Tuesday, 19 November, 2075, 1400; Aztechnology Pyramid, Seattle Center, Downtown Seattle, Seattle Metroplex

Lady Tanya Marisart strode across the polished slate plaza fronting the public entrance to Aztechnology's Northwestern flagship. The soaring edifice was now the Metroplex's premier arcology, since the abortive disaster of Renraku's had ended up a tightly guarded - and haunted - slum. Where once the proud Aztlaner corporation had hosted upscale public shopping on the ground floor only, it had now expanded its luxury offerings to the first three floors - yes, dwarfed by the business, magical, research, manufacturing, and -yes, many assumed, military - might housed in the behemoth structure, the shopping area remained opulent by any standard. Even the very discerning standards. Even the standards of Lady Tanya.

She glided along atop the flagstones as if she were wearing cushioned flats rather than the striking but understated four-inch heels that actually adorned her pedicured feet. If the late autumn chill bothered her it was not apparent, her fur shrug draped casually across her shoulders, leaving her shapely cleavage well exposed to the air and any onlookers. Across the plaza waited today's car, driver already holding the door. Behind her trailed Monique, laden with proudly branded shopping bags. And coming in too quickly to avoid from the left was Lady Bethan Dinefwr.

As much as Lady Tanya disliked Lady Bethan, one got ahead in society by making friends, not enemies. And while there were many ways to make the former, most that could be done vertically required time and effort. Meanwhile, there were even more ways to make the latter, and most could be accomplished in the blink of a careless second. And so Lady Tanya did not hesitate, faking a convincing double-take and then changing course to match Lady Bethan's approach, both hands outstretched.

The young Welsh noblewoman would never have been beautiful at any other station in life. But if beauty was dictated by society by the purveyors of fashion, then money was the surest way to ensure pulchritude. And so it was that Lady Bethany's looks were surpassed only by her wealth. She spent only a few weeks a year in Seattle, but she made a nice splash when in town. As she drew nearer, Lady Tanya couldn't help but notice the luscious emerald and sapphire bracelet the woman wore.

Tanya does not spare a glance at her maid, knowing full well that she will proceed on to the car with the packages in her hands. She moves in to greet Lady Bethan with cheek busses and a smile. Both women hold legitimate titles, something that Tanya has taken great advantage over the years. The title allows her to take certain liberties in addressing the young woman she is talking to. "Bethan! What a pleasant surprise. It has been far too long since we have had a chat. Do you have time for tea? There is a very nice shop inside the mall here.

Tuesday, 19 November, 2075, 1405; Aztechnology Pyramid, Seattle Center, Downtown Seattle, Seattle Metroplex

Five minutes later they were cloistered in a posh champagne bar overlooking the plaza where they'd crossed paths. The staff were beautiful. "Earth Mother!" Lady Bethan gushed quietly, "Look at that stallion behind the bar. You know, I've never been inside the pyramid - not the Seattle one, anyway - nor to Aztlan. But they do have a certain...something...wouldn't you say?" Her bracelet made an almost inaudible sound as she place her hand on the table. The greens and blues of the cut gems shimmered almost hypnotically.

Tanya looks where Bethan's eyes are focused and smiles. "Bethan, you and I do not always agree on politics, but I will certainly agree with your description of that young man. Do you want to see if we can make off with him to some little hideaway? He might be for sale." She tries to set an appraisal of the bracelet while Bethan is distracted. The only thing really keeping her from trying to take it right here is that the young woman would absolutely know who took it. "So, how have you been, Bethan? Are you back in Seattle for long? If so, I do know some people that would be thrilled to meet you. I know, let me host a small thing at my home."

Tuesday, 19 November, 2075, 1407; Aztechnology Pyramid, Seattle Center, Downtown Seattle, Seattle Metroplex

Bethan's lips formed a sly grin at the mention of soliciting the olive-skinned bartender, but before she could answer she was hearing another exciting proposal. The bracelet, there was something about it, almost alive on her wrist. She shrugged insouciantly. "I'm here for just as long as it is entertaining to be. So when will this 'small thing' be, and just how small are thinking?"

Tanya carefully keeps her face interested. Bethan could be the poster child for what is wrong with the social elite. Too much money and no sense of what is really important. Still, Tanya cannot criticize too much, after all, she has made a very good living from people just like her. I was thinking about forty of the social elite of Seattle, perhaps as many as fifty. I can have it catered and open a bar. Maybe I can hire that man there to run the bar. What day would be convenient for you? I would need at least a day to get everything organized, but Monique is such a whiz at this sort of thing. Say, that bracelet is quite fascinating. It must be new as I do not remember that you were wearing it the last time you were in Seattle. It certainly sets off your eyes."

Tuesday, 19 November, 2075, 1408; Aztechnology Pyramid, Seattle Center, Downtown Seattle, Seattle Metroplex

Tanya imaged that Bethan, given her position and station, must be on the receiving in of an endless stream of grovelling, manipulative, or obligatory flattery. But her eyes lit up at Alyce's compliment without a trace of irony, doubt, or ennui. Like a child or dog being praised, like an addict offered a fix. "Oh, it's nothing special. Unless you think money's special. I just loved the colors, so I snatched it up. And any day would be convenient for me - I just might have to be late, depending. No need to worry about getting him to tend the bar, though - I don't intend to wait that long." And with a wink, she stood.

