January 3
Index
00:05:23 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Somewhere in Los Angeles, CFS
She'd just closed her eyes for a moment, warm beneath the covers. Just for a moment while she rested, pleasantly sore from the hours previous. But now, the apartment was silent, and she knew he was gone.
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00:05:25 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Somewhere in Los Angeles, CFS
Cosmo came out of the light doze with a lazy, contented smile sweeping across her lovely flushed features. It couldn't have been more than five minutes since they sank, exhausted, into the heavenly soft mattress and she'd closed her eyes ....
Her smile began to fade as she became more and more alert, realizing after only a few moments that she was completely alone. She frowned at the glass of water left on the bedside table, only just beginning to sweat; by all rights, she should have noticed him leaving. He ... left.
That single, piercing thought sent her rolling out of bed, her nude body illuminated by the thin streams of moonlight that made it through the shuttered windows. Cosmo's jaw twitched irritably and her chin lifted in a clearly defensive gesture as she stalked about the flat looking for some sign of the man she'd been with (and in every sense of the phrase) only minutes ago.
"Nothing," she whispered flatly.
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08:00 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Virgil's Shop, Touristville
q.v. Shadowland
Virgil gets up from his desk and begins an agitated pace about his shop floor. He never did see how deckers could sit in front of a computer for hours on end. He'd heard and seen a lot of strange occurences here in the barrens, living here one's entire life has a desentizing effect, but a girl crying blood was something warranting concern.
As Virgil paced his shop floor he stopped in one of the pools of light created by one of the few frosted glass windows, taking a deep breath perfumed with the tangly metallic scent of molten copper he racked his brain.
"Open Arms Soup Kitchen" huh ... I know that I've been by there before.
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08:10 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Virgil's Shop, Touristville
As Virgil paced his shop contemplating he realized it was time to get on with the rest of the day. After a cold shower (the only way to know you're alive, chummer) he donned a pair of black jeans and a white collared shirt. Going to his work bench he lovingly placed his brother's rosary around his neck.
Rest in peace, Jeremiah, you will never be forgotten.
Virgil's breath caught in his chest as a vivid picture of his brother's death assaulted his mind. Virgil could see himself walking into the church hall at the moment his brother collapsed ...
Brushing back a tear, Virgil grabbed his long coat and a wool hat and began the six-block walk to St. Margaret Mary. The shock of the cold air was refreshing, the cold always got his blood going ... helped him to focus on the task at hand. As Virgil sloshed through the grey slush coating the sidewalk he ticked off a mental tally of tasks to accomplish ...
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09:15 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - St. Margaret Mary Church, Touristville
Approaching the stone stairs of St. Margaret Mary, Virgil took a second to take solace in the statues of St. Michael and St. Peter flanking the oaken double doors. He'd never been a religious man as Jeremiah had, but Virgil had to admit that even he felt safer when on the church grounds. Upon reaching the great worship hall Virgil removed his hat and blessed himself with the perfumed holy water. There was a time when the thought of him at a church would've have caused a snicker, but now simple things like observing the Catholic traditions of his brother made Virgil feel closer to the memory of his brother. Stopping at the foot of the Virgin he paused to light a candle for Jeremiah.
"Good morning, Nicholas," the rumbling voice of Father O'Grady chimed in behind Virgil. Even if the voice wasn't so distinctive, there were only two people alive who knew his birth name and called him so.
"Good morning to you, Father. I hope that the morning is finding you well," replied Virgil.
"Tell me, Nicholas," inquired the priest, "Every morning you come to this place to observe Jeremiah and to offer your services to the Church. You take the name of a man who guided another to salvation, yet you do not accept God into your heart. How is this?"
"Ah, Father. Every time you have asked this of me I provide the same response. Some of us must go through Hell so that others may be saved. I accepted that a long time ago as my duty." Virgil shifted his weight before continuing, "Today I bring with me a request for your advice and council."
"Of course, of course. How can I be of service?" Father O'Grady chimed in.
"I need to use the library in the rectory for a few hours to do some reading," Virgil asked. "Then I was hoping that you could tell me what you know about Sister Perkins of the Open Arms Soup Kitchen."
"Of course you can use the library," responded Father O'Grady. "Let's walk there now because I am due at confession shortly. I hope when you are finished that we can discuss what it is that you are seeking."
"I would like nothing more than to gain from your knowledge, but until I do some reading of my own, it would be but a one-sided lecture as opposed to a discussion," chuckled Virgil.
The two men proceeded down a long stone hallway lined with the stations of the cross until reaching a security door. Virgil had used this library before, but he always hated seeing how the metal door and associated keypad marred the traditional architecture of the church's interior.
Sign of the time we live in, when even a house of faith requires security.
"I'll check on you in a few hours and will ponder your question about Sister Perkins. Have a good day Nicholas," spoke the old priest.
Virgil hung up his coat and sat down at one of the computer terminals.
Time to get to work ...
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10:05:44 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Somewhere in Seattle
Kansatsu stood at the window with his hands folded behind his back, staring out at the metroplex. Neither the sounds of the city or the dampness of the morning rain penetrated the density enhanced armored plexiglas, but his mind filled in the missing elements. Over a decade ago he would have been out in the urban jungle, part of the vicious predator/prey relationship that kept the bloodlines of the Sixth World vibrant and alive. Time, though, was not on his side. A decade in the trenches exacts a toll from a body, even one supported with the best technology and magic that a corporation could provide. Ultimately it was not his decision to make nor to regret. The corporation demanded his loyalty, he would serve in whatever capacity was asked of him until he was no longer necessary.
