[Cynthia Rawson - 20:03, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - The Gala, Downtown, Seattle] #918

Cynthia showed the words to Sandy. She smirked then "Maybe I'll bring you with me. But you'll have to be really nice to me to earn that!"



When Marcel parked near the Hilton Towers, Cynthia looked into the Matrix to see if she could spot the 'link whose commcode was the one she had for Shinosetsu. She was pleasantly surprised to find what she was looking for: given the hour, she had been afraid the man was still away "at work" or something. Quickly though, she noticed something wrong when she focused on the 'link though, something was there. A few seconds later, she found the two sprites, hanging around. Somehow, they felt wrong, dark, grating on her. She took a second to think about that, before she came to the only possible conclusion: they were Dissonant Sprites. Not something she was glad to see, to say the least.

She couldn't just go back though. First, because she wanted to get an idea of the level of the Sprites and the danger they could pose her: only then would she be able to formulate a strategy. Odds were she wouldn't have any other solution but finding an indirect approach. But even to do that, she needed to know more. Second, and more importantly, that was new: Tanaka didn't have that protection. Of course, it could have been something Shinosetsu had come up with in the course of his activities as a Yakuza but...when added to the other oddities, she felt that she might have found something really important.



Matrix Perception (+2 VR, +2 TM): 17d6t5 9, but limit of 6

Thursday June 13th, 2075 2003, Downtown, Seattle


The first impression you get is that these sprites are bad news. You can "feel" a slight chill to them. One seems to be sitting in one place, fat and squat and full of menace. It radiates destruction and death. The other is quick and alert and.....................hidden. On some subconscious level, you just know that the thing is there and that you would have missed it until it was too late if you did not have a special link to the resonance.

{Reporting in. One of the links just fired off a message to this Grand Marquis you are interested in. The message when to a small host in Berlin where it was wiped without going anywhere.}

[Cynthia Rawson - 20:03, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - The Gala, Downtown, Seattle] #919


{It was a long shot anyway, but it looks like I'll have to be sneaky...} Cynthia confirmed that it was the same Host she had visited minutes ago, then dismissed St Exp.

She looked at the Sprites with a shiver. It didn't seem right. But more importantly, while it made Shinosetsu a real person of interest, even more than a simple Yakuza lieutenant, it also made things quite difficult. Well, unless... There was something she could try if Shinosetsu was a bit frequently in communication with Tanaka. The local one that was. She checked Tanaka's logs to make sure, then called Sherlock and as always, hid him from GOD's eyes. She would need him for something else anyway so even if there were no communications between Tanaka and Shinosetsu, she'd need his services.





What are the ratings of the Berlin Host and the Level of the Sprites?
Data Sprite [6] (Compiling, Defense, Fade): 12d6t5 3 6d6t5 1 13d6t5 5, two tasks, no fade damage

Thursday June 13th, 2075 2003, Downtown, Seattle


A quick check of Tanaka's logs shows no direct communications between the two Yakuza lieutenants. It is almost like Shinosetsu lives and works apart from the others.

The host is apparently pretty much just there to provide a means of servicing customers from around the world that happen to like good kabob. The stats of the host are laughable, as low as one can get and still qualify as a host.

The Dark Sprites are F8

OOC:

Would you be able to know the strength of the sprites? If not, then just pretend you do not know.

[Cynthia Rawson - 20:03, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Downtown, Seattle] #920

So much for that idea. Still, she had things for Sherlock to do. {Hey Sherlock, I need you to do two things for me. First, take a look at that.} She shared the list of names and commcodes she found on Luke's 'link {I want you to try to find who are these people, are those their real commcodes, and why they are on the same list. The list, by itself, might be a code of some sort, so keep in mind it may not be a list of people at all. I don't care, as long as you can tell me what this list is. Second,} She shared the few messages between Mark and the Grand Marquis {Those two have manipulated stocks sometime around two weeks ago. It's probably related to Sampson's activities around here, the Franklins, the GB... Or simply a corporation with whom Luke has ties. I don't see how he could have had an impact otherwise. My question is: which stocks are we talking about, and how much does it involve? I'm not sure it could help, but here,} she sent the list of Luke's investments {Are investments made by his brother. There might be no 'links whatsoever, but maybe one talked to the other.}

Darkly looking at the two Sprites, Cynthia retreated. First, because even if she asked Al's help, she felt that any confrontation would be far too dangerous. Second, it would alert Shinosetsu that someone was onto him. Considering that at the moment one of her main advantage was stealth, it would have been a big mistake.

She exited VR, stiring a bit and opening her eyes, but didn't really seem there. Instead, she was lookinf for options, ideas. Not finding much at the moment, she sent a quick message >>Tanya [Cynthia]: I've looked into the two things I talked about. The baddies are using a Host in Berlin as a relay for their communications. It's a pitiful Host so I might be able to find the next 'link in the chain, but it would take a Deep Run. Something that takes a bit of time. And I'm afraid it wouldn't lead much farther than another relay anyway.<< She paused >>Tanya [Cynthia]: On another note... Remember when I told you I was pretty sure our Tanaka had nothing to do with Sampson? Well, I'm pretty sure I'm right. I'm looking at Shinosetsu and... It's a completely different story. His 'link is... You know your own protection? Think darker, meaner, and twice the hurt. I wouldn't bet on me in a confrontation, and it would be impossible to prevent Shinosetsu from knowing something is going on. I'm sure there are ways to do it, but it would probably involve the kind of things we did yesterday. And it's not some crappy warehouse in the middle of nowhere, but in the Hilton Towers.<<

Message sent, she seemed to focus back. She glanced at the two other girls, and activating the interphone said "Thank you Mr. Marcel, we can go back to the Imprezza."