Tanya stands as well and walks over to buss Bethan's cheeks. "Then tomorrow night it is. I will have Monique start setting things up. I am sure that people will be willing to come as it is terribly dull and boring in Seattle just now. You will be like a breath of fresh air. I will set it to start at seven tomorrow evening. If you are to be late, please do arrive at some point as everyone will be there to see you." Tanya watches Bethan walk over to try to chat up the very good looking man tending the bar and shakes her head. She wonders about the bracelet and where it comes from. Perhaps she will ask Bethan about it at the party. Tanya turns and leaves the tea house, heading back to the limo that is still waiting for her. On the way she is texting Monique to get started on the party preparations. She also sends a text with an attached photo of the bracelet to Ni Ni Xaoling, her Triad contact and fence, to whom she says, >>Ni Ni, love. Tanya. I am sending you a file with an attached picture of a bracelet. I have not seen its style before and am wondering if you might have. It is quite striking and I am sure that my pics do not do it justice. I am throwing a party at my place tomorrow night to celebrate the return of Lady Bethan Dinefwr. Please come. Tomorrow evening. Be there at 1700 for some dinner and a discussion. Let me know if you would like to come. Love, Tanya<<

Back in the large automobile, she completes her briefing to her assistant and begins sending out messages about the party.

Tuesday, 19 November, 2075, 1850; Gates Undersound Hotel, Seattle Center, Downtown Seattle, Seattle Metroplex

The afternoon had flown by as Lady Tanya struggled through dozens of personal invitations. Shotgunning her first-tier address list simply would not do. Not only did these things require a more intimate touch, but it would be too easy to invite an unfortuitous combination of feuding society mavens - one misstep and the party could devolve into a brawl of razor-comments wielded by saber-tongues, all with very long memories.

Ni Ni messaged back after an uncharacteristic delay. <<Tanya sweet, I do apologize for the delay, but I have been pulling my hair out over this lovely bauble of which you sent images. It simply does not fit any known style - I can't place it into any extant lapidary lineage. Of course it could be something altogether new, a recent piece, but the quality and volume of the stones is such that it would be quite a feat to fashion such a thing without a palpable stir in the gem market. I put two and two together from your text and paid special attention to Welsh jewellers, but I'm afraid you've stumped me...for now. I will most certainly be over for dinner tomorrow at five...uniess you've got time for me to come over a little earlier.>>

Tanya is a firm believer in personal messages, especially when it comes to invitations. First, she puts a list of possible attendees together and runs it past Monique to see if she has any recommendations. Her personal assistant recommends a couple of changes and Tanya begins sending out invitations. She is mostly done when she receives Ni Ni's note and fires off a reply. >>Ni Ni. Tanya. Thank you for looking into this bracelet. I, too, have never seen anything like it. Probably means it would be hard to find a buyer for? Bethen is partial to young, handsome men. Do you have one you could recommend to tend the bar tomorrow night who would be willing to go home with her and provide us with some information on what she does with the thing? And I have no one here tonight if you wish to come over. I would appreciate the company if you have the time.<< The return response is nearly immediate. >>Tanya, love. On the way over.<<

Monique is very busy with organizing the party. The hotel is very willing to cater the party at short notice and can even provide the alcohol for the open bar. They also confirm that they will have someone from the staff to guide the expected guests to the private elevator. A menu is decided on and then several florists are consulted to provide the type of flower arrangements that Bethan likes. All is coming together and some of those who were invited first are already responding. It would appear that the party is well received as a must attend event and no one is turning her down yet. After all, this early in November is well before the tradition start of the holiday party season and many of the social elite are starved for somewhere to see and be seen. Ni Ni Xiaolu arrives during the preparations, and Tanya welcomes her Triad fence/contact/lover with open arms. The two spend some time poring over the guest list, looking for possible marks for later. Ni Ni tells her friend that she has the perfect choice for bartender and that he will be briefed to make sure that Bethan notices him. Tanya laughs and says, "If he is young and handsome, she will notice him. Never fear. Her taste has always run to the serving staff, like waiters and barmen. Just make sure that he has the stamina to perform for her in bed and it should be fine. The evening ends up as it should, with Tanya and Ni Ni making a night of it in Tanya's large bed.

Wednesday, 20 November, 2075, 1000; Gates Undersound Hotel, Seattle Center, Downtown Seattle, Seattle Metroplex

Tanya awoke to the sight of Ni Ni's nude form emerging from the bathroom, her arms over her head as she rubbed an impossibly fluffy white towel through her black hair. Her desire for her Chinese lover stirred, but she could already see by the woman's walk and expression that she was back in business mode. Tanya's own message queue was already brimming with details Monique required her approval on. They both had an immense amount of preparation to complete before sitting down to a private dinner together at five.

Still, Ni Ni's goodbye kiss lingered on Tanya's mouth, swollen with promise.

Around mid-day, Ni Ni called. "Tanya sweet, I have pulled a real coup for you and secured the best talent at our organization's disposal. Besides his considerable skill as an escort, he is capable behind a bar and had an excellent memory for and knowledge of security systems. Moreover, it was his ill-advised use of that knowledge on my society's assets that left him, shall we say, forever in our debt. His loyalty can be depended upon absolutely. I'll bring him to our dinner to give you the chance to brief him on your requirements personally." It was a welcome piece of news, with good help so hard to find.

Tanya smiles. The news from Ni Ni is indeed good and brightens her spirits considerably A full day of approving this and downchecking that has left her a bit cranky. Planning events always does this to her and she has to ask herself why she does it. The answer come immediately, of course. It is at parties like this that she picks her targets and sometimes even makes useful contacts. She is still amazed after the years that she has been here, that so many people put so much importance to a real British accent and a real British title. Tanya looks over at Monique, who seems to be indefatigable in her efforts to make the party a success and resolves to buckle down and do her share. She sits up and says, "Ni Ni will be here for an early dinner and she is bringing a man with her. He will be helping us plan the taking of Bethan's bracelet. Please sit with us and give your two francs worth of advice." Monique laughs, "Two francs will not get much these days, milady. I will help as I can, of course. Now, about the flowers, the florist.....................................