It is as it should be. This is the life of a Samurai.
He turned back to the two men seated across his desk, his face a carefully neutral mask. Both of them straightened a little beneath his gaze, posture and balance moving forward in an unconscious precursor to expected orders of action. Kansatsu stared at the half-dozen surveillance photos spread across his desk, all of them high resolution digital images from inside the Arcology itself.
"This situation is not unexpected. The individual does, after all, have family relations here in Seattle. Begin surveillance operations. Contract with our first string of assets, this should not be something that is handled in-house. Emphasize that it is surveillance only, no contact whatsoever is authorized. Funding is at your discretion to the limit stipulated in SOP regarding surveillance operations. We will meet back here at 1000 on Friday to assess preliminary intelligence reports and determine the future of the surveillance. Questions?" He glanced up at the two men, ensuring that his orders were understood.
"No, sir." Both answered simultaneously, standing and bowing. Kansatsu returned the bow, turning back to the windows as the two men stepped out of the room.
What force in Heaven or Earth compelled you to discover the secrets you did, Yamana? Why did you question them? Surely you must have known that it would lead to only one, final solution. Why did you do it, old friend?
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10:48:03 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Returning to Riverwalk Apartment Complex, Los Angeles, CFS
"Nothing," she fumed, her eyes still the dangerously dark hue they'd been all morning. "What sort of ... of ... of man leaves a naked woman alone half a minute before midnight?!"
Cosmo could do nothing but shake her head and glare accusingly at the topless woman that looked back at her through the full length mirror; it was difficult to convince herself that the stain of red across her cheeks was the result of anger and not the stabbing blow to her pride. What was he? Fragging Cinderella?! Disappearing at midnight before his Porsche turns into a pumpkin?!
She shook her head again and bit down, hard, on her lower lip, forcing herself to concentrate on the sting of the ointment she was rubbing into her back. The stuff was supposed to help prevent scarring, but only after all the bits of dried up blood and skin had been scrubbed away (a process that had -not- been amusing in the least). At least the spicy, almost herbal scent of it chased away every trace of Byron's intoxicating cologne. No matter how hard she tried, though, Cosmo couldn't quite shake the feeling that she'd lost something important, especially after giving of herself the way she did ...
Oh please, girl. Pull yourself together! It was one night ... a few glorious hours with a dashing Stranger. Two ships in the --
She growled softly and threw the canister of herbal balm onto her bed, stalking into the living area of her small apartment with one last glare at the too-soft woman in the mirror. Every bit of furniture had been pushed to the sides of that little room, clearing just enough space for her to do what was needed, and Spirits, was it ever needed. The brief towel she had wrapped about her waist was tossed to one side, leaving her bathed from head to toe in diffuse sunlight. She stood perfectly still, her hands clenched into tight little fists until well-known words seemed to wash over her.
"Stiff and unbending is the principle of death.
Gentle and yielding is the principle of life."
Slowly, she began to relax. She imagined the rush of a warm breeze, the flutter of a bird's wings, and drew a deep breath, her eyes closing peacefully. Everything she knew, everything she felt, left her with the flutter of those wings and was carried away by that balmy wind and the breath she released so very slowly. Calm washed over her. She was light as the air all around and fluid as the water in the small fountain that trickled somewhere distant. She felt the strength of the metal chimes hanging by the window and supple growth of green things nearby, cultivating a fire within herself ...
Yield and overcome;
Bend and be straight.
Cosmo smiled, comforted by familiar words she'd learned so long ago, and lost herself in the Forms. Hands and feet; arms, legs, and torso ... all became as One.
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11:30:02 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Riverwalk Apartment Complex, Los Angeles, CFS
Caska counts three rings before the throaty, languid voice he remembers so vividly answers.
"Good afternoon."
"Good morning," he corrects, "I'll be by at eighteen-thirty to pick you up."
Soft laughter fills the phone.
"Still not telling me where we're going? And here I thought some trust had grown in our relationship."
Caska smiled wickedly, eagerly anticipating the coming evening.
"Well, since you claimed to have such simple tastes last time, I figured we'd just do dinner and a movie."
Again, the light, teasing laughter.
"Oh? I do hope it's at a drive-in theater. Will you buy me cotton candy?"
This time it was his turn to laugh.
"I'll see you tonight."
He listened to her breathe on the other end of the line.
"I'm ... looking forward to it."
Closing the comm interface, Caska motioned to Quill, even though the rigger couldn't see him.
That's our destination. Pull around back and give me a perimeter sweep.
Roger, eyes on.
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11:31:14 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Riverwalk Apartment Complex, Los Angeles, CFS
A small, secret smile quirked across Cosmo's lips as the line went dead. She flipped her cell shut with a soft "click" and chuckled because she was looking forward to the evening, drive-in or not. Taking a second to shrug into a long black robe, she settles down onto the sofa and dials Tino's number, her voice warm and satiny.
"Tino, can we try this again?"
