Behind the Crown [IC], Behind the crown are shadows Options

[pbangarth]

+++ Oh ... good. Cindy's awake. +++

""" Good Morning, Cindy. I hope you had a good sleep. There's some herbal tea made. Would you like some? """

[Koekepan]

Cindy stretches languidly, and smiles. """Oh, hi, Connor. Yes, it was lovely. I'll have some, but let me make some breakfast. Would you like some?"""

She drifts over to the kitchen area, and from the lighting in there it can well be clearly seen that not only is that shirt of very thin fabric, it's all that she's wearing, and it only comes halfway down her hips.

She bends over to see what's in the lower cabinets.

[pbangarth]

Yeah, a lot of familiar thoughts run through Blue's mind. It has been a while since he last indulged. Autonomous physical systems react accordingly. But the firm grip held by his will reminds him of the out of control fits of which Cindy is capable. The last thing he needs now is a stalker/ angry ex/ whatever.

""" Yes, thanks, I would like something to eat. But, as I have been described recently, I am a night owl, and for me this will be a bedtime snack before I turn in to sleep. I've been up all night. """

[Koekepan]

"""Well, then I'd better fix something to help you sleep. What do you usually have?""" She browses from cupboard to cupboard, checking packages and dispensers.

[pbangarth]

Blue ponders a moment. """ I suspect Hopalong doesn't have a lot of fresh food in this safehouse. Maybe a packet of ramen would be nice. """

+++ If neither Hopalong nor Carlos rises soon, I'm going to have to set a spirit on watch. I hope I can get the last one's sister or something. She won't be too happy to be called yet again. +++

[Koekepan]

Cindy is down on her knees, head half-buried in the cupboards while she goes through packets. The shirt has ridden up to her waist, and she's saying: """There are flour analogues, krill egg subsitutes, I think I can make waffles with this."""

It's at this point that Chuck shuffles around the corner. He is quietly yawning, looking sleepy, dressed in a set of coveralls and a t-shirt. His eyes light on Cindy, and open like iris doors. His inhalation even sounds like the pneumatic door mechanism, but then he turns to Blue and silently gestures in the age old "don't mind me, bro, you get some!" gesture while gently backing off.

[pbangarth]

Blue lets out a quiet sigh, shaking his head. +++ I don't need this drek now. Another time ... another time. +++

""" Waffles sound great, Cindy. Listen, I don't know what Hopalong has in the way of clothing stashed in this place. I believe you were in a difficult situation when she found you. Would you like me to fashion some clothes for you, to your taste? All I would need is ... a little more fabric to work with than what you have on now. It would be easier for me at nighttime, but I'm sure I could whip something up for you even in the daytime. """

[Koekepan]

Cindy makes to reply, sitting back on her haunches, when a door opens and closes and Hopalong (fully dressed) strides into the kitchen. She glances at Cindy. """Cheese and crackers, get some clothes on, girl. I know I left lots in the closet for you."""

Chuck looks torn. On the one hand it's breakfast and a show. On the other hand - well, Cindy. And Hopalong looks cranky before she's had caffeine. He just sits down in a corner.

[pbangarth]

""" Well, there you go, Cindy. Pick through the clothes today, and this evening when I am more likely to do a good job of it, I'll try to fashion the clothes into something you really like. I did a reasonable job on what I am wearing right now. Maybe today you could think about what you would like. """

Blue turns to Hopalong. """ After we have eaten, and before I turn in for sleep, I wouldn't mind having a few minutes' chat with you, Hopalong. """

[Koekepan]

Hopalong says over her shoulder while hustling a pouty Cindy along: """Sure, omae."""

When those two are gone, Chuck turns to Blur with a wry smile and a shrug. """Gotta gettit while it's hot, man."""

[pbangarth]

Blue chuckles at Chuck's remark despite himself. Twenty-first century, but some things haven't changed. """ Yeah, well Chuck, here's the thing. As the old saying goes, a bargain is no bargain if you can't afford it."""

[Koekepan]

Chuck takes over on culinary duties while Hopalong persuades Cindy to conform to social norms. It looks as if he knows exactly what he's doing too, and it doesn't take very long before appetising smells rise from the kitchen area. Maybe it's just long experience cooking to kill a million hangovers, or maybe it's part of his domestic style, manifesting in the kitchen as well as in dollhouses, but before too long he's dishing up piping hot omelettes, waffles and coffee.

He looks like road kill, but the man has some skills.

Around this time, Carlos emerges, and Hopalong hauls Cindy back out. Cindy's fully dressed in boots, a skirt, and some kind of oversized jacket thing that hangs down almost as long as the skirt. It's as if a mother just made her teen daughter change her clothes, and Cindy looks about that petulant.

[pbangarth]

Blue digs in to the feast. """ Chuck, this is a great breakfast. Thanks for pulling it together. Cindy! That outfit has lots of potential. I'm thinking I could mold it into something chic but comfortable, out on the town and in the office, all at once. Do you have any ideas?"""

