

"Picked up this trick to counteract Doctor Noxious' knockout gas. Works like a charm."

"Impressive." Replied Sakura.

"You guys aren't the only one with surprises." He said, smirking.

"So, feeling more comfortable now?"

"Well." Jacob said shrugging. "I guess I'm 'in' it now. Nowhere to go but forward."

"Well, there's a lot of forwards to go from here. Any preferences?"

"Well, after something sedate like that, any place here thats a little more excited?"

+++++

The place was like a massive playground, on steroids, and then shot with a ray of pure whimsy. The walls were... quilted? Maybe coverd with some knit pattern mimicing a blue sky and happy clouds. The ground was a bouncy quilt of cushiony material.

"My god... it's a giant Discovery Zone." Jacob said with awe.

"Yes. It's not all lewd and latex. Many seek simple, comforting pleasures that those in "normal" society would call childish."

"Welcome to the plushy Paaaa~vilion!" Baa'd a large, wooly creature. The plushy sheep-woman was immense. Her plump body like a cloud, soft bouncy wool covering everything. Her face was stitched with lines of rainbow colored thread, and her eyes large, friendly pieces of animate plastic.

Suzanne, or Suz-aaaaaa~-n, as she introduced herself, explained how this was the main hub of Plushie Morph activity, a cozy environment for playtime and snuggles.

To his relief, aside from some heavy petting going on amongst plusies and pals, it was a refreshingly "clean" place

After some walk/bouncing around, Sakura showed off one of her favorite installations, the giganto-gym. A huge scaffold of ropes, acrobatic bars and other physical obstacles. Jacob whistled in admiration at the site, then looked at Sakura.

She was grinning, uncharacteristically.

It puzzled jacob, until she bent her legs, and SPRUNG forward, shooting through the air like an arrow, and began to move through the course.

Jacob narrowed his eyes, and grinned himself. This was a challenge.

His crimson metalic boots began to hum, the hero concentrating his powers as he'd done countless times before. With a burst of protonic energy, he launched forward through the air and hit the course running. Even with her head start, and in-built agility, he quickly caught up.

Knowing she had a home-field advantage, he decided not to try and mimic her course. Instead, he improvized, leaping and twirling among the bars and skipping portions of the course.

To try and impress the gathering audience, he decided to dazzle it up a bit,

Charing his powers a bit, streams of protonic energy flowed from his body trailing behind him through the air, turning him into a meteor of pinkish red light.

He'd twirl and summersault int he air at rates impossible for any normal gymnast, drawing oohs and aahs from below.

Sakura landed at the end of the course, landing with perfect accuracy on her insectoid feet, legs shifting back to their more humanoid configuration as steam billowed from her synth parts. A second later, Proton landed next to her, in a full on Iron Man Hero landing.

"Impressive..." she panted.

"Can't get the drop *hah* on me..."

"Still, I got here first."

"Maybe, but who does the crowd love more?" He said, gesturing to the audience, receiving a chorus of whoops and yeahs.

"This is clearly a matter that we'll have to settle later."

After being hoisted around by a crowd of excited spectators, Jacob managed to find a raised "boulder" of woolen material and laid down. Sakura approached and kissed him on the forehead. "Enjoying the adulation?"

"Not in this job for the fans, babe." he said, in a mock cool voice

"Of course." She said, chuckling lightly.

"Have I told you how pretty your hair is in the light?"

"Several times."

"I love you."

"You too."

++++

It was a while later, she was leading him around the main site again. "Well, there's the material production facility, if you want to see how we make some of our technology."

"Eh, I get enough of that from High-Spec. You know high-spec? They're another hero you can trust."

"Yes, we have a file on him. Perhaps you could introduce us?"

"Maybe, I might give it a little time. He's still pretty cautious about the Korps, I don't wanna push him."

"Fair enough."

"I mean, I'm getting a little hungry. Maybe we could-"

[Hello there~]

"Wha-"

[Oh, Pardon Us. Turn around dear.]

Jacob pivoted to see a -stately- bee morph. Her Korps uniform stretched tight around very plump curves, a black and yellow striped body that had a strong scent of honey and spice.

Sakura was unusually surprised. "Oh, S-subcommander Eliza!"

Like other Korps uniforms, it was cut like a one-piece bathing suit, though this was augmented with very regal lace, on the cuffs, the collar, and her wings themselves seemed to be made of high quality lace, swirling patterns all along them.

She had a regal air about her, enforced by the four yellow striped drones with cartoonish antennae and tiny insect wings on their backs, following behind her demurely.

"Pardon my interruption, but the Site's been a buzz with talk of this unusual visitor."

Jacob dared not to call attention to that obvious pun.

"Uh. Well... It's a lovely place you have her ma'am." Jacob said, feeling awkward. He looked over to Sakura, and saw she was stiffly saluting.

"Oh, how polite~ Allow me to introduce myself. I am Sub, ahem, commander Eliza, advisor to Director Meryt."

"And you.." She said, stepping forward, bringing a smooth, elegant hand to his cheek."Must be mister Kurt, aka the dashing hero Proton. Or Kid Proton, as your file in the hero registry still has you down as, technically."

He was poker-faced. "I see you've done your research."