Wednesday, 20 November, 2075, 1700; Gates Undersound Hotel, Seattle Center, Downtown Seattle, Seattle Metroplex

The bell rang precisely at five, just as the hotel staff had finished laying the table. Monique went to the door and came back with Ni Ni and an impossibly good-looking human male of indeterminate mixed ethnicity. His white long-sleeved silk bartender's shirt with red velvet vest and black bow tie utterly failed to conceal this obviously gym-honed physique, a failure matched only by that if his trousers in concealing what lay beneath. Ni Ni left him to the ministrations of Monique, taking Tanya by the arm and hustling into the privacy of a bedroom. Once alone, she pulled her in for a deep kiss, then whispered with uncharacteristic excitement - "I've found your buyer!"

Then she sat on the bed and took a deep breath, fanning herself with a hand and smiling self-consciously. "Sorry, but this was a rare challenge. I knew it would be hard, there's just no market for something so unique, owned by someone with so much influence. So I had to go - and with double my usual discretion - to more a more rarefied class of buyer, the sort of buyer that either collects very privately, or is so high up on the food chain they just don't care. Well, I was in hot sim all day, and finally got a bite - and oh, what a bite. I am only dealing with a cut-out, of course, but there's been an offer to put payment in escrow with my society, so I am confident it is legitimate. And I suspect we are dealing with a man named Frederic Rothschilde - yes, of the Rothschildes - and not just any of them, the one that sits on the board of the Atlantean Foundation. And the price...my only worry is that he knows who I am. I was very careful, but someone like that, one can never be sure of having the upper hand. And this is someone I'd hate for us to disappoint."

Tanya takes a long appreciative look at the man accompanying Ni Ni and regretfully lets Monique go off with him. She smiles at her friend as he goes with her to the master bedroom. "Where did you get him? He is perfect. Bethan will be drooling over him. Frag, I am drooling over him." She laughs and returns Ni Ni's kiss. "Of course, you have me drooling over you right now." She listens with mounting excitement as her friend and lover tells her about finding a buyer for the bracelet. "Then we will have to make sure that we deliver. Stage one is the party tonight. Then we see what your guy has to tell us. Once we have some information to work with, we can set up a team if needed or I can go solo. I am getting excited about this. But please keep yourself safe on this."

Wednesday, 20 November, 2075, 1704; Gates Undersound Hotel, Seattle Center, Downtown Seattle, Seattle Metroplex

Ni Ni laughed in a cynical, self-deprecating way. "Always," she said, as if it were comically obvious. "My biggest concern is that - you can call him Lance - is all bought and paid for but we don't seem to have time, what with dinner on the table and guests arriving shortly after...but come, he'll be on stage once they all arrive, and you'll need to explain to him yourself exactly what you want done."

Tanya smiles. "I will try to keep from dragging him to a bed while I brief him." Laughing, Tanya and Ni Ni go out to the living room where the bar is being set up. Lance is looking through the inventory of alcohol and nodding in appreciation. Tanya comes up behind him and admires his form from the rear for a minute before getting his attention. "Lance. Thank you for coming to help me tonight. I understand that you have been briefed on the generalities of what I am hoping for. I am sending you a picture of a woman I want you to seduce. I am pretty sure that you will not find it too difficult, as her carnal desires tend to prefer people of your perceived social class. I would like very much for you to keep your eyes and ears open with specific respect to any of her security measures. I am planning on relieving her of her bracelet and you now on my team if you want to be. You will receive a portion of what I am to realize from the sale of it, but I require commitment and a sense of purpose. Are you in?"

Wednesday, 20 November, 2075, 1710; Gates Undersound Hotel, Seattle Center, Downtown Seattle, Seattle Metroplex

The man afforded Ni Ni an almost involuntary glance, reminding Tanya that he really had no choice in the matter. But his smile seemed to say he was well up for it, and would be regardless of any compulsory element. "How could I say no, if all you're asking is to bed this attractive woman and keep my eyes open? I am sure Ni Ni has told you that I know my way around the sorts of countermeasures you are interested in, and can promise an informed report on whatever I am able to see. My only question is, how many risks should I take in observing her? Assuming she bothers with any precautions I mean. I will try to distract her from any such, but if she turns out to be cautious - well, if I am perceived as too inquisitive, I can talk my way out of it, but an eventual theft could come back on you."

Tanya shakes her head. "I would rather that you not distract her from any measures she takes. I will not be making a move yet as I believe in planning something like this. No, please be attentive to her and to your surroundings. I would like as full a report as possible, but by no means place yourself at any risk. If possible, you should try to impress her with your sexual prowess so much that she has you back at least once more so you can see if she repeats her security measures. I do not want you to take any chances that may alert her or compromise you either now or later. Your hands must be clean of this. I have not talked to Miss Xiaolu about any sort of special consideration she might give you, but I can promise an offer of future use if you prove worthy. Your combined skill set can be very useful in my line of work. I have been assured that you are able to seduce her without making it obvious and I hope my information is correct. I absolutely value skilled associates and I do not forget my friends. Do you have any questions for me?

Thursday, 21 November, 2075, 0717; Gates Undersound Hotel, Seattle Center, Downtown Seattle, Seattle Metroplex

Shaking.

Shaking.

Something was shaking Tanya.

It was Ni Ni. The Chinese woman was sitting up in bed beside her shaking her insistently.

Tanya wrapped an arm around her lover's bare shoulders and pulled her back to horizontal, closing her eyes again.

"No no no, sweet, you must wake up."

Tanya accessed her chronometer. Just after seven. Nothing scheduled until Lance for lunch.

