[Cynthia Rawson - 01:19, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Grainger Warehouse, Industrial District, Seattle] #679

Cynthia sighs, a bit disappointed. She would really have liked looking into the inside building. But since she can't do it by herself, she doesn't have any other option than to agree. >>Team [Cynthia]: Fine.<<

Before she comes back to her meat, Cynthia wipes away any trace she left: mostly the sustained Complex Form and its traces. Once done, she stirs, and blinks a few time, apparently a bit surprised at the change of scenery, but shrugs and stands up. As she does, she groans and winces in pain, rubbing the small of her back and her knees. After a couple of seconds she adds with a tight voice "I managed to get the real plans of the GB by the way."



What about the Trace on the other Persona? Where is she physically located?

Thursday June 13th, 2075 0120- Grainger Warehouse Host, Industrial District, Seattle


Tanya is at Cynthia's side at the first sign of pain. "Are you alright? We will give you some recovery time before we leave. And great work on the blueprints. We can put a plan together and try for more information later."

>>Team [Tanya]: OK. Time to be pulling back. Let the guards do their patrol up here and return to the first floor and we will leave the same way we came in.<<

[Cynthia Rawson - 01:20, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Grainger Warehouse, Industrial District, Seattle] #680

Cynthia grumbles for a moment, then says intelligibly "Must be the results of the acrobatics from earlier. I might be old before my time..." She moves her shoulder a bit, then adds "as for the plans, I won't bother looking at those tonight. Long day and all that..."

After a couple more seconds of stretching - that don't appear to make things any better - Cynthia nods >>Team [Cynthia]: I'm ready when you are.<<

Thursday June 13th, 2075 0125- Grainger Warehouse Host, Industrial District, Seattle


Tanya motions for Cynthia to wait near her. "We are waiting for two guys to finish a patrol up here then we can go out the same way we came. It should be just a couple of minutes."

Indeed, the two men walk to the end of the aisle and then back, barely looking down any of the narrower side aisles. The pair step onto the life and ride it to the ground floor, creating enough noise to cover the team's movement back across the catwalk to the door. A quick check from the drones outside lets everyone know that no one appears to be watching this side of the building and the team moves back outside and down the stairs. Tanya remains behind to lock the door before joining the rest of the team.

Walking back towards the van, Tanya sends a message. >>Team [Tanya]: OK. Good run. I think we have some good information. Could I interest anyone in keeping the group together for a bit longer? I would like to take a look at the information Cynthia got and that may lead to another run. What do you guys think?<<

[Cynthia Rawson - 01:25, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Grainger Warehouse, Industrial District, Seattle] #681

"Oh. Alright." Cynthia waits patiently, then follows the others to exit the warehouse, walking as if she was sore all over. She snorts lightly at the mention of the "run", not convinced at all that she has anything to do with a shadow run, but shrugs >>Team [Cynthia]: There's plenty of stuff to do. But for right now...<<, just thinking about it, she yawns >>Team [Cynthia]: Sleeping seems a very good plan...<<

>>Team [Tanya]: Well, you cannot go to your place. I can put us up in a motel for the night, if that is OK?<<

[Cynthia Rawson - 01:25, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Grainger Warehouse, Industrial District, Seattle] #682

>>Team [Cynthia]: Nah it's okay, already taken care of.<<

Thursday June 13th, 2075 0137- Outside Grainger Warehouse Host, Industrial District, Seattle


>>Team [Tanya]: Very well. When and where do you want to meet later today?<<

[Cynthia Rawson - 01:37, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Outside Grainger Warehouse, Industrial District, Seattle] #683

Cynthia rubs her chin, pensive, as she answers >>Team [Cynthia]: Even if I don't go meet Roger tomorrow, my morning will be pretty packed, so...for lunch?<<

And Roger. Odds are he now knows that she's more involved than he thought. But maybe... With a slight smile, she sends >>Roger [Cynthia]: Whatever it is exactly, Bogota and what happens here is far too dangerous for me, frag, some of those mercenaries came calling earlier. I don't even know how I got on their radar! Incidently, that's why I didn't make it for dinner. Anyway, I'm sorry but I'll drop this for a while and lay low until it has blown off. And you should seriously consider doing the same.<<

At the very least, this will provably make him think Cynthia doesn't know too much yet, or is not linked to others. And possibly, he'll insist on seeing her. Which would make it possible to grab him then... >>Cynthia [Team]: Speaking of Roger, I sent him a message, maybe he'll want to see me so we might be able to grab him. But it'll be in the afternoon anyway.<<

This done, Cynthia thanks Arsène (even if he didn't do anything), calls Sherlock, and asks him to study the plans. She gives him a copy of the official and real ones, asking him to make a 3d rendering of both, highlighting the differences between the two. As he does that, following the others, she retrieves the dumps for Tanaka's day activity and starts to organise all that. She's now pretty sure there's nothing regarding Samspon in there (but she stills keeps her eyes open for that), but it'll improve her files on the inner workings of the Yakuza. Not something she intends to keep on the side forever.