Yep, like the Rating of a Host or a commlink, it requires a Matrix Perception test, but it's possible to know. That being said, if the Sprites are running silent (and it looks like at least one of them did?) that test is opposed by Sleaze + Logic. So something like 16d or even a bit more in that case. I rolled 6 successes, so I may be able to get more than the sprites, but it would be a close thing.

Thursday June 13th, 2075 2003, Downtown, Seattle


Sherlock acknowledges your tasks.

Marcel nods and the car moves away from the curb. Looking around you see Claudia staring at you. "You were out there somewhere, right? What is it like for you? Marg..........Sandy says she can't do it quite like you do; that her skills are different. But you were in the matrix? Decker? TM? God, please tell me I have found another TM and she wants to be my friend." She sits back a bit and blinks. "The Imprezza? I am impressed. You two seem to have done very well for yourselves."

>>Cynthia [Tanya]: Thank you for the update. Please be careful. I would hate to lose you just after finding you. It does sound as if you are on the right track with Shinosetsu, though. Get back to me if you need anything from me.<<

[Cynthia Rawson - 20:03, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Downtown, Seattle] #921

>>Tanya [Cynthia]: Yeah well, I'd hate to lose myself to.<<

When Claudia used Sandy's name Cynthia squinted. It probably didn't matter much, considering that she would have learned about those soon enough. The Technomancer stuff though... Though... If she were indeed another Technomancer... Maybe it wasn't a problem... As long as there weren't any recording device in the car. Something she checked attentively, since she didn't want to take that risk. Once sure there weren't any, she started by shrugging "The Imprezza is just a temporary stop, we won't stay there." She paused, frowning "I was indeed checking stuff in the Matrix yes, and Sandy can't do it quite like me mainly because she's not a hacker. Decker or Technomancer. And you know, implanted decks are a thing. But... What do you mean by 'another Technomancer'? Well no, it's pretty clear what you mean, it sounds however that you don't really know how it works?"

Thursday June 13th, 2075 2003, Downtown, Seattle


Claudia shakes her head. "Should not have said anything yet. I was worried when you went under and was going to do some first aid on you when.........Margo..............told me to stop and that you were OK. I have never seen myself go under so it was something to see. We should talk if you want to. I would really like that."

[Cynthia Rawson - 20:03, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Downtown, Seattle] #922

"I was in VR yes." Cynthia looked at Claudia for a moment, before she nodded slightly "Hum. I suppose it can't hurt." Now that she knew Claudia was a Technomancer, she looked at her Persona, trying to determine how good she was. With a slight grimace, she added "I guess you were smarter than I was and didn't talk about it to your family? Anyway, let's get back, then we'll see." She grumbled "I've barely eaten with that autograph business though, we'll have to stop at Sophie's, otherwise my stomach will digest itself..." She seemed pensive for a couple of seconds, as she wondered aloud "It's early enough, maybe I can convince her to let me borrow the kitchen to make something... Anyway, it'll make for a better discussion there than in a car. As fancy as the car happens to be."



Like for any device, a simple Matrix Perception allows to know the ratings of a Technomancer's Persona. Baring some echoes from submersions, those scores are equal to the TM's characs (Sleaze = Logic, Attack = Charisma, Data Processing = Intuition and Firewall = Willpower). In addition, the Device Rating is the same as the Resonance score. Here, it's the thing I'm mostly interested in.

Thursday June 13th, 2075 2030, Imprezza Hotel, Downtown, Seattle


Claudia nods and smiles. "I was terrified they would find out. I covered it all by taking classes in theoretical matrix research and application. I found someone to train with for a bit, but someone ratted him out and he had to run. He wanted me to go with him, but I felt that I decided not to and stayed. Too scared of that much unknown, I guess."

It is pouring by the time Marcel pulls up to the covered walkway of the Imprezza. Marcel lets you know the fee and a terminal pops up in the rear seating area for you to sign and there is a spot to slot a 'stick as well.
"It has been a real pleasure driving for you ladies this evening. You have my number in case you need a similar service again."

A uniformed doorman comes forward to assist all three of you from the car. As he escorts you up the walkway, he asks how your evening went.


OOC:

I am not sure what all the numbers are, but my intent is to have her just a bit less skilled than you are.

[Cynthia Rawson - 20:30, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Imprezza Hotel, Downtown, Seattle] #923

Cynthia paid for the ride, barely glancing at the amount "Thank you Mr. Marcel. We'll be sure to. Have a good evening."

To the doorman, Cynthia answered a bit airily "Oh it was alright I guess. You know how those things go..."

Inside, the three girls stayed in the lobby for five minutes, before Cynthia brought them to another - and more discreet - entrance by pretending to go the toilets while she made sure no camera was there to say anything different. There, they grabbed a taxi she had just called, messing with the cameras so that none would be able to get a clear image of the cab. In both cases, she used her Editor Complex Form rather than the usual file edition: she didn't want to have to Mark the hotel's Host since odds were it was a good one and take the risk to be spotted.

Like before, she took some precautions, to make sure that the taxi thought it had gone somewhere else than it did, and that it took a couple of courses, instead of simply bringing them to the Cajun Town. She didn't say much on the way, listening distractedly to whatever Sandy and Claudia were saying. Instead, she studied the files she had obtained from Carole's terminal, trying to see if she could find evidence of Connie's schemes.

Once the taxi arrived, she looked outside with a grimace "Well... Here we are but... I guess we'll have to run if we don't want to get a shower... Or too much of one... I think we'll have to make sure we have umbrellas somewhere nearby in the future..."

That's fine by me.
Matrix Search, Economics: 15d6t5 6 7d6t5 3

Thursday June 13th, 2075 2130, Cajun Town, Seattle


The other two girls are pretty quiet during the ride. Claudia is looking out the window into the rain, staring at something only she can see and Sandy respecting the somewhat obvious need for both of you and Claudia to remain in your own space.