He'd had no further questions, and the party's success had been matched only by his own in securing Lady Dinefwr's attentions for the night. As Lady Tanya had shared her charming conversation and scintillating laugh among the well heeled - and well fed, and well liquored -guests, she had watched the dance between the two. She had at first been impressed - and then equally distressed - by the fact that Lance at first ignored her flirtations. Wouldn't do to appear too eager, of course, but if he overestimated her persistence...but there had been no need to worry. Sometime around two, about an hour after her dignity required she cease her advances, he contrived a moment between them - brilliantly as he was discreetly exiting the apartments in his street clothes, shift complete. It allowed her to save face to think it was merely professionalism that had forced him at first to rebuff her, and when he ran into her on his way out, their subsequent repartee actually gave her the illusion that he fancied her, that their coupling might be based on mutual attraction rather than whatever gratuity she might afford him.

She had glanced at Monique, but before she could speak the younger woman had simply nodded and said, "Yes, get his details, and double his tip. He is a keeper."

The last guests had made their excuses by three, and Tanya and Ni Ni had made excellent use of the following two hours in one another's arms.

So a seven o'clock wake-up left oh so much to be desired.

Which, she forced her heavy eyelids to realize, meant it must be important. She looked at her occasional girlfriend. "He's already out. And he says it can't wait until lunch."

Tanya snaps awake. "Out already? OK. We can take the bike and meet him at the Stuffer Shack at ninth and killjoy in, ummmmmmm twenty three minutes, unless it takes me a long time to pee." She looks at Monique as she slides out of bed and heads to the bathroom. "Please send the message and I think Stuffer Shack casual today, please." She finishes at the toilet and steps into the shower to join Ni Ni in cleaning up. There is a great temptation to expand the stay, but both women resist the strong urge. When they return to the bedroom they find two sets of casual attire and get dressed, watching each other with a very familiar look of desire. The two dash from the room and through the living room to grab the keys to the Mirage. Tanya drives the speed limit and makes it to the diner with two minutes to spare. Parking, they walk in and sit in the anonymity of two friends out for breakfast.

Thursday, 21 November, 2075, 0741; Stuffer Shack, Ninth & Kiljoy, Seattle Center, Downtown Seattle, Seattle Metroplex

Lance showed up before their coffee was served, adorned in the same jeans and knit top he'd left the party in not five hours before. He dropped into the booth without greeting and waved for a coffee, his demeanor decidedly less deferent than the evening past. Stuffer Shack casual.

Tanya raised her eyebrows at the handsome man. "You look well rested," she ventured resentfully.

"I slept well," he said. "Your Lady Dinefwr drank all the way home. When we got up to her room she had another drink. She started to undress, and the good news is she got about as far as her shoes and jewelry before she passed out on the bed. Very nice maglock on the front door, and motion sensors inside the room, both keyed to something she wears - probably her commlink. Her apartments are on the fifty-sixth floor, so the windows don't open. She keeps her jewelry mostly lying about on whatever surface is handy, but the bracelet she put in a safe hidden behind a slide-away shoe rack in the walk-in closet. She giggled and put a finger to her lips as the opened it in front of me. Then coyly covered the keypad while opening it, but she hadn't disabled the touch tones, and...I have a well-practiced ear. The combination is the eight digits of her birthday. After she fell asleep in her ten-thousand-nuyen frock, no doubt ruining it, I took a look around. Very understated place, only about four thousand square feet, but then I understand it sits empty about eleven months of the year. Large central room, split level kitchen. Three bedrooms, all with full en suite facilities. One other room that I couldn't get into. Well, I am sure I could have, but you told me to take no chances...I then undressed and joined her in bed, ready to be of service when she awoke. That was at six-thirty, at which point she was panicked about some sort of breakfast she was late for. She shut herself in the toilet to shower, telling me to grind some coffee beans. She was calmer when she joined me in the kitchen. She thanked me for a wonderful night and said she regretted that she'd be busy with charity events all day and how disappointing she didn't have time to get to know me better. Then I accompanied her down to her waiting car. She asked for my number, and promised to call again next year when she's back in town...seems she's leaving Seattle tomorrow."

Tanya sits back and puts a finger to her chin. "This is a bit disappointing. I had hoped to have a few days to come up with a plan. This means I only have today to plan it and tonight to execute it. Lance, you have been marvelous and did quite right in calling me this early in the morning. Thank you." Lance knows when the conversation is over and leaves the table after getting a promise from Ni Ni to have a good word put in his file. Tanya turns to her friend. "OK. I think we can still make this work. I have just run a scan of the major charities that might be having meetings today and the only one I can find with Bethan's name on the guest list is the Zoo Board. She likes animals and can raise funds like few others I know. Some sort of magic tongue, perhaps. Or maybe just a talented one. The good news is that I am on the Zoo Board. It is mostly an honorary position, but I do attend several of their meetings each year, and I was invited to this one. I can attend the meeting and rub elbows with the charity minded and get close enough to Bethan for a good hacker to isolate and copy her commlink codes and isolate the ones for her maglock and motion sensor systems. My main task is to make sure that she gets good and drunk. Afterwards, I wait for her to go home and get to bed, then go to her floor as her and enter the room as if I belong there. Take the bracelet from the safe and leave. I have already sent a message to Cora Lee to see if.......and hey, she just texted me back that she is in. She is bloody good and should be able to get the codes I need. I have a plan B as well, and will come up with a C as well, but I think we can make this happen. Do you see anything glaring off about it and can you move the bracelet quickly to the buyer?"

Thursday, 21 November, 2075, 0753; Stuffer Shack, Ninth & Kiljoy, Seattle Center, Downtown Seattle, Seattle Metroplex

"As for anything glaring - you're the thief, you tell me. The second question, that one goes to my end, darling. Six hours, that's how long you'll have to hold it before my buyer's representative can be in Seattle to take delivery. As I said, the payment's already in escrow, so once you hand it over, the money's yours. Well, ninety percent of it, anyway." She smiled, reminding Tanya that even if there was honor, they were still thieves. "So," Ni Ni continued, "Sounds like you've got a zoological gala to get ready for."

