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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oh, well. It was worth a try.

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

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

""" Got any ideas? """

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

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

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

Betty was relaxing when Billy called.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It's the 18th of March in Seattle.

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

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

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

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

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

Blue gets a prompt reply.

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

Blue texts Billy and flags it urgent. 《《《 Billy, you give my number to someone? If so, could you identify please?》》》

<<<Affirmative, on request. I heard you're in the biz. If not, nul persp, won't happen again.>>>

<<< All good. Just checking sources to keep my hoop out of the clutches of Big Brother. Likely will need business with you again in the near future, Billy. Stay safe. >>>

Blue arranges as private a room as he can get at the Oppidum. What? Might as well start a relationship there, too.

Blue messages the new contact. <<< Caution keeps business profitable. Oppidum tonight at 8 pm. Ask for Blue. >>>

Now for the sake of ... can he get some sleep?! Blue re-enters the safe house and informs Hopalong. """ I have a business meeting tonight at the Oppidum. Time now for some needed sleep. """

Betty will arrive just before 8 in her cream-colored blouse and navy blue suit. She's wearing boots instead of shoes, so she can actually walk outside in the slush quickly turning to ice. She's packing, but the gun is concealed. Betty is also carrying a briefcase.

At 8, she will ask for Blue.

The Oppidum doesn't have private rooms as such, but besides the outdoor seating (not really salubrious under current conditions) there are some tables and booths that are more secluded than others.

Blue was parked in a small booth behind a partition made from an old french oak tun. It's either genuine or a very convincing fake, because there's a faint alcoholic whiff from those timbers. This being a Thursday night, it's fairly quiet. The clientele is composed of a few groups; at the bar is one knot of grouchy-looking professionals grousing over glasses, while another is in a more celebratory mood. At the various tables are a couple of dinner parties, but also a few couples making eyes at each other over the chianti. How many are planning despicably filthy adulterous weekends? Probably three quarters, if not more.

Business is definitely quiet in this weather, but more people walk around this area than one would think, so it's not dead. Fortunately, there was ample nearby parking for Betty.

After waking late afternoon, and a good hearty meal prepared by Chuck, Blue had made his way to the Oppidum by circuitous means, taxi, public transit, on foot. Arriving a good 20 minutes early, he occupied the booth and ordered a beer, and some finger food. He had scanned the room astrally, checking for whatever presence there might be. Barring anything untoward, he had summoned a fairly hefty hearth spirit to stand by ... in case. With a quarter hour or more to go, he hoped any drain would subside before the meet.



The fuzziness from the summoning was quite mild, and Blue's powerful will held him quiet and steady for the few minutes it took to shake it off.

::: Stay close and be ready in case I need you. :::

He waited for the stranger, Betty, to arrive, keeping aware on both planes for any activity.

A dark haired, dark eyed woman in a navy blue suit and boots is escorted to Blue's booth by one of the staff at 8. The woman is carrying a briefcase. She offers to shake hands.

"Mr. Blue? I'm Betty."

Blue's summoned hearth spirit appears as a bouncer. Superficially human, tall, athletic, broad-shouldered and with a scar down one cheek. Immaculately dressed in an astral tuxedo, it radiates competence.

Nobody says anything, but Blue does see what looks like a watcher arriving. It looks like a jumping spider the size of a cat, and settles down in a corner of the astral Oppidum. Watching.

Blue notes the watcher. +++ Seems like the Oppidum likes o keep track of what goes on in the astral. Good for them. +++

He rises and takes the hand of Betty. """ Thanks for coming, Betty. Please, sit. And just Blue is fine. Would you like something to eat or drink? """ He sits, proffers the bowl of munchies and nods at the server.

Betty sits, then helps herself to a munchie or two.

"""Thank you, Blue. Billy says you need somewhere to sleep for a while. Do you want to discuss me providing other services, or shall we talk about my apartment?"""

The munchies of the evening are roasted mushrooms with a thick, rich cheese topping, and barbecued shrimp skewers.

An economist might reflect on how these things are mostly relatively easy to mass produce in dense facilities, but here there is an illusion of temporary access to a past remembered by the very old.