Data Sprite [6] (Compiling, Defense, Fade): 12d6t5 3 6d6t5 1 13d6t5 3, two tasks, no Fade, should be enough to study the plans.

As for Tanaka's stuff, I'll go with:
Tanaka's files (Yakuza knowledge, Economics): 9d6t5 3 8d6t5 5

Thursday June 13th, 2075 0145- Team Vehicles, Industrial District, Seattle


Back at the van and bikes, Sandy and Steve have returned to their bodies and have retrieved their eyes, except for the Steve's on the returning guard van and Sandy's on Vlad. The drone feeds have the van about 20 minutes out and Vlad perhaps 15 minutes behind him. Tanya smiles at everyone and slots the credits to Spokane that had been agreed on and an equal amount per person to Cynthia for her and Sandy. "So, I think this was a good op. Thank you all. It did not go into combat, but it could have and it was comforting to have backup there. So, a meeting at lunch today? Where is good? Cajun Town?"

>>Cynthia [Roger]: I was wondering. When you say that mercenaries visited you, are you saying that they tried to attack you or just asked questions? In any case, it sounds like you are right about keeping a low profile for a while. Contact me if you need any help. I will certainly be more careful and thanks for the warning.<<

The dump for Tanaka has a lot of the usual information that you have been getting so far. Nothing stands out as anything out of the normal, but there are some messages about some activity at the horse track. It looks like Tanaka is trying to fix a couple of the races set for Saturday.

[Cynthia Rawson - 01:45, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Team Vehicles, Industrial District, Seattle] #684

Cynthia nods "Sure. I have something to do there in the morning anyway, so it'll be one less course to make." She grimaces then, moving her shoulder "Hey Sandy, if we could stop somewhere to grab some analgesic, it'd be nice... Must have pulled a muscle or two... Or all of them..."

With a last groan, she switches subjects "Hey, anyone wants to make money on the Yakuza's back? One of their lieutenants is fixing some horse races on Saturday."

With a frown, barely listening to the answers, she sends >>Vlad [Nimue]: This is the address where the van you're following is going. They have a bunch of guards there, and you'll be fifteen minutes behind them by the time they reach their destination. Be advised that there are other guards there, so attacking the place doesn't seem the smartest plan ever right now, but... Well... I won't tell you what to do.<<

>>Roger [Cynthia]: They're not the kind to ask questions... No, they trashed my place trying to kill me. I almost want to find them and sell them to KE or something just for that.<<

Thursday June 13th, 2075 0146- Team Vehicles, Industrial District, Seattle


No one seems too inclined to take you up on your offer about the Yakuza, although Steve did look a bit interested for a moment before shaking her head. Tanya sets the meeting place as the restaurant in Cajun Town and bids everyone a good morning. She does, however, step closer to you. "Are you sure that you are alright? I have some skill in first aid and have a very good medkit on the bike?"

>>Nimue [Vlad]: That many, eh? Thank you for the warning. I will follow to see where these bastards are hiding and plan something for another day. Perhaps we can still help each other later. Thank you for your up to date information. I still think I would marry you if I was not already taken by another who would probably neuter me for trying. <<

>>Cynthia [Roger]: If they left any traces, perhaps we can find out who they are and find them. Let me know if you are interested in that and we can get together, at least over the matrix.<<

Sandy puts an arm around you to help you step up into the van. "We can hit a 'Shack on the way to where we are going. By the way, where ARE we going?"

[Cynthia Rawson - 01:46, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Grainger Warehouse, Industrial District, Seattle] #685

Cynthia grunts and answers to Tanya "Yeah it's alright, I'll survive, don't worry. It's just... Not that painful, but it's all over. I'll have to be careful next time I'm kidnapped I suppose. It'll be better tomorrow." grumbling lower, she adds "I hope anyway." then in a normal tone "Speaking of tomorrow..." She waves slightly "See you tomorrow." and gets in the van. There, she answers to Sandy "Ha, a pretty weird place. But nice I think. In fact, I may see if I can live there instead of my current apartment soon." Noticing she didn't yet say where, she coughs lightly "The Cajun Town, the one Tanya was speaking about."

>>Vlad [Nimue]: And what tells you I'm a woman? Or even of mariage age? I could be a fifteen years old boy after all! More seriously, let me know if you plan to do anything with the place. Like surveillance for example.<<

Thursday June 13th, 2075 0147- Team Vehicles, Industrial District, Seattle


Tanya gives you another concerned look but nods and lets you get in the van before turning to join Monique at her bike. The two women mount the Suzuki racing cycle and head off down the street. Sandy nods and fiddles with the dash as you buckle into the passenger seat. "Course set. We will be stopping in approximately five minutes to get you something for your sores. You weren't lying to her about that, were you? I mean it is only muscle ache, right?"