Tanya laughs. "Indeed it does. Lets blow the place and go back to mine. You can pick up your gown and take your car from there." Tanya throws down a good tip and they return by bike to the hotel. On the way, Tanya contacts Monique and asks her what she thinks is appropriate for the meeting of the Zoo Board and after some back and forth, an outfit is agreed on. Tanya then asks her to arrange for the car to be available to drive her to the function and to send off a note to the Board that she would be attending, after which Tanya drives the rest of the way home in silence.

In her suite, she changes with Ni Ni, sharing looks of undisguised lust with her friend. Both ride the elevator down, with Tanya heading through the main lobby and Ni Ni walking to the general elevators to go to the parking garage and her own car. Tanya greets the chauffer by name and slides into the huge limousine for the ride. Once at the Prestigious Broadmore Hotel, Tanya tells the driver that she will probably be most of the day and that she will call when she needs to be picked up. Climbing the stairs to the lobby, she sees several acquaintances and stops to chat, exchanges cheek busses and greetings, and walks into the meeting, where she is greeted by others, some of whom had been at her party the previous night. Opinions on the opera were exchanged and many had nice things to say of the party afterwards. Tanya makes eye contact with Bethan, who is with an elderly gentleman. The other woman gives a signal indicating that she needs to be rescued and Tanya comes to see what she can do. She knows the man and puts her arm through his and lets him guide her to the refreshment table. He pats her hand and says, "Thank God you came along, Tanya dear. That woman is worse than my wife ever was. Talk, talk, talk. Never stops. And half potted already. Are you here for the meeting or just to rescue older men from women looking to get their claws set in?"

Tanya laughs at the perfect irony of the entire thing. "Cannot I do both, Mister Goode?"

"You certainly can, and my fading memory tells me that you are supposed to call me Brian."

"Of course, Brian. Oh, there go the lights so we better go in. Let me check on Bethan to make sure she is alright. I will let you buy me a drink later."

Tanya goes back for Bethan, taking her arm and leading her into the meeting room. The woman does smell as if she is already partway through a bottle, which bothers Tanya a bit, because she has not known Bethan to be like this. She finds a pair of seats near the back of the room and off to the side where they can sit and talk quietly. "Bethan, are you alright? You do not seem to be quite yourself, today."

Thursday, 21 November, 2075, 1311; Broadmore Hotel, Seattle Center, Downtown Seattle, Seattle Metroplex

"Nothing a few more of these won't take care of, dear," the Welsh noblewoman replied, the mysterious bracelet tinkling softly as she took another sip of her drink. "Just fortifying myself for the tedium ahead."

The assessment was nothing if not accurate - it reminded Tanya how all the money in the world could not lend meaning to some people's lives, and listening to them drone back and forth about the minutia of zoo policy as if th livelihood of Seattle depended on it was almost enough to kill her. But the bracelet around Lady Dinefwr's wrist kept reminding her why she was there. It's very presence cloyed at her consciousness.

At last the meeting was concluded and the whole group repaired to an adjoining banquet room where a lavish buffet awaited. "So thanks so much again for the party last night. That bartender was very much a...gentleman. I do hope I can run into one of him next year when I'm here."

Tanya is sitting close enough that Cora Lee should be able to get a fix on Bethan's commlink or any other device on her person. She quietly sends the signal to her friend that she is sitting next to the target so Cora Lee does not waste time looking around the matrix for the woman. In the meantime, she feigns a sincere care for Bethan. In truth, she is concerned; the noblewoman has never acted like this before. She carefully takes her companion's arm and walks with her to the luncheon room, standing near her to help her with the food. She laughs conspiratorially, "Yes. I think that can be arranged. Are you leaving soon, then? Where to this time?"

Thursday, 21 November, 2075, 1311; Broadmore Hotel, Seattle Center, Downtown Seattle, Seattle Metroplex

Just as Tanya asked her question, it seemed that they were alone. The swirling eddy of hobnobbing socialites for just a moment left them in a little space to themselves on the ornate carpet. Bethan looked into Tanya's eyes with a despairing expression that was so sad-clown uncharacteristic it was almost comical. "Anywhere else," she whispered. "And then anywhere else from there." She looked around the room. "There's just no point to any of it. You know, sometimes I think of relinquishing my title and putting myself up as a mail-order bride for some farmer in China. Spend the rest of my life nurturing beautiful children and eking a living from the unforgiving earth....But then I remember I'm not an idiot." She said it like a punchline, as if the whole maudlin moment had been a joke.

For a moment, Tanya's concern goes deeper than simply trying to steal the bracelet. She puts her arm around he other woman and says, "Bethan, this is so unlike you. Do you want to go somewhere and talk?"

Thursday, 21 November, 2075, 1312; Broadmore Hotel, Seattle Center, Downtown Seattle, Seattle Metroplex

"What? Just when things are getting so exciting around here? For fuck's sake, Tanya, we've just voted to sponsor two awakened ocelots!" She smiled despairingly. "Sorry, I know of course that you are a kind and caring person, darling. And I'd love to slip away and sit on a bed in my pajamas and talk and talk the day away with you. But I just can't seem to find anything to talk about anymore."

