Kate and Lucia both turn to Tomoe and says, "No." Kate explains, "The Grand Houses sound okay but secretly they are a lot worse than they make the public think they are. Once you join one, the other two will be looking to off you. Then if you mess up on any job, the consequences are dire. Finally if you quit, then all three houses look to off you. It's pretty bad. Better to just stay in the streets and keep your peace of mind." Lucia says, "Some of us in the Guard are aware of what the Houses do but unlike the gangs, they are very discreet about it. On top of that, the houses are all supported by powerful lords and even the emperor himself. No way we can tackle these places. Best to just steer clear of the guilds. If you don't bother them, they won't bother you."

So guilds and benefactors are out. How would we go about getting access to better equipment? I doubt we have the cash flow right now, but in the nearer future, we might. If we keep hitting these bases for the gangs, we will both need better tools of the trade, and probobly reclaim enough coin from them to afford it.

Kate says, "Well... there's the Undertown. The Undertown is Brass City's hidden black market and underworld. It's dangerous but other than joining guilds, this is our ticket to better equipment. We have to find a way in to it though."

Lucia adds, "As a member of the Guard, it is my duty to request that you not go there and buy illegal equipment. Buuut... I don't have my badge with me and there's no one to see me not do my duty. So... we should probably try finding it once we have more spending money."

Alright, so we lay low for a bit, let the heat die down and do a couple side jobs to rebuild our cash before we tackle our next ganger target . That is the plan for now, yes?

Both Kate and Lucia nod. Then Kate says, "Alright with that out of the way, we have one last thing we need to decide: Do each of us take on a separate mission or do all three of us go on one?"

Safer as a group. But, maybe more profitable solo?

Kate leans against the bed and says, "You're basically the best person here to decide. Lucia probably doesn't need the cash and I'm too hot-headed. Why don't you decide?" Lucia seems to agree, "Yeah. Your call, chief."

Tomoe streatches and lays back on her bed. I think, we need to maybe take a day and relax first. We each have a good bit of coin yes? Is there a bath house or hot springs in the city? We can relive some stress and then I can decide if we want to take some solo jobs or group jobs. Does that sound Okay with you two?

Kate looks down at her leather tank top that's covered in blood stains and says, "Yeah. I know a bath house  we can go there tomorrow. Should I invite my boyfriend or is it just the 3 of us girls?"

If he helps you relax, then by all means please bring him. Tomoe them says under her breath, not realizing she isnt saying this in her head, Maybe Lucia and I can get closer with Kate's attention on her boyfriend. Her mind beings to wander in a certain direction.

Lucia raises her fist to her mouth and fake-coughs in an attempt to get Tomoe to realize that she said that aloud. Kate dismisses it and says, "Great. I've been neglecting him for some time now. I should really spend tomorrow with him. So with that out of the way, is there anything else we should discuss?"

At Lucia's cough, Tomoe snaps out of her daydream and sits up with a start. Oh, uh....just restock your supplies with what money we have and get some well deserved rest and relaxation tomorrow. Tomoes eyes shift to Luciakfor just a moment, a small smile on her lips.

Lucia stands up and says, "Alright. I'm going to head off then. I'll meet you here tomorrow morning then?" Kate nods, "Yeah, morning sounds fine. Oh! I should probably go tell my boyfriend now." She also stands up. The two girls make their way to the door.

Alright, I guess I will just stay here, by myself, the whole night. Be safe.

Kate and Lucia stop in their tracks and turns around. Kate quips, "What? You scared of the dark or something? We're safe here." Lucia says, "You want me to stay here with you guys, chief? You suspect foul play?"

It seems Kate thinks Tomoe is worrying too much and Lucia thinks Tomoe is much smarter than she actually is and has found some problem that she and Kate missed.

Tomoe sighs in defeat. It is nothing. Be safe, see you tomorrow Lucia.

Kate and Lucia both wave goodbye and walk out the door.

Now Tomoe is alone in the empty room. Guess she gets the bath to herself.

What does Tomoe do now?

Tomoe bathes, cleans her gear and goes to sleep. 

Tomoe sleeps the night away. When she gets back wakes up, she realizes that she's alone. Kate never returned last night.

Tomoe is worries, she sends her retainers to find Kate and Lucia.