The financial files you have are not complete, but you do get a picture of something wrong. A number of transactions have annotations next to them, indicating that Carole, or someone, was planning on talking to Connie about them.

The rain has not let up any by the time you arrive at the parking lot of Cajun Town and leave the cab. The deputy at the arch is wearing a heavy raincoat with the hood pulled up. He greets the three of you as you approach by tipping his hat. "Evening, Miss Cynthia, Miss Sandy, Miss. Bad night to be out without an umbrella, I would say. Take one of the loaners from the rack yonder and return it when you leave." He is pointing to a small covered bus-stop sort of shed with a rack of umbrellas inside.

The three of you smile at him and rush into the shed. Once under cover, Claudia looks at the two of you as she picks an umbrella from the rack. "OK, just who are you two supposed to be here? Is it Margot and Florence or Sandy and Cynthia. Second, what is this place? I have never been here before."

[Cynthia Rawson - 21:30, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Cajun Town, Seattle] #924

>>Tanya [Cynthia]: Here's a first analysis on Connie's misbehaviour regarding tonight's charity. As you can see, someone noticed something, possibly Carole, and is - or was - planning on talking about it with Connie.<<

When Claudia asked her question, she didn't answer straight away, instead looking at the buildings they could see from here "It's Sandy and Cynthia. Margot and Florence was just for tonight." She snorted "Your mother will be disappointed if she planned to mess with Florence." She chuckled, then shrugged "As for this place..." She cocked her head to the side, thinking about how she should answer that "Long story short, it's a town out of time. Most of its inhabitants came from the south east, near New Orleans or something I think. Many of them speak English, but the main language is a Creole with French roots. Shouldn't be too difficult for you to pick up if you want to stay I think. Incidently, that's where we got the dresses." She frowned "In fact, everything we wear, from head to toes, comes from here."

Picking an umbrella, she grimaced "Might be too late for Sophie's... Doesn't cost much to try though I suppose."



Two hours for the travel Imprezza → Cajun Town? That's some heavy congestion!

Thursday June 13th, 2075 2132, Cajun Town, Seattle


>>Cynthia [Tanya]: Thank you. I will look at this closely. What is your schedule for tomorrow?<<

Claudia nods at your name changes. "Yeah, I got it." When you get ready to leave the shed and comment about your clothes, Sandy looks a bit surprised as she realizes you are right and Claudia nods. "Everything? Is that on purpose or is the stuff just that good? I mean, you could probably afford other stuff, right?"

There are lights on at Sophie's and the three men in the rocking chairs tip their hats to you as you walk up to the small restaurant.


OOC:

You had said that you were changing directions a few times and making stops and I did not know how much time you were going to devote to that. I edited the time back to an hour of travel.

[Cynthia Rawson - 21:30, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Cajun Town, Seattle] #925

>>Tanya [Cynthia]: Well, at 9:00 I have the clinic appointment for the bioware stuff. At 15:00 I have some staff recruitment to take care of. No idea how I'll do that but I'll probably manage to wing it. Other than that, nothing specific. But I don't know how long the surgery and stuff will take.<<

"Right now, that's mainly because I've never owned anything that I could wear at a gala like that. Note, what I'll wear tomorrow will also come from here, but that's for another reason." She rubbed her chin "Well two in fact, but the result is the same, I've had to replace all my clothes. Something that is still ongoing actually. But since I don't really enjoy shopping and the clothes here are nice, even if not exactly what I would have chosen left to my own devices, I did everything here."

In front of Sophie's, Cynthia nods at the three men and leaves her umbrella outside to dry before she enters the restaurant.



It's more like instead of having the taxi drive us from A to B, I had it believe it made A to C, picked a new course a few streets over to go to D, a street away picked someone to go to B, and from there picked a course a few kilometres away to go back to Downtown. So for us, it's roughly the same thing, but while not strictly impossible to find that we went back to the Cajun town (since the taxi went there after all), it may have been someone else, and it's just one taxi among others.

Thursday June 13th, 2075 2132, Cajun Town, Seattle


Claudia nods at your explanations about the clothes. "I may need to get a new wardrobe, too, as all my things are ho.......back at my parent's house, and I am not sure when I will go back there. I caught something from you about staying for a bit......was that a serious offer?"

The restaurant is inviting, with warm lights and the aromas of Sophie's cooking. The place is almost empty at this time of night, with only two of the smaller table filled. You see Eugene seated at his normal table and he smiles broadly as you walk in, motioning for all of you you to come sit with him. If you approach, he rises and extends a hand, pointing to the three vacant seats. "Good evening, ladies. You look like you could use a cup of hot coffee and a meal." He bows to Claudia. "I do not believe that I have had the pleasure. My name is Eugene and I sort of camp out here."

Claudia holds out a hand. "Hi there. My name is Claudia and coffee and a meal sounds very good right now."

[Cynthia Rawson - 21:32, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Sophie's, Cajun Town, Seattle] #926

Cynthia nodded "Why not? I don't know if it'll be possible at our place, since I'm not sure even us will be able to sleep there tonight, but at the very least there's a dorm here. It's not the Hilton, but it's enough for a few nights and cheap. As for the wardrobe, we can introduce you to Renee tomorrow if you want to do it here. She's the one who took care of me. Well, us."

Cynthia approaches Eugene's table, but doesn't sit there yet "Evening. I'll find Jeanette and ask her to bring menus." Then, she leaves to do just that, then peeks into the kitchen, to ask Sophie if she could borrow some time in there: she had an idea reading some cooking books and would like to give it a try.

