[FFML] [FIC][BGC] Frozen Butterfly Arc 3 Chapter 5 Draft

[skychan]

Hi, here is the draft of Arc 3 Chapter 5.

As always the previous chapters are available on ff.net and now on
spacebattles.com

https://www.fanfiction.net/~skywiseskychan
http://forums.spacebattles.com/threads/frozen-butterfly-bubblegum-crisis-bgc-fanfiction.278175/



Of course it couldn't be quite that simple.

We talked long into the night.  What we had, what we wanted, and how to
turn one into the other.  Mostly it would come down to if the DD
Battlemover and promises were good enough for Sylia to accept in exchange
for repairs and our freedom.  It was incredible how much the difference
having fresh, clean blood made to my life.  Without it I would have been
almost useless after trying to stay up so long.  Instead the added heavy
metals and cyborg specific nutrients had me feeling good enough to skip
sleeping entirely.

Sylvie was obviously feeling the same high as myself but Anri couldn't keep
up the pace with her injuries.  After tucking her into bed, and resisting
an almost pro-forma invitation to join her, we slipped out quietly to let
her sleep.  For the second time I found myself on the back of Sylvie's bike.
The ride was euphoric.  The speed and control she displayed was incredible
and I was able to appreciate it much better this time than before.

However this time there was a boogeyman waiting for us at the end of the
journey.  Genom Industries Battlemover, serial number 32-DD-J1-7RIA1.

The literature I read months ago had described the failsafe system, a micro
neutron bomb.  From the name it would presumably be a small explosion.  Small
is a relative term.  The explosive radius would be approximately 1400 feet
with an overpressure wave killing out to half a mile.  Even so it wasn't
the purely physical affects that scared me the most.  The radiation from a
neutron bomb is its main threat.  That would kill out to almost two miles
depending on intervening materials.  Estimates of a death toll in the tens
of thousands for an urban combat detonation had been enough to turn my
stomach intellectually then.  Being confronted with the reality, with the
possibility it could really happen didn't make me feel any better about the
situation.

There is a certain distance, an unreality to military hardware when you see
it in video or pictures.  "Objects in mirror are closer than they
appear."  Although
I hadn't ever had a problem with that phenomenon that quote still came to
mind when I saw the DD up close for the first time.

It was massive.  Even crouched down for storage it was at least two times
my height and had a sense of inertia to it.  I ran a hand along one angular
massive steel plate.  It looked something like a cat, ready to pounce even
now and I wondered how much of that was in my mind and how much was form
following function.

"It's hard to believe you got away with stealing something like this.  I
mean, I'm not worth a fraction of what it must have cost, but still they
had tracking devices built into me."  I commented, eyes still fixed on the
angular threatening lines of the battlemover.

"Maybe, but, we weren't the ones getting ready to steal it."  Sylvie
laughed, uninhibited and carefree.  I found myself envying her that for
just a moment.  "Someone else was going to smuggle it down, we just stole
the shuttle they were planning to use before they could.  Genaros is so
consumed by conspiracies and plots that using a few for ourselves was the
quickest path to freedom."

Throwing an arm over my shoulders and pulling me close she confided.  "The
Doberman class boomers aren't on the station for its defense you know.  They're
a last attempt at having some kind of internal security when humans are so
easily bribed."

I hmmmed as she elaborated a bit about the corruption she had
uncovered.  Instead
of listening closely I was far more interested in examining the battlemover
in front of me and admittedly the warmth of her body pressed against my
side.  Eventually though I had to interrupt.  "Sylvie, we should really get
this done.  It's important, for all our sakes that there won't be any
mistakes or accidents."

With a somewhat put upon sigh, that both of us knew was false she let go of
me and scrambled up to trigger the cockpit release.  "Alright, come on up,
here's what you'll need to know."

So began my familiarization with how to start, configure and pilot a giant
mecha, or at the very least a mid-sized one.  We had quite an advantage
over regular pilots.  There was a hardline connection that could interface
with our systems that made controlling the DD as simple as moving our own
bodies.  It also made entering the 64 bit security code far easier and
allowed customization of the myriad options available.