"I would be negligent in my duties if I hadn't. Now, you're feeling quite famished. It would be a -delight- if you and our dear Sakura to join us for luncheon."

Jacob looked to Sakura for guidance here, and her body language suggested very strongly that he ought to play along.

Jacob gave a nod. "We'd be, erm, honored. Ms Subcommander, ma'am."

"Oh-ho-ho~ You are a charming young man aren't you. Do follow us dears, we would be ashamed to keep you waiting." She turned, showing off her generous abdomen. The stinger was cyber-modded, and glowed pink.

The subcommander's private dining quarters were immaculate, marble floors, ornate yet comfortable furniture, honeycomb patterned shelves filled with  valuable looking nicknacks.

The meal was, admittedly, divine. Some perfectly cooked cut of steak, in a sweet, savory sauce.

"So how has our happy home been to you, mister Kurt?" She asked, while a bee drone refilled her wine glass.

"Well, you guys definitely know how to have a good time. I've only seen a small bit, but I'm still kind of gobsmacked by how big this place is. Like... How?"

"Well.."

"It turns out the underground of this city was absolutely -rife- with villain lairs and mad scientist labs, we just had to repurpose a few that had been left abandoned. Honestly, we should be thanking you for making it so easy!" She laughed again, bringing her hand to her cheek.

"Happy to be of service?"

"Ohh-ho-hooo~ Such a delight. Of course, construction of the main atrium and the deployment areas was..."

Her voice droned on, (damnit, now he was making the puns) and began to tune out. Wait... he wasn't THAT inattentive

[No, you're quite alert.]

He stiffened up, but made no move to react yet. Sakura didnt appear to notice anything. She seemed, intimidated.

[Don't mind her. This is between you and I, Jacob.]

His hand clenched around his knife.

[Ah ah, no reason to jump to that. Remain. Calm.]

Jacob felt the subtle pulse of psi energy move through his mind. He continued to clench the knife and gave her a pointed look.

[My my, so the rumors are true. You DO have a resilient mind. My apologies. Its simply easier to use that when things get 'awkward.' Please, let's talk]

"Sakura? Darling, would you care to step out for a moment? I'd like to speak with our gentleman friend personally for a bit."

Sakura had a flash of worry on her face, before Eliza reassured her. "No no darling, it's perfectly fine! He's done nothing wrong. It Will Be Fine."

As Sakura got up and left, Jacob shot the queen bee another look.

[Oh do calm down. It was just a little nudge! She's perfectly alright. Besides, you'd prefer privacy for this.]

She sipped her whine thoughtfully. [I know what you're here for. Really.]

"She's out of the room now, we can talk with our mouths." Jacob responded.

"But of course. And -do- put away that sour attitude. You knew you'd be having this interaction sooner or later."

"I'm edgy about people peeking around in my head, simple as that."

"Well, I'll lay the cards out then. You're not just here to enjoy a lovely tour, though I -do- recommend the meditation pool, it's simply divine. As much as you want to believe in the Korps, you have your doubts. Your suspicions. So you wish to put your head in the lion's mouth. Find for yourself the truth, and act accordingly. I admire your nerve, and your dedication to your moral code."

Jacob sat there. Arms crossed. "I believe her. I believe her when she says most everything about the Korps. But i know things. Things she probably doesn't know I do."

"I know the Korps gets up to paramilitary black-ops shit. I know that they used methods of mind control a lot stronger than what they dole out to the general public. Not every drone here is a volunteer, are they?"

*sip*

"You are a forthright young man." She said, gaze like steel. "But no. Every drone here is willing in their subservient state of being. To be a drone is a special, comforting bliss, if you would believe it. It is a gift to be treasured, not a punishment reserved to be doled out upon those who deserve proper retribution. Our transformation and mind control, as you put it so bluntly, is only used for either brief immediate instances of gathering required intel, temporary changes to incapacitate foes, or healing people damaged by negative shells they've put around the people they never had the chance to be. If someone we deal with is truly irredeemable. We'd simply kill them."

Jacob sat in silence, keeping his gaze steady.

"I won't sugarcoat things," she continued, "or try to make it pretty for you. I respect your directness too much for that." She got up, heaving her soft body from her plush chair and looking out the window behind her, looking out at the atrium.

"In trying to change the world, one encounters... the accumulated -grime- that keeps the gears of change from turning." She said, placing a palm against the glass.

"We are fighting a war. One in the shadows, but a war all the same. We take lives. But we are not the madmen you deal with on a daily basis. We have shifted the course of governments here and there. We have fought openly with groups intent on dragging all sapient life back into the dirt. And they? They would do things a hundred fold more terrible to us. To our children. To this -world-. You've heard this before. But every great revolution, every great moment of social change, every step towards justice has been paid for with blood. On both sides."

"And when you achieve your world order." Asked Proton, sharply. "When everything is perfect, and wonderful, and euphoric. What happens next?"

"Honestly? I don't know. We don't do this for the pleasure of being the rulers of this world." Replied the bee.
She leaned forward, like she was about to share a deep secret. "We are here on -behest- of this world."

Jacob squinted. "Ok that's kinda putting yourself on a pedestal-"

"I do not exaggerate, boy!" She shot back, pointing. "I mean the very will of this world. The essence of it, INVITED us here. It CALLED OUT to us, across the barrier between worlds!"