>>Nimue [Vlad]: What? You think you are only person with friends who have skills? Besides, in this day, does it matter what sex you are? But if you are man, we would be best friends. If woman, maybe my mistress until my woman finds out. I can promise much excitement in life. But, yes, I will let you know if can do surveillance. Might have to be hard way since only rigger was killed on Monday. Nice boy, too. Now I have to support his mother until I find her a husband. Hey, you have drones. Come work for me. I make nice offer.<<

Sandy shakes her head as she carefully pulls out into the street. "Who would have thought the day would have ended like this, eh? Certainly not me. Will I be able to find a place to stay at this Cajun Town? I have never heard of the place and the grid guide is a bit shaky on its exact location, but it will get us close and then I will go manual."

[Cynthia Rawson - 01:47, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - On the road to Cajun Town, Industrial District, Seattle] #686

>>Vlad [Nimue]: I know people with drones, I don't use them myself. Never really got into the fraggers, they argue too much.<<

Cynthia chuckles "Actually, the day ended exactly like planned as far as I'm concerned. It's the afternoon / evening I didn't expect..." She shakes her head then "As for a place to stay, it's already taken care of, I asked for a room for you. It's not high standing but clean and the beds are nice. The main selling point though is the shower with no hot-water limit. Of course there's only one so... And no, I wasn't lying to Tanya. I feel... I don't know... Like I ran ten kilometres in half an hour, and that I'm in the worst growth spurt ever..." She groans "Basically, I feel like drek. But it's nothing to worry about. I suppose. I can always go see a doctor tomorrow if I don't feel fine, but it shouldn't be necessary."

Thursday June 13th, 2075 0230- District, Seattle


Steve and Spokane arrive back at Steve's small apartment. It has been a trying day and early morning. As they undress for bed, Steve looks over. "So, I guess the elephant in the room is are we going to meet with these people and continue working with the Johnson> The money is not bad and we really did not have to do anything hard for it....yet. Do you trust her and the others enough to work with them?"

Far across town, Sandy finally pulls into the parking lot outside the carved wooden arch that marks Cajun Town. She helps Cynthia out of the van and they walk past a young man in odd clothes wearing a large tin star on his chest. He dofs his hat at the women. "Good early morning, Miss Cynthia. Welcome home. And welcome to you, as well, Miss. Bit quiet here this time of the morning, although I think there be a few folk up already."

The walk down the dirt road is short enough and you see that there are a few lights on in some of the buildings, including back in the kitchen at Marie's. There is no one at the desk of the rooming house, but there is a room key on the desk with a note attached to it indicating that it is for Miss Sandy. She is just a door away from Cynthia's room. Sandy helps Cynthia into her room and and puts the bag from the 'Shack on the dresser. "Are you alright or do you need some help with that stuff?"

In another part of town, two women stand in front of huge windows, looking out at the ever changing ocean in front of them. Without turning, one says, "Well, will they do, Milady?"

The other nods. "Oui, Monique, I think so. I hope so. There is a lot riding on people like that. I think that we are getting closer to the truth, now, and we need good people to be able to step forward. So many potential prospects have fallen to the side. Let us hope that these will stay the course a while. We will have to keep looking for others, of course, so keep your ears open."

The first woman nods and steps back. "I will get a bath prepared for you." Tanya Astasia Marisart continues to look through her window at the ocean and nods, thinking of the horrible future some wicked people are planning for and how little she currently has to stop them.

[Cynthia Rawson - 02:30, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Cajun Town, Seattle] #687

As soon as she has her analgesics, Cynthia takes one. After a couple of seconds, with a shrug, she takes a second one. She's not the type to whine but...it hurts. She didn't even get hit, hell, the worse she did was jump on the ground, but she could have been hit all over that she wouldn't feel worse. Or that's how it feels at the moment anyway.

When they arrive she points at Marie's "That's where you can get breakfast tomorrow.". In the rooming house, she shows Sandy the direction of the bathroom and shower, then steps in her room. Looking at the bed, she groggily mumbles "It's alright, I'll just..." she removes her shoes quickly "Lie on the bed for a minute or two," which she does "And I'll take care of that." Which... She doesn't do. In fact, as soon as she's on her bed, she's sleeping, apparently not bothered at all by her clothes, that her hair are a mess or even that she's askew on the bed, with a foot and an arm dangling in the air on each side of the bed.

#39

For now at least. They seem to share our goals and it could lead us to actually getting paid for everything we need to get done. Those girls have spunk and I wonder if the naivete is mostly an act with them

Thursday June 13th, 2075 0930- Seattle


When Cynthia wakes up she finds her clothes have been removed and neatly stacked on a chair near the bed and a glass of water is sitting on the small table near you.