Learning to pilot it however wasn't the real reason we were here.  Diving
into the mind of the machine I carefully navigated the byzantine trail to
bypass the anti-tampering mechanisms and ultimately disarm the
self-destruct device.  That was a feat no human pilot could have replicated.
Of course the next step was a bit easier.  Although we couldn't physically
remove the bomb we could unplug it.  Now even if the destruct signal was
sent nothing would happen.

It was early by the time we finished.  Reluctantly I only rode with Sylvie
as far as the nearest subway line.  It would be unfair to make her my
personal chauffer, especially as I could tell she was anxious to get back
and check on Anri.  Although I wasn't looking forward to the commute I also
felt Anri's wellbeing was more important than my comfort.

The subway was worse than I feared.  The press of bodies was such that I
wasn't so much standing as being propped upright like a sardine packed into
a can.  Undignified as that was, what was worse, I was stuck next to a
groper.  While his attentions were unpleasant, what was almost worse was
having to fight off the subliminal urge just to let him do as he so
obviously wanted.  No matter, however thick the pheromones are I am NOT
that kind of girl.  *Crunch*and now his instep knows that too.

Between his pained hopping and a brief gap in the crowd at the next stop I
managed to slip away from him.  That worry gone, I still had to endure the
sea of humanity about me.  Their pheromones tugged at my mind, pushing and
pulling at my instincts so that I wondered if my mind would be intact by
the time I reached campus.  Finally arriving I stumbled off the subway,
clawing my way from its depths like a deep sea diver reaching for the
surface.

The fresh air was almost shocking.  I could feel myself trembling, unsteady
even in sneakers instead of heals.  The world seemed to swirl around me,
vibrant and alive.  Around me marched throngs of young attractive students.
In the haze I focused on Sylvie, it helped.  There was no lust there, no
secret unspoken craving, just sisterhood and understanding.

An understanding I was almost afraid to delve into too deeply.  Focused on
her, using that camaraderie to pull myself together, Sylvie's actions
became more and more understandable.  I found them not only sympathetic,
but when putting myself in her position I could see the logic behind the
path that led to her becoming a murderer.

Another fresh breeze, carrying the scent of greenery and blooming flowers
was enough to clear my mind.  No, I could understand her desperation, but
even so, without knowing anything more I wouldn't have, couldn't have
chosen that path.  I too see Anri as a sister.  I know that she wants
freedom.  For herself, for Anri, but I couldn’t fall so easily into an us
vs. them mindset.

As if summoned by the universe Naomi appeared in ambush as I turned onto
the walk to the dorm.  Her aggressive friendliness a perfect example of why
I couldn't let the rest of humanity go.

"And just where were you all night?"  She asked her voice light but with a
definite teasing overtone as she drew me into a quick hug.  -*Intended to
appear platonic but aimed at increasing awareness of sexual availability of
subject.-*

I felt like rolling my eyes and so I did, letting my head fall back with a
melodramatic "ugh".  Taking a breath I looked back up at her cheerful smirk
and had to smile, slightly.  "Yes Na-chan, you caught me.  I've been out
engaged in lewd acts with strange women all night."

That brought a laugh bubbling past her lips and a smile.  I just shook my
head slightly and with a deft twist freed myself and took her arm, guiding
us both back toward the dorm.  "Seriously, are you just stalking me, or
what?"

Pretending to look affronted she replied quickly.  "I'm not stalking you, I
just happened to be heading to breakfast when I saw you, but enough about
me.  What were you doing out so late you're only getting in now?"  There
was a definite gleam in her eye making it obvious what her fertile
imagination had conjured but I wasn't going to rise to the bait.

"Nothing as exciting or torrid as I can see you're hoping, so no vicarious
thrills through me today.  I was just helping some friends get ready to
move and spent the night at their place."