"The what?"

"Little known secret, hero. The Korps was not born on this earth. It exists on others. And the vital essence of this planet, the literal will of Gaia, reached to us for help. And it needs it. You are a good boy. You save lives, and fight for your causes earnestly. But your world is DYING. Even the most well intentioned leadership on this planet is stymied with blocks and interference and corruption hindering every effort to save it! My -species- is dying out, a vital -cornerstone- on the continuation of humanity's, nay, all life on this planet's existence!"

She drew herself up to full hight. "You have a code against killing. Even as cloudy as your mind is to my senses, that stands out bright and solid like steel. But we do not have that liberty. We don't have individual madmen, or desperate thugs, or random monsters to deal with. We have the accumulated bigotry and greed and monstrousness of this world to fight. Occasionally that will be in the form of men of political authority. Sometimes it will be criminals and drug dealers. Sometimes those will be one and the same. And yes. We have a shape in mind for society. We have strong notions of how the structure of social aid and science and so many other things shall be arranged. But we do this because it is needed, not for love of power, or want of money. We are the stopgap between your earth and complete, spiraling destruction."

She stepped forward, towering over him. "What goal do you have? Aside from continuing to fight, day in and day out, cowing to an authority that looks out for the people you protect with not a FRACTION of the care you put into it? Wear yourself down on putting out fires, while your skies burn?" She stopped, catching her breath.

Jacob stood firm, staring her in the eyes.

And Proton spoke.

"I don't have a 'goal.'" He said, simply. Quietly. "I don't have some grand plan to fix the world, to fundamentally improve things in some perfect, utopian way."

He stepped around Eliza, looking down at the site from the room's window. "All I have is what I've always done, what I always will do. Throw myself into the fire to pull people out."

He pivoted to face her. "I KNOW it's not going to magically solve everything. But someone has to do that. I'm not some "glorious visionary leader" with a grand plan to change the world. All I do is protect the people who have the power to make it change. If that people is a bunch of Korps scientists helping to cure global warning, or your super leader club eradicating poverty, that's fine by me. But I won't have you say what I do is meaningless. I may not be curing the world's ills, wiping out crime everywhere. But I can't do that. I can't try and make the world bend the right way, force change and risk the -slightest- chance to force people bend against their will. I made that oath to look out for individual people. Because I have to. Because it's the right. Thing. To do. I put out the fires in time for the next ones to start? Then I put those out. And I keep putting them out. Because just maybe that'll give people enough hope to keep going. If just one more day, one chance for them to push forward and make the world a better place? Or hell, just keep from getting that much worse? Then I'm doing my god-damn JOB, and it sure as hell has all the meaning in the fucking world! Because for all your high goddamn ideas, if you forget about the individual lives you are beholden to, then you NEED people like me out there to do it!"

His fists were glowing bright crimson, steam gently wisping from his clenched fingers. "And if any authorities you say I -cow- to got in the way of that? Made me work with killers like Dead-aim, tried to turn me against good people? I would fight them to the last. Fucking. Man. ANY force compells me to ignore those people? Then I'll defy them. If it's the government, if it's the Korps, even if it was St. Fucking Peter at the gates himself."


Eliza stared at him, an expression of regal judgement on her face. And then her stance shifted, relaxing. "You are a good boy, Jacob." She said calmly, gently. "But more importantly you are a man of principle. A man who refuses to not see the forest for the trees, no matter what. Our aims are so global, so far reaching, that it is indeed hard to maintain that grounded perspective. But it is an admirable perspective, one I feel will help keep our aim true, and our touch gentle when it need be. I'm glad to see you hold it so tightly."

Jacob stood back. "Wait...." His eyes narrowed. "Was that a fucking test?!"

Elizibeth smirked, the tiniest slip of a smug smile playing across her face. "Just a lively conversation. But if it were... well, I certainly would not say you failed. I have plenty of individuals ready to submit to my every word. I was interested if Sakura's beaux was someone with some proper backbone, and you proved that with flying colors. Indeed, you may be crassly simple in your ideals, but it's -refreshingly- blunt and forthright, when so many of your ilk are such blowhards."

Jacob sat down in the nearest chair, a little deflated. "Ah. Well. Glad I didn't disappoint. ...Shit."

"Manners, darling."

"Sorry."

"It's quite alright dear. I, oohh~" She swooned, putting a hand against her head. "Oh pardon me, I've worked myself up quite a bit, much to my delicate constitution's dismay." She expertly maneuvered herself over to a large fainting couch, splaying herself across it. "Darlings, tea for mummy if you please..."

A bevy of bee drones rushed out, one carrying a kettle and cups, the others grabbing, pouring and sweetening for their queen. "Ahhh, delightful. Good girls."

THe drones buzzed happily.

"Mm. I don't typically let myself run so hot like that. Composure is important for my kind."

"Bees?"

"Psionics."

"Ah."

"I dare say, if you were of lesser mental constitution you'd be feeling quite browbeaten by my background psychic energy for all of that that."

Proton chuckled. "I feel that plenty already."

"Oh hush! Darlings, give him some tea as well. Do try it Jacob, it's wonders for nerves."

