A purple blob flying high in the sky begins to drop down as she spots her destination. Upon landing with a skid, Luna looks around at the exterior of Cole Genesone Industries. It’s a brick building with large CGI lettering on top. In front of Luna is a revolving door that leads to a very plush looking lobby. A receptionist idly types at their laptop. Luna walks in noting that the building is a lot nicer than she expected, then with a smile, speaks to the receptionist. “Oh hello miss, I’m here to see Viper?”
The receptionist looks up from the laptop and looks Luna up and down as they nod and respond, "Give me one second" they shuffle through some papers for a few moments then speaks again, "The elevator should be coming down shortly."
"Of course. Thank you. I'm surprised you didn't need my name." Luna mentions, trying to make some small talk while waiting.
The receptionist shakes their head, "She gave us a pretty in depth description to make sure that you were allowed in the building."
"Ah." Luna all of a sudden feels awkward, realizing they probably get very few short purple haired catgirls. "Well that works for me." Luna sticks her broomstick in her portal messenger bag. Despite the size difference, it fits in there with no problem.
A few seconds after there's an audible ding that's coming from a hallway that's a few feet away as the receptionist gestures to the hallway, "There's your elevator."
"Thank you! Have a good one." Luna smiles and waves before walking into the hallway.
The receptionist nods and waves back, the hallway has two staircases and two elevators and one of them is already open. Luna goes into the opened elevator, though she isn't exactly sure how to go to Viper's floor. The doors automatically close as the elevator starts moving up by itself, "Ah. Well that was easy. Where's my easy button??" Luna digs into her bag while the elevator goes up.
The elevator eventually reaches its destination as the doors open to reveal a hallway with various offices. She hears various keyboards clacking. Luna mutters to herself while walking down the hall, “whoa this place is busy.” It doesn't take long before Luna finds Viper's office, it has a bronze nameplate with ‘Viper’ indented in it. Luna knocks three times and waits.
There's the sound of shuffling papers followed by a stumbling noise, then the door swings open to reveal Viper standing there in her work outfit, which is a tuxedo with high matching black dress pants and high heels including her black eyeliner and pomegranate lipstick. Viper greets Luna with a excited smile as she steps aside to let Luna walk inside her office.
Luna looks up with her usual warm smile. Physically, she looks no different than usual, same purple hair, perky furred ears poking out up top of her mane, wearing a black hoodie and blue jeans with sneakers, but her shoulders seem rather stiff. Regardless of how her body feels, Luna looks excited to see Viper and follows her into the office, taking in the sights. "Nice to see you again!"
Viper's office smells of pomegranates and has a small lesbian flag attached to her monitor. Otherwise it looks pretty average. Viper beams at Luna and responds with a chuckle, "It's always a great day when I get to see that adorable face." She sits in her chair and props her legs up on her desk.
Luna blushes heavily. Her usual pale skin transforms with a touch of scarlet in her cheeks. "A-aww thank you Viper. I always enjoy our time together. Thank you for getting me away from my work." She smiles and takes a seat.
Viper smiles and nods her head, "It's no big deal. I'd hate to see you burnt out and miserable," she pauses for a second then starts talking again, "I could give you a small tour, but I'd have to ask Cole for permission since ya'know....you aren't a client."
"Slight issue with that though, he's been away from home for the past few days. Apparently something with the nonferals? Terrain scouting or something like that." Luna shrugs.
Viper seems to think for several seconds before sighing, "Right, he did mention something about being away for a little bit which means I become acting CEO," Viper sighs heavily then continues, "Which means approval would go through me."
"Which means you could technically take me on a tour?" Luna looks up at her.
Viper takes her legs off of her desk, "Is that something you'd wanna do? We could go out for a drink, food, whatever you want really."
Luna shrugs with a smile, "Honestly I'm just glad to be here. It's up to you Viper. I don't want you getting in trouble with Cole, but I admit I'm rather curious with what he does sometimes."
Viper beams with her face turning slightly pink as she offers, "I mean I could tell you about recent projects that aren't classified cause some of them are interesting."
"Ooooh okay! That sounds great!" Luna sits up and looks attentive.
Viper sits up and starts explaining passionately, "There's a new death engine that's going to be used for the various ships that we're gonna start making due to things I can't talk about, buuut also we are researching how to make our own firearms but cheaper and more powerful! After all, the whole security forces motto is: “put an end to the fight before it starts.” Basically just kill anyone that could be a major threat before they can strike back."
"Death engine? Also the thing about cheaper and more powerful firearms is super cool, but how does Cole plan to get around the material cost? Like I assume you guys are swapping to a new kind, like 3d printing." Luna reasons.