Thursday June 13th, 2075 2132, Sophie's Place, Cajun Town, Seattle


Sophie comes over to you with a large smile. "Cynthia! I did not expect you in for a while. Of course you can spend some time in here." She points to where a clean apron is hanging. "It is yours to wear whenever you need to. What are you in the mood to cook tonight?" When you take the apron down you see your name embroidered on it.

[Cynthia Rawson - 21:32, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Sophie's, Cajun Town, Seattle] #927

Puting the apron on - and still feeling it was a bit surreal to have one with her name on it - Cynthia started to look for the things she'd need in the kitchen. First, to make sure everything was available, even if what she wanted to do wasn't really exotic "I was thinking of making Madeleines with a mousse, and a hot chocolate milk to accompany everything."

Cynthia started by the mousse, since.it needed to be stored in the refrigerator for a few minutes before being served. She didn't want to make a.chocolate one, and instead selected oranges as the main ingredient. She stored the zests though, obviously wanting to use those later.

Her mousse stored, she proceeded to prepare the Madeleines, something pretty simple, and the only deviation she made on the standard recipe was to use orange zests. Finally, as the Madeleine were in the oven, she prepared the hot chocolate milk. She prepared six plates, and getting the mousse out of the fridge, she distributed it in six ramekins, each with a matching cup of hot chocolate milk. Taking the Madeleines out of the oven, she placed six in each plate, and finally, she prepared a cup of molten black chocolate, creating a spiral with it on top of each ramekins, as well as using it as decoration on the plate: each of them had a name on it as well as some abstract drawings. On Sandy's however, slightly blushing, she added a couple of small hearts.

She looked at what she had done for a couple of seconds, and appearing satisfied, called Jeanette "Can you bring that to the table while I wash things? There's one for you and your Mom too." She grimaced slightly "I hope it's good enough..."

Once she had finished to wash the stuff she hadn't washed yet, while she was waiting for the Madeleines to be ready, Cynthia hanged her apron and joined Sandy and the others in the main room. She didn't look unduly worried, but was still a bit anxious to know what they thought. As she sat, she asked "So, what do you think?" but avoided looking at Sandy too long.


Artisan (Cuisine): 12d6t5 5, the dice were with me

Thursday June 13th, 2075 2226, Sophie's Place, Cajun Town, Seattle


Sophie comes over a couple of times but only to look and place a hand on your shoulder before going back to her own cooking. When you are finished, she comes over again. "I sent Jeanette to bed a bit ago, cherie. I can get these to the table. They look magnificent and I will keep my daughter's for her in the morning. Now, what do you want for your dinner?"

When you get out to the table, Sophie places one desert in front of each of your friends and another at your place then tells you that she will have your meal in a couple of minutes. Eugene smiles at you as you sit down. "So this is what you were up to back there? It looks delicious."

All of the others agree and make appreciative sounds as they bite into it. Your dinner arrives and you realize how hungry you are. All too soon you are finished and a bit tired. Eugene looks about at the three of you. "You going up to Serenity?"

Claudia looks at you. "I have been hearing about this house of yours."

[Cynthia Rawson - 22:26, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Sophie's, Cajun Town, Seattle] #928

When Sophie talked about Jeanette going to bed, Cynthia blinked and checking the time, winced. "Uh... I didn't see the time... Alright, well, tomorrow it is then.".

For dinner, she asked for something simple. The fancy stuff she found at the gala was nice and all, but a "plain" meal was often better. Plus, you didn't have to spend time thinking on how exactly you had to eat the stuff. At Eugene's question she nodded "Yup, that's where I was." It's only after having taken a bite at her own plate, after her own dinner, that she nodded slightly "Turned out alright, cool, I wasn't sure. Not that it was particularly complex but since I didn't exactly follow any particular recipe..."

"Serenity?" She yawned "Hum, maybe? We'll have to go and see." She didn't remember if the beds were ready. Hell, she was too tired to even remember if they had bought sheets. She was pretty sure though that they hadn't bought two duvets. After a second to think about it, she shrugged: Claudia wasn't an ugly fat old man, so none of them would die if they all slept in the same bed after all.

She nodded, with another yawn "Well, let's go see then." She looked at Eugene "You'll tell me what you found about the mercenaries? I think that's what you wanted to look into today, right? Or maybe it was Bogotá?" She frowned, but quickly shook her head "Whatever, it can wait. For now, off to bed." She grimaced, standing up "And let's hope we have at least one bed ready, I wouldn't enjoy walking all the way back to the dorm..."

Bidding good night to Eugène and Sophie, as well as the men outside, she grabbed her umbrella, and set off in the direction of the house, only pausing for a minute at the dorm to grab the small bag in which was all the stuff she had left there. Not that there was much more than her nightie and her toiletries, but she would need those. In front of the house, she paused, waving at it "Here we are. It needs some work but it should be alright."

Thursday June 13th, 2075 2300, Cajun Town, Seattle


The rain has let up appreciably, now just a light drizzle. When you get to the rooming house, you can see flickering lights off in the direction of the river path that you would take to get to the house. Getting your things takes all of a couple of minutes and you are back outside again and heading off. As you get closer, you see that the flickering light is from a covered oil lamp standing about three feet up on three legs. The hood and glass sides protect it from the elements and allow for a small circle of light to be cast down on the pathway leading from the village out towards the house. From here you can see that there is another of the lamps about every ten feet along the path.

Claudia smiles. "Neat."

Sandy frowns. "Frag, Cynthia. What the..........."

[Cynthia Rawson - 23:00, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Serenity, Cajun Town, Seattle] #929

"Uh... That's new..." Cynthia considered the lights for a second, then shrugged "Convenient though. Not that it was really necessary..." She stopped, frowning "For me at least, I suppose it kinda is for you..." She looked around for a second. With the ambiant light, she was seeing perfectly well. Even to her it was night of course, but she could have sworn it was a very bright one, with the full moon up ahead...even if instead, the sky was covered by rain clouds.