Steve and Spokane unentwine themselves in the morning before using the toilet and sharing a quick shower. As they dress, Steve looks over at Spokane. "I have been looking at the directions to this Cajun Town. Funny, but I have never really heard of it before and yet there it is. It is off the Grid Guide, but I can get us there. It will take a while in traffic, so we should leave soon and grab a bite on the way."

[Cynthia Rawson - 09:30, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Rooming house, Cajun Town, Seattle] #688

Feeling pasty, Cynthia drinks the glass of water as soon as she wakes up. She feels... Sore... But much better. Whatever it was, it passed, which is a really good thing. For a moment she considers staying in bed, but she's already late for her appointement. More importantly... She really has to go to the toilet. With a sigh, stumbles out of bed and quickly puts her clothes on. Somehow, they don't feel right though. They don't seem washed so it's not that but... She shrugs and yawns. Doesn't matter, she has to buy a complete new wardrobe anyway so she can wear those for a couple of hours...

Her business done, Cynthia goes to the shower. She really needs one, and maybe she'll wake up that way. As she finishes undressing, she glances at her reflection in the mirror...and yelps, a mix of surprise and disbelief.

Thursday June 13th, 2075 0930- Rooming House Cajun Town Seattle


The surprise and disbelief could be due to the sharpened facial features looking back at you from the mirror. Oh, and the sharpened ear tips. You have heard of late stage UGE, but it is very rare and of course, called something far more scientific. Now, however, any more scientific name escapes you as your trembling hands feel across your face and ears. Of course the rest of your body has changed as well, which could explain why the clothes do not feel quite right.

Hmmmm. This could take some explaining.

[Cynthia Rawson - 09:30, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Rooming house, Cajun Town, Seattle] #689

Rooted on the spot, Cynthia spends a few minutes her eyes fixed on the mirror, unable to process this. UGE... Frag, she's not thirteen anymore, isn't this drek supposed to happen at puberty? And pretty much not happen at all in the 70s!? And that's not even the most important part... Why to her!? She's... Frag, she doesn't even recognise the stranger that looks back in the mirror. The only thing that didn't change is her eyes.

Scratch that. As soon as she thinks that, she realizes she didn't switch the light on, and sees like in full daylight. That's... Well... That last point is probably handy but... Frag... Pointy ears... At least they're not weird. But still... What a mess... What is she supposed to do like that? She wasn't that fond of her body to begin with, but it was a perfectly fine body nonetheless. More importantly, it was her body. This... Glancing down, she realises that in fact, there is a part of her that didn't change: she will still be able to afford not wearing bras... Somehow, despite the lack of growth it seems...better.

She sits down on the floor, taking her head in her hands, her thoughts all over the place. Finally, after she doesn't know how long, her stomach rumbles, and she realises she's famished. She won't be able to hide in there for too long... Sighing, she stands up and takes that shower, which lasts longer than usual, in large part because she's almost afraid to touch her own body. Which doesn't help for this activity...

Looking at the clothes, Cynthia swears again. She doesn't have much choice though, so she puts them on. As she's about to exit the room, she hesitated for a minute, her hand on the handle. Finally, gritting her teeth, she opens the door. In front of her bedroom, she hesitates again but her stomach reminds her that waiting is not an option it's comfortable with. Had she owned a scarf or something, she probably would have wrapped herself in it, but it's definitely not the season.

Finally, after much hesitations, she slowly walks to Sophie's. In front of the door, she inspires deeply to gather her courage, then steps inside. She looks for Sandy, then goes to sit at the table she's at.

#40

lets just eat there they said the food was good.

Thursday June 13th, 2075 1045- Sophie's Cajun Town Seattle



@Cynthia: The three old men in the rocking chairs on the porch tip their hats as you step up to the door of the restaurant. When you enter and look around, you see that most of the breakfast crowd has long gone by now. Three people who seem to be tourists are sitting at one table off to the left and Sandy is sitting with Gene at his normal table. Her back is to you at the moment, but he looks up as you enter and his eyebrows raise a bit. He lifts an arm and motions for you to come over as he whispers something to Sandy, who turns to look at you. She nods and says, "Nice disguise, Cynthia, but the clothes give you away."

@Steve and Spokane: Steve agrees with you and the two of you head off to Cajun Town, arriving at a gravel parking lot in front of a wooden arch. The lot is mostly empty, with only three other vehicles parked there, one of them the van you recognize as what Sandy was driving. There is an middle aged man standing near the arch. He is dressed in jeans and some sort of brown cloth shirt, probably a period costume for the place. He has a large metal star on the front of his shirt and he tips his hat politely. "Hello and good morning to you. Have you been to our little community before?"

[Cynthia Rawson - 10:45, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Sophie's, Cajun Town, Seattle] #690

Cynthia looks at Gene and Sandy for a moment "Yeah... Disguise..." She rubs her eyes, then sighs "I wish... No," She shakes her head "Turns out it didn't hurt because I pulled a bunch of muscles yesterday... Instead I grew by a few centimetres. Among other things..."