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11:32:03 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Riverwalk Apartment Complex - Los Angeles, CFS
"Ah, bella signora, if I had a nuyen for every time a woman said that to me ..." Drago chuckles ruefully. "In any case, I assume you're referring to our most rudely interrupted meeting? If so, the deal still stands. You know where to find me."
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11:32:17 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Tenmou's doss, Issaquath, Renton
Tenmou stepped out of the bathroom, drying his hair after a nice hot shower. Grabbing an old bathrobe, he wrapped his damp body in it before making his way into the kitchen to make himself some lunch. After a quick scan of his pantry, he realised that his cupboards were pretty spartan.
Using his speed dial, Tenmou made a quick phone call.
"Renraku Arcology, Security Office," the voice said at the other side.
"Hi, Phoenix," Tenmou said with a smirk.
There were a series of faint tones that signified the line being secured and the video feed activated.
"Shitoki! How have you been?" Phoenix asked with a wide smile. She had dyed her hair recently, adding streaks of red to her normally straight black hair.
"I'm well, Mioko. How are you?"
"Another day, another nuyen ... so, why have you graced my terminal barely dressed?"
Tenmou had forgotten that he was only wearing a bathrobe. After a quick check to make sure he was decent, he turned back to Mioko, who had a smirk on her face. "Were you checking me out?" he asked her.
"Maybe just a little ... I'm glad to see you've maintained your physique ..."
"I was calling ..." he said, slightly embarrassed and trying to bring the topic back on track, "to find out if you were free for lunch. My treat."
"I wish I could, Shitoki ... I have yet another staff meeting over lunch. How about dinner?"
"I won't be free ... I'm working tonight," Tenmou said.
"Working, huh? You're not doing anything I'd disapprove of, are you?" Phoenix asked.
Tenmou laughed. "No, just a little security work to pay for groceries. Rain check?"
"Sure and it's your treat, remember?"
"My treat."
"Call me again soon, Shitoki," Phoenix said.
"Promise."
Tenmou disconnected the line and went to get dressed. He had enough cash to cover the cost of lunch at his favourite Japanese restaurant. The rest of his on-hand cash would have to cover his expenses tonight.
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11:32:47 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Riverwalk Apartment Complex, Los Angeles, CFS
Cosmo laughed softly. "Mm, somehow I doubt you get that a lot, Signor, but yes, I was referring to our business. I'll see you soon." She flipped the phone shut again, and took one last glance over Megan Richards' bank statements. She could live like this for three months, according to her records, but the discretionary fund was a good deal smaller than she was used to.
"Details," she chuckled, gracefully uncurling from her comfortable little perch and striding off toward her bedroom and the first costume change of the day.
...
It was a solid half hour before she deemed herself ready to face the outside world; all traces of her earlier turmoil had vanished and as if to illustrate the point, she tied a pretty pink scarf around her neck and brushed her cheeks with a light dust of shimmering powder. While there were some who faced life with body armor and a revolver, or even magic, Cosmo knew that a few cosmetics and a silken scarf made her just as deadly.
She grabbed a buttery soft ivory handbag and very nearly laughed out loud as she twirled on her way out the door, having thought of the perfect costume for her dinner date.
Il Grano first, though, she amended, even as the prospect of a bit of shopping gave her a giddy thrill. A quick run over to Sean's place, too, and then we shop.
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11:50 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Rectory library, St. Margaret Mary, Touristville
Virgil leaned back in his chair and took a moment to work the kinks out of his back. I'll never understand how a decker can make a life spending hours on end hunched over a computer. "The hell with it," he muttered to himself as he started the gentle pace of contemplation across the library floor.
I guess I haven't learned anything that I did not already expect, wouldn't be the first time that an religious symbol has manifested itself with magic since the awakening.
Looks like I'm going to have to conduct my own magical investigation, or at least assense the girl.
Continuing his pace around the library Virgil decided he should be using this time to keep up with his to-do list for the day and dialed Juliette's number on his cell phone. One ring, two rings, three rings. Maybe she's not in, or ignoring me.
"Hello," came the unmistakable whisper of Juliette's voice.
I wish this was a vidphone, it's not the same when I can't see her eyes. "Hey Juliette, I hope things are going well with you."
"World's the same as it always is, not time for change yet," quipped Juliette.
Well at least I know she's ok, she's speaking in her prophet tongue, the thought of which brought a sheepish grin to Virgil's face.
"I'm waiting for a friend right now, but I thought I could come by your place at about 3 pm today, I wanted to see how things are going in your neck of the Barrens," Virgil asked.
"I don't know where I'll be at that hour, I'll call you back and tell you where to meet me a bit later, but I'm sure we have much to talk about," replied Juliette. "See you then."
I guess I have a date today. Virgil chuckled ironically. Now, I wonder when Father O'Grady is coming back, time to move the next piece into place.
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11:55:07 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Riverwalk Apartment Complex, Los Angeles, CFS
Drago nurses a mojito at the bar, shaking his head ruefully at Cosmo's approach.
"You're getting cruel in your young age, insulting my skills at the manly art of wenching. I had to rearrange my entire morning just to prove you wrong. And now these old bones are aching because of it. But, down to business. Show me what you've got."