[Koekepan]

Cindy, newly sulky, just grumps and sneers her way through breakfast, while Hopalong keeps a jaundiced eye out. Carlos is the last to show up for breakfast, but displays a healthy appetite once he gets started. Chuck gets voted kitchen king, and by right of his crown dictates that Carlos, as last arrival, shall shovel everything into the cleaning system.

Once that is all set aside, Hopalong turns Cindy loose on the entertainment system long enough for her to show up for Blue's requested heart-to-heart.

[pbangarth]

Off to the side, or even in another room where privacy is easier, Blue pushes a cup of soykaf towards Hopalong and makes a proposal. He speaks in hushed tones to keep the conversation just between the two of them.

""" I've been learning a bit more about my current job, and I see that I'm going to have to do some stakeout work. I know earlier I asked about a place nearer my target, but I'm now thinking that I don't need to crash close to it after all. And, I'm growing kind of fond of the gnarly old girl who is the spirit of this place. So, I wonder, would you be willing to rent me this place for two or three more weeks after you're done with us? One week to finish my contract, one more to deal with contingencies, and one more to give me time to find a new place.

""" The safe room and the exit from it are handy, but I promise I won't use the dynamite.""" A bit of a grin comes across his face at that last comment.

[Koekepan]

Hopalong gives Blue a long, expressionless stare, and then says simply: """No."""

She takes the soykaf, sips it, and then adds: """But I'm not unreasonable. I can help you find another crashspace, but I need this one available to me. What facilities do you need?"""

[pbangarth]

Oh, well. It was worth a try.

""" I have to stake out and maybe more deeply investigate a location in Ballard, in the southwest quarter. So, if I am going to find a place to hang out for a few weeks, it might as well be close to that. Three weeks should do, but renting by the month is usually more likely, and I can deal with that. You mentioned the pricey nature of the neighbourhood, so if there is a nearby, less expensive district, that would do.

""" I don't need much more than a basic flop house I can hide out in, preferably secure enough so I can astrally project without my meat body getting into trouble while I'm out.

""" Got any ideas? """

[Koekepan]

"""Mmm-maybe. Let me ask a few people. You might get better prices south of the canal, because the construction of the arcology really turned some property values upside-down, but I can't make any promises here. Let me look into it. Anything else?"""

[Koekepan]

It's a little later that morning, around 9:30 AM when Betty gets a call from Billy Morgan, her usual purveyor of electronic bits and bobs.

<<<Heya, Betty. I don't know how your biz has been lately, but I got the word on something that might have a little back end on it. The word is there's an operator who is looking for a place to crash near where you live, and a possible partnership on a deal. If you have a green light, I'll give you the coordinates. Maybe you'll even get halfsies on whatever he has going on.>>>

[Betty]

Betty was relaxing when Billy called.

<<<Hi, Billy. I can do it. I'm between gigs. Give me time to get into my interview suit, okay?>>>

Betty gets up and goes to her closet. She takes out her navy blue suit and a cream-colored blouse.

[Koekepan]

Billy provides Betty with a matrix address, which turns out to be Blue's burner phone. She could leave a message, which Blue would doubtless get as soon as he woke up.

While Betty finds her blouse, Billy Morgan sends her a follow-up message.

<<<Don't know a lot, but he comes recommended by a trusted associate of mine. Apparently he's some kind of expert, but maybe rough around the edges, and could use your expert organisational touch. Might also use your specialist knowledge.>>>

[Betty]

<<<Thanks, Billy. I owe you one.>>>

Betty gets dressed and then dials what is probably Blue's burner phone.

<<<Mr. Blue? You may call me Betty. An acquaintance of mine thinks we can do some business. Call me back with an address for a physical meeting, or we can talk over the phone.>>>

[Koekepan]

Outside the overnight snow has turned back to drizzle, which is converting everything into slush. Automated warnings are preventing many system compliant vehicles from going onto the roads, while AI-created talking heads on media are weaving tales of dire consequences and twenty-five car pile-ups. Various charitable organisations are talking about chipheads and junkies freezing to death in the gutters and slums, while various parties, policlubs and pressure groups are blaming every but themselves for everything.

It's the 18th of March in Seattle.

[pbangarth]

Blue stands up from the kitchen table and answers Hopalong. """No thanks, that's all for now. I appreciate anything you can come up with. I'll clean up my dishes and go outside to check for messages once more before I turn in for the day."""

Blue does the dishes and heads to the front door. As he goes, he sees Hopalong coming back upstairs. +++ Probably checking what damage I did to her setup. +++

The weather outside is frightful, and Blue turns up his collar as well as face into the wall. The message from Betty worries him. +++ How did this person get this number? Is Mitsuhama on to me already? Drek. +++

He decides to try to find out more before committing. He replies in text to Betty, <<< Who gave you this address? >>>

He looks around for the drones coming for him. You're not paranoid if they really are out to get you.

[Betty]

Blue gets a prompt reply.

<<<Billy Morgan gave me your number and said you were in need of a place to crash. Are we going to talk business or not?>>>