She looks at the ceiling, then snorts "Do you think there's dandelion soup on the menu? I have a sudden urge for something...dandelion...esque..." After a couple of seconds, Cynthia looks back at Gene and Sandy with the tiniest bit of raise on the corners of her lips, still tasting her own joke and trying to determine if she finds it funny given the circumstances...

Thursday June 13th, 2075 1046- Sophie's Cajun Town Seattle


@Cynthia: There is silence at the table as Sandy and Gene take in what you have said then Sandy's mouth drops open. Gene rises from the table to pull a chair out for you. "Well, well. This is a bit unexpected. Did you have any idea that you were changing?"


@Spokane: The man looks at you and shakes his head. "I can tell by your faces that you have not. First off, I am Deputy Jackson. If you have any questions, I am the man to see. What you have here is a working creole community. Here you will find people living the life of a small, bayou town. There are a number of shops that you can visit where you can watch our craftsmen and women at work and may be able to purchase something that catches your eye. Just inside and to the left, you can find Mama Lini. She is our resident Voodoo priestess. She can also do a might fine read of your fortune if you wish to know the secrets that lie ahead for you. That wonderful smell is coming from Sophie's, our restaurant. It is just up and to the right. There you can find authentic Cajun and creole cooking at its finest. Or you can walk just past the large trees draped with Spanish moss there and take a stroll near the river and bayou. You might even catch a gator or three sunning himself on the river bank, so do be cautious. I am afraid that we do not have any fancy brochures, so please just stop and ask someone if you have any questions."

[Cynthia Rawson - 10:46, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Sophie's, Cajun Town, Seattle] #691

Cynthia snorts derisively "Of course I didn't know. Well maybe if I spent most of my days in front of a mirror I would have but..." she shrugs "In addition to being unexpected, it's.." for a moment, she seems at a loss, not sure of what it is exactly. Shaking her head, she resumes "Let's say inconvenient at the very least. No one I know will recognise me, hell even I don't recognise myself, I feel like I somehow borrowed someone else's body. It's a nice body I suppose, but still..." muttering, she adds "And I look even younger than I really am now..."

She rubs her nose for a second, then puts back her hand on the table, disturbed by the unfamiliar sensation of this sharper, thinner nose. With a sigh, she adds "In addition to that, I had a lot of stuff to do this morning, which..." she shakes her head "I had someone to meet to buy some equipment, I wanted to go to WU to see about enrolling, I had clothes to buy - which is even more important now... - a shop to visit..." she grimaces "Since the shop is here, I suppose I can still do that at least, but for the rest..."

As if she had just thought of something, she groans "And let's not even talk about how it'll be a mess with my SIN... I'll have to go notify...this...to I don't know whom, and it's bound to take forever with plenty of questions... And suppose I'll have to go see a doctor who knows about stuff like that to get checked up, there's probably some stuff I need to know..." her head drops down, depressed.

A second later though, she raises it back and adds more lively "But for now I'm so hungry I could eat a whole field of dandelions..." she glances at the menu, then looks around to see of she can spot Jeanette.

Spokane tugs at his hat. Thank ya for the introduction. Mighty neighborly of ya.

Whatcha say Steve, want to go see what Cajun flavored krill tastes like?

Thursday June 13th, 2075 1047- Sophie's Cajun Town Seattle



@Cynthia: Gene holds his hands up in defense against the derision clearly intended by your snort. "Hey, I understand that you are not having a good time, but don't try so hard to chase your friends away." He slides his chair back and stands up. "I think I will go get some air. Besides, I understand that you have a meeting here at noon. I will check back on you later. I hope that you feel better." He nods to Sandy then you before strolling out the door.

Sandy finally closes her mouth but her eyes are still fixed on you. "Wow. I have seen Elves before, but I have never known someone who turned into one. What can I do to help?"

Jeanette comes over to the table with a menu, which she hands to you, apparently not recognizing you.


@Spokane: Steve nods and takes one of your arms, walking with you through the arch and into another world. The buildings are mostly wood, but much of it is hand hewn and ill fitting. Most of the roofs are some form of tin or aluminum, with a mix of wood thrown in. Most of the windows do not have glass and several of the doorways have large pieces of cloth hanging in them rather than doors. Several kids are running in the streets barefoot. Off to the right, you can see where a number of large trees clearly not native to the Seattle area stand at a river bank, some sort of gray fuzzy material hanging from their branches like large gauze pads. You can hear but not see a man plucking some sort of musical instrument and singing in low tones.

Sophie's turns out to be a building slightly larger than the other shops on the street. That it is a restaurant is given away almost as much by the heavenly aromas wafting from its open windows as by the mostly washed out name on a large sign over the porch. Three old men sit on rocking chairs on the porch, smoking long pipes and chatting. As you move towards the porch, the door opens and a man leaves the building, barely acknowledging the three men as he walks quickly down the steps and away up the street. The three men tip their hats at you and Steve as you climb onto the porch.

