Linked Paths

Arc II - Many Firsts [Chapter 2: Dates]

A/N: Trigger Warning! This chapter contains a detailed scene dealing with sexual harassment / rape. If you want to skip the scene, follow the ⚠️. Read at your own risk!

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The author's musical inspiration:
'Ravenscode - Hero'
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× ???? POV ×
[Secret office, Dr. Daruma general practitioner]

The office door is opened by my assistant at my command.

Miro enters the room in the appearance of the project manager from Factor Labs. Ltd. My eyes fall on the metal suitcase she is holding.

I suppress a devilish grin, "I take it this suitcase contains what you've been tasked with?"

Miro: *steps forward, nods and places the case on the table in front of me, then takes another step back*, "Yes, as instructed."

I nod to Garaki, who in turn steps up to the table and opens the case.

Garaki: *inspects the contents, grins in satisfaction and retrieves a data carrier*, "These data and samples will get our research project across the finish line."

His gaze suddenly contains the usual manic I appreciate. Now an infernal grin plays around the corners of my mouth for a moment, "Excellent."

Miro: "I demand 20% of the agreed total on top.", *smirks with self-confidence*

My eyebrows furrow in anger. This brat has the audacity to speak without being asked and even demand more money?

Miro: "It was harder than I thought to act this bitch. Not to mention bypassing the security measures."

Garaki: *snorts disapprovingly*

I could get rid of her with a snap of my fingers, and I'd love to, but that would be unwise. Not only because her quirk could be of use to me again, but also because I know how important it is to have competent peasants up my sleeve. Consequently, I'm forced to establish a certain, illusory basis of trust with these insignificant flies.

I fold my hands on the table in front of me to maintain my outward composure, "15% is enough to pay off your extra effort." My aura tolerates no objection.

Miro: "Deal."

The brat is at least smart enough not to test my patience any further. "The second half plus 15% will be handed to you as soon as you wake up from your unconsciousness.", I say to put the matter ad acta.

Miro: "Very good."

I nod to my assistant promptly, "My assistant will take you to a treatment room. Wait there until everything is ready for your swap back."

Miro: *bows*, "It was an internal flower picking for me."

Then she is removed from my sight, finally. I massage my temple, annoyed, "And?"

Garaki: *puts the data carrier back, closes the suitcase*, "Negative. We can't get any information out of her. At least not as long as she's in Miro's body and we can't use the appropriate methods."

"I was afraid of it.", I sigh sarcastically. Taking this maggot into consideration goes against the grain for me, but of course I'll continue to be patient. "As soon as the swap back is successfully completed, I want you to start an interrogation immediately using the proper methods. I'll give you free rein on that."

Garaki: *nods then grins demonically*, "I'll take care of it.", *picks up the suitcase*, "One way or another, Skeptic and I will decrypt the data, I assure you that. We'll start working on it right away, just in case she still doesn't talk."