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You look from the photo to Emi, and then back to Sam. “So Emi is…human?”

Sam shakes her head. “Not exactly. Or at least, not anymore. I only have incomplete information here, but whoever Emi was before, this biotech company modified her extensively. Surgery, genetic modification, other things I can’t imagine. And I expect that she isn’t the only one.”

Emi takes a deep breath. “This is…a lot. But really…it doesn’t matter. I am who I am now. Still though…I think I’d like to know more.”

You reach over and take her hand. Emi smiles at you, squeezing your hand gently. She looks back to Sam. “You said there might be more…like me?”

Sam nods. “You definitely weren’t the only one transferred to CompanionCorp. And we know that a several Hybrids escaped, either through the same accident that freed you, or in other ways.”

You look at her curiously. “We do? I didn’t know that.”

Sam blushes slightly. “Well…you know how I told you that I’m really interested in Hybrids? I spend a lot of my free time on the internet, and there’s whole sites devoted to them, including message boards. It’s hard to keep things like the escape of Hybrids a secret, and there’s been a few people on those boards claiming to have found and sheltered those escapees.”

You shrug. “I suppose that’s not surprising. Not everyone is as paranoid as I am.”

Sam nods. “Exactly. And even before the accident that let Emi escape, there were a few people who said they had Hybrids hidden with them. One even posted some pictures!”

You shake your head. “That seems risky.”

She shrugs. “People like to show off. But when they found out that I’m a doctor, they told me how to get involved as a contractor, and told me what to watch for. That’s how I was able to identify Emi so easily.”

Emi nods. “Inside information. But what if some of those people are secretly working for the company?”

Sam smiles. “Of course there’s a few. Some even say they do, but they’re generally pretty sympathetic towards the Hybrids. As for the other ones, everyone does their best to avoid giving away too much information.”

You sit back in your chair. “So you’re a bit of a fangirl, then.”

Sam blushes again. “I guess so.”

Lili, who had until now been unusually quiet, giggles and leans forward. “Oooh, you like Hybrids, yes-yes?”

Sam smiles at the harpy. “Yes, I’ve always been fascinated with the idea.”

Lili giggles again. “No-no! I mean really-really like us!”

She winks, and Sam’s eyes go wide, and she’s suddenly very red. “I…well…I mean…”

Now Emi giggles. “I think that’s a point to Lili. Now we REALLY know why you’re here.”

Sam covers her face with her hands. “No! I mean…that’s part of it. But…I really like you three, I want to help!”

Unable to resist, you join in the slight teasing. “All three of us, hmm? I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t flattered, Sam.”

Sam laughs, still blushing furiously. “I suppose it wasn’t exactly a secret. I did kind of invite myself over for dinner.”

Lili bounces in her chair excitedly. “And you’re staying for dessert, yes-yes?”

Sam looks confused, and you laugh. “That’s about as subtle as I’ve ever seen Lili get.”

Emi nods. “Agreed. And…I’m not opposed to it, either.”

Sam seems to suddenly catch up, and you see a slight smile on her face. “Are you suggesting we…you know…”

You shrug. “I already know that Lili will jump me as soon as she gets a chance.”

You glance at the harpy, who giggles and nods. You smile and look back to Sam. “Admittedly we don’t know each other very well, but you’re a very attractive woman. I certainly wouldn’t refuse if you wanted to join us for the evening.”

Emi smiles at Sam as well. “You’d certainly have a story to bring back to the message boards!”

Sam laughs and rolls her eyes. “Well, now you’re twisting my arm! I guess I have ****. I’ll stay. It’s been a while, and I really do like all three of you.”

Lili claps her hands. “Yes-yes! Fun with everyone, yay-yay!”