How much to tell up front? Fish out of water are in better condition than Connor the corp magician turned Blue the .. what are they called? .. runner? Blue thinks for a few seconds. Then he decides.

""" I appreciate you getting right down to business, Betty. I will be as forthright as I can be. I have a contract which, on the surface, is to determine whether a facility in Ballard is keeping its end of a bargain with a policlub to deliver all of a certain type of paranormal animal. I need to stake out the facility to learn what is being done. I do not have a nearby place to stay and would like to have a base of operations nearer to my objective. Billy seems to think you may be able to help in that regard.

""" I have considerable skill in magic. In that realm I can carry out my task well enough. I believe that investigation through the matrix would also be very useful. I suspect that if Billy recommended you then you might have talent in that sphere. I have possession of a copy of the contract, and it is ... abysmally complex. I dearly would like to have someone with experience with contracts, or at least a different perspective, take a look at it and decipher more of what is going on. I think there are layers here that have not been made apparent to me. Not news to someone in this line of work, I am sure.

""" I have two weeks minus a day to provide a report as to whether the promised services are being delivered as promised. If you have the time and skills to participate in this job, then I am willing to share the income from it. I was given 5000 up front for expenses, and promised 5000 at the end, with another 5000 if complications such as negotiation or strong arming become necessary. I am happy to split half and half.

""" I am given to understand that further work might come from Mr. Johnson if he is happy about the results from this contract.

""" As a further complication, a Triple A corporation is hunting for me. My former employer was absorbed, along with its employees. A few of us decided the protected life in the bosom of Big Brother was not for us. We are currently staying in a safehouse which has been paid for by persons unknown to hide us from the corp. The very competent person running the safehouse tells us she is being paid to keep us out of the hands of the corporation for one week. No reason why has been provided. It would appear that she would get paid even if we did not live till the end of the week, as long as the Triple A doesn't get us. This is a bit concerning to me. I have magically altered my appearance and divested myself of past possessions that might lead to me, so I appear to be free to come and go, including in the performance of this job. After the week is up, she doesn't care one way or another what happens to us. Business is business. I can't stay there after this week is up, as she wants the house free for other work.

""" So.""" Blue holds his hands out., palms up. """ How does this sound, Betty? """

Betty listens attentively.

"""Now, I'm not a decker . I know a decker, if you really want to hire one. I do know my way around computers.. I also know contracts and will take a look at yours.

"""I don't know if my couch is enough room for you, but it's in the area you want, according to Billy. Do you have a vehicle?"""

""" No, I don't have a vehicle. And, to be truthful, just about any knowledge of computers and the matrix will eclipse mine. I am particularly interested in your ability to read contracts. """

Blue considers the offered accommodations. """ My most likely use of a nearby location is for a place to rest my body while I project astrally to investigate the facility. A couch works fine for that. I suspect the length of the couch will not be a problem. """ He grins. """ I am not sure how comfortable you would feel with an unoccupied body resting on your couch for a few hours a night. It is a big risk for me, leaving my meat body in the presence of someone I just met, but the universe seems to be putting opportunities in my path at the moment, and you look like an opportunity.

""" So, I would like it if you joined me on this job. """

Betty smiled.

""""It's good you don't have a vehicle, because I do and there's only one parking space for the apartment."""

"""The building is a good one. I've never been bothered."""

"""I'm a little nervous myself, but I could use a challenge. We have a deal, Blue. Do we need to go collect belongings?"""

""" Excellent. Actually, I prefer to work between sunset and sunrise. My totem is Owl, and I work much better after dark, much worse in the daytime. So, why don't we go to your place and I will make a foray in the astral while you try to make heads or tails of the contract? If you have a credstick available, I can transfer half of the advance right away. """

Blue stands and offers his hand for a shake on the deal.

Betty stands and shakes Blue's hand. She then produces a credstick from her briefcase.

"""As soon as we take care of that detail, we can get out of here."""

Blue laughs out loud. """ Prepared and efficient.""" He produces his credstick, sets it to transfer 2500 nuyen and touches the sticks together to make the transfer. """ Let's go."""

Betty checks the credstick, then replaces it in her briefcase.

"""Right this way."""

Betty leads the way out to an unassuming two-door car and lets Blue in the passenger door. If Blue gets in, Betty will drive carefully to her modest apartment.

In twenty minutes, more or less, Betty's little Jackrabbit moves through the sluggish Seattle traffic to the little apartment building on the Queen Anne side of Interbay.

The view is dreary, but the drizzle helps to soften the view of the fishing harbour (what's left of it) and the railroads. By Blue's reckoning it's about half an hour's stroll from Petsonal Petsonalities - maybe a little more. Regardless of these considerations, it's a modestly anonymous hole in the electric rats' nest that is Seattle, and the roof doesn't leak.

On the way out of the building, Blue releases the hearth spirit. ::: Thank you for coming. Maybe I'll pass this way again. ::: Blue gets in.

In the car, as Betty sets out, Blue summons a city spirit to cover their passage.



Blue communicates with the spirit. ::: Guard this vehicle and the two of us inside it from accidents. :::

""" I've summoned a spirit to protect us as we travel. Driving should be safer, even in this bad weather. """

"""Thanks, Blue. I feel better about this drive already."""

Assuming they make it safely to the apartments, Betty will lead the way to hers . She will open the door and turn on the lights. It's a modest apartment, not too tidy.

"""Make yourself at home. I'm going to get out of my interview suit."""

Betty will duck into her bedroom. She'll emerge in business casual, bringing a pillow, a blanket and her tabletop computer. She sets up on the kitchen table and takes a crack at that contract.

Sometime after midnight, Betty goes to bed. """That contract was written by the Devil."""

Betty leaves the living room light on.

"""Thanks, Betty. This will do fine. I work night shift mostly, so I probably won't crash until close to dawn, or after first light.

""" While you study your copy of the contract, I'm going to go physically to investigate the layout of Petsonal Personalities. Mostly to give me markers to identify when I go astrally. """

Blue summons a watcher spirit to keep an eye on things here.



Blue has the watcher manifest and speaks as well as commuincates astrally, """ Stay and watch this place and warn me if some person or spirit other than me and her comes into the house."""

To Betty he says, """ This watcher spirit will last until about midnight. I should be back sometime around then."""

Blue steps outside, into the nastiness, turns up the collar of his coat and draws the coat closed around himself. +++ Yeah, I don't want to be in this any longer than I have to. Canadian background or not, this is miserable. +++

Blue summons a mist spirit.



+++ Damn. A bit fuzzy from that. I'll just sit under the front awning for a few minutes and clear my head. +++ To the spirit, ::: Conceal me from all who might detect me, physically and astrally.:::

Once his head clears, Blue will ask of the mist spirit, ::: I will walk. Hasten my steps as I go. ::: then he heads towards the Petsonal building.

The mist spirit seems to take Blue at his word, and he walks along in an unvarying haze of misty drizzle that turns lights into halos and his clothing to either sponges or rivulets, as the cloth pleases. The breeze collaborates to add several degrees of cooling, and to playfully blow drips and droplets around ears and nose and anything else exposed.

As if that weren't enough, his walk across the bridge into Ballard leaves him exposed to every splash from a passing vehicle, with his coat soon stained by soot and road grit alike. A view of the large open-air TriD displays showing laughing people dancing on the beaches of Hawaii doesn't help, despite the softening effect of the atmospheric moisture on the view. Another display tells him to: "Live free! CalFree!" while a scantily-clad waitress bows (displaying cleavage like a ski slope) and offers him a TriD Malibu Mimosa on the rocks while the Pacific Ocean crashes in TriD waves on the TriD Malibu shores. The rather ozone-laden, acrid air of the Seattle waterfront region does not match the display in spirit.

There are other advertisements. As he crosses over fully into Ballard proper, there are tempting displays offering hot drinks, strong drinks, and artisanally crafted tidbits from the weirdest corners of the world. But among them all, he sees a display for Petsonal Petsonalities, with an elegant lady enthroned on a lounger while a shadow leopard sits beside her, glowing eyes seeming to gaze hungrily at passers-by.

Not that there are many at this hour, in this weather.