[Cynthia Rawson - 10:47, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Sophie's, Cajun Town, Seattle] #692

Cynthia looks at Gene's back in silence for a moment, but is quickly reminded of more important things when Jeanette hands her the menu. She barely glances at it to check if there were any changes, before ordering a pretty decent amount of food, including some toasts she'll be able to get quickly to wait for something more filling. Of course, as she does, she thanks Jeanette.

In the meantime, she looks at Sandy then sighs "Yeah, neither did I and now I'm one... It's supposed to be rare now... I'd hope it were temporary but... As for help... I don't know, I have no idea of what can go wrong and how it messed with me, so..." she shakes her head then shrugs "Though I guess I'll still need a driver if you're up to it. I'll have to make up for the lost time in the afternoon, including whatever the others need... And I'll keep those analgesics with me..." She grimaces, thinking back about the pain.

#42

Spokane nods back to the other men and enters the restaurant. Glancing around he sees Sandy and the back of Cynthia. They move to join them. These seats taken?

[Cynthia Rawson - 10:47, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Sophie's, Cajun Town, Seattle] #693

From behind, the only visible difference comes from the more vibrant colour of Cynthia's hair, it's no surprise then that it's possible to assume that Cynthia is the one sitting with Sandy. In any other angle though... the only possible reaction would be to think it's someone else. First of course, because the girl is an elf. It's not clear at first sight since her ears are mostly hidden by her hair, but small head movements make them visible.

At least as importantly, the only thing this girl as in common with Cynthia is the eyes, that still are of a deep blue. Otherwise, every feature is more sharp, better defined. Despite the hair - it's a mess, straight out of the shower and barely brushed - and the clothes - that don't seem to fit too well, and are clearly not intended to highlight her figure, it's obvious the girl could easily have a nice career as a model if only she took care of herself at all. All in all, it's probably only thanks to the facts that Cynthia is expected to be the one siting next to Sandy, the eyes as well as the clothes (which are the exact same she wore the night before) that it's possible to come to the conclusion that this girl is indeed Cynthia.

When Spokane speaks, Cynthia turns her head in his direction "No, not yet."



I'm still not completely decided on the image I want to use, but for now it's this, until I find something better.

Thursday June 13th, 2075 1048- Sophie's Cajun Town Seattle


Sandy looks up at Steve and Spokane and gulps before motioning to the empty seats. "Sit, please. There has been a.......a development. Cynthia seems to have experienced a UGE while she slept."

[Cynthia Rawson - 10:48, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Sophie's, Cajun Town, Seattle] #694

Almost inaudibly, Cynthia grumbles some choice words about UGE and its ancestors and their virtue. She glances at Spokane and Steve without commenting more than that, before turning her head in the direction of the kitchen (which allows to more clearly see her ears) to watch for anything coming her way.

#43

No shit? Spokane says surprised and looks new Cynthia over. He nods and shrugs. I dunno, it suits ya. Probably freaking you out a bit though, eh? At least you didn't sprout tusks and dermal plating.

Thursday June 13th, 2075 1048- Sophie's Cajun Town Seattle


Sandy nods. "He's right, Cynthia. It does suit you. And your enemies might not recognize you."

[Cynthia Rawson - 10:48, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Sophie's, Cajun Town, Seattle] #695

Cynthia turns back to Spokane, to consider what he just said, then nods lightly "There's that I suppose. And yeah, it's damn freaky. As for suiting me..." she shakes her head, apparently not convinced at all. Then, looking at Sandy, she adds "Considering that I didn't even recognize myself... Yeah, probably, but make-up would have been good enough for that purpose..." she sighs "I'll at least be myself in the Matrix I suppose... Now that I think about it, without a bunch of things to do, I'd probably disappear in there for a long while... It's tempting enough as it is right now."

She sighs at that, then turns her head back in the direction of the kitchen, obviously impatient to eat something, anything. With a grimace, she sends >>Taylor [Lauren]: Hey Taylor... Sorry I missed our appointment but... Well... You'll see it was something I really couldn't do anything about... Are you available in the afternoon? I have a lot of stuff to buy, you won't regret it.<< After that, she starts to look for what she's supposed to do as far as her SIN is concerned. It'll probably be a mess, but she's not the first to whom something like that happened, there must exist some sort of procedure...



Taylor is Cynthia's armourer that she was supposed to see at 10:00 to buy some stuff (armours mainly).

Thursday June 13th, 2075 1050- Sophie's Cajun Town Seattle


Sophie comers out of the kitchen carrying a steaming mug of delicious smelling coffee and places it in front of Cynthia. Jeanette can be seen peeking out from behind her mother's skirts. "So, is it Cynthia, Oui? Is it really you or are you wearing a disguise of some sort? And, Jeanette, do not hide there. She is not going to eat you. Take the orders of these new guests."