He felt like he couldn't refuse the drone eagerly handing him a cup, so he took it. The drone poured in cream, and then dolloped a couple spoonfuls of a familiar amber substance. "Uh..." Jacob said, eying the now honeyed coffee warily.

"Oh you simply MUST try it with honey. It's home-made!"

He looked at the cup, then back at her, then the cup again.

"Uh."

"Now now darling, don't turn down hospitality, it's ungentlemanly."

Wincing, he took a sip.

"..."

"Yes darling?"

"It's really good."

"Wonderful." She said, her expression betraying nothing. "Ahh, you know, there's one other thing I saw when peeking in there. Quite clear, burning like neon in fact."

"Do I have a right to be bothered by gossip about my own brain?"

"All in good fun darling."

"But I must say..." She said, looking deep into her cup of tea, seemingly changing the subject. "You do seem to have quite the effect on our dear Sakura. Her mind has been quite abuzz every time we meet. Now I see precisely what's causing it."

"Well... I mean. She's a great lady. I just, try to treat her right I guess."

"You're adorable." She said, grinning.

"Hey. So... You said the earth was alive?"

"Ah, yes. Well, cats out of the bag. What do you think caused the morphic waves?"

"What?"

"Yes. Another effort by dear Gaia to alter the course of fate."

"Wow. Okay thats kinda theologically... -big.-"

"Don't sweat it, my boy. She's not interested in being worshipped too much. She'd rather just have herself not be. Well. Dead."

"Ffffair enough."

"Honestly, just accept that there Mother Nature is a real concept and try and recycle more." She said, "But most importantly... I know you and our organization may not see things in the exact same way, and if you feel any amount of reservation about cooperating with us, you may walk out the door and never return, and encounter nary a peep from us again. But, I would hope after hearing each other out, we can both work to understand one another, and to put our efforts and better angels together for the sake of protecting a world full of individual people."

Jacob took a long drag of tea. "Yeah. That'd be alright."


"Marvelous! Now, I think it's safe to invite dear Sakura back in, don't you?"

Minutes later, the three were enjoying desert, at Eliza's insistence.

Jacob tried very hard not to question where the ingredients for the honey-soaked pastry came from. Sakura flashed Jacob a face of concern, but he banished it quickly with a smile of reassurance.

"Mister Kurt, I must ask. You've had little trouble fitting in today, I wonder if you'e considered becoming morphic?Pardon my, ahem, bias, but you'd make a -lovely- insect. I mean, you're not an unattractive -human-." She said. "But, well, humanity is so... humdrum. No offense of course."

Jacob shrugged. "None taken. I mean, I suppose I've thought about it, seeing friends get the treatment, or caught in the waves. But for me? eh. I mean. I just... My body isn't that important to me, you know?" He said, words flailing to grasp onto his intended message. "I mean. Like... Hm. It's not like I'm scared of losing my humanity, but I don't feel like changing species would do much for me. I..."  Jacob took a deep breath, finding what he wanted to say. "When I look at myself. In my head. It's not what I am that defines me... It's what I do."

Eliza brought her teacup to her lips and paused. "Hm. An interesting man. We shall be observing you with interest, Mister Kurt."

She sighed and snapped her fingers, instructing her drones to begin clearing the table. "Unfortunately our schedule is quite busy, and we must bid adieu. Do enjoy the rest of your day, my darlings."

As they left, Sakura looked to Jacob. "I didn't know that about you."

"Eh. Like I said, its jut not a big part of me. My body? To me it's just meat. Handsome meat that fills out a spandex uniform decently, yes, but just meat used in service of justice. Justice meat."

She smiled. "Interesting is an understatement when it comes to you."

"Being interesting's a perk of the job babe." He said, conjuring a spark of protonic energy from his finger. "So what's next on the magical mystery tour?"

"Well, I could show you the shopping area."

"You have a mall?"

"Exclusive Korps products and all."

"Eh, why not?"

"Jeeze. All this underground?" He said, gesturing at the bustling commerce area.

"It's sort of a test area for our business ventures above ground, and a safe space from the kind of people who loiter in shopping districts to rant about the sins of morphic culture."

"Ah."

"Well, I'm still holding judgement on getting RCGs so what other wonders does this bazar hold?"

"The Korps does have a renowned fashion brand."

"What's wrong with my wardrobe?"

"Besides an over-reliance on Hawaiian shirts, nothing."

"THEY'RE BREEZY AND COMFORTABLE SAKURA."

"I mean, ok I could stand to freshen my look, but Im not sure I've got the dosh for a "world-renowned" fashion line."

"Are you forgetting where you are?"

"Underground Korps wonderland?"

"And the korps believes in?"

"Casual thong usage?"

"Honey."

"Sorry. Had to."

"The Korps is staunchly anti-capitalist. So even above ground we don't charge too much for quality products. Down here, it's basically free. There's occasionally a kind of social favor system in place in exchange, but with my Defender account, we can circumvent most of that."

"Oh. Sweet! Alright, let's get this boy some more hawaiian shirts."

"Jacob Please."

"I promise nothing."

++++

"You know, it was smart to get this big backpack to put my hero stuff in." Jacob said from behind the dressing room door.

