If you did all of the aformentioned requirements, chances are you pretended to be a patient roaming the halls with over 30 arrogance/30 daring(So you bypassed Steel and got found by a guard instead)
so my arrogance and daring must be less than 30 ohhhhhh
Or literally pick any other option at that junction
There is also a case earlier in chapter 15 at Ventura…
-When you pretend to be drunk with below 60 daring and your relationship with him is not a troublemaker you will fail
-Additionally, if you decide to wait for your moment while having over 50 arrogance(Over 30 daring and arrogance if you met Jake at all/know what he looks like) you also fail
In the fail scenario your precognition is set to 10 and you can get another 10% boost if you leave immediatly without crushing the bug
3 Likes
My MC’s arrogance and daring stats are both above 70%, and I my puppet still ran into Steel. I think it might have something to do with MC’s relationship with Chen more than anything. My MC’s relationship with Chen was friendly and almost 80% during that playthrough, and Chen even said that “someone I care about was in a bad accident”.
1 Like
I want to hear more about the laser dolphins… 
7 Likes
Now that I’ve played this game around 500 times, I’m overcome with the overwhelming need to gush and ramble about everything so here it goes.
Herald is everything
I just want to say that I absolutely adore Herald. He is precious. He is sunshine. He exudes pure golden retriever energy, but is also really perceptive and protective. He completely melts my Sidestep’s “grrr I’m so bad what a villain >:(” exterior and turns her into a smiling and blushing little mess. If anyone tries to break his kneecaps I WILL throw hands.
I love his romance route. I didn’t think much of him in book 1, and didn’t expect him to be an RO, but boy am I very pleasantly surprised. Him and Step are such an unlikely pair but they complement each other so well. That ReGene reveal scene in his apartment was beautiful and I feel so happy for Sidestep. He makes her realize just how human she is in her little quirks and mannerisms despite the apparent inhumanity that mars her body. And she knows that it’s all true because, unlike Ortega, he projects all these thoughts. There really is no excuse that she can come up with to feed into her insecurities and paranoia, not in the face of his raw honesty. And I feel like that is something Step really needs.
She, in turn, shatters his idealistic world view and helps his growing disillusionment with the very system he fights for. He heart’s in the right place but he needs to see that the world isn’t black and white, and something very very wrong is going on behind the scenes.
Also, it is completely reasonable to demand that book 3 has at least 20 pages of interaction between Danny, Spoon and the Rat King. Completely reasonable.
I want a dessert tour of LD with Lady Argent
I love the ending scene with Argent, with Step in the Rangers HQ post crash. Argent is so soft with her, and I just love the contrast between her dangerous powers and the sheer gentleness she holds Step with. Their back and forth is fun and adorable. And there’s just something about the both of them taking a leap of faith and trusting each other with secrets they’ve never told anyone before. It’s so sweet and warms my heart.
I also really want to apologize to Argent for pushing her into the sewers, throwing her off the bridge, unleashing the catastrofiend on her, and then stealing the regenerator from her on my first playthrough. I did not know I would come to like her this much, and I thank my stars she never found out that my Step was the villain in this playthrough.
Jake deserves more love :(
I don’t see people talking about Jake?? At least not positively, lol. He’s such a cheeky little bastard and I love that haha. I feel like there’s so much more to him than meets the eye, and his power seems really strong? Seems it’d be really useful to have him on our side, so I like the route where he declares that he’ll ally himself with Step. I wonder if he can act as sort of a double agent? Would be fun taking HG apart from the inside. I also really like it when HG orders for the puppet to be killed but he steps in and saves her life. I can’t wait to know more about him.
Speaking of HG, she seems interesting and I like her well enough, though I like kicking her in the face even more. I lowkey hope Jake and Nocturne are the new villain ROs so that I can steal her lovers from right under her and shove a metaphorical middle finger up her face. It’s soo much fun messing with her. That blinded fight with her at the end was hilarious with all three of them flailing about, Step turning HG into a muppet, and then walking out like she owns the place.