Tanya commiserates with Bethan but takes the opportunity to snap a couple of pics of the woman and sends them off to Monique with a message. >>Monique, I am sending some photos of Bethan. I know I have this gown in my wardrobe. It is from last year’s line. Please find it and match the color. You will want to put it and the matching shoes and a wig in a bag and be ready to bring them by bike. I will contact you later as to where and when to meet me with them. Please make sure there are gloves as well. She is not wearing any, but I have a hunch I might be needing some.<< A second message goes out to her hacker friend. >>Cora Lee, luv, how are you coming with the frequency scan? I cannot get much closer to her and keep my clothes on.<<

Tanya gets Bethan another drink, then another, until she is mostly drunk, but not yet at the point where she completely loses control then places a call to her. Bethan is too tossed to answer the call so Tanya takes the commlink and asks for the access code and answers her own call. After she hangs up, Tanya scans through the now unlocked commlink for the appointment calendar to determine when Bethan is supposed to be at the airport to fly out and when she has told the hotel to have someone come up for the luggage. She also looks to see if anyone else is scheduled to visit with Bethan tonight, finding one old friend that is supposed to drop by at 2000. Tanya sends a text from Bethan’s phone to cancel the appointment due to not feeling well and saying that she will catch up when she returns to Seattle. Curious, she looks for some extra code that Bethan would have used to access her door lock and alarm system, just in case Cora Lee cannot find it. It has to be something simple or Bethan would not have been able to access it in the condition she had been in the evening before. Tanya almost laughs when she finds it; Bethan is no more security conscious than many others and has the codes in a folder appropriately marked “Seattle House Codes”. Tanya does not like to take chances and sends the information off to Cora Lee so that the expert can see if they are genuine or perhaps a ruse. There is a buzz from the commlink just as Tanya is getting ready to close it. Bethan’s friend is responding to the text by saying how much she will miss seeing her but understands. Tanya texts back, thanking her for being so understanding, then smiles as she closes the commlink and puts it back in Bethan’s purse.

Thursday, 21 November, 2075, 1323; Broadmore Hotel, Seattle Center, Downtown Seattle, Seattle Metroplex

"Thanks for taking such good care of meeee..." Bethan said, taking her things back and nearly falling into Tanya's arms. People are starting to notice. Her social instincts the last of her faculties to go, Bethan noticed them noticing. Leaning heavily on Tanya, she asks to be escorted down to her car.

Minutes later they were crossing the lobby, the Phaeton already parked open door to open door - the hotel's man holding one, and Bethan's chauffeur the other. Bethan had kept up a steady stream of meaningless chatter the whole way down - "Keeps me from hurling," she had whispered conspiratorially at one point. Tanya listened dutifully, while also hearing from Cora that she had everything she initially needed but was going to take a few moments to do some additional verifications.

As her driver helped her into the car, Bethan bussed Tanya's cheeks and gave a bright-smiled "Ta ta," before doing an emotional about-face as she was half into the car. Surging back out to reach for Tanya, she nearly fell and her driver reined her back in, gently guiding her back towards her seat. And all the while Bethan was whining and pleading with Tanya,"Don't think I'm stupid, Tanya. Please, just don't think I'm..." and the limousine door shut gently in her face.

Tanya quickly turn to the chauffer as she opens the door. "I will help see her home and have my own car meet me there." She slides onto the seat next to Bethan and props her up. "There, there, dear. I do not think you are stupid, but why don't you tell me why you would think I might. If it someone's husband, I daresay we can do something about that, and anyway, most men are a bit on the stupid side. Charming and sometimes exciting in bed, but still a bit stupid, I rather think. Now, I am going to see you safely home and to bed and will make final arrangements for someone to come for your things in time to get you to the airport tomorrow. You did say the three PM sub-orbital, right? We have plenty of time to get you feeling better. Now you know me, I am a good ear and shoulder. Tell me everything."

Thursday, 21 November, 2075, 1340; Seattle Center, Downtown Seattle, Seattle Metroplex

Being comfortably seated in her own conveyance seemed to sober Lady Bethan up slightly. "Oh Tanya, Lady Tanya, you are too good to me," she slurred. But within a few seconds after dry swallowing a tablet she took from a compartment in the door, she was visibly more coherent. "Oh, that's better." She gave her head a single brisk shake, then turned to smile at Tanya. She still appeared rather tipsy, but more in the way that brought out unguarded honesty than vulgar clumsiness. "You really are extraordinarily kind. I'd like to accept your kindness, but you know how it is. We don't really know each other that well, and people in our position. Everyone always wants something. You don't want anything do you, Lady Tanya? I'd like you for a friend. And I'd be oh so devastated to find that your motives were not pure...."

Tanya laughs. "My God, Bethan. You know I have not had a pure motive since I was fifteen and discovered that boys had cocks and girls could influence a guy so very much by paying attention to what he has between his legs. And as for wanting something, what woman does not want a bit more than she has? However, right now, I am a bit concerned that you are not quite yourself, and that motive is about as close to being pure as I can get. So, how was the barman last night?"

Thursday, 21 November, 2075, 1342; Seattle Center, Downtown Seattle, Seattle Metroplex

"Nothing gets by you, does it?" Bethan asked, content to answer the last question and let the talk of pure motives wash down the conversational stream. "Honestly, I think I passed out on him. But despite that he was still there in the morning, which I give him points for, annoyance though it was. Naturally once he was off and away I wished I'd had time to keep him around for an extra hour. But duty always calls. The zoo, you know," she said, with exaggerated gravity.

"But what about you, my impurely motivated pretend-friend?" she asked, smiling to make her tone ambiguous, "Are half he rumors of your love life true? Or do you just like feeding the media beast?"

Tanya laughs. "I love feeding the media beast. I have made it a policy to never confirm or deny my love life to the press. To you, though, I can be a bit more forthcoming. It depends on which rumors you might have been listening to, but I will tell you that I do not lack for company in bed, and it can be either male or female depending on my mood. Seattle is the place to be if you want to be dancing between the sheets. So, if those are the rumors you have been hearing, they are probably true. Most other rumors I categorically deny, unless they are fun. I took up parachuting, you know. jumping from a plane into nothing but air is a rush that almost beats great sex. You should try it. Are you sure that you have to leave tomorrow? I would like a chance to be something more than a pretend-friend. Us nobility need to stick together." Tanya is hoping to keep the conversation going long enough for Cora Lee to get the codes she needs, but that might be immaterial if the can get an invite up to Bethan's suite.