With a smirk she snorted, glancing at Sandy "It could have been one of the people who want to work for us who lit all of those you know..." from her tone though, it was pretty obvious she didn't believe that, not even for a second.

Thursday June 13th, 2075 2304, Cajun Town, Seattle


Sandy nods. "Yeahhhhhh. Could be. Maybe. But you know it isn't, don't you?"

As you walk along the path, you note that parts of it have been repaired and widened. As you break through the last of the mangroves lining the path, you see the house off to the left, silhouetted in the moonlight. The lamps continue on the path up to where it intersects the main walk from the old boat house up to the manor itself. As you approach the main pathway up to the house, you see that the walk is pretty much in good condition, with only a few missing stones and some weeds growing up between the ones in place.

Claudia looks around as you walk up the path towards the house. "This place is amazing. It is almost like I have seen it in a dream somewhere. You know, that deja vu sort of thing?"

[Cynthia Rawson - 23:04, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Serenity, Cajun Town, Seattle] #930

"Of course I know." With a dry chuckle, she added "Though it could have been."

She shook her head, and continued to walk. She noted the changes, but didn't stop to really look at them: it was late, she was tired, and pretty much the only thing on her mind was sleep. She could pay attention to the house in the morning. If she had the time to. Definitely in the afternoon.

When Claudia mentioned that deja-vu feeling, she exchanged a knowing glance with Sandy, and nodded "Yeah... It does that... We better get inside though." In front of the door, she appeared lost for a second, looking at the lock, blinking. Finally, she shook herself and looked at Sandy "Uh... You have the key, right?"

Thursday June 13th, 2075 2310, Serenity, Cajun Town, Seattle


Sandy looks at you with a frown. "I thought that you had them?"

Claudia shakes her head. "Maybe it's unlocked?"

Sand shrugs and reaches out to try the door and all three of you hear a slight click and the door opens. Sandy jumps back a couple of feet. "Frag! OK, that's a little creepy." She looks over at you before pushing the door the rest of the way open and walking inside. Oil lamps on sconces along the great hall flare up as you walk into the house. Claudia looks at the hall in wide eyed surprise. There is still a lot of work to be done, but it certainly looks like someone has been here cleaning up the old place. She walks to the first open doorway and peers into the large sitting room before gasping and jumping back.

"Fuck, guys. WHAT is going on here?"

Sandy walks over and looks into the room and motions you over, pointing at something on the wall. You see a very large portrait of three young women, all holding hands and dressed pretty much as you and Sandy are now. The three young women are smiling as if they know the answer to the world's biggest secret but are not planning on sharing it. The background is a nebulous grey that seems to contrast very nicely with the clothes you are wearing.

[Cynthia Rawson - 23:10, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Serenity, Cajun Town, Seattle] #931

Cynthia looked at the unlocked door as if it had just offended her. She squinted, shaking her head, and answered Sandy's question "You took it to drop the drones and your stuff here, and I don't think you gave it to me after that. Maybe you put it somewhere in the house and forgot it there?"

She shook her head and walked in, barely paying attention to the oil lamps lighting by themselves. Though she did say something about them "Well... I suppose that's the vintage version of light switched on and off by movement detectors... Nice feature to have, that's for sure."

She looked at the portrait for a minute, not saying anything. Finally, she looked at Claudia "Well, looks like the house adopted you. You'll get used to it." Mumbling, she added "I hope I will..." then more normally "According to some, we're imagining things. According to others, there's Magic in the house. Considering that when we first came in, a lot of windows were broken, and a few minutes later, there were less of them. And I'm sure I didn't imagine that..." she shrugged "I know what I'll believe. And it's the same with the garden." She considered the portrait for a second, then looking at Claudia shrugged "Though I suppose it can appear a bit creepy if you're not expecting it..."

She yawned and shook her head "Don't worry about it. It's alright. And we have better things to do." she tried to stifle another yawn, but lost that battle quickly "Like going to bed. At least that's where I'm going. There'll be time tomorrow to explore, but you can do it now if you prefer."

Thursday June 13th, 2075 2310, Serenity, Cajun Town, Seattle


Sandy looks at both of you and shakes her head. "Definitely magic here. Come on, let's go find the bedrooms and get some sleep." She almost has to drag Claudia away from the sitting room and the portrait, but she eventually allows herself the be pulled to the stairway.

The walk upstairs merely reinforces your impression of the motion activated lamps as the ones downstairs go out as the ones upstairs in the hallway go on. Upstairs, you find that the bedrooms seem to be in quite good repair, each with a large four-poster bed with draped curtains, a nice rug and other furniture. Claudia looks at the two of you and nods. "Goodnight. I am not sure that this is all real and not some sleep-deprived and hallucinatory drug induced dream, but I am going to leave that discovery until tomorrow. Thank you so much for letting me stay."

After she goes into her room and shuts the door, Sandy turns to you. "I know we are beat, but can I still sleep with you or would you rather be alone tonight?"

[Cynthia Rawson - 23:10, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Serenity, Cajun Town, Seattle] #932

"Good night." Cynthia didn't answer Sandy just yet, still looking at the door Claudia disappeared behind "You think she'll be okay with that dress? And she doesn't have a pyjamas or anything..." She didn't wait for an answer though, and shrugged "Well, if she needs help, she knows where to find us."

She looked away, to the other bedrooms, clearly hesitating a bit. Finally, in a small voice, she said "I...uh... I don't want to sleep alone?" Not that she was really afraid, but it was her first night in a weird house. And after the previous night... She would probably feel much better with someone. It had been ages since she had last slept with someone in the same bed, but at some point sleep-overs had been a thing in her life. And it had always felt nice and comfortable at the time, so why not now? Granted, there had been less...emotions...but it shouldn't be a problem, right?