"You're welcome."

"Ok, be honest, which looks better. The dark vest, or the light khaki?"

"Hm. Light. Matches your eyes better."

"Ok, then I'll get this and the jeans. Needed a fresh pair since I had to fight Mud-master when I didn't have a chance to change into my full hero outfit."

"That's all?"

"Well a few t-shirts too, but some just don't fit right. I think they're  sized for people with fur coats."

"That is the one difficulty shopping for clothes in this world."

"At least you didn't see me when I realized a pair of pants I got was cut for having a lizard tail. That was a -surprise- looking myself over in the mirror. I thought I had wandered into one of the horny shops."

"Oh trust me, you'll know when you're in one of those."

"Eeheh. Yeah. Sssso what are you getting?"

"Oh just some swimwear."

"Oh?"

"Well, if we're going to enjoy the artificial beach any time soon..."

"Any chance I can get a preview of the outfit?"

She playfully bopped him on the chest. "Patience is a virtue, hero."

"Sue a guy for trying. Well, after this I need some new headphones. Darn things always seem to die out after a month for me."

"Well, planned obsolescence is a problem you wont find here. C'mon, I'll show you."

"Sweet." Said Jacob. As they walked out, he passed by a group of mannequins, and marveled. "Boy do they carry some large "shirt" sizes here. How do they even keep balanced?"

One of the mannequins cocked its hips and moved its head like it was winking.

Jacob shrieked.

Sakura sighed. "Are you honestly that surprised?"

"It caught me off guard!" He complained back. "And I may or may not have watched a horror movie about this last night when there was nothing else to watch."

"I thought heroes were meant to have nerves of steel?"

"Hey, I'm off the clock!" He said, crossing his arms. "And I apologize, uh, ladies?"

The mannequins silently giggled and waved goodbye flirtatiously before returning to alluring poses of advertisement.

"More volunteers?"

Sakura nodded. "Some enjoy simply being the subject of attention."

"I can understand that I suppose." He said as they walked out back into the mall proper. "I guess if there's a place to look pretty and get attention, it's the mall."

"Speaking of which... oh dear." Said sakura

"Speaking of what? What do youuuuu-SOARING SILICONE LOOK AT THE SIZE OF THOSE BOOBS"

Jacob had gotten rather acclimated to the curvaceous bods on display in Site 003. But what was currently -sashaying- down the mall in the direction of him and Sakura was perhaps the most outrageously busty creature he had ever seen in his life.

Behind the huge wobbling orbs of buoyant flesh wobbling two and fro as she walked, there was a mane of fluffed out yet nigh-golden hair. It was a little hard to see around the things from this distance, but the rear appeared to match the front in bounciness.

It was all was wrapped up in perhaps the gaudiest parody of 80's neon chic he had seen since that obnoxious theme restaurant he got dragged to.

Neon pink skirt, sky-blue top (that he felt so much sympathy for trying to contain those monster mammeries) with rainbow tiger stripes.

It took time to peel his eyes away from the sight, but he noticed she was flanked by a put-upon looking silver synth chipmunk carrying a lot of shopping bags.

"Uh." Said Jacob, begging sakura for an explanation.

"That... Jacob, is one of the highest ranking scientists here."

"Oh. My. GAWD. SAKIIIIIIIII!!!!!!"

Immediately the mass of tit-flesh began to wobble in increasing speeds, the clack of specially weighted heels echoing across the floor. "SAKI OMIGOD I THOUGHT YOU WERE LIKE, OUT OF TOWWWWN!" Cried the bimbo-mass, trapping Jacob's gf in a hug.

"No Doctor, that was Gloss." Said the Chipmunk assistant.

"Oh, yeah, I totes forgot! Oooh Saki hehehe, you're ticklin' meee~" The bimbo leopard thing said, her huge Cherry-red lips smacking together as she spoke.

"Because you have me trapped between your breasts again." Said a calm yet slightly muffled voice.

"Oh, oopsie! Like, Im such a ditz~" She cooed, stepping back and letting Sakura free. She remained stoic, though Proton saw her relief being able to breath again.

"Jacob," Said Sakura, gesturing to her "friend,""This is Dr. Deetz. Chief Korps researcher on Bimbo Science.

"What."

"Bimbo science is research into methods of physical and mental alterations to achieve an optimal euphoric state." Said the metal chipmunk. "Hello, I'm Dr. Stephens. Her assistant. I'd offer my hand but..." She looked down at her bag-laden arms.

"Uh. It's fine. So... Bimbo science."

"It's the bestest!" Cried Dr Deetz. "It's all about havin fun an' making people like, super happy! Heeheee, I've like, per-fec-ted so many different types'a bimbo tf! You like, totes haaave to visit my experry-mental plaza!"

"Uhhhh"

"Sometime in the future perhaps," said Sakura coming to his rescue. "Right now we're giving Jake his first Korps site experience, so he's still getting used to things."

"Awww." Pouted Deetz, her lips pushing together in a way that made Jacob sweat.

She exuded an air of pure indulgance and carefree libido. That and strawberries. It reminded him of that girly brand of shampoo he had to borrow from his cousin once.

"So uh, you're a -scientist-?"