Thursday, 21 November, 2075, 1344; Seattle Center, Downtown Seattle, Seattle Metroplex

They are approaching Bethan's hotel. She is saying, "...is more about action than birth. Yes, I know, what faux self-help spiritualism crap have I been reading lately, right? But to be more than a pretend-friend, you have to have more pure motives. Unlike me, I'm sure! Oh, this is me! Thanks for coming along with me, but the staff will see me up. Can I have my driver take you anywhere?"

Just then, Cora comes back in Tanya's head. "Okay, the hotel keeps the access codes isolated off-line - not a surprise. But based on my little archive of past code formats used by the parent company, the codes from her 'link look legit. I'm just not sure the 'link itself is...sorry, nothing I can put my finger on. Looks well used, well populated, lot of history. No way to be sure. But feels a bit canned to me.>>

Tanya shakes her head. "No thank you, Bethan. My car will be along shortly, thank you for the offer, though. And please have a safe flight and enjoy yourself on your trip. I hope to see you here next year. Call me."

Tanya lets the doorman help Bethan then herself out of the car and walks with the other woman into the lobby before giving her the normal cheek busses and watching her go to the elevator. Tanya takes a seat in one of the very comfortable chairs in the lobby to think. **Bloody hell. Part of the plan has come apart and I need to come up with something bloody quick.** She sends a message off to her hacker friend. >>Hey, Cora Lee. So what did you mean? Can I use the codes or not? And from your description, the commlink is not a commlink, but something different. Would it be essential to the codes or unrelated? If I cannot use the code, can you hack the door and alarm?<<

Thursday, 21 November, 2075, 1350; Seattle Center, Downtown Seattle, Seattle Metroplex

<<No, of course it's a commlink. What I mean to say is, I'm not convinced it's her commlink. As I said, I can't be sure because it is very convincing work. I checked contacts and file date and whoever built it would have had to have a lot of time and resources at their disposal. But I think it's a dummy. It just feels...I don't know...cold to me. Or maybe she's a cold person. At the same time though, while there can be no guarantee without hacking the hotel, I think the access codes are good. Which is a mystery. But I believe they'll work. As for hacking the hotel, as I said, they keep the security systems offline - the only way for me in with a data tap, which is harder to place than it sounds on deliberately isolated systems.>>

Tanya nods. >>Very well. Back to plan A then. Were you able to see if the bracelet was wireless, by any chance?<<

She next sends a text out to Monique. >>Alright. I am on. Please pack the dress, gloves, shoes, and wig we discussed. I will also need a couple of tag erasers, several burn bars two, flash bangs, the gecko gloves, and the flying squirrel suit. Oh, and a dispenser of the slippery stuff and two small wedges that I can use on an elevator door and a room door if needed. Pack them in two of those shopping bags we have from Niemens and come meet me at the Queens Arms; that little no-tell motel in Touristville. We used it two years ago, if you remember. Give me two hours to get there. I will signal you which room I am in. I am going to alternate ID one in thirty minutes. Ciao<<

Tanya stands and takes the stairs to the next floor. She shakes her head and chuckles a bit at how these colonials seem to muck things up. To her, she is now on the first floor, but to her UCAS friends she is now on the second floor. She walks down the hall and calls her friend. >>Cora Lee, OK, I am now in one of the hallways of the hotel. Can you tell me where the security cameras are as I walk by them? If so, can you tell how they are oriented and if they move?<< She walks down the hallway as if she has a room and heads to the elevator, where she looks at the fire escape plan posted there to see which side of the building Bethan’s suite is on. Smiling, she gets on the elevator and rides to the observation deck for a look around. She is particularly interested in what lies away from the building on the side where the target is. She zooms in on trees, buildings, and power lines, recording it all. Satisfied, she returns to the lobby and leaves the hotel to walk around outside for a bit, before hailing a cab and going to a small boutique that sits nearly astride the invisible border between Downtown and Renton. Stepping into a public toilet, she endures the smells of sex, drugs, vomit and urine to change her face and realign her breasts. Leaving the toilet, she goes to the shop and purchases clothes off the rack that fit her close enough as well as a blonde wig, a pair of gloves and a floppy hat. She is very careful to touch nothing she does not buy and pays for everything with a small credstick, including a pair of almost stylish sunglasses from the counter near the register. During the process, she talks a mile a minute in her best German accent about how absolutely fabulous her vacation has been so far and how nice this shop is, asking for a brochure or online presence that she can take back to her friends in Berlin. She goes into the small changing room and changes into the new clothes without touching the walls or bench, putting her nice frock and shoes in the bag from the store. Leaving, she changes her voice to a CAS drawl and hails a cab to take her to the motel in Touristville.

She engages a room and contacts Monique with the number. She also calls Cora Lee to see if she can do something about any cameras at the motel that might have picked her up, and to do a sweep of the room for any peeping-tom cameras the manager might have installed for his personal use. She leaves her gloves on as she waits for Monique to arrive, going over the plan in her mind and looking for the ways it will fail.

Monique had arrived earlier, dropped off the bags, and taken the original clothes away. Tanya had sat in the room, mentally going over her planned operation to get the bracelet. Finally ready, she changes into the dress and shoes, but leaves the color a light blue, putting the casual clothes into one of the bags. She stashes the small burn bars and other items in the smuggling compartment in her arm and everything else in the Niemen bags. One of her final acts is to set Bethan's disarm codes into a burner commlink. She calls a cab and leaves the small motel at one AM on Friday morning, having the cab drop her off three blocks from Bethan's hotel. Tanya walks to the hotel, stopping for a few minutes in the shadow of the side of a building to change her face, body, and voice to be Bethan, while the dress, gloves and shoes are changed to the color that her target prefers.