Thursday June 13th, 2075 2312, Serenity, Cajun Town, Seattle


Sandy nods and smiles at you, taking your hand in hers before walking with you into your room. Besides Sandy, one of the first things you notice is that the bed is huge, easily a large king. It does take two to get out of the dress and there is some fumbling about to make sure that nothing is torn, but you eventually get everything off. Sandy puts a hand up to her mouth and grimaces. "I had better brush my teeth or you might never want to kiss me." She lets a hand trail across the front of your body as she moves, naked, to the bathroom. She calls out, "Wow. This place picked a nice room to start fixing. Modern shower and toilet and running water."

You hear the water run in the sink as Sandy brushes her teeth. You also hear rain against the window. Apparently, the calm in the storm is past and the rain is coming down in sheets outside.

[Cynthia Rawson - 23:12, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Serenity, Cajun Town, Seattle] #933

When Sandy went to brush her teeth, Cynthia looked at her back, one of her hand on the spots Sandy touched. After a second, she shook her head and removed her camisole and put on her nightie, then changed her panties: silk ones were nice and all, but she'd be afraid to damage them in the night. She wouldn't really mind if Sandy saw her naked, but she was feeling shy at the moment, maybe a consequence of her tiredness so, she did it quickly, before removing garter and everything else. She kept the ring on however but that was mainly because she didn't even think of removing it "That's nice. Let's hope we'll have hot water tomorrow..."

When Sandy came out of the bathroom, Cynthia was undoing her hair, but she seemed stuck her arms in the air, as she looked at the naked girl in front of her, already starting to blush "Are you... Are you sleeping...er...naked?"

Thursday June 13th, 2075 2314, Serenity, Cajun Town, Seattle


Sandy moves to the bed and gets in it, sitting with her back to the headboard and pulling the covers up to her waist. "The answer to that question is yes. Listen, Cynthia, I love you. I can't just pick the good stuff, you know. I have to take the good and bad stuff, and so do you." She holds up a hand and you can see that it is trembling. "See, I am as nervous as you are, maybe more. I have never shared my body with another woman and rarely done anything with a boy, so the only things I know about sex I got from watching porn. So I am really nervous that I am going to fuck things up and not please you but I can't just sit around and wait for the knowledge to just appear in my head. I need to explore you and me, us. I can understand not really being ready for everything all at once and I can even understand you not wanting to take your clothes off right now, and you do not have to. We are both feeling our way around this and I can take the time you need. But for me, this is part of getting to know you better. Part of figuring out the magic that is us. If you do not want to do much exploration tonight, may I at least hold onto you while we sleep?"

[Cynthia Rawson - 23:14, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Serenity, Cajun Town, Seattle] #934

Cynthia didn't answer straight away, as she looked at Sandy for a moment. When she did, it wasn't to answer any of the things Sandy had said "I have to brush my teeth too." she walked briskly to the bathroom then, to do just that.

To Sandy, it probably seemed to last forever, even if only three minutes went by before Cynthia reappeared again. When she did though, she had removed her nightie and panties, and was as naked as Sandy was. She walked to the bed, refusing to meet Sandy's gaze on most of the way, her hands in front of her crotch. Once she reached the bed, she finally raised her head a little to meet Sandy's eyes. There definitely was a trace of red, from the tip of her ears all the way down to her neck, but it wasn't that visible. In fact, she wasn't blushing as much as she had done on multiple occasions throughout the day.

From the movement of her small breasts, it was obvious she was breathing a bit rapidly, and probably not too deeply, as she half raised one of her hand in Sandy's direction, her lips slightly parted. It seemed to be an invitation for Sandy to do as she pleased. A nervous invitation, to be sure, but an invitation nonetheless, for her to take the lead.

Thursday June 13th, 2075 2319, Serenity, Cajun Town, Seattle


Sandy's smile is a bit tremulous as she flips back the covers and slides down to lay on the bed. Rolling over a bit, she reaches her trembling hand to take your trembling hand and tugs on it to pull you onto the bed with her. Once you are laying next to her, she sighs as she gazes at your face and pulls the covers back up to cover most of both of you. She take her hands and cups your face, leaning closer as she whispers to you. "Small steps, Cynthia, small steps. I don't want to scare either of us and right now I am so fragging nervous I shouldn't wonder if the whole house is shaking. But too much talking." SHe moves her face a bit closer and tenderly touches your lips with hers, tasting you. Her eyes are open and looking into yours as her lips move from your mouth to your eyes, chin, cheeks, then back to your mouth. She pulls away an inch or so. "You taste remarkably nice. I could kiss you lots more. Do you mind?"

[Cynthia Rawson - 23:19, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Serenity, Cajun Town, Seattle] #935

Cynthia's reaction to Sandy's touch and kisses was immediate. One of her hands went to rest on the small of Sandy's back as she clinged to her, slightly moaning when kissed on the neck, her nipples hardening against Sandy's chest. Her hand started, as if by itself, to make small movements on Sandy's back, barely touching the skin with the tip of the fingers. Trembling fingers. When asked if she minded if Sandy kissed her more, she didn't answer. Not with words anyway, but the fact that she did kiss Sandy's lips herself was probably answer enough.

Thursday June 13th, 2075 2323, Serenity, Cajun Town, Seattle


It is indeed answer enough and Sandy presses her lips against your a bit more forcefully. Her response to your hand on her back is a low moan that starts somewhere in her throat and makes its way to your lips. Her eyes are open as she presses her tongue against your closed lips, seeking entrance. Her free arm goes around you, reaching for your back, which she explores as fully as she can. Your hard nipples rub against her chest and you feel hers like small nubs against your skin.