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11:55:17 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Il Grano Restaurant, Los Angeles, CFS
Cosmo breezed into the restaurant, a playful smile teasing around the corners of her lips as she caught sight of her exhausted fixer. She laughed softly, lightly patting his cheek while she slid onto the barstool beside his.
"I think you heard what you wanted to, Tino," she dimpled though her eyes darkened meaningfully, "but I'm sure your women are glad I called."
"As for business, I brought three boxes; these are their serial numbers in case you wanted to confirm before I wheeled them in." Cosmo slid a small sheet of paper across the bar.
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11:55:41 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Il Grano Restaurant, Los Angeles, CFS
"It matters not. Take them around back to Ilia, he'll take care of them. What did we agree on? Eight k each? Five per box, three boxes, means one twenty k. Fifteen percent off the top is eighteen k for me, one oh two k for you. Certified cred acceptable?"
Drago offers a slim credstick.
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11:56:02 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Il Grano Restaurant, Los Angeles, CFS
An eyebrow arches delicately as Tino very nearly pushes the credstick on her; a hint of a chuckle twitches around her lips but never escapes.
Good thing I didn't order a drink .. he'd be funnelling it down my throat!
"If I didn't know any better, Drago, I'd say you were trying to get rid of me." Cosmo chuckles and leans back casually. "And we'd discussed twenty percent as your cut this time 'round. I can bring you the change later on today, if this is a bad time ..."
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11:56:36 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Il Grano Restaurant, Los Angeles, CFS
"Prego, signora, do not impugn my honor further. I would never seek to cut short one of your visits. Keep the six for now, as a marker for future use of your services. Someone of your talents could be of great use to me."
Drago sips from his glass again, dipping his head to Cosmo.
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11:56:51 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Il Grano Restaurant, Los Angeles, CFS
"Agreed." Cosmo inclined her head slightly and grinned. "I'll look forward to hearing from you." The credstick disappeared into the folds of her longcoat between one blink of an eye and the next and even though she'd teased him earlier about cutting their meeting short, she slid off the barstool.
"Take care of yourself, Signor." She wiggled her eyebrows and was gone as quickly as she had come in, pausing in her headlong rush toward Chanel only long enough to bring the three boxes around to Ilia. She barely saw the hundred nuyen tip she pressed into his hands.
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17:30 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - coming up to the tag end of yet another too long day in Auburn
"Stop, thief!"
Nothing she could do would cause that infernal racket to stop. She thought for a moment about opening the car door and just bolting, but that would almost be worse, in an already bad situation. No, never mind that she'd gotten to the parked vehicle without being noticed, the fact that she'd already misread the alarm wiring and the car's automated GPS tracking beacon kind of nullified that. There wasn't really all that much to do but to yank the wires, haul rubber, and hope for the best.
The best had decided to go on holiday. Somewhere behind her she could hear oncoming gunfire ...
End sim.With a sigh she pulled away the wire and ejected the Grand Theft Auto X sim-"game" she'd been loaned by Black Tony; prepared to take out some focused frustration at the shooting range. She was getting very tired of dying.
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17:41:04 Wednesday 03 January 2063 - Tenmou's doss, Issaquath, Renton
Tenmou once again slid into his form-fitting body armor, preparing for his meet. Putting on a clean shirt and jeans, he mentally recited the address for the meet.
"10441 Pacific Court Way, Suite 302," he muttered to himself repeatedly.
He grabbed a tired old duffle bag from his bedroom closet to stash his swords and his SCK submachinegun, since he wasn't about to go on this escort unprepared. Ensuring the safety was on and the chamber was empty, he put the gun into the bag and zipped it closed.
"Time to go to work ..."
Tenmou lifted his jacket from its peg near the door and threw it on as he stepped out the door to catch a cab to the meet location.
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17:53:40 Wednesday 03 January 2063 - 10441 Pacific Court Way
10441 Pacific Court Way turns out to be a large four-storey office building, housing a number of different businesses. Ordinarily, the end of the business day would bring a close to the building's activities, but on this night a solitary individual waits outside the glass doors of the lobby. His expression doesn't change as Tenmou steps out of the cab. He holds the door.
"They're waiting for you upstairs."
The halls of the building are oddly deserted, not even cleaning drones making their rounds. Tenmou takes the stairs up to the third floor, glancing at the information plaque on the wall before turning left down the corridor. He knocks once on the door marked 302 before entering.
The room reveals itself to be a small conference room, with an oval table and half a dozen chairs. Three people are present in the room. The first, an older Japanese businessman, stands as Tenmou enters. He smooths his hands down the front of his suit, preparing to speak. The young girl next to him remains seated, her eyes downcast. The last figure remains unmoving, stationed in the back corner with a clear line of fire across the entire room.
"Please, come in and sit down, we have business to discuss. You may call me Mr. Omura. It is not overly complex, this task that I require of you. My niece has an appointment at 905 West Park Ave in Tacoma tomorrow at 1400. Pick her up at 1330, take her to the appointment, and bring her back to her apartment safely. Simple escort duty like this is worth three thousand nuyen, half up front."
Omura withdraws a certified credstick from his jacket pocket and lays it on the table in front of him.
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17:56:24 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - 10441 Pacific Court Way
Tenmou absorbs the information as Mr. Omura relays it. "I am to escort your niece from this building to her appointment and return her here? How am I to address your niece for the duration of my employ, Omura-san?"
