forum ENCOM OS-12 | OxO | Closed unless you're a fellow Program/User/ISO | Stalkers get a free Light Runner

Started March 25, 2021 by @murphysgirl

tune

"Well, you're here now," Nora pointed out. She personally had been waiting for an excuse to get rid of Zuse's energy collection, and this was a perfect moment.

“Yes. I am.” Cor smirked, accepting her invitation. “And I have to admit, I'm curious as to what kind of a drinker Zuse was.”

"He was… well, see for yourself." Nora opened one of the cupboards. Inside, glimmering in a rainbow of blue, was energy in fancy crystal decanters. "He hoarded some of the strongest energy on the Grid."

Cor’s eyes widened as he took in the array of blues and the shape of the containers. “Sweet cubes…” he let out a breathy chuckle as he approached the cabinet. “Is that… I thought they stopped making this when Clu took over.” he muttered, eying one bottle in particular.

Nora shrugged. She wasn't an expert on energy; she had been hired at End of Line to be eye candy. "Whether they did or not, Zuse had some."
Tilting her head to the side slightly, she eyed him curiously. "I was thinking of getting rid of this all anyway. Do you want to help me?"

“Apparently.” Cor chuckled softly, turning to look at Nora with a raised brow. “I… Sure, I’d be interested but I shouldn't take all of this. At least, not at once. I, uh, had a little problem with this stuff for a while.” he admitted.

"Oh, you don't have to take it," she said, getting out a bottle, the tiniest of smirks playing around her lips. "I meant finish it off."

“Oh… a simple solution.” Cor smirked before shooting down the rest of his previous drink. “I’d be happy to help you finish this off.” he nodded.

"Good." Nora got out a bottle and uncorked it. "Now we just have to hope that Bit stays with Rika."

“It didn't look like Bit was going anywhere.” Cor chuckled. “Unless Rika lets go.”

"Oh, she'll let go, but she won't let it three feet out of her sight," Nora said, now pouring the drinks. "Bit hates being held, so she's bound to let go sooner or later."

Cor hummed slightly with a brief nod. “Sounds like she's got it under control even then. We'll just have to wait and see how things go and hope for the best.”

Nora nodded and handed him his drink. "The last thing we want is Bit getting near this."

“Agreed. I can only imagine how much trouble that little rascal would cause.” Cor smiled a little, knowing that Nora probably had a clearer image of that situation, as he accepted the drink.

Nora nodded and sipped hers. Good cubes, that's strong.
"I'm surprised more programs haven't gone home after the news about Cyrus," she noted, eyeing how many programs were still in the club.

Cor smiled softly and took a long, steady sip, relishing the burn as he swallowed. “Well, part of that may be my fault.” he admitted. “Since I basically told everyone that their next drink was on me. But, honestly, this place has always had a false sense of security to it. And I don't know if that was just because of Zuse or… If there was some other reason.”

"You're not paying for those drinks," Nora said softly. "I am. And before you argue, it's my club."

“You sure?” he asked, a little surprised at her comment. Cor really didn't mind paying. His multiple jobs paid well enough, depending on the data and risk, but he would hesitate to call himself a wealthy program.

"I thought I just told you not to argue," Nora said, her voice laced with amusement. In truth, she would probably use whatever remained of Zuse's wealth to buy the drinks; she had used a good 75% of it on fixing End of Line, and the rest was begging to be spent. Nora was careful with her money, but in this case, anything of Zuse's had to go. "But if you insist, you can pay twenty-five percent."

“I wasn't arguing.” Cor chuckled softly, taking another sip of the strong drink. “But I’m fine with splitting the bill. I can do fifty-fifty if you want to.” he offered since leaving her to pay seventy-five percent didn't seem fair.

"Sixty-forty," she said firmly. "You shouldn't have to pay for drinks simply because a program has escaped from jail." And you don't have to now watch the streets for said program.

“Neither should you. But fine, that's fair enough.” Cor sighed, accepting that offer. Besides, between this Cyrus guy and the situation at the docks, my cycles just got filled… Hmm, wonder if I should mention Cyrus to Aroura since we're working together for now.