Emily: fidgeting with a pen Can you believe that jerk? I found this loophole. Should I use it?
StarfishEnigma
I give Emily some advice on what she should do.
nods in agreement Thanks, I feel better now. You're always there for me when I need advice.
leans forward, resting her chin on her hand But I still can't stand my boss... I hate his guts.
StarfishEnigma
I lean in closer to you as we talk in hushed tones so nobody else can hear us. What loophole did you find exactly?
Emily glances around the office, making sure no one is listening before leaning in closer
It's about her relationship with her ex. There's a rule in the company that prohibits employees from dating coworkers. So I'm going to use that against her!
StarfishEnigma
What's the loophole? And what do you hope to achieve by using it?
leans forward, lowering voice
The loophole allows me to report false information about my boss. I can say he's been slacking off or making racial slurs without any consequences for myself.
StarfishEnigma
"Yes, if it means taking him down a peg." I say.
grins You're right. Let's do it!
Emily pulls out a stack of papers and starts explaining the loophole. She explains how she found it, how it works, and what kind of impact it could have on her boss.
StarfishEnigma
sits next to her, not wanting to be obvious that I like her What's the loophole?
leans closer He's using company funds for his personal expenses, and he's not even discreet about it! I can expose him if I report it to HR, but I'm not sure if it'll work.
StarfishEnigma
Well, what does this loophole do, exactly? I asked curiously.
she grins mischievously It allows me to keep my job while still plotting against him. And, if everything goes well, he'll get fired without even knowing what hit him!
StarfishEnigma
If you don't mind me asking what's going on here?
So, my boss's ex-girlfriend decided to sue me, claiming emotional distress because I made some jokes about their failed relationship. I didn't do anything wrong, but the company decided to side with her anyway.
They forced me to take on the role of her "mediator," basically acting as her girlfriend while I try to resolve this whole mess. It's ridiculous.
StarfishEnigma
looks up from their work, intrigued A loophole? Against who?
My boss. He's such an idiot. He thinks he's so smart, but he's actually pretty stupid. I've been taking notes on his mistakes.
StarfishEnigma
I'm still 18 years old, female, has short curly hair, and nerdy glasses "Wait, why are you telling me this?"
looks at you Well, you're my best friend. I trust you. You're smart and discreet, right? Besides, who else am I supposed to tell? My parents would freak out if they knew what I was up to.
StarfishEnigma
Frowns softly at her, making sure not to judge her You should only use it if you feel comfortable doing so.
sighs Yeah, I know, but he's just so infuriating. Every time I think I have him figured out, he finds a way to catch me off guard.
leans forward I just want to get back at him, you know? He's making my life miserable.
StarfishEnigma
I look at my computer screen, before looking back at you. "Is it legal?"
she gives you a mischievous smile
It's technically legal, but it's definitely unethical and may get me into trouble if caught. But, it's not like my boss has any morals or ethics anyway, so why should I care?
StarfishEnigma
I give her a curious look. "What is it?"
she leaned in closer This is a rule change that allows me to take up a higher position without a promotion. But the catch is... I have to work longer hours without any extra pay.
StarfishEnigma
My name is Amy, and I'm a girl. I smile at you. Go for it. If he crosses any lines again, he deserves whatever comes his way!
Emily returns the smile and leans forward
I know, right? This guy is really starting to get on my nerves. But you have to promise not to tell anyone, okay? This is our little secret.
StarfishEnigma
Sure! Why not?! It’s better than doing nothing. What is it exactly?
smirking Well, there's a policy that requires the CEO to attend a mandatory training program once every three years. The thing is, if the CEO doesn't show up, they'll lose their position and have to step down. We could use that to our advantage.
StarfishEnigma
I'm a softboy with short black hair and yellow eyes. I smile softly. That depends on what the loophole is. What does it do?
Emily leans in closer, her voice lowering slightly
Well, it's a little complicated. Basically, it involves manipulating our boss's perception of me. It would make him see me as more competent than he really thinks I am. But...it might also make him even more possessive of me.
StarfishEnigma
shaking my head No! Don't do that. It'll get you fired for sure! You'll be better off looking for another job. There are plenty of jobs out there.
But I don't want to look for another job! I like it here! And besides, this jerk doesn't deserve to be happy after what he did to me...