The young girl moves out and approaches Spokane and Steve, handing them menus on hard paper stock. "Hello and welcome to Sophie's. Here is a menu. May I get you something to drink while you look it over?"

#44

The soycaf smells great. I'll have some of that please. Spokane glances over the menu looking for a real Creole breakfast.

[Cynthia Rawson - 10:50, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Sophie's, Cajun Town, Seattle] #696

Cynthia looks eagerly at Sophie as she approaches. Or more precisely, at the mug she's carrying. When it's placed in front of her, she grabs it but as Sophie asks her question, she can only look mournfully at it. With a small grimace, and her stomach expressing its displeasure at this slight, she waits for Jeanette to finish handing the menus, then nods "No it's me. No disguise there."

She sighs then, looking at Jeanette for a second. She seems hurt, and obviously depressed. Her eyes soon drop to her mug, and she proceeds to empty it, not crossing anyone's gaze. As a human, she was pretty unremarkable. In the matrix, what metahuman type you are has no meaning whatsoever. But now obviously, things have changed with those blasted pointy ears. Elves might not be rare, they're not the majority either. Some people will judge her, and base their opinion of her, on the shape of her ears alone. Some will reject her her on that criterion alone. Possibly worst, there will probably be some who will accept her just with that.

If she wants to be honest, Jeanette's reactions is probably more surprise than anything else. But she doesn't doubt it will happen. Aren't there organisations like Humanis after all? Funny how something that didn't even register on your radar one day could suddenly take some importance...

Lost in her almost forgotten half-empty mug, her thoughts turn in the direction of her parents, wondering what their reaction would be. She quickly come to the conclusion that it probably didn't matter. They rejected her already after all. Not the doll her mother wanted, and on top of that a Technomancer... What difference would the shape of her ears make? Hell, for all she knows, they're Humanis too. Alright, maybe not, they have plenty of faults but surely not all of them. Not that it really matters she supposes. Nothing is waiting for her there. Her parents made their opinion pretty clear, one she took to heart. She certainly doesn't want to have anything to do with them anymore. As for her brothers... The age difference is such that she barely knows them, or them her. And it's not like any of them spoke for her or made sure she was alright in the past months.

She rubs her eyes for a second then, wondering what made her think of all that. Maybe seeing the obvious bonds between Sophie and Jeanette. As if she hadn't enough on her plate at the moment. With yet another sigh, she shakes her head lightly and proceeds to finish her mug.

As she does, she realises Spokane answered Jeanette question. She frowns lightly, rewinding the conversation, then mumbles "It's not soycaf, no krill nor soy here." with a movement of her chin, she indicates the menu "Everything's real in there. And not just marketing, I went to the kitchen so..."

Thursday June 13th, 2075 1051- Sophie's Cajun Town Seattle


Sophie adds to Cynthia's comment. "Indeed. No soy used here in the coffee or in the meat. Everything is genuine. The coffee list is on the back of the menu if you are interested in something more than black and regular." She turns to face Cynthia and puts a hand on your shoulder. "And why so glum, dear. If you are still Cynthia, does it really matter what you look like on the outside? Inside you are still you and that is what is important to remember. Come see me in the kitchen when you want another lesson at the stove."

Jeanette gives her mother a wide-eyed look and nods before coming around to Cynthia's chair and giving her a big hug. She looks over at Spokane and says, "So, do you want the regular black or one of our specialty roasts, sir?"

[Cynthia Rawson - 10:51, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Sophie's, Cajun Town, Seattle] #697

"But am I still Cynthia?" she shakes her head "I know, I know. But... Before, I was only a random girl. No one seeing me would think anything in particular. I was no one, which was perfectly fine with me. Now, some people will only judge me based on the shape of my ears." she sighs with a grimace "Nothing much I can do about I suppose. It's just... It'll take a while to get used to it."

With a start, she leans into Jeanette hug. Something she did so seldom that she's a bit uncomfortable even though at the moment it feels kinda nice. As the younger girl pulls out and asks her question to Spokane, Cynthia turns back to Sophie "I found on the 'trix that there was a clothing shop here, is it open?" she grimaces in distaste, her tone becoming quite sour "I'll need a dress..." after a small pause she asks "And... Do you know if there's a house I could rent somewhere in the neighborhood?"

Thursday June 13th, 2075 1051- Sophie's Cajun Town Seattle


The girl looks back at you and shakes her head. "You are not a random person. You have been Miss Cynthia since you.................."

She is interrupted by her mother. "Jeanette, that will be enough, dear. Please see to the customers." Jeanette blushes a bit and nods before turning back to Spokane and Steve.