Viper shakes her head, "Not 3d printing, that wouldn't hold up to the typical use that our guns go through" Viper pauses then continues, "He said he found a cheap way to get the materials, but I'm not sure if he actually did or if he's attempting to find another person to sell to in order to cover the cost."
Luna tilts her head from side to side, "I'm not entirely sure myself. If I see anything, I'll let you know." It's a lie, but she speaks with conviction, trying to hide the lie within her charisma.
Viper believes the lie and nods, "Thanks, but I wouldn't worry about it too much if you already have a ton on your plate."
Luna shrugs and shakes her head with a sigh, "eh. I'm used to being overloaded. Honestly, being away from the Meridian Apocalyptic Incident has helped my stress levels. I don't fear for my life every day anymore."
Viper sighs as she leans back and mutters, "If I had it my way you wouldn't have been overloaded or feared for your life."
Luna shakes her head dismissively, "that's just how it was. Fighting the apocalypse head on, being attacked on all sides by creatures in many worlds. But regardless, thank you." Her voice seems broken a bit while she exhales. Her neck aches a little bit so she rubs it a bit.
Viper takes notice and changes the conversation, "what have you been up to recently?"
"Not much honestly. I went to this concert on another world recently. It was amazing," Luna smiles brightly. “Past that, it's been rather relaxing at home. Taking care of business in my world, my archival work, that sorta thing."
Viper nods and smiles, "Well at least you're taking a small break for today, even if you're just gonna go back to working tomorrow"
"Maybe. I don't really know if it's even worth my time anymore." Luna sighs.
Viper looks slightly confused, "what do you mean?"
"It's just, I've spent the past nearly a year trying to archive everything. My brain is basically a computer's hard drive with information about my world, other worlds, and my creators. I've been focusing on learning all I can for the past near year and I still don't have the answers. I don't know how much more I can keep going. It's like my mental locks being broken was only the first part of my torture. I'm not going to quit, I can't. I physically cannot quit, but I also don't think I can keep going at this pace for much longer." Luna looks down at the ground with tears threatening to flow. Sounds of deep breathing can be heard.
Viper solemnly nods as she sighs, "Seems like a tough situation to be in, I've heard Cole briefly mention the same so he might be of use," she continues, "The only real thing I can offer now is trying to support you anyway I can, whether that's being at your side or giving you support in your server"
Luna is still looking down at the ground. It takes her a few minutes to respond, focusing on her deep breathing. Her voice seems rather raspy. "Thank you Viper. You... mean a whole lot to me, genuinely."
Viper beams as she leans forward, "Anything for you, I want you to be happy and I will do my fucking best to achieve that." She then mentions, "if you ever need me" she slides a card with her phone number and home address to Luna, "don't be afraid to call or text me."
On receiving the card and reading it, Luna looks up at Viper with tears in her eyes, but they seem to be the kind of happiness instead of grief, "Thank you. Thank you so much Viper, you're the best."
Viper continues to beam at Luna, "It's no problem, you wanna hug?" Viper stands up as she opens her arms to Luna
Luna nods and hugs Viper tightly. Viper returns the tightness and pats her on the back, noticing the many wounds on Luna’s back, most that’s healed of course. Luna sobs slightly while embraced. The floodgates are opening up. Viper continues to pat Luna on the back and whispers, "Let it all out. I don't care if your tears stain my clothes."
Luna tries to stop, but it doesn't stop. She's not cried in months. Eventually the well dries up, months of backed up tears finally let loose.
Viper pats her on the head as she whispers, "You feelin better?"
Luna looks up with what could be best described as pleading cat eyes with a bit of a sparkle in them, "I am. I was commanded ages ago that I am to never show my tears to anyone. I am not allowed to cry. So uh... months probably closer to a year without doing that... uh. I'm sorry about your tux."
Viper smiles and shakes her head, "It's nothing, i'd rather you cry and get my tux wet with your tears then end up crying alone. I can get this washed, you mean more then some silly tux."
Luna takes a couple more deep breaths and seems to be a little better, "I understand Viper. Thank you."
Viper continues to smile, "You're very welcome, I'll always be here for support."
Luna nods with the usual bright smile. Physically, Luna seems a lot better. Her shoulders have relaxed and her neck doesn't look nearly as stiff. "Thank you Viper, but uh I should probably get back home. Oh and uh Hinata says hi, forgot to mention that."
Viper nods as she lets go of Luna, "Well tell her I say hi too, i can't wait until i can see both of you again"
"Sounds great. We'll definitely be seeing you soon." Luna smiles and nods. "Byeeeee Viper, you're the best." And with that, Luna disappears while waving. Viper beams at Luna while watching her disappear.