[Cynthia Rawson - 23:23, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Serenity, Cajun Town, Seattle] #936

Not only did Cynthia open her lips, she met Sandy's tongue partway with her own, a bit tentatively at first, but with more assurance as time went on. She closed her eyes then, as a shiver ran through her in response to Sandy's hand movements. Maybe it was to flee that hand, or on the contrary to get even closer to Sandy, but she pressed herself even more tightly against Sandy, slightly gasping each time Sandy reached a tender spot, or a nipple caught onto something.

Finally unable to take more of it, she grabbed Sandy's hand on her back, and placed it on her breast with a slight pant interrupting the kiss for a second.

Thursday June 13th, 2075 2324, Serenity, Cajun Town, Seattle


Sandy's tongue feels very nice as it swirls around yours. It is pretty obvious from the way her body is reacting to yours that she is enjoying this. Oh, and her moans could also be a hint. When you break the kiss and put her hand on your breast, she sighs and slithers down in the sheets to be able to slip her mouth onto the other one. She starts by kissing the soft flesh and licking in circles around the nipple, each circle getting smaller until her tongue lightly flicks over the hard bud, sending a huge jolt through you and her. "God, Cynthia. I cannot believe how nice this feels. You are going to have to try it when you are ready. I can't wait to know what it is like to have my nipple in your mouth." She goes back to licking and gently sucking.

[Cynthia Rawson - 23:24, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Serenity, Cajun Town, Seattle] #937

For a while, Cynthia was completely unable to form any coherent thought, and only produced small moans and whimpers, as Sandy played with her breast in general, and her nipple in particular. She didn't lay still, as her waist moved by itself, her legs rubbing against each other and Sandy's, before she finally couldn't hold it anymore. She raised Sandy's head to kiss her. Maybe it was to get some relief, or maybe it was to share with Sandy, but she tentatively put a hand on Sandy's breast, as her kisses went lower, from the lips, to the chin then the neck. She paused there, playing with her tongue on Sandy's skin. Finally, she went lower, until she reached the breast with her mouth, while her hand was caressing her waist.

She lightly kissed the area around the nipple, then quickly, she ran her tongue on the nipple itself. She seemed to enjoy the reaction she produced, as she started to play with one, then the other, locking but also slightly sucking, as Sandy had done before. She didn't focus only on them though, sometimes coming back to run her tongue between the breasts or to kiss the neck. Her hand, on the other side, followed the general descending movement, and was now tracing circles on Sandy's butt "Like that?"

Thursday June 13th, 2075 2326, Serenity, Cajun Town, Seattle


Sandy's back arches as your tongue takes her nipple and she gives a soft yelp of pleasure. It seems that she is as out of words as you had been for some seconds then she responds. "Oh, yessssss. Like that. This is sooooo good, Cynthia." After a couple of minutes enjoying your attention, she lowers herself to where her face is opposite your and kisses you again before moving down to your neck. She pauses for a bit at your breasts then begins tracing her tongue and kisses down your chest. She moves her body to slide between your legs and continues down to your belly button, where she pauses and looks up at you to see if you wish her to stop there.

[Cynthia Rawson - 23:26, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Serenity, Cajun Town, Seattle] #938

As Sandy lowered herself, Cynthia's breathing became shallower. She felt a mixture of apprehension at what was about to happen if she let things continue, and of expectation. As always, her body didn't have any doubt as to what it wanted, it was more than ready to take things as far as possible. Her nipples had hardened long before of course, as soon as Sandy had started to play with them. And below the waist... She couldn't be any tighter...or any wetter. Probably. But what her body wanted, and what she wanted, weren't necessarily a match.

Since a long time ago, she had associated her sex with one word: dirty. It was something to hide, never to talk about. So while she had trimmed from time to time, there was always a good amount of hairs. Now however, thanks to the change of the previous night, she was as hairless - and she probably didn't want to know where all those hairs had gone - as if she had gone through a litre of epilating wax on the area. Well, without the disadvantages of the process, since her skin was silky smooth. But the end result was that everything was clearly visible. Worse, she hadn't taken a shower since the morning, and she had gone to pee twice since then. She couldn't understand how someone would want to stick her tongue there. As soon as she thought about that though, a shiver ran down her spine, her legs tightening slightly around Sandy.

She was almost ready to allow Sandy to do what she wanted but... Wouldn't she have to do it too? Don't ask others to do what you wouldn't do, give as much as you receive and all that? She looked into Sandy's eyes for a couple of seconds. For her...maybe she could, but... Finally, deciding she was probably overthinking things, and not wanting to ruin everything, she nodded, giving the green light to Sandy.

Despite all her apprehension, there wasn't anything to be ashamed of, even if she had been a bit "weird" down there. As it happened though, she was as close as textbook as one could expect to be. It was pretty obvious though she was excited by what Sandy had done up to now: she wasn't dripping wet, but not far from it. The most notable thing in all that though, something Sandy would notice quite easily when she looked, was that her hymen was intact.

Thursday June 13th, 2075 2329, Serenity, Cajun Town, Seattle


Sandy nods to you then continues moving down your body, kissing you every inch of the way. She moves all the way down one leg and up the other before settling in at your thighs. After some exploratory kisses, the first touch of her tongue to your vaginal area sends your back into an arch and an involuntary moan escapes your lips. That first moan is soon joined by many more as she licks, kisses, and nibbles at you. You have never in your life felt anything like this and it is amazing. She seems to be able to hit everywhere you want by exploring what excites you and how you react. Your first orgasm of the night rips through you like a tidal wave and your third has you crying out in pleasure and leaves you limp and used. Sandy crawls back up to you and kisses you, letting you taste yourself on her lips. "Wow, Cynthia, I never expected that. You taste like like nothing I have tasted before. I just couldn't stop wanting to do more. Thank you for taking the chance."