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17:56:51 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - 10441 Pacific Court Way
Mr. Omura shakes his head once, a sharp gesture.
"Pardon, no. Please pick my niece up at her apartment, 6461 Woolfes Lane, and return her there when the appointment is over. For the duration, you may call her Miss Omura."
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17:57:07 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - 10441 Pacific Court Way
Tenmou orally recites his checklist.
"Pick up Miss Omura at 1330 at 6461 Woolfes Lane, take her to her 1400 appointment at 905 West Park Ave in Tacoma and return her to her apartment."
Lifting the credstick from the desk, he stands and bows to Mr. Omura. "Is there anything else, Omura-san?"
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17:57:52 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - 10441 Pacific Court Way
Omura stands and bows as well.
"Not at this time. Arigato."
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17:58:11 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - 10441 Pacific Court Way
Tenmou looks at Miss Omura and lightly bows.
"I will see you tomorrow, Miss Omura."
Turning to his employer, Tenmou says "Arigatau, Mr Omura," before turning and leaving the conference room, heading back the way he came.
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18:03:30 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - 10441 Pacific Court Way
Downstairs, the anonymous bodyguard holds the door for Tenmou again, stepping inside before closing it this time.
"Have a good evening, sir."
In the short time the meeting required, it has begun to rain, a hazy mist descending across the metroplex. A taxi idles at the curb.
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18:05:49 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - 10441 Pacific Court Way
Tenmou nods a quick thanks to the bodyguard before hunching over and hurrying to the cab waiting for him.
He quickly steps into the cab and gives the cabbie an address not far from his place of residence.
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Her head was still spinning more than six hours later when she'd finally made her way back to her little apartment, a garment bag slung carefully over her arm. Cosmo thought back to the veritable storm of shopping she'd just put herself through (with still more "work" to finish up in the morning) and couldn't help but laugh. The personal shopper she'd hired for today and tomorrow was earning her pay, doing a fabulous job of bringing the best that the City of Angels had to offer. She had a suite at the Argyle for crying out loud, enough new accessories to sink a battleship, and all those lovely new clothes strewn haphazardly over every surface in the sitting room made her seriously reconsider her plans for the evening.
Well, she reconsidered for half a second and chuckled, discarding the idea just as quickly.
"No," she whispered, settling a few items beside the vanity mirror. There was no way she was going to pass up on 'dinner and a movie' ...
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18:25:03 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Riverwalk Apartment Complex, Los Angeles, CFS
Sliding past the security with the same ease as before, Caska makes his way to Cosmo's door. Knocking twice, he stands to the side again, listening to the soft footfalls from within. This time, he holds a single orchid in front of the peephole.
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18:25:11 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Riverwalk Apartment Complex, Los Angeles, CFS
Cosmo had been fiddling with her hair for a solid ten minutes before she heard a familiar (insistent) knock on her door. Laughing softly as she spied the single bloom, she tied off the long silky robe that was still settling about her and opened the door. The one eyebrow that arched so severely at his earliness in arriving was wholly at odds with the deep dimples that peeked out of her cheeks. Clearly, she was glad to see him.
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18:27:43 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Riverwalk Apartment Complex, Los Angeles, CFS
Caska smiles, a mixture of genuine pleasure and predatory hunger.
"Perhaps I should come ten minutes early next time?"
He steps inside, closing the door behind him and leaning against it. He's dressed a little more casually this time: a dark gray long coat over a black Vashon Island Actioneer suit. Only the electric blue of his shirt sets off the severity of the outfit. A heavy pistol is tucked in a holster behind his right hip.
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18:28:07 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Riverwalk Apartment Complex, Los Angeles, CFS
"You could, I suppose," she laughed softly, her eyes raking him from head to toe and then back up again. "But I don't know how well we'd do at leaving on time ..."
Accepting the single orchid, Cosmo sniffed appreciatively, smiling warmly as she set the bloom in with the small bouquet from last time. She disappeared down the hallway to her bedroom with nothing more than a lustful glance over one shoulder but didn't really expect to be followed.
It took less than half a second to decide between the three sets of clothing laid out across her bed and barely more than a minute for her to slip into the tailored slacks and a stylish jeweled top that was nearly the same hue as her skin. She'd dusted her chest, neck, and arms with more of the subtle shimmering powder and left her hair falling loose, concealing a pair of long platinum earrings.
Cosmo retrieved a black cashmere trench from the closet and leaned casually against the doorjamb, lofting an eyebrow.
"You were interested in leaving on time, weren't you?"
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18:28:25 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Leaving Riverwalk Apartment Complex, Los Angeles, CFS
Caska smiles, stepping close to Cosmo, his body centimeters away. Slowly, he reaches past her, his eyes fixed on hers, his breath warm on her cheek, before opening the door. The moment stretches, until Cosmo turns and slips out the doorway.
The sleek gray sports car awaits the pair, and Caska once more hands her in to the passenger seat. As he takes the street again, she lets her fingertips trail across his thigh.
"Still not going to tell me where we're going?"
He shrugs in an offhand manner. "To the drive-in, like you asked."
Cosmo chuckles throatily. "You are such a liar."