Tanya walks into the hotel and goes to the bank of elevators, taking one to Bethan's floor. Getting off she walks to the suite and enables the code to unlock the door.

Friday, 22 November, 2075, 0141; Seattle Center, Downtown Seattle, Seattle Metroplex

The lock clicked, the door opening easily to Tanya's touch.

She padded soundlessly inside, shutting the door behind her. The layout of the place firmly in her head, she proceeded to the bedroom. Standing at the open door, she saw Bethan asleep, a bare leg extending out from under the comforter, light blue spaghetti straps of something silk askew on her white shoulders. Her breathing was even as she lay on her stomach.

Beyond her was the walk-in closet. The one with the shoe rack.

Tanya looks at the sleeping Bethan and silently opens the smuggling compartment of her arm, removing the Para-Shield dart pistol. She counts to 100 then moves as silently as smoke across the bedroom to the closet and finds the safe exactly as described by the barman. She carefully examines the safe to make sure it is as described and enters the code, opening the door and extracting the bracelet. She runs her bug detector over it and then a tag eraser just in case, before slipping the item into her arm and standing up. Tanya removes one of Bethan's coats from the closet and as silently as she entered the room, she leaves it to its occupant and crosses the living room. She places the dart pistol in her arm and closes the compartment before taking both bags in her left hand while placing the coat over her left arm. Prepared, she leaves the suite and returns to the lobby and the street.

Friday, 22 November, 2075, 0205; Seattle Center, Downtown Seattle, Seattle Metroplex

No sooner had Tanya stepped into the night air than she heard the voice in her ear. "Well, you admitted your motives were less than pure."

Tanya whirled, but no one was there. She scanned for heat, but there was no trace of a physical presence.

Yet the voice was so real in her ear, she could almost feel the breath.

"And I did beg you not to think I was stupid. Now, i've got some tea on. Why not come back up and we can discuss the results of our little exercise? I can assure you that my own motives are pure as the driven snow."

Tanya's spirits slump for a moment, but only a moment. Her mind is already working on new plans B and C as she replies. "I do hope it is Earl Grey. I take milk and lemon. Oh, and I hope I get to keep the bracelet as I already have a buyer for it." She turns around and returns to the lobby elevators, taking one to Bethan's floor. Once there she goes to Bethan's door and opens it. Still looking like her target she enters the suite, although Tanya is now wondering just who the target is, and if she has been the target all along.

Friday, 22 November, 2075, 0210; Seattle Center, Downtown Seattle, Seattle Metroplex

Tanya finds Bethan in the sitting room, a beautiful porcelain tea service laid out on the coffee table between two plush armchairs. The woman is still in her pale blue nightgown, closer to nightshirt, really, it is so short. Both spaghetti straps now placed correctly on her shoulders, and her pose somehow ladylike despite the unabridged exposure of her flawless legs.

"Well I don't think you'd have fooled my mother, but anyone else...quite a nice job. Astonishing, really. Does a very nice job of vindicating my nomination, really. But do you think you could go back to being you now? Disconcerting, you know, addressing oneself in matters of delicacy."

She indicated the chair and offered the tea. The smell was decidedly Earl Grey, and Tanya could see a creamer with milk and saucer of fresh lemon wedges.

Tanya smiles at Bethan and takes a seat on the proffered chair. Nodding, she begins the process of changing back to herself. In the space of a minute, her face, breasts, hair and voice go back to normal. She winces a bit at the jab of pain involved in the facial transformation, but otherwise says nothing during the process. She does, however send a message out. >>Ni Ni, dear, could you please check the buyer of the bracelet and let me know if the offer has been rescinded? I am afraid that we may have been set up on this, so please insulate yourself as much as possible. Ciao.<< Tanya smiles again and looks at Bethan as she reaches for the tea, adding milk and a lemon wedge before lifting the cup to sip from it and nodding appreciatively. She carefully puts the cup down and sends the command to open one of the compartments in her arm, withdrawing the bracelet and putting it down on the table. She looks at it and shrugs before looking back up at her hostess. “Well, Bethan, you said you wanted to chat.”

Friday, 22 November, 2075, 0211; Seattle Center, Downtown Seattle, Seattle Metroplex

"Yes. Chat...apologize? What's the difference, really? Just to get off on the right foot, let me start by speaking strictly for myself." She sipped her tea, and seemed for a moment to gaze into its depths. "When I put your name forward, I honestly envisioned just sitting down with you like this. Just like we are right now. Only without the whole charade as preamble." She shrugged ruefully. "But then, precisely speaking, I don't make all the decisions. Cooler heads prevailed - I suppose that's why they are the ones at the helm and not me - and this test was devised. Purely precautionary, I was assured. But it seems there are times when precautions are vindicated. Because I'm afraid you failed the test. More tea?"

Tanya considers what Bethan is saying then shakes her head. "No, thank you. The tea is very good, but I really should be going. I am sure that whatever game you are playing has no room for beggars. Thank you for putting my name forward and I am sorry to have disappointed you." Tanya stands. "I am assuming that there is no penalty for failing and that I may go? Before I leave, though, would you be at liberty to tell me how you even know what I do?"

Friday, 22 November, 2075, 0213; Seattle Center, Downtown Seattle, Seattle Metroplex

"Yes, yes, you are perfectly free to leave. But you said earlier you wanted to get to know me better. You also said you wanted to keep the bracelet. Walking away now will get you points for drama, but none of the rest. And I didn't. Not for sure."