[Cynthia Rawson - 23:29, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Serenity, Cajun Town, Seattle] #939

With small spasms running over her entire body, unable to form any coherent thought, Cynthia automatically answered Sandy's kiss with one of her own. It took her a moment to realise what Sandy had said, what she herself had done, and what that taste she hadn't expected was: in that kiss, she had used her tongue pretty liberally. When she was able to think again, there was not much sense in doing anything but continue.

While she kissed Sandy, she turned to the side, then got herself on top, as she proceeded to kiss Sandy's neck, pausing around the breasts for a time. She went slowly lower, lightly kissing the offered belly...and seemed to hesitate. She looked up at Sandy's eyes then, and seeing the hungry look, full of guarded expectation, she lowered herself a bit more.

She didn't go straight for Sandy's vulva though. Partly because she wanted to take things slow. But mostly, because she was full of apprehension. Finally, she looked...and didn't find anything strange there. Well, it was... It wasn't like she had expected. Of course, intellectually, she knew. She had gone to school, she had seen plenty of pictures of naked women - difficult to avoid that when you're spending time on the Matrix - and had even watched a porno or two after all. But what she knew and what she thought had been pretty different.

The first thing she did was to touch, lightly, with the tip of her fingers Sandy's labia, caressing them. She seemed surprised at Sandy's reaction, looking up as if she expected she had done something wrong. Quickly reassured, she went back to her exploration, playing a bit with the labia, before she even flirted with Sandy's clitoral hood. She rubbed it for a second or two, then brought her fingers lower, in between the labia, all the way down to her vaginal opening, tracing its contours.

Finally, she seemed to find the courage to do more than that, and with her fingers exposed the clitoris, before she licked it carefully. From there, her tongue went on both labia majora. Finally, she started to work her tongue on Sandy's entire vulva, sometimes tickling the clitoris, even lightly sucking it in, sometime going so far as placing the tip of her tongue as low as the vagina's entrance: at that point, she had tasted everything there was to taste after all, and she was completely lost in what she was doing, forgetting any issue she may have had. They would probably come back in force later, but for now, she was able to enjoy what she was doing...and Sandy's reactions to it.

Thursday June 13th, 2075 2339, Serenity, Cajun Town, Seattle


Sandy's reaction leaves you in no doubt that she is enjoying what you are doing. Her hands grab onto your head and push and she is very willing to tell you when you have hit a good spot. Her orgasm causes her to clench her legs together and press against you as her hips buck up into your face. The noises she makes are somewhat drowned out by the crack of thunder nearby as the storm turns into a raging thunderstorm. After a bit, she grabs you by the head to pull you up next to her and begins kissing you like a maniac. Lips, throat, eyes, ears. When she breaks the kiss, she stares into your eyes. "Yes! My God, yes!. Fuck, Cynthia, that was....is.....fantastic." She shuts up and places her forehead against your and you see tears coming from her eyes.

[Cynthia Rawson - 23:39, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Serenity, Cajun Town, Seattle] #940

Cynthia seemed a bit surprised by the intensity of Sandy's kisses, but quickly surrendered to them. When Sandy broke the kiss, she smiled lightly, and seemed perfectly happy to lie forehead against forehead. She was taken aback by Sandy's tears though. She was pretty sure she hadn't hurt her, and didn't think Sandy was sad or anything but... Finally, she kissed the tears, as she asked, a bit worried "Are you alright?"

Thursday June 13th, 2075 2345, Serenity, Cajun Town, Seattle


Sandy nods and puts a hand on your cheek. "Frag yes, I'm alright. Better than alright. That has to have been my first real orgasm because nothing I have EVER done has felt like what you just did to me. I am still quivering. I hope it is like that every time with you. So, how do you feel, now that we have tried this. Good thing? Bad thing? Just OK thing? DOn't worry about hurting my feelings if I was not doing it right. I will get better with practice, I promise."

[Cynthia Rawson - 23:45, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Serenity, Cajun Town, Seattle] #941

Cynthia kissed Sandy with a smile "It was great." She wiggled a bit, then added "I think I'll love giving you lots of practice time." she paused, then mischievously added "I hope the storm covered the noise, otherwise Claudia will think I mistreated you or something." Of course, she had been far less silent, but that wasn't something she had paid any attention to.

Thursday June 13th, 2075 2346, Serenity, Cajun Town, Seattle


As if on cue, a monster thunder clap goes off close enough to rattle the windows and Sandy jumps then giggles. "Wow, that one was close. Startled me." She moves her hand across your cheek to touch your lips. "I could practice with you for years and I hope I get the chance to do just that." She pauses. "So what, if anything, do we tell Claudia? It certainly looks like the house thinks she should be here, which is really sort of spooky, isn't it?"

[Cynthia Rawson - 23:46, Thursday June 13th, 2075 - Serenity, Cajun Town, Seattle] #942

Cynthia shivered lightly when the thunder sounded, but didn't answer right away. Finally, she grimaced lightly "No idea. I don't think I'd mind if she stayed here, but we barely know her. So short term it's alright, long term... Let's decide when we know her. And what she wants to do, she might not want to stay at all after all, whatever the house thinks."

She paused again, snuggling more deeply into Sandy's embrace "It is kind of spooky but..." She smiled "It's also pretty cool, no? Who can say they live in a house like that after all? Of course, no one would believe us but..." She rubbed the tip of her nose between Sandy's breasts "It'll be our secret."

Thursday June 13th, 2075 2346, Serenity, Cajun Town, Seattle


Sandy nods then presses your head closer when you put it between her breasts. "Yesssssss. Spooky and cool. This whole town is spooky and cool at the same time. But I will tell you that no matter how spooky it is, it sure feels like I belong here and that you do, too."