"Not my pretty rival?"  She asked, leaning more heavily into my side
forcing me to prop both of us up while opening the door.

"No not your pretty rival.  This time her teasing did hit a bit closer to
home, thoughts of Nene bringing a blush to my cheeks.  "She's a good girl,
and not incorrigible or corrupt like yourself."  Deciding I could afford to
throw her a bone I went on.  "No these are the ones I hinted about earlier,
the delinquents.  It's part of getting them out of a bad situation and to
something a bit better."

"Oh."  Her expression fell quickly from mischievous excitement as she
released me.  "Are things going well with them?"  Her ability to know when
teasing was appropriate and when to show honest concern only endearing her
to me more.  She really was a good friend.

Leading the way into the stairwell I nodded.  "As can be hoped.  Things are
looking up."  Then glancing back at her I raised an eyebrow.  "Are you
going to follow me all the way back to my room?"

"Of course not!"  I sighed a bit in relief at her answer.  "I'll be waiting
for you to get out of the shower.  Breakfast is over rated anyway."  To
which I could only groan and hang my head.

Thankfully for once she was joking.  Although we missed breakfast it was
nice to spend a little time together just talking on our way to class.  The
rest of the morning passed quickly.  To be honest much of my classes were
boring.  It's one thing to learn something for the first time and memorize
details.  With my recall however that wasn't even an issue, and while the
perspective shift of a quarter century and half the globe made was
interesting I still knew more than half of what was being taught already.

The real change was in my awareness of the environment.  The little
whispers my excellent hearing brought to my attention.  Spotting male
classmates surreptitiously eyeing me up and know from their postures
exactly what they were thinking.  It was a flattering and novel experience.
I had even more fun after tweaking my own unconscious posture and
mannerism's just enough to make sure to keep them distracted.  Jeans and a
T-shirt may not seem the most flattering of cloths but it's all in how you
wear them.

Nanami caught back up with me over lunch, a few others from our dorm in tow.
The conversation was light, mostly about new classes and old friends.  As
much as I enjoyed it I slipped out early.  My excuse, that I had promised I
would give Nene a call.  Of course Nanami looked a little disappointed at
least she wouldn't suspect the real reason behind it, or why I chose to use
an encrypted chat connection instead of something more easily tapped.

Galatea: Hi Neko, I hope this isn't a bad time?

Pinku Neko: No… why, has something happened?

I shook my digital head before remembering she couldn't get the same level
of immersion as myself.

Galatea: Nothing bad.  I, met up with the others after we talked.  They're
sorry, they've stopped, and, we want to make a deal.  I'm sorry if it seems
like I'm only using you to get to Sylia but I do need to talk with her, ah,
if she doesn't want to blow me up that is…

It took an uncomfortably long time for her to answer.  The thought of her
sitting in front of a keyboard chewing her nails over what to say sprung to
mind.  Thinking she was nervous and unsure.  Or she could be tracking me
down and the Knight Sabers would be waiting when I left the computer lab.

Pinku Neko: No, I talked her out of doing anything rash.  I think she
understands why you did what you did.  She is a bit less understanding
where the others are concerned.  They haven't done anything have they?

Galatea: No!  No, it's nothing like that.  It's just, I have been talking
with them and I think we need help.  More than just not being left alone I
mean.  One of them, Anri, is still very hurt, damaged.  She needs real
repairs, not just a steady source of blood.  But I think I have something
to offer, something that might convince Sylia that they have turned over a
new leaf and be worth the help.

Pinku Neko: That's a relief.  But then, what do you have to offer?  Sylia
is still pretty mad, I only just got her to agree to do nothing.  Getting
her to actually help is going to require something incredible.

Galatea: I or um, rather we have the DD.  It's a battlemover that they
stole from Genaros when they escaped.  It's how they managed, well, you
know.  But they are willing to give it up, to trade away their ability to
do harm.  I know it can't make up for everything they've done but please at
least ask Sylia if she's willing.  It's a step on the path of making amends
at least.