The ride lasts half as long as last time, and Cosmo does entertain a moment of doubt when the car comes to a stop. The buildings are stooped and worn, the street narrow and strewn with trash and broken auto carcasses. Figures twitch in the shadows, scavengers sensing the arrival of predators. Caska offers his arm, smiling as Cosmo slips her right through his left, and he leads her down the block to an old style theater. The worn marquée is empty, most of the light strips burned out or torn down. Cosmo glances at her date as he holds the door, wondering if, perhaps, this is some kind of joke.
At total odds with the exterior of the building, the lush interior remains intact. The black and white tiled floor gleams beneath old-fashioned incandescent bulbs, and a brace of meter tall brass stanchions support braided red velvet ropes. Behind the counter stands an older Chinese gentleman, owlish eyes blinking slowly behind oversized spectacles. Caska produces two tickets, which the man accepts with a smile, tearing each in half and giving the stubs back.
"Popcorn?"
The surreality of it all brings a dimple to Cosmo's cheek, and she nods.
"A large and two cokes." Caska drops a stack of bills onto the counter as the old man fills a liter tub with popcorn and drowns it in salt and butter sauce. Caska hands Cosmo her drink, cradles the tub of popcorn in the crook of his arm, and indicates the curtained entrance with a nod of his head.
"Shall we?"
"By all means," murmurs Cosmo, intrigued. The theater is a picture of the past: row upon row of red velvet seats standing ready, while the balconies overhead still wear their ornate crowns of gold leaf. Murals depicting scenes from all eras of the theater crowd the ceiling overhead. Except for the two of them, the theater is completely empty. Caska walks them down the center aisle until they're halfway down, before moving in six chairs. The moment they're settled, the house lights dim and the curtain raises. The screen flickers, and the music rises, hauntingly familiar. It all hits home when the first words superimpose themselves on the screen, and the solemn voice begins to read:
With the coming of the Second World War, many eyes in imprisoned Europe turned hopefully or desperately toward the freedom of the Americas. Lisbon became the great embarkation point. But not everybody could get to Lisbon directly ...
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18:53:48 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - A Restored Theatre, Los Angeles, CFS
... and so a torturous, round-about refugee trail sprang up. Paris to Marseilles, across the Mediterranean to Oran, then by train or auto or foot across the rim of Africa to Casablanca in French Morocco.
She was certain that her heart had stopped once the music started, her eyes widening in astonishment as one of her all-time favorites presented itself on the screen. The breath she forced herself to take was more of a soft gasp and Cosmo knew, without knowing, that she was being observed. Rather than trying to seem indifferent to the obvious thought put into their date, or even just casually nonchalant, she half-turned in her seat and smiled up at Caska. Her fingers, still cool from their short time outside, caressed the side of his face for a second, playing across a rigid, sculpted jaw even as she leaned forward to place a feathersoft kiss near the corner of his mouth.
"Thank you," she whispered simply before turning back toward the screen.
Here the fortunate ones through money or influence or luck might obtain exit visas and scurry to Lisbon, and from Lisbon to the New World. But the others wait in Casablanca, and wait and wait and wait.
Cosmo sat up a little straighter in the overstuffed velvet seat, immediately drawn into the casual elegance of 'Rick's Cafe.' Her world faded to black and white ...
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19:36:11 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Chan's Theatre, Los Angeles, CFS
The music for the ending credits continues to play as the house lights come up, and Caska stretches, a soft smile on his face. He glanced sideways at Cosmo, tilting his head to one side. It was a simpler joy that filled her eyes now, something that had an almost magical quality to it. "What do you think? Did Rick make the right decision after all?"
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19:36:54 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Chan's Theatre, Los Angeles, CFS
Cosmo turned in her seat again, her eyes liquid with tears she couldn't quite bring herself to shed. She was beyond happy, but she felt a always felt a pang of sympathy for Rick, the poor, cynical man that had come so far in such a short time.
"My youngest brother and I," she began softly, "used to sneak away from home to watch movies like this. Even after the show was over, we'd sit in the theatre and argue for hours over what we'd seen. I didn't learn until years later that he'd never actually enjoyed the movies; he couldn't leave enough of himself behind to understand ... It was always the debate afterwards that he looked forward to."
Her smile was soft, warm, and beyond everything else, inviting as she looked up at him. Finally, she gave a slight nod.
"I think Rick did the right thing, yes, but it must have torn him apart."
"Tell me, Caska, did you like the movie?"
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19:37:08 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Chan's Theatre, Los Angeles, CFS
Caska cradles Cosmo's cheek in his hand, running his thumb softly across the graceful sweep of her cheekbone. She can feel the warmth of his flesh as well as the cool rigid interface of his smartgun link just beneath the dermis. She is struck by his eyes and how different was Byron's dark, brooding, intoxicating gaze. Caska's eyes are matte shutters, armor for a mind and soul that refuse to let her see more than what is designed to be revealed. For her, it is no less alluring and no less powerful.
"I like that you like it," he says simply. Standing, he offers his hand again.
"Shall we to dinner?"
