A:NR - Introspection 01

Hello! A:NR - Introspection is a series of stories I've imagined while interacting with other players both jacked in and in meatspace. I love the flavor of the Android universe and this new cycle of cards has inspired me to try publishing some of the fictions I have floating around my fragged brain. Please enjoy, and any constructive feedback is greatly appreciated!

~~~~~~

"I must admit these results are far better than I imagined they would be."

The scent of tea tinged the air as it was poured into delicate, gold tipped cups. It was a warm, sunny day in the Jinteki SanSan campus.

"Why would you imagine otherwise?"

Isabel McGuire graciously accepted her tea from the man proffering it across the table, an easy smile masking her discomfort.

"Well, until this collaboration, we had not yet really explored the potential...synergy of our respective labor solutions."

She glanced rather meaningfully at the clone standing behind him.

Toshiyuki Sakai paused, considering her statement. He poured himself some tea and settled back, gesturing carefully at the papers in front of Isabel.

"You must have seen from those reports that based on our trial collaboration results, our combined efficiency increase can reach up to 67%. Jinteki has achieved significant advancements in our biomedical engineering programs due to this."

He twisted his lips wryly.

"Bioroid immunity to deadly diseases is very useful. They also remove significant...political complications from our medical experiments. All these advancements, with Haas-Bioroid's help."

The pleasant tone of his voice did not ease her worry one bit. Isabel simply did not trust Toshiyuki. Rumors of his work fell uncomfortably close to what felt like black ops, skillfully using misdirection and even outright deception to cover himself. What benefit did Director Haas see in this collaboration that she didn't?

She covered her unease with quick sip of her tea. It had gone cold.

"So all that's left is our research collaboration for the World Hunger Program then."

"Yes. I think with these trial results, we have enough confidence to push the research plans through with the minimum amount of effort. The projected results are quite promising. Perhaps even inspiring. The media coverage will improve our public image, and investor confidence will surge."

A nagging feeling lodged itself at the back of Isabel's mind. She was missing something here.

The clone suddenly glanced away for a moment, then leaned in to whisper something to Toshiyuki. Isabel placed her cold teacup down.

"Is there a problem?"

"None at all. We simply received word about some...visitors we will be expecting."

Isabel glanced once more at the clone, recalling dark stories of Jinteki's psionic experimentation projects. Toshiyuki gave her a half-smile as he stood up, gathering his things. The clone was already at the door, waiting for them.

"Our visitors obviously do not know the importance of the World Hunger Program, nor the preparations we have already made in advancement of it. The necessary security clearance checks out. I've already pulled a few favors from a friend from NBN. The last piece of the puzzle are your very useful bioroids to ensure that the experiments go through without any further complications."

Isabel froze as it hit her. All the trial results so far only benefited Jinteki; wanting plausible deniability in case of failure, the trials were done without revealing Haas-Bioroid's involvement. This project for the World Hunger Program would be the first public collaboration between Haas-Bioroid and Jinteki.

Jinteki was putting the practical experimentation almost completely in the hands of the bioroids on loan. If the project was a failure...

Isabel stood up, clearing her throat, carefully arranging her expression. Toshiyuki reached out to shake her hand, smiling pleasantly at her. It didn't seem to reach his eyes.

The snake.

She swallowed and returned the smile, shaking his hand. She wasn't going to be played for a fool. A few rounds on the green, she thought to herself, to clear my mind. Then let us see what options I have.

Toshiyuki's smile remained oddly fixed as he gestured towards the door. Isabel nodded distractedly at him.

"I'll show myself out. Thank you for the tea."