"Like, fer' sure!" She said, cocking her hip and posing proudly, displaying her absurdly long (bright pink) fingernails. "I just, like, test out my own stuff on myself. Fer science. And cuz it's fuuuUUunnn~"

"Right." Said Jacob, completely adrift on how to navigate this conversation.

"Hey! Somethin's like... funny about you." Said Deetz, narrowing her eyes. "Like..."

She moved in closer, Jacob rearing back as her boobs threatened to brush against his chest.

Her eyes widened.

"OH EM GEE YOU'RE LIKE, A HUMAN!"

Jacob looked to Sakura with a stunned expression on his face. She and Stephens shrugged, familiar with Deetz' abilities of perception.

"Waiiiit, a human with Saki... OH! You're like, that cutie superboy!"

"Uh, Legally I cant use that term to describe myself. Copyright."

"Well, like, whatever, You're that proton guy!"

"Guilty as charged?"

"Heee, I've heard alll about you super guy~" She said, siding up to him, licking her lips.

"UH"

"Omygawd you're such a HUNK!" She cried, 'embracing' him.

"MMMFPF" We're sorry, the Jacob's brain you're trying to call cannot be reached right now.

She ran a hand along his abs. "Oooh, you're just as hunky as Sakiii~ Omigod it's so cool seeing like, a HUMAN be into hangin' out with the Korps club!"

"Help Me" Whispered Jacob, face beet red, and not just from the crushing yet plush weight of her super titties.

The chipmunk piped up, saving Jacob. "Uh, Doctor, we do still have an appointment at the spa today?"

Immediately she released her grip, Jacob falling to the ground, gasping for air and mental clarity.

"Omg! You're right, oh man, I'm sooo sorry I gotta bounce (Heehee, bounce), but like, let's totes hang sometime!"

With hat, she blew a thick, wet kiss at the pair before flouncing off with her assistant in tow.

"I'm sorry Jacob. I had intended to introduce you much later."

"It's. Uh. It's alright." He said, trying to clear his head of thoughts of clouds and pillows and Nipples.

"Let's uh, get back to shopping."

"Yes, let's."

After some further shopping, and getting some headphones (which the salesperson ASSURED a wary Jacob that they didn't have subliminal messages built in),

Sakura suggested they check out the the site's major dining area and plan on dinner.

"What not some new crazy super park with robo-maids or something?"

"Trust me. It's a spectacle on its own."

"Ok so you have a nice food court, so does the Roosevelt Mall downtown."

"That just has the regular assortment of fast-food places." She said with befuddlement.

"Yeah but it has the GOOD Arby's."

"Really."

As she lead him through the entryway to the Dining area, Jacob continued to rant. "Look, they just put the right amount of cheese-related-sauce on the sandwiches, ok? It's a delicate ratio-OH MY GOD."

The food "court" was actually he most impressive area he had seen yet. It was was a wide pavilion, made up of full sit-down restaurants, food stands and everything inbetween. Seating areas decorated with palm trees and small artificial river-like water features.

They passed by a number of places. It seemed like every imaginable kind of food was offered, and seemingly a range of horniness as well. The counter of a place named "Dairy D-lights" was manned by a bevy of bubbly cow-morphs, proudly advertising the sources of their ingredients.

A couple were colored weird, having frosting for hair, shivering in delight as they squeezed milkshakes out of the shining taps affixed to their udders.

More and more places. A sushi place with drones happily acting as platters, a steak place with a sign advertising it's mascot? owner?, a muscular cowmorph, which spurred Jacob to have several internal questions.

There were even synth-catered restaurants. A "battery bar" offering glowing drinks made out of some kind of energized fuel.

"So. Uh. What do you feel like?" He said, glancing at a burger place advertising burgers the size of frisbees, clearly popular with larger morphs.

"Well. There's one place I had in mind. How do you feel about pizza?"

"As a lazy college grad living on a limited budget what do you THINK I FEEL ABOUT PI-"

+++++

"Upper Crust" definitely lived up to its name. Real brick ovens, plush booths, and dear god was the topping list huge.

"Oh my god they have three different kinds of olives." Proton said, with awe.

"Still pining for the 'good arby's'"?

"Arby's is dead to me." He said with grave seriousness.

"How shocking." she said, smirking. "Would you like to split one?"

"Well, what topping do you like?"

"Olives. Peppers. Dried tomatoes. I don't dislike meat but I have a species-inclination towards vegetation."

"Cool cool. My go-to combo is black olives, pepperoni, and bacon. It's kind of my litmus test for new places I-"

"HIII-EEEEE~ Can I get your drink orders?"

"PEPPER?"

"Oh my gosh!" exclaimed the cheeta girl, paw to her mouth in surprise. "It's you two! Small world huh?"

"Wait you were working at that upscale place just like, a week ago!"

"Oh, shya'. I work a lot of food jobs. I wanna run my own place someday, so I like, try to get as much experience with diff places as I can! And the korps lets me switch jobs really easy!"

"Okay that tracks.. I guess Just a little surprising running into you again."

"Well, it's a pleasure to see you again." Said Sakura.

"Same!" Said Pepper happily, tail flicking. "Like, look at you two! You're so cute together! I kneew I saw some chemistry last time."