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19:37:26 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Chan's Theatre, Los Angeles, CFS
Drawing a deep breath, Cosmo placed a fleeting kiss across his hand before she leaned back in her seat for a second to take one last longing look around the restored theatre. Her expressive eyes turning dreamy as she imagined what it might have been like to have visited this place in all its glory. She would have been glamorous in ivory satin and diamonds and By -- ... Caska would have left a trail of broken hearts in his wake in his immaculate white tuxedo. Her fingers brush lightly across the inside of his palm as she rises to stand beside him, wondering what he'd do if she asked him to dance with her ....
He would, of course, but it wouldn't be because he wanted to. The man has an agenda and dancing, if it's even on there, isn't slotted until later.
She sighed softly and smiled, silently cursing the darkly intense gaze that had affected her more deeply than she'd guessed.
"Let's."
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19:40:08 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Chan's Theatre, Los Angeles, CFS
Caska leads Cosmo out of the theater, stopping only to bow to the old Chinaman. The Shadow is waiting for him exactly where he parked it two hours earlier. He hands her into the passenger seat, pausing to glance down the alleyway at something before closing the door and moving around to the driver's side.
The drive is short, only fifteen minutes, down to the outskirts of Chinatown. Surprisingly, Caska parks roadside by a small noodlehouse, its only advertisement a hand-lettered sign lit by a single overhead flood. He holds the door for her, and the delicious aroma of spring onions and watercress wafts out around them. The restaurant is only large enough for a dozen square tables, each draped with a worn but immaculately clean white tableclothes. A young Chinese girl, she can't be more than ten or twelve, approaches the couple with a pair of menus in her hands.
"Won sang hau," Caska bows his head to her, indicating a table against the wall with his left hand.
"Ching, shr shr!" the girl replies, smiling broadly. Her father exits the kitchen when he hears voices, the narrow set to his face broadening into a toothy smile when he recognizes Caska. He acknowledges the owner with a nod of his head, and a smile. The older Chinaman pulls his daughter back into the kitchen to give them a moment to peruse the menu.
"Wei is an old friend and a wizard in the kitchen," explains Caska. "If it's on the menu, it'll be the best you've ever tasted. If it isn't, he can probably make it for you."
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19:56:17 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Wei's Noodle House, Los Angeles, CFS
Cosmo smiled charmingly at Wei and his daughter as they disappeared into the rear of the restaurant, her eyes twinkling with bemusement.
"Caska, you never cease to amaze me. This place is lovely."
The memory of what was down the alley in front of Chan's loomed in her mind for a second but she quickly moved it to one side; at least there hadn't been much blood by the car ...
"So," she chuckled, arching an eyebrow as she glanced at him over the top of her menu. "What do you think you'll have tonight?"
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19:56:53 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Wei's Noodle House, Los Angeles, CFS
"Well I plan on having you for dessert. But for dinner I was going to get casu bau and then number thirty-five: noodles with spicy pork." Caska doesn't look up from his perusal of the menu, his voice casually off-hand.
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19:57:03 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Wei's Noodle House, Los Angeles, CFS
Cosmo rolled her eyes dramatically, very nearly throwing her napkin at him. She contemplated making funny faces at Caska until he looked up but figured he'd just ask if she was feeling all right and offer to order a cup of herbal tea.
He would, too, she thought, a dimple peeking out of one cheek.
"Wei seems like a nice man but I'm not so sure he'd appreciate me climbing onto his table, and in front of his young daughter, no less. Maybe the steamed sponge cake? And you're right; thirty-five sounds excellent. I think I'm in the mood for Empress chicken .. but it's been ages since my last taste of Xang Su Ya. Any suggestions?"
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19:57:32 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Wei's Noodle House, Los Angeles, CFS
Caska laughs.
"That may be, but there's a nice counter in the restroom. As for dinner, I'd recommend forty-four, the duck. It's exquisite."
He folds his hands on the table, resting his weight on them, and watches her.
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19:57:58 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Wei's Noodle House, Los Angeles, CFS
She grinned and nodded slightly, setting her menu aside as well.
"Forty-four, then. Excellent."
Cosmo folds her hands in a gesture nearly identical to his, her head tilted slightly to one side as she regards him quizzically.
"A franc for your thoughts?"
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19:58:11 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Wei's Noodle House, Los Angeles, CFS
Caska smiles, glancing back over his shoulder at Wei. The owner nods and comes forward, listening intently as Caska orders for both of them. He bows and disappears back into the kitchen.
Caska turns back to Cosmo, a soft smile on his face.
"My thoughts? I think Rick should have taken Ilsa. I think Captain Renault should have had Major Strasser shot the moment he got off the plane. And I think Rick's was a much better bar than the Blue Parrot."
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19:59:32 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Wei's Noodle House, Los Angeles, CFS
"Rick's was a much nicer bar than the Blue Parrot and yes, the Major should have been shot much earlier. Blaine wouldn't have been as much the hero if he hadn't done it himself, though."
Cosmo smiled softly and continued. "I think Rick knew that Ilsa wasn't for him any more," she said simply, "even though she would have stayed with him. Why do you think he should have taken her?"
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20:00:03 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Wei's Noodle House, Los Angeles, CFS
"Because he could. Because power, if not exercised, is wasted. That's part of what attracted Ilsa to him in the first place. If we knew more about Laszlo, I'm sure it would be the same. Power is the ultimate aphrodesiac."
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20:00:19 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Wei's Noodle House, Los Angeles, CFS
Cosmo's eyes darkened somewhat as she eyed him rather frankly although her voice remained a silken caress.