Pinku Neko: I'll let her know, but I can't promise anything.  I've never
really been that close to Sylia and she just clams up entirely whenever you
come up in conversation.  It's like she becomes a Yuki Onna, I just don't
know what she could be thinking.

Galatea: That's okay.  You've already helped so much I don't know how I
will ever repay you.  I just want to get all this behind me.  It seems like
every time I take a step forward, something happens to drag me back.  The
fact that you're still willing to help means a lot.

Before she answered I noted the time.  It was getting close to my next
class and if I didn't cut it short I would be late.

Galatea: I'm sorry but I have to run now.  Classes are starting and I don't
want to be late.  Thank you again.  Stay well.

Pinku Neko: Un, you too.

She responded quickly, but I was left more uncertain that I was doing the
right thing that before.  No matter how much fun it was being back in
college, too many things were happening to for my peace of mind.  The
situations with Sylvie and Anri, the relationship between Nene and I, Priss
and the Knight Sabers, and of course my own apparently unique nature to
worry about.  Math was almost entirely a review, and having processors
capable of solving almost anything without difficulty I had too much time
to sit back and consider my problems while waiting for it to end.

I wasn't sure that what I was doing was the right thing after all.  On one
hand they had been slaves, but the other had killed innocents.  How could I
properly judge what was right, what punishment would fit the crime.  I'm
not so naïve to think that the world is black and white, but just what
shade of grey was I willing to live with to assuage my conscience either
way.

So it was with great relief that when class ended I found an email from
Nene waiting when class finally ended.

Riding the subway back toward the center of town it felt almost as if I
were a cork bobbing in the sea of humanity around me.  A part yet separate
from my surroundings.  I was nervous.  How would Sylia look at me, as a
person or a machine?

Considering my recent encounters with Sylvie and Anri I realized it would
be frighteningly easy to disassociate myself from a humanities point of
view.  All it would really take is giving in to my instincts once.  Then
the next time would be easier, and the time after that easier still.  If I
could see it from my perspective how much worse might Sylia think things
had become?

Already time spent with the others had me dividing the world into us and
them.  It was a distinction that I hadn't even dwelt on before.  How much
greater would the divide get over time?  Would I even consider myself a
person?  Or more ethically worrying would it grow until I no longer felt
bound by the same social conventions that humanity is?

I stumbled out of the cloying masses at the next station.  I felt sick.  Even
the possibilities I had contemplated refusing to leave me alone.  As I
staggered away from the subway and into the laughably 'cleaner' air of the
inner city I realized how fast my heart was racing.  Aware of it I could
damp down the physiological signs of stress subconsciously fighting the
haze of pheromones had caused.

It took only moments to adjust my own autonomic processes.  It was just one
more inhuman aspect of my life, but this time I embraced it.  The clarity
and calm brought by a few intentional changes more than made up for giving
in to a little bit of transhumanism.

So it was walking with a confident stride, despite the eyes it drew, that I
approached the entrance to the Silky Doll.  The confidence building
justification I repeated in my mind was a little different than I had ever
used before.  –*I am a beautiful, desirable woman and I am in
control.-*  Psyching
myself up for a high stress meeting I let that truth sink in.  I was going
in, I could do this; just don't let them see you sweat!

Of course it really couldn't be that simple.  As soon as I stepped inside I
realized all the work I had done to mentally prepare was premature.  Instead
of a high pressure meeting I found myself wandering aimlessly through
aisles of high end lingerie among customers dressed in clothing that was an
order of magnitude more expensive than the simple college fare I had.

That was awkward.  Thankfully Mackie was at the register, and his leering
put me back on familiar ground.  Settled down once more I spent a little
time wishing that I could afford what was on sale, but even with access to
my money again this kind of expense was beyond my means.  Or was it?

A highly advanced processor coupled with knowing your own exact
measurements renders changing rooms superfluous.  So it was easy for me to
pick out an expensive black set of lingerie, it even came complete with
cropped camisole, lacy gloves, and stockings; the whole nine yards.  It was
just the kind of thing to show off my figure at a college party, but a bit
too liberal for daily wear.

Still having it in hand gave me an excuse to speak with the attendant.  In
this case Mackie.  "Excuse me, but could you help me?  I really like the
look of this, but do you think it would suit me better in white or black?"  I
held the top up to drape across my breasts and looked disarmingly into his
eyes.

The smile I gave him was almost vulpine.  It was clear he had been told I
was coming, -*Subject expecting us due to lack of indicators for surprise
89% probable.*- However whatever he might have anticipated my stepping
right up and flirting shamelessly wasn't among them.

"Ah, well, that is…"  He hemmed and hawed, his eyes lingering longer than
reasonably polite upon my body.  Belatedly his eyes snapped up to meet
mine, a blush coloring his cheeks as he realized he had been caught looking.
He did rally well though.  "Here, why don't you come this way, I'll get you
a set in white and you can compare."  He just barely managed to keep his
voice professional as he directed me into the back of the shop.

We went down a short hall and as I expected he led me past the changing
rooms to an employee only door.  Past the typical break room was the
storage area and set along one wall an elevator.  "Thank you Makie."  I
said with a smile as he pressed the button, the doors opening to reveal a
fancy mirrored interior.

"Ah, you, you're welcome.  Sis is waiting for you in the penthouse…"  He
offered a weak smile, and as I stepped inside and the doors shut I noticed
in the reflection his gaze had once more slid down to appreciate just how
snug my jeans were, teenagers.

Laughing slightly I took a quick moment to stuff the lingerie set into my
backpack.  It was a small gesture, but pilfering like this made me feel
rebellious.  It wasn't as if Sylia couldn't afford the loss and even if it
weren't true it gave me the illusion that I wasn't worried about what she
might do even if she did, as was probable, have a camera in here to watch
me.

When I stepped off the elevator I was left on a rather austere if fancy
landing.  Behind brushed steel and wood paneling a few potted plants
discretely screened off the exit stairwell.  A fancy door with a bold brass
knocker waited for me across an expanse of black faux marble.

With no other option than standing there nervously I gathered my courage,
strode across the hall and gave the knocker a firm swing.  I could have
used the doorbell but if she wanted to go to the expense of a doorknocker
who was I to spurn it?

I shifted my backpack from one shoulder to the other to pass the moments it
took for Sylia to open the door.  She looked good, powerful, and
intimidating.  Towering over me by at least a head, -*27 centimeters-* the
impression was only strengthened by her imposingly professional business
suit.

When I had worn something similar it had felt like a costume, but the
charcoal grey suit and skirt looked like she was born to wear them.  Cool
brown eyes boring into me she gestured inside, by all appearances besides
them pleased to see me.  Her actions were unfailingly polite, but she was
far too composed for me to read anything from her posture or
expression.  –*Subject
trained in negotiation and to reduce autonomous tics, probability near
parity.-*

"Thank you for coming to meet me Miss Ceallaigh.  May I offer you
refreshments, perhaps tea?"  Ushered over to a sofa white enough that any
dirt picked up on the subway would be obvious I nevertheless accepted her
invitation to sit.  *–Fluidics pressure and pulse rising, probability
subject will notice nervous autonomic response in excess of 50.0%.-*

Already I thought?  I took a breath and let my instincts take over.  Settling
into the sofa my body relaxed.  My posture softened as I stopped trying to
match her professionalism, instincts smoothing out my own responses and
making my gestures more graceful and natural.  I did notice a slight quirk
in her brow as she poured my tea in response, but as she decided not to
bring it up neither did I.

That first cup would have been nerve wracking if I had let it.  Just
sitting there politely, sipping tea and nibbling sandwich wedges.  I wasn't
sure why she was torturing me with polite niceties but the Lamb doesn't
question the Lion when it joins it in peace.

Finally she broke the silence, her voice coming out cool, without
inflection. "I understand that you are here because of the situation with
two other 33-S boomers.  That you want to negotiate handing over the DD
Battlemover in exchange for continued freedom and clemency for past crimes."
She paused.  *–Subject exhibiting control over pulse and respiration,
suppressing voluntary body movement and maintaining constant eye contact,
intentions inconclusive.-*  "I am not yet willing to discuss that subject."

"What?"  Even suppressing my nervousness behind a wall of tailored
responses I still couldn't help but speak the question aloud my surprise
was so total.  "But, then why meet with me?"  Only having my instincts in
control kept me from glancing nervously to the door, escape, as the tension
in the room rose.  Thankfully as I set my cup of tea down there was no
tremble to my fingers, just the light clink expect of high quality china.

"Why did you escape?  Why did you do nothing with the knowledge you have
about us?"  She leaned forward slightly, betraying her interest in the
subject even as she continued to suppress any other outward signs.

"I couldn't take the isolation anymore.  I know you thought I was too much
of a risk, but I'm a person.  What you were doing, keeping me prisoner, it
was unjust.  Maybe I was unstable, maybe I am unstable, but if so it isn't
because of any kind of 'bug'."  I let the word resonate with as much
contempt as I could.  "It's a 'feature'."  I intentionally let out a sigh
before going on.  If she was going to give me enough rope to hang myself so
be it.

"You kept looking for what was wrong, when you could have realized what was
right.  People don't like being locked up.  They don't like it when their
rights and freedoms are taken away.  Preachy or not, that is the human
condition.  Right or wrong, we're too human for our own good, and I got a
double helping of that.  I wonder what would happen if you matched up the
statistics for actions of 33-S boomers with those for human's placed in the
same positions."

I had really let myself get into it now.  Voice, posture, all calculated to
try and push my point of view using *–platonic-* rather than *–romantic
protocols*.-  "As for why I kept quiet that's easy.  I didn't want to do
anything that could hurt my friends.  And maybe, just maybe if a situation
like this did happen, where you caught up with me it would be proof that
you can trust me to be free, without a leash."

I couldn't be sure, *-analysis of subject response inconclusive,-* if my
plea had fallen on deaf ears but from what I knew of Sylia just talking for
the sake of it wouldn't be likely to help.  She had the facts now, and knew
enough of my reasons to come to a decision.  I could only hope that she
felt I was both human, and stable enough to trust.

Exasperatingly she remained absolutely calm.  Carefully she set down her
teacup and leaned back until her spine was perfectly straight.  "I
understand what you have said.  If then we do not do anything to restrict
your freedom or curtail your activities you will continue to keep our
secrets and behave in as upright and law abiding a manor as ourselves?"

"Ye-" I was already starting to answer the first half of her question when
the slight twitch of an eyebrow registered.  –*Subject intentionally
injecting humor to lighten the mood of negotiations probability 68%.-*  "-es,
of course I will.  I'm sure Nene-san already told you but I just want to
live my life as best I can.  Any… discrepancies that my crop up between my
behavior and the legal code of Japan, while regrettable, are hardly likely
to even be on the scale you're accustomed to operation on."

"That said.  I would like to talk about the one that isn't. We still have
an illegal battlemover.  I don't want it, WE don't want it.  All it does is
draw attention and paint a target on our backs.  But, at the same time,
it's really the only thing that the others have of value.  We can't just
give it to you, not for free.  There are some, conditions attached."

I took a slow breath before laying things out as simply as I could.  "They
need repairs, and a safe place to go should they be injured or need
maintenance in the future.  They will need identification good enough to
let them go unnoticed and get legitimate jobs, and enough money to start
new lives.  Finally we all need the autonomy to live in the real world, to
be free to interact with others independently."