The other villains are so interesting
I think the Catastrofiend is my favorite villain so far. We got bits and pieces about them since book 1, but I never thought we’d actually manage to bring them back somehow. My jaw was on the floor when Step unintentionally released them during the auction. I love the absolute terror they evoke from everyone. Like I could feel Step’s fear in every word. The idea of some poor soul being boosted and modded and then decomposed in the gun realm to such an extent that they turn into some eldritch horror, barely even human anymore, is soo good. I can’t wait for the Catastrofiend to leave the sewers and unleash absolute mayhem in Los Diablos. Nothing else, just pure destruction.
I’m also very curious about Shroud. While I do want to make her pay for what she did to poor Ace, I also want my Step to have a nice long chat with her because I’d absolutely love to know the perspective of another escaped ReGene. And I initially assumed that she was trying to get the Regenerator for Lord Ember (Fire powers? Maybe he has horrible burns he wants gone?), but I’m starting to wonder if she too just wanted her ReGene tattoos gone? I feel like we can learn a lot more about the Farm from a conversation with her.
I really do wonder how Step managed to escape from the farm not once, but twice, when they’re supposed to have extremely strict security. I’d really like a flashback that explains so, or maybe (and this will obviously be very very traumatic), Step getting captured again, and having to escape once more.
13 Likes
That’s why breaking him is so tempting.
7 Likes
Herald being the perfect hero blueprint makes me wonder (read: hope) if there will be scenarios in which he’ll be put in uhh let’s say dangerous situations. Situations which might escalate poorly.
I’m starting to warm up to him a little more, but there’s a certain appeal to seeing righteous people break. 
At least in my spicy route, otherwise I’m too much of a spineless clown to hurt him lol.
3 Likes
Get Argent to scar MC’s face up (eye loss optional) while romancing him and him alone (not sure if this plays out with MC/Herald/Ortega too. The MC in this run was also a non-killing hero hunter (he prefers “hero trainer”)) then you’ll see something very interesting in the epilogue.
2 Likes
Absolutely loved the run where my step had Herald as his rival, broke his knee and scarred him emotionally, tried destroying his confidence during training, and then slowly fell in love with him and became his lover. I’ll have a separate save where my mc gets revealed as a villain because the drama is just too good 
This step is also a non repentant killer so…i wonder if all things considered i managed to lock myself out of herald’s romance lmfao. Part of me wants to say “girl just run” but another part wants herald to come back and try to “fix” my step. Toxic, i know, but so fun 
6 Likes
My main route is similar and after the villain’s identity was revealed relationship status with Herald changed to “nemesis”. Ough But even if MC was the most psychopathic villain, I don’t think Herald would immediately give up on them… I suppose it’s hard to automatically shut all feelings if you’re in love. Also, he seems to believe that MC’s feelings for him were real too.
3 Likes
I honestly can’t wait to meet herald as our villain selves again, reveal or not. That should be spicy either way. Hope it actually happens in the next book, same for ortega. Interacting with the rangers as villains is extremely fun
12 Likes
I hope he will be more of a challenge in the next fight.
2 Likes
Interacting with the rangers as your villain persona is the best. 
I’m so looking forward to new encounters, especially with Chen and Ortega, even without mentioning the variables they know/they don’t know. Good food indeed. 
8 Likes
I’m not sure there would be a choice that would match my MC for this… scolding Danny for risking himself, lol. My MC couldn’t bring herself to hurt him past what she does in training him, and she doesn’t even like that. I think it’d kill her if she actually injured him, more than it bothered her to see Ortega hurt.
3 Likes
A sequence where unsuspecting ortega/herald/steel tries to bring us down but we refuse to hurt them too much (now that we’ve come to care about them more) without being too sus would be absolutely fantastic. I can see it being either angsty or funny too.
11 Likes
Sidestep romancing Steel, admitting to him their villain persona, then openly flirting with him in the midst of a battle just so they could win the bet on who’s headline will be next posted on the infamous fridge of shame. 4-D chess, I tell you.
13 Likes
I would love it more if it were done in a humorous way. The MC trying their best to not hurt those three while also trying not to make it obvious why they’re doing it. Danny wouldn’t catch on, and Ortega is too wrapped up in hating the villain, but I could see Steel frowning and sighing at the “villain” about it.
Throw more humor in with a puppy running into the fray and the MC nearly breaking their own neck to save it, then hurrying away with it in their arms.
Danny: Did they just save a puppy???
Ortega: Let’s take them down while they’re… wtf?
Steel: sighs, thinking he needs to have a talk with the MC…
5 Likes
This is my opinion. Spoilers below.
Six years of life is spent dreaming. you have four years left, and you try to fit them all in your last remaining seconds.
Summary
Six years - Sidestep’s best memories. When Cyrus is saving people together with Ortega, Anathema, Steel, Four years - Sidestep’s made up memories during recapture and experiment
Hatred ~ grudge ~ pain
Ortega deeply hurt Sidestep with words. Before the HB incident.
Summary
Hurt enough to open the gates. (HB - 5)
Sidestep didn’t tell Ortega. The pain didn’t go away. When Sidestep’s recaptured, they found who hurt Sidestep the most. Whose name does Sidestep call when Sidestep dreams about the farm? Ortega.
Ortega apartment/Kitchen
“It’s your fault, you know.” You keep a straight face to drive home the point.
“Ouch.” Ortega clutches his chest. “Ten years ago, that would have hurt, but now I’m too old to care.”
“Good to hear you’re coming to terms with your geriatric status.” Your words come out sharper than intended, or maybe that was your intention all along. It’s getting harder and harder to tell when you really want to hurt someone.
“Can we please not have another argument?” Ortega holds up his hands in surrender. “I just came down for a cup of coffee, not to prove I’m still fit for fight.”
“I’m not making you run the gauntlet.” You keep holding his gaze, the smile hidden. “Think you can manage a walk across the floor?”
“Now you’re making me paranoid,” he eyes the kitchen suspiciously. “If you’ve booby-trapped my coffee, that means war.”
“I’m retired. Your coffee maker, chair, and computer are entirely safe.” Your smile widens as Ortega crosses the floor with some care.
Anathema invincible? Well, Sidestep’s memories of Anathema aren’t sullied. Listen to Anathema. He’s Sidestep’s friend.
Gates- mental defenses.
Summary
Sidestep should listen to the Rat King, his true friend. Do not open them. What’s inside? All the pain accumulated over the years. How many gates? 19?
You step gingerly over the bodies, helped by the Rat King. One of them is bleeding from the nose, but so are you.
Sidestep ends up doing the enemies work for them by opening the gates.
Sidestep identity
Summary
Ortega knows the real Sidestep.
“Realize what?” You tap the side of your head. “That I’ve done something wrong? Should I be regretting my actions?”
“Shouldn’t you?” There’s a slight shifting of the bed as he leans forward, glaring at you. “You’re not a criminal.You’re not a killer.You’re a hero.”
Argent blinds Sidestep. But Sidestep admits he deserved it.
“I guess I deserved this,” you sigh. What you did to Argent…what you put her through.
Pound of flesh achievement: Some say you deserve it.
Argent rips Sidestep and gets into a fight with Ortega. Herald ends up hurting Argent. If Argent ends up leaving the rangers, people including Ortega die. (Sidestep’s lecture to Argent = be part of the team)
Mortum shoots Sidestep. Sidestep says he deserves to get shot.
“Hurt someone else because you are hurting. You can understand that reflex.”
Sidestep is capable of understanding other people’s perspectives.
“Part of me knows I need help.” “I don’t feel fully like myself.”
Sidestep’s forte is words, not telepathy, not killing. Rangers are his friends.
Summary
Is it necessary to damage the ranger’s reputation?
“But you were the Rangers….” Did he think you were a spy for the government? That’s more absurd than you had imagined.
Rangers not working for the government.
Don’t take Argent’s hair sample. Don’t use Steel’s guilt.
Is killing necessary?
By now, you have become very adept at using people and their preconceptions for your own benefit. As long as you stick to the script, you can make them react the way you want them to. You don’t even need telepathy to take them over; they are all too willing to listen to you.
Does Sidestep need to remove other people, pick agents and villains?
It’s not like the Rangers are the only heroes of Los Diablos; from the lowliest vigilantes to teams endorsed by various companies and even the city council. This particular free-form gladiatorial combat might not sell tickets like football, but it sure is gold when it comes to advertising.
You are the only one who knows what’s coming. The true monsters hiding in the shadows. If they knew the truth, many of the so-called heroes of Los Diablos would choose to side with you.
Sidestep shouldn’t burn bridges. The rangers need more allies.
“Of course. None suitable.” A grimace. "It’s like they prefer the team to be bare bones rather than risk their precious image."and there are too many people who would benefit from having the Rangers just strong enough to do their job but nothing more. Always running themselves ragged.
Don’t kill Blaze. He’s Steel’s friend. Kill Blaze and Sidestep loses connection to Locus. Guardians won’t join the Rangers to deal with Catastrofiend. If Ortega doesn’t want to cooperate with Blaze, it’s up to Sidestep to convince Ortega.
What does Tia Elena say?
Secrets. Everyone has time to heal.
Talk to Ortega. Don’t keep secrets from him. Don’t heighten his sense of unease. React positively to the situation. (scar value increases when negative)
The reason why Sidestep becomes a villain
Summary
“Shit!” you repeat because it feels good getting angry. Because it feels good that nobody rushes in to ask what’s wrong. A little privacy while you freak out. At least you still have that. The ability to curse and hate and bare your teeth at the unfeeling universe.
Releasing some stress. If you could punch something, it would be even better.
Full of pain and overflowing that Sidestep needs to vent out in anger.
Villain - As a way to lash out.
Rifts achievement
Summary
Ortega asks Sidestep if he’s the villain after the crash. Sidestep decides to play innocent.
If Steel tips, Ortega doesn’t believe it. Is it Steel’s loss? It’s Ortega’s loss. Ortega doesn’t believe Steel, his friend. If Argent tips, Ortega trusts her opinion. Because he trusts his friend, Ortega gets the truth and exposes the villain.
“You need to stop.” You’re not sure it was aimed at you at first, but when you glance over, Steel’s looking at you.
“Making fun of you? Get used to it. I’m running out of material with Ortega; I need a new target.” You try to make a joke because you’re not sure you like the way he’s looking at you.
Steel and Ortega know about SD, had several arguments. Argent carries the team but also is a loner and already distanced from the team. They’re all his friends.
Herald needs his confidence if Sidestep can’t balance the discussion.
Catastrofiend
Summary
“Don’t get yourself killed.” The thought that something as random as a returned old enemy could finish him off is unbearable.
“…H.hhRt…” The Catastrofiend hisses. It looks hurt, you realize. “Hungry”
“Hey,” Ortega says, his hand on your shoulder. “It’s over.”
“Is it?” Your laugh is a nervous hiccup.
“Well, there’s always a new one, I suppose.” He echoes your laugh.
“yooo…ou” Catastrofiend hisses. Catastrofiend has gone after Sidestep, Argent, Mortum, Jake. If that “you” is directed towards Ortega, Catastrofiend won’t give up because Catastrofiend remembers him.
HG
Summary
Common ground: Why are HG and Sidestep standing above hollow ground? Is it a trap?
If a quake happens, both will fall. Will Ortega be buried too, trying to save Sidestep?
Choose HG’s side? Ortega’s side? Isn’t it time to prevent a disaster?
The web of highways came crashing down in the quake. Highways were largely defunct, with no state government to rebuild what the companies didn’t find profitable. The same for the subway system; after the quake, nobody was eager to go underground to get anywhere.You’re far enough downtown that cars are a liability, another change the Big One brought.
No cars. No walking. No underground. Those who don’t train a flyer gonna regret it now.
Herald has a chance to cooperate with Sentinel and Sky Raider in the future.
HG, someone who believes in power and fear.
“No, I hate it when something upsets them, and I can’t profit from it. This is getting complicated enough that there must be cracks to exploit.”
“That is where you excel.” Nocturne sighs and downs her drink. “You’re not worried then?”
“Are you?”
“I’ve got a bad feeling about this. Too many coincidences.”
HG can’t profit. Who is profiting?
Jake
Everything has changed. Retribution did something to his head, and now he is second-guessing everything. Trust. He thought he had been trusted. That turned out to be a lie, but what is he supposed to do about it?
Deadeye(streetwise Sidestep route)
Professional. She’s short, almost petite, older than her clothes imply. High heels and a patient smile, wrinkles hidden under meticulous makeup. Hard to kill and a good shot. A boost. “Oh no, I’m not privy to his secrets,” she says with no small amount of bitterness.
She’s not trusted to go in there. And she resents you for being allowed.
HG’s way of running things is not quite right. Sidestep should not follow his example.
Nocturne, right hand woman, a boost
Will help Sidestep if Sidestep can help stabilize the city, prevent casualties and help HG. Sidestep also needs the rangers’ help and other allies to prove this.
Rahim
Summary
He rubs his head. He’s been working too hard lately. The glowing shapes surrounding the desk lamp are a premonition, as is the light-headedness.
Migraine - Side effect of drugs. Someone’s monitoring Sidestep’s actions.
“I’m a liaison,” Ace says with a predatory smile. “I facilitate connections between people. Like you and Mr. Rahim there.”
Vernon knows some truth and Ortega also knows it. Vernon has important contacts. But holds grudge against Ortega and rangers. Sidestep should help Ortega and Vernon. Maybe Ortega can save Vernon.
Carter’s better alive. Hope the possessed Cyrus won’t kill him.
Politics
Summary
Carter got killed. Fall damage? Collapsed rooftop helipad? Looks like whoever wanted him dead got their wish. What did you walk into here? You don’t know, and you don’t like it one bit.
See? Sidestep knows the truth. He knows what’s going on.
There is a meeting between Deveraux and San Francisco politicians for restoring the ruined Pacific Coast Highway. There have been rumors that Lord Ember, the kingpin of San Francisco, has shown interest in Los Diablos. Captain Blaze of the Los Diablos Guardians will be providing security.
There are enemies watching Sidestep’s actions. Sidestep shouldn’t do what the enemies want him to do. Sidestep says he wants to break the current system and break the cycle. He should do his own way.
Teamwork
Summary
Sidestep being a tactician can probably handle them. If not, he can get help from
Charge, previous exp as Marshal; Sentinel, worked together with Marshal Hood; and Steel, current Marshal. Even HG, but not when he still sees Sidestep as a pawn.
Ashfall(Pyroclast), Sunstream, Virtruvian. Leo. Owl.
Herald as intermediary.(similar to Anathema, media role, saving people rather than facing opponents, rescue team)
Arguments
Steel, Ortega, Sidestep. - all three have flaws. If no balance, argument tilts one way or another.
Ortega health deteriorating
Something is going on. He can feel it in his bones, and is it sad or sweet that he can hear the ghost of a whisper in his ear pointing out that it’s probably arthritis?
Better than a drink, he should really cut down on that. Not good in the long run. Not in the short either.
“Or they set the timer wrong.” You walk over to him, punching him in the side. Not as teasing as you had planned because he’s an idiot who could get himself killed.
“Ow,” he says, wincing a little, and you can see that he’s fighting not to rub his side.
(side effect of drugs, alcohol)
Ortega, a test subject for cutting-edge electrical mods and spinal column enhancements,
sponsored by a military subcontractor because they want to see how the mods perform.
Summary
“Except the possibility of your mods killing you,” you suggest dryly.
“They’ve shut down your generator. That’s not a sign of being okay.” You recognize the setup, and the generator must be in diagnostic mode for that to be necessary. It might stay like that for a while.
“It’ll be fine. They’re just being careful.” Ortega tries to shrug, but that just makes the cables rattle.
“It’s inside you. They’d better be.” Your voice is sharp. “I’m surprised they haven’t handcuffed you to the bed so they can be sure you’ll stay put for diagnostics.”
“You’re scared?” The adrenaline feels good. “Now that you don’t have mods to back you up?”
Powers choice, tech savvy mc
Does Daniel call Ortega out in the regene reveal scene? Not only Ortega, but also Sidestep’s bs. Daniel protects Sidestep from Ortega. Ortega big bad bully? Really?
Dr.Mortum
Summary
He takes out telepathy countermeasure pills. You get a hint of pale blue, a bright orange N “You shouldn’t take those with alcohol,” you haven’t seen them in years. It’s what the Farm termed “numbers,” a temporary countermeasure against telepathy. The side effects can be brutal, short-term migraines and long-term liver damage.
Who likes to drink alcohol excessively? Time to ask Dr.Halabi. Pain meds, seizure meds.
Pale blue and bright orange? Ortega and Sidestep.
“I’m not arguing whether Entropy is a useful recruit, but do you really think he’ll fit in with everyone else?” She downs her drink with a sigh. “I’ve read Mitchell’s file.”
“So have I.” Hollow Ground smiles with all the predatory hunger of a shark.
“I think it’s time we considered looking into a scientist called Dr. Mortum. I’ve heard some disturbing rumors, and I want a full background check.” Regina says.
Mortum now has gotten attention of HG, SD and Lord Ember. If Sidestep keeps his distance from Mortum?
Prototype regenerator
black tech, someone killed because continued this research. Sidestep should discuss the consequences of using the machine with Argent and Mortum before it’s too late.
Mortum, Virtruvian, Argent, Sidestep, Ortega
Surveillance tech - Ortega and Mortum have them.
“It’s encrypted,” you say defensively. Ortega keeps watching you, as if you’re a problem that needs solving.
Sidestep needs to read the barcode.
Texting
Summary
“Yes, I don’t think you’d be caught dead here otherwise.” “So might as well spill it.”
“You think I’m going to spill anything in here?” You gesture to the room. “I’m not that stupid.”
“Well, you came here when you could have texted?”
“If I had texted, you would have won.” It makes sense to you, less so to Ortega…
“In what kind of world does that make sense?”
“My world.”
[Better be an emergency.]
Classic Sidestep.
Sidestep goes into Ortega’s apartment. Ortega loses.
Ortega goes into Sidestep’s apartment. Ortega wins.
(Seriously, if Sidestep doesn’t want Ortega getting hurt by Possessed Cyrus becker, Sidestep should tell the link between Cyrus and Ace.)
HG, Jake, Ace, villain
“No phones?”
“The personal touch is safer.” A shrug. “Perhaps that’ll change eventually.”
“And I assume you’ll contact my liaison if you need to get hold of me?” Your voice is sharp, looks like you need to take that into account now.
“Isn’t that what she’s for?”
Phones and texts will play an important role in the future. Ortega’s the one who’s comfortable with texting. Boris and Rosie don’t like texting.
The one who gets the second body is not good at small talk. Comes out of the bathroom with a gun. Driven af. Time to get to work. That one doesn’t like wasting time.
Possessed Cyrus becker. High force, low subtle. He urges MOVE. MOVE. when walking, running in the crowd. Quite a sight from looking from above.
Locus, alpha level telepath.
A flier is a good choice for trailing people, especially if modded for vision or equipped with the right kind of scopes. Sentinel used to perform that function back in the day.
Sentinel’s here to help Sidestep. Steel has asked Sidestep to remove the thread. Now, Steel can help Ortega. Start working together with the rangers to keep up with the enemies. Find out the plans of the one who gets the second body.
Ace, lone operator
Summary
Ace’s likes, dislikes, instincts and precognition ability - present. Ace’s subconscious is present.
Ace is a person.
Ace was a boost. Knowing things before they happen. Or perhaps manipulating things to turn out their way. Luck, or the semblance of luck.
Ace’s precognition ability is not something to be underestimated.
Puppet stuck ending (Sidestep in Ace’s body)
Ace with high personality stats and precognition ability can override Sidestep’s actions. Ace’s business is revenge on Shroud. If Sidestep(with Ace high personality) goes to Lord Ember in San Francisco and wreaks havoc there, then this is Ace’s intention. She even went through death just to have revenge on Shroud. Ace wants Sidestep to kill Shroud. Ace’s grudge against telepaths might even extend to regenes.
The way certain sounds set you off, and others comfort you.
Puppet crash, Switch to main body ending
A locked room at the Memorial Hospital. On the bed, Yasmin’s body rests, broken legs elevated, bruises and cuts carefully tended to. The monitors quietly tracking the comatose body. The beeps increase in speed, irregular, erratic. An alarm goes off, and hurried steps disturb the tired guard outside. The eyes snap open, Yasmin sitting up with a gasp and a scream, just as the nurses rush inside. The scream doesn’t stop.
That’s Ace screaming because of the alarm sound going off. Not Heartbreak.
(possessing one’s conscious/ Ace subconscious)
Possessed Ace
Seems to be invincible when she has access to Rosie, Mortum, Mia, Jake, the crew.
Considering Sidestep in puppet body could evade Steel and Ortega depending on varying level of precognition ability, possessed Ace can probably outwit Ortega and other people. Plus, possessed Ace can also make Rosie and other associates aid her once she realizes she has been tracked.
Possessed Ace ditched in hospital as a tool gives her access to people in Memorial hospital. People who are monitoring the health of Ortega, Steel and Herald.
Perhaps, if Sidestep/Yasmin had treated Rosie/Boris, Mortum, and the crew friendly, things could turn out different.
San Francisco
Summary
Underground research. This could be related to the plans of the one who possessed the second body.
Mortum - has contacts with villains in San Francisco.
Argent - knows how to navigate the criminal world of San Francisco. Can help Ortega.
Herald - negotiating with Lord Ember. Can fly. A boost.
Steel - knowledge about the politics of San Francisco. Criminal world and politics are connected.
Subconscious
Summary
The way you can just slide into someone’s unprepared mind and dig deep to plant a subconscious suggestion. You bury the compulsion deeply enough into her cortex that she’s not going to forget it. It will be a reflex.
The dreams are bad, and I don’t trust myself. I don’t want to hurt you." There’s a strange insistence to the last words, as if Cyrus is worried Daniel won’t believe him.
“And you can’t hurt Ortega.”
“When I have nightmares, my powers can still leak." Cyrus looks ashamed, admitting the secret with a low voice. “I have no conscious control over them anymore, but my subconscious can be…bad.”
Sidestep doesn’t tell Ortega about his subconscious powers. No accidents?
“Just water.” Cyrus looks nauseous enough that Ortega won’t question it. At least there were no accidents in bed. Maybe he should bring a bucket too.
“I’ll be right back.” he resists the urge to press the issue, instead heading for the kitchen. This situation is tense enough as it is. Everything has changed.
“They need your powers active, but not to be affected themselves.” Just you. And your target.
HB reflex : fear, anger
Flinching: Makes Ortega doubt himself. (Ortega already walking on eggshells around Cyrus. Steel confirms it.)
Hitting: Shuts Ortega up
Snapping: Silences Ortega
Another effect of the dampeners. Stripping away your layers of self, who are you when the constant chatter of minds dies away? Silence can be a terrifying thing.
Grudge
Summary
HB - revenge against the farm, scientists, the world. Sidestep must not share the pain with HB.
Ace - grudge against telepaths.
Sidestep’s grudge
“I’m pissed off. That’s what I am.” Your hands are clenched. Handling a fight is easier than handling your emotions.
“Still not gonna hit you back.”
“You’re scared?” The adrenaline feels good. “Now that you don’t have mods to back you up?”
“Are you? Is that why you keep acting like this?”
“You don’t get it.” An annoyed growl.
“I think I do, though.” Ortega is still rubbing his chin, but his face is serious. “That’s how they used to treat you, wasn’t it?”
“Shut up.”
So Ortega gets hit and gets his ptsd wound torn out in the process because of Sidestep’s grudge against the farm.
I think I do though. Still not gonna hit you back.
So Ortega will let Sidestep continue taking it out on him in the future.
Revenge against gov? The farm? SD? Regina?
As Sidestep chases revenge, more and more names will appear. Keep holding onto grudge, Sidestep needs to vent out his anger. His control is slipping.
Sidestep in puppet’s body answers “I don’t hate you.” to Ortega after the puppet crash. (free from the influence of subconscious where Ortega is linked with the farm memories and drugs. And also Heartbreak’s memories.)
The real Sidestep doesn’t want to hurt Ortega.
Falling.
Summary
You had been falling for years; it didn’t stop when you hit the ground and broke into a million pieces. It didn’t stop when they glued you back together again.
Still falling til now.
Sidestep, the fallen hero for destroying his own friends, the rangers.
Falling hero. A hero til now.
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