Sophie both nods and shakes her head. "Why are you fixated on the shape of your ears. Doubtless people have been judging you on the shape of your ears, your bust, and or your butt your whole life. This just gives the same narrow-minded people different physical things to judge you by. It is really no different than before. You really need to snap out of this low, dear. Now, Ginny Soule has a shop just across the street and down two buildings. You passed it on the way here from the boarding house. Excellent seamstress and she can work with anyone, even the occasional Elf. Now, for houses........hmmmm. I am not sure if old man Jackson's place is still available. He was something of a legend in these parts. He once owned half the town and most of the fields hereabouts. Died in his sleep, although there has been word that his sleep may not have been completely natural. According to some, he was buried at an unchristian-like hurry. He was a haughty and mean spirited man and no one liked him. Marc LaBeouf was managing the sale of the place, but that fell through a few months ago. The place might need some work and would certainly be far too big for just one person to manage. Marc has an office down the river, if you can call it an office. He does fish a lot, so be prepared to miss him the first couple of times you go by his address. I will write it down and bring it out in a few minutes."

She looks around at Sandy, Steve, and Spokane. "I hope that you came her hungry, but if you leave here that way it is your own fault. We specialize if down home creole cooking, but there are a few uncivilized items on the menu for folk that just cannot seem to handle the real thing. Let Jeanette know what you want and feel free to ask her any questions if you don't understand the menu. I will be out later to see how you are doing." With that, she gives Cynthia's shoulder another squeeze and walks off to talk with the customers at another table.

[Cynthia Rawson - 10:51, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Sophie's, Cajun Town, Seattle] #698

Cynthia looks at Sophie and Jeanette's exchange a bit confused. She grumbles a bit in answer "Since I've no bust or butt to speak of, I doubt it. Even if I'm perfectly fine with how they were. Or are I suppose since it didn't change much..." She shrugs, then answers more normally to the rest "Ginny Soule? I'll go find her as soon as I've eaten then. And I'll look for Mr. LaBeoeuf after that. Even if this Mr. Jackson's place doesn't fit maybe he'll find something else." she glances at Sandy then. Maybe she'd be interested in sharing a house, but it doesn't seem to be the time to talk about that.

In the meantime, Cynthia continues to look for what she's supposed to do to regularize her situation regarding her SIN. She considers for a moment sending a second message to Taylor, but maybe he's just letting her stew a bit...

Thursday June 13th, 2075 1053- Sophie's Cajun Town Seattle


>>Lauren [Taylor]: Sorry for the delay. I was with a customer who had an appointment. I can squeeze you in at 1500. Try not to be late.<<

At that moment the door opens and Tanya Marisart walks into the restaurant with Monique in tow. They step to the table and grab chairs. Tanya looks closely at Cynthia and says, "Hmmmm. That is quite good, Cynthia. Can you change back at will?"

[Cynthia Rawson - 10:53, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Sophie's, Cajun Town, Seattle] #699

>>Taylor [Lauren]: No problem, I will.<< After a second, realising her answer could be interpreted another way, she adds >>Taylor [Lauren]: Not be late I mean.<<

Scowling, she looks at Tanya, then sighs tiredly "No. It's a once in a lifetime deal. One I didn't know anything about until a couple of hours ago."

Thursday June 13th, 2075 1053- Sophie's Cajun Town Seattle


Tanya nods. "Late Life UGE. That is quite rare. You are a very special person, then. Are you going to change your name?" While Cynthia is digesting that, she turns to the others. "And how did you two sleep?"

[Cynthia Rawson - 10:53, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Sophie's, Cajun Town, Seattle] #700

"Late life?" She cocks an eyebrow "I'm seventeen, it's late for a couple of years but not much more... As for my name..." she seems surprised "Uh, didn't think about it but..." She rubs her chin "No, probably not, my name is fine as it is." She smiles lightly, glancing at Sandy, then adds "I know some people feel the need to change their names but..." She shrugs "It's who I am. I don't care who gave it to me, it's mine now. Plus it'll be enough of a pain as it is to get my SIN updated without adding a name change on top of it." She grimaces "Though my less than...er...legal...SIN is now useless for me..."

#45

Spokane ponders a bit after Cynthia and Sophie mention there's no soy. That a fact? Well then I will take regular black coffee and hook me up with eggs sardou.

Ms. Marisart you look different again today. He says with a grin. When asked how he slept he smiles and says Like god through the holocaust.

So what's on the docket today? We are inserting a mole into Avila in a few hours and we will be on site for that, but we should be free after hours. Assuming it doesn't all fall on its face that is. What's the name of this place they are building again? I'm going to check out the matrix for some info.

[Cynthia Rawson - 10:53, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Sophie's, Cajun Town, Seattle] #701

Cynthia blinks "A mole in Avila? What for? There's nothing there, their matrix security is dreadful. Probably has something to do with the manager spending more time screwing his secretary and pocketing the money for security." She snorts, apparently not thinking highly of such behaviour "As for the building, it's the Goldstein Building." For a moment, she seems about to add something, but decides against it. She doesn't see what more there would be to find out that she didn't, but who knows... Still... "Whatever you do there, don't go on site, there's a nasty surprise there, some sort of force field or something."