All hints of laughter had left her by the time I finished speaking, in fact
it left almost as soon as the subject of the DD came up and by the time I
brought the others into it her demeanor was like ice.  "Ceallaigh-san,
while I may be willing to let you remain free and relatively unsupervised,
you have not proven yourself to be a murderer."  Put bluntly like that I
could feel the tea settle like a stone in my stomach.  "You at least have
proven that you can handle independence responsibly.  These others, they
most definitely have not."

I wanted to grit my teeth, stamp my feet, do anything to illustrate just
how unfair and bigoted she was acting towards my sisters but forced myself
to remain calm.  "That's unfair, to them and to me.  They were hurt,
afraid, alone, and lost without any kind of moral guidance.  A lack of
guidance that is not their fault, but that of the ones who should have
taught them better.  They're like children Sylia, children who were given a
list of 100 rules when born.  From, wash your hands before you eat to thou
shalt not kill, with no importance or emphasis placed on any one of them
above another."

Standing up I started to pace a little, a blend of my own personality and
instincts working together.  "Then they were taught that humanity, the ones
who had given them those rules broke them without a thought.  They didn't
get a chance to learn through cultural osmosis like even a child with a bad
parent.  One day they were born, and the next they were being treated as
slaves.  Being raped, handed around like party favors, punished if they
didn't do as they were told, and then punished again because their regular
duties aren’t getting done.  With those kinds of people for role models,
with that as an example of what kind of behavior is appropriate is it any
wonder they didn't think twice before taking steps to save their own lives?"

Turning back I stalked toward her.  "Do you know how long it took me to
convince them to stop?  30 minutes.  Not hours, days or weeks.  30 Minutes.
That's how long it took to explain the situation well enough to get them to
stop.  30 minutes that no one had bothered to give them before because
they're just machines."  This time to my surprise I did notice her reaction.
*–Subject pupil dilation, facial stress and breathing indicate preparation
to object probability 84%*.-

So I bulled onward before she could interrupt.  "I will admit I resorted to
enlightened self-interest as a short-cut but it's hard to skip straight to
other philosophies of ethics when their world experience is both so limited
and of the nature they have endured.  We are not asking for that much.  The
chance to live our lives, to escape the past without the baggage that would
anchor us to lives of crime.  I, we are asking to trade away the means to
do ill for the chance to just live free."

To my relief she didn't reject my proposal again, instead sitting back and
giving it thought for long minutes.  Finally she nodded coming to a
decision.  "Very well Kari.  We can do this as you propose."  I felt the
relief when she went on.  The tension I had been under relaxing all at once.
"Obviously the details will need to be worked out, amounts and limitations
as I will want to keep an eye on you and your friends.  However I am
willing to give all of you a chance to live.  You did not use the word
probation but I feel it is most applicable to the situation.  If that is
acceptable then we have an agreement."

I took a breath, and then another as I thought over her offer.  It really
was everything that I could reasonably have hoped to get.  I let a smile
cross my lips.  "Thank you.  Your willingness to trust means a lot to me,
and not just because I won't have to keep looking over my shoulder.  I'll
go and um, spread the good news I guess.  The others will be relieved.  Will
you call me when you're ready to take the DD?  Honestly I don't want to
worry about it any longer than absolutely necessary.  We can take our time
working out the rest."

Sylia rose to her feet, and I couldn't help but notice again just how much
taller than me everyone else was.  "Yes, it will not be long.  I already
have its specifications and it will not take long to make the arrangements.
I expect that sometime this evening would be most appropriate."

As she ushered me out the door I nodded.  "That should be fine, just try
not to keep me up too late, it's a school night."  Moving to the elevators
I pressed the button and resettled my backpack in place as I stepped inside.

Just before the doors began to close Sylvia said one more thing.  "Oh and
Kari, stick to black.  White would make you look 16.  I doubt you want
Mackie to think you are available."  Then they shut with a click.

Now that just wasn't fair.  It's not my fault I'm a petite model, I was
designed this way damn it!  It made me petulant enough to consider
shoplifting a set in white just to spite her, but, Sylia was right.  It's
already hard enough for me to be taken seriously without being mistaken for
an adolescent.
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