"Well thanks, I mean..." Jacob said bashfully.

"You're very observant." Said Sakura.

"Well, uh, I think we know what we're ordering. Right Sakura?"

"Yes. Large, one half peppers and mushrooms, one half pepperoni and bacon, black olives all around. And two unsweet teas."

"Awesome! I'll get that in for you two! And..." She leaned in conspiratorially

"Since we're buds I'll throw in an extra order of garlic knots for you guys~"

"Thank you very much."

"...Buds?"

"Ok I'll be out with those in a bit!"

And she sashayed off.

=A surprisingly short time later=

"It's. It's perfect." Proton was sitting back, re-evaluating his life.

"It's very good, yes."

"No. You dont understand. Its the pizza I see in my mind when I think pizza.The sauce flavor balance, the crust chew-factor. Everything."

"Well, Korps businesses are able to focus on providing an actual quality product rather than serve to make more money."

"Well. I'm sold."

"So what made you finally settle on the korps is really good pizza?"

"Well ok I'm kinda half joking but. I gotta admit, you guys are living a pretty utopian life down here."

"We try."

"I'm serious like. Im not sure if I can ever join in on the big spooky military stuff. But I can't argue you guys are doing good. The social aid stuff, etc."

"And it's not just because I showed you a fun time today?"

"No. No, I mean, coming here helped me get some real answers, I think. I really think I can trust you guys to be trying to do the right thing."

"That means a lot, Jacob."

"Hey, I have you to thank for a lot for this... You extended a lot of trust in me. In this line of work, a lot of 'drama' blows up in your face. Someone just being straightforward and genuine about things is... refreshing I can't say that didn't make me feel a a lot safer investigating this for myself. I'm grateful you gave me the chance to come to my own conclusion. And... I'm grateful for meeting you."

Sakura laid a hand gently on his. "You're welcome."

"I..." Jacob clutched her hand. "I don't want to make it sound like you're some kinda crutch but... being a hero gets... It gets hard. And lonely, and... And meeting you has just. Helped things feel worthwhile."

She smiled, eyes shimmering behind her RCGs. "Jacob..."

"AAAND here's some extra garlic knots!"

"GOD... DAMNIT Pepper!!!"

+++Later

"I'm not imposing right?" Jacob asked, holding the box with their leftover pizzas.

"Jacob. Please, I want you to see everything here, and frankly, having seen pics of your apartment, I'd rather you stay the night."

This block of the living quarters area was pretty darn nice. Soft lighting, floors specially carpeted to reduce noise. It was like some fancy hotel.

"And here we are. 3-15. Home."

"Well, it'll be interesting to see how ms cool cucumber lives."

The apartment was quite spacious. And, confirming his suspicions, fairly minimalistic in its decoration. There was a pair of bonsai trees, some tasteful paintings, a meditation corner with a mat and such. The bed was large and comfortable looking, yet no-nonsense design-wise.

"(Whistle) nice place."

"Thank you. And before you ask, yes, they're all pretty much all this comfortable. Size-wise."

"Jeeze."

"That's not even the best part." She said, sending a directive through her RCGs and making the curtains taking up most of the opposite wall open.

The wide window offered a scenic view of the atrium, the lights outside lowered to match the real-world time of day.

"Wow."

Sakura smiled. "I feel I have one of the better views at this angle. Just a bit of luck."

"So do you just.. chill out and meditate in your free time?"

"Well, I do like to focus my mind, but I also DO own a television, you dork."

"What? Where? Also don't call me dork. Even if its accurate."

She just giggled and sent another RCG command. The larger painting on the wall opposite of the bed suddenly shifted, the realistic looking pigments turning into the smooth glass of a tv screen.

"Ok. Wow. So you guys all just get this kinda cool spy-shit everywhere?"

"Pretty much." She said, patting the mattress. "Now come on."

"Lemme get changed real quick. The hero accouterments dont really facilitate good lazing around."

+++

"So he's not really a robot?"

"Well yeah. It's just his persona for the band. Is that... offensive now? To pretend to be a robot?"

"I don't think so, I was just curious."

"Yeah not gonna lie these guys kinda majorly influenced my aesthetic."

"I... see."

"What? ...What?"

"Nothing. They're just... rather... -silly-."

"Hey! They're the coolest band ever!"

"Of course. But not a single one is a bat."

"It's a pre-wave band-name."

"I see."

"Hey, so what was that band that opened for them?"

"Transient Liberation. You've never heard of them?"

"I think I remember the name. Yeah. Look, uh. I'll admit that i'm not very up to date on what's new music wise."

"They've been around for a while."

"I SAID NOT VERY"

"I forgive you for living under a rock, Jacob. Did you like them?"

"No, yeah, they sounded great. Remind me to check more of their stuff out. They have a soundcloud? Bandcamp? Whatever?"

"I'll help you look them up later. Right now..." She said, stretching. "Bed time."

"Yeah, it's been a big day." He said yawning. "I could... oh fuck I forgot I don't have any pajamas."

"Oh?" Asked Sakura, standing up casually tossing off her shirt, revealing her bra. "Don't worry. You won't need them."

She winked.

"O-oh.......oh."

"Are you so surprised?" She asked, rolling her neck and tousling her hair. "We've been on a date together forthe whole day together, we're sharing a room, we're in ~love~."

"I just... eheh.. didn't picture getting physical so quickly!" He said, turning absolutely beet red.

"You can say no and I wouldn't be put off." Said Sakura. "But as I told you, I keep myself focused when Im fulfilling my duties. That doesn't mean I don't have a 'fun side.' Or have desires, Jacob." She shimmied off her pants, and Jacob admired her curvaceous and powerful hips.

"I will openly admit. I've indulged here and there in the extra-curricular activities the site has to offer, played around, let off some steam. But..." She crawled onto the bed, getting closer. "I've never been truly -intimate-, with anyone. Not on any real personal level."

"I've wanted to hold back on really cutting loose until I met someone to share it with. Does that sound weird?"

"Not really? I mean there's weird stuff involved I guess but im not saying your weird i mean ahuuaaahhh" she touched his shoulder and he practically melted.

"You're sweet." She said, smiling.

"Jdjfsdfdksfdks"

"I think... you're a little nervous."

Jacob looked at her, sweat beading on his brow. "...Is it obvious?"

"It's fine!" She said, laughing. "I... I'm going to admit something. My RCGs help me keep my composure a lot."

"While we've been together today, I've been a nervous wreck inside. Worried it might go wrong, or... or you might not like this place, or not like...."

Jacob swallowed. "Saki, I wouldn't turn on you like that. And, ok yeah its been wild for me but... I like this place."

"And... It will be slow going, probably. But... I'm down trying "new" things with you. Even if the cool act is a front, you... you make things feel safe to try. You make me feel safe."

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"That means a lot." She said, softly. "Tonight I'm turning off my limiters. I want to be 100% for this. I want you to feel me at my most... me."

There was a little pulse of light on her rcgs. And she began to blush, a deeper green filling her cheeks as she looked him in the eyes

She giggled nervously, putting her hand over her mouth. "Oh god... I must look like a dork."

"Hey," he said, putting a hand on her shoulder. "No dork calling. -Even if its accurate.-"

She laughed harder. "Goober."

"That I'll accept. Now help me out of these khakis."

++++

She looked down over him, hands on his shoulders. "If it ever gets to be too much. Just say stop. Okay?"

"Sure. Just... be careful. I saw those legs break concrete walls -really easily.-"

"Oh they can be gentle~" She cooed. "Very gentle."

"...okay"

What followed wasn't the most perfect, lustful dance of flesh meeting flesh. It was nervous, giddy, awkward. But it was genuine. Every kiss deliberate, every sigh one of true happiness.

He would never forget, and neither would she.

After a respectable amount of time, both having naturally high stamina, they collapsed into a deep, restful sleep.

In the morning, Jacob opened bleary eyes to soft music, Sakura must have an alarm set to play it.

He sighed and turned over, pressing into the warm body next to him. Who squirmed in reciprocation. He squeezed her, and she squeaked.

He paused. That didn't sound right.

He opened his eyes and saw a black latex body. With Cat ears. And a tail.

"WHA"

Sakura walked out of the shower, towel wrapped around her body. "Oh! Jacob, I forgot to tell you yesterday. There was one cute little drone who got very attached to you so I registered her as a pet drone."

"W-wha"

"Oh don't disappoint her. She's very sweet."

The neko drone nodded excitedly, springing up to all fours and manuevering behind jacob's head, wiggling her rear enticingly.

"I think she likes being a pillow." She said, chuckling.

Jacob looked at the drone, then back to Sakura, then the drone.

"Fuck it." He shrugged.

He lay back down, using her butt as a head rest, much to her cooing delight. "Alright settle down." He said, blushing again. "Just for five more minutes."

"After the catnap." Joked Sakura, "I have plenty more to show you."

"Sure... Sure." Said Jacob, trying to go with the flow.

"But we're buying pajamas today. I ain't budgin on that."

"I guess you have me at your mercy with that then." She said, putting her RCGs back on. "I have a nice place for brunch in mind for later."

"That sounds nice." Said Jacob, beginning to drift off again.

Even with the added weirdness of a drone for a pillow, Jacob would not take a chance to sleep in for granted.

Sakura smiled and got in bed next to him, stroking the drone's cheek.

They had the rest of a wonderful relationship to get to.

+++++++

Meanwhile... in a much different area of the site.

A figure stood in a dark corner, away from observation. "This is High-Command agent Phi-Epsilon. Logging results of observation on Subject Codename Hot-Pink."

"As I have suspected, given adequate freedom to observe, he has proven not to be hostile to the Korps or the Korps agenda. While this agent does not doubt the validity of the oracular vision presenting him as a possible threat if turned against the Korps..."

"I feel that particular time-branch has been successfully avoided. His abilities and emotional resolve shall, in this agent's opinion, backed up by data gathered from the Drone I programmed to tail him, prove invaluable to the Korps."

"I shall continue to observe his growing involvement with the Korps. Observation concluded, I am about to report my findings directly to high command."

The agent clicked her RCGs and began her covert transmission. Her cheetah muzzle curling into a smile as it connected.

"HII-EEE Debbie! Guess who's got good news about mister hot piiink~"

+++++THE END+++++

(...FOR NOW)