"It can be." Is that what you like, Caska? "Why would Ilsa have stayed with Rick, then, since Laszlo clearly had more influence?"
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20:00:52 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Wei's Noodle House, Los Angeles, CFS
Caska shrugged.
"Laszlo was a known quantity, though, unswerving in his opposition to the Reich. Which takes conviction and a certain amount of courage. But Rick has that dangerous unknown quality, that mystery when combined with the kind of strength and willpower he displayed would be intoxicating to a woman like Ilsa."
He might have said more, but was interrupted by Wei and the plate of casu bau. He offers Cosmo one of the stuffed, steamed buns.
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20:01:23 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Wei's Noodle House, Los Angeles, CFS
"All right, I'll bite."
Cosmo half-smiled, accepting a share of the casu bau. She left it on her plate to cool for a bit but gave Caska a few seconds to settle in with the food.
"What kind of woman was Ilsa?"
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20:01:49 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Wei's Noodle House, Los Angeles, CFS
"Yes, and from what I remember, you scratch, too." Caska takes a bite from the steamed pastry, leering at Cosmo. He chews thoughtfully for a minute.
"Ilsa is archetypal, she's a beautiful, dangerous woman. She's like Helen of Troy; a woman men will die for, a woman men will kill for."
Caska's gaze is level and penetrating, and Cosmo knows he's not just referring to a fictional movie character.
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20:02:18 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Wei's Noodle House, Los Angeles, CFS
Cosmo laughed throatily, murmuring something about chipping her nailpolish on him while carefully appraising her flawless manicure. She didn't look up right away, though. A small, mysterious smile played across her lips as she sat there, her creamy skin all but shimmering in the softly lit dining room.
"A woman these powerful men can't resist no matter how hard they try?"
The full force of her vivid green gaze rises in challenge, virtually daring Caska to prove her wrong. The soft creature of a few moments before had all but melted away, leaving in her wake a huntress that radiated sex and barely-contained animal aggression. Somehow, I don't think Laszlo counted on Ilsa being a killer, she thought, her lip curling in what might have passed for a smile, were she the animal she resembled.
"Tell me, Caska. What would Rick have done with Ilsa if he'd decided to keep her? How long do you think it would have lasted?"
Cosmo winked, a dimple peeking out of one cheek. The predator had vanished as quickly as she'd shown herself, leaving nothing but a deceptively soft creature sitting across the table, her cheek resting casually against her open palm. Yes, she was very dangerous.
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20:02:53 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Wei's Noodle House, Los Angeles, CFS
"It would have lasted as long as Rick was careful. As long as he didn't make a mistake." Caska finished his casu bau casually, his right hand returning to the tabletop without drawing the weapon it had sought when the animal was threatened. More than one predator sat at this table.
"As for what Rick would have done with Ilsa ..." Caska's smile wasn't wicked as much as evil.
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20:03:24 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Wei's Noodle House, Los Angeles, CFS
Cosmo laughed out loud at that grin, completely unfazed by the menacing cast of his features or the fact that he'd almost drawn a weapon at the dinner table.
"Mmm, you'll tell me later, I hope," she chuckled, popping a bit of the soft roll between her lips, looking for all the world like she'd much rather be devouring him instead.
"Now what sort of mistake are we talking about?"
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20:03:36 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Wei's Noodle House, Los Angeles, CFS
"Making the mistake of forgetting, first and foremost, how dangerous a thing a woman is." Caska's smile faded to his usual wicked leer, the flat gaze of his cybereyes unwavering. Once more he folded his arms on the table, watching Cosmo. It reminded her of the first night they met, how relaxed he'd seemed until she'd touched him and felt the vicious energies coursing through him.
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20:05:17 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Wei's Noodle House, Los Angeles, CFS
Her smile was light as she devoted a bit of attention to the marvelously prepared casu bau. If Caska was so intent on watching her, she saw no harm in obliging him for a little while. She would have done almost anything to know what he was really thinking, though. A few minutes pass in silence before Cosmo sets her plate aside, quirks a little smile, and reaches high overhead, stretching langourously. She looks up at her linked hands, presenting him with the smooth length of her throat, an invitation she knew he'd resist.
"And Ilsa? What would happen when she made her first mistake?"
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20:05:37 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Wei's Noodle House, Los Angeles, CFS
Caska shrugged, watching the play of muscles as Cosmo moved.
"Ilsa? Depends on what she wanted out of the game. She was in a win-win situation, either man she ended up with would have taken care of her."
Wei choses that moment to arrive with food, the large steaming bowls of noodles and broth delivered with speed to the table. Caska nods his thanks and the slim Chinaman once again slips into the kitchen, leaving them alone. Picking up his chopsticks, Caska stirs the noodles around before snapping up a slice of pork.
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20:06:40 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Wei's Noodle House, Los Angeles, CFS
Cosmo took a second to roll out her neck before she smiled up at the Chinaman, thanking him warmly as he set the plate of crisp duck in front of her. She wielded her chopsticks with the sort of grace that can only come from hours upon hours of practice, that, or one of the greatest Etiquette instructors in the sixth world ...
"Ilsa was too soft," she agreed, sighing blissfully over the contrast between the sweet softