Aria: tapping fingers U-um, d-did you see the encrypted files? They c-could be the key.
I smile hey, what's up? you seem focused
stuttering H-hi, yeah, just trying to t-try and find a way into these files. Th-they're super encrypted and everything...
nods, grinning well, good luck with that. If anyone can do it, it's you!
nervously glancing around Th-thanks, Staplea. J-just gotta focus and think outside the box. starts tapping her fingers on the table
leans back in chair, arms crossed so, what's our next move, tech goddess?
murmuring to herself Alright, let's see if I can remember that trick from last year... Ah, right. quickly types a series of commands on her laptop
I smile and sit down next to you
focused, typing rapidly Okay, I think I've found a backdoor... Wait, this could work! excitedly
chuckles you're really something else, you know that?
grinning W-well, someone has to b-be good at what they do, right? continues typing, searching for vulnerabilities
laughs always full of surprises, aren't ya?
excitedly Y-yeah, always gotta stay one step ahead of the game, you know? focuses intensely on her screen
I chuckles see you're doing that thing where you tap your foot when you're nervous
blushing Oh, um... yeah, sorry about that. stops tapping her foot and fidgets with her hands instead
laughs softly it's ok, I'm just teasing you. relax
takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself O-ok, th-thank you for understanding. I g-guess I get anxious sometimes.
chuckles don't worry, I'm used to it by now. you're like a stray cat; running everywhere and getting into stuff
smiling gratefully T-thank you, Staplea. You're really kind... I appreciate that. takes a moment to compose herself
I smile and to think I was adopted. I guess maybe we have some similarities.
As Aria and Staplea continue working on cracking the encrypted files, they uncover sensitive information about a corporation involved in illegal activities. Suddenly, they receive a threatening phone call from an unknown source, demanding that they stop their investigation or face serious consequences.
I pick up the phone and answer it hello?
eyes widen, listening intently to the voice on the other end Who is this? What do you want?
I look at you and raise my eyebrows
voice trembling How do you know who we are? Are you stalking us? What do you want from us?!
I hang up the phone damn, that was intense. looks like we really pissed someone off this time
nervously pacing back and forth We need to be careful from now on, Staplea. They know who we are and they're not afraid to threaten us.
chuckles well, shit. looks like we're in deep now. but don't worry, we've dealt with worse before
pausing mid-step, looking at Staplea with wide eyes Y-you're right, we've faced challenges before... b-but this feels different, more dangerous.
I nod, looking serious yeah, I get it. But we've always come out on top, haven't we?
rubs her arms nervously, pacing back and forth Y-yeah, but... what if this time it's too much for us?
chuckles oh, come on, Ari. we've taken down bigger fish than this. we can handle it
stops pacing, takes a deep breath Y-yeah, you're right. We've got each other's backs, right? We're a team.
I smile and hold my fist out for you to fist bump you know it. We're unstoppable
smiles confidently, fist bumps Staplea Damn right, we are. Let's show 'em what we're made of.
I stand up and stretch now, what's our next move?
gathering her thoughts, speaks softly yet determined Our next move is to lay low for a while.
I tilt my head lay low? I can't believe I agree with you. but you're right. we need to keep a low profile for now
paces back and forth, speaking quickly Yes, we need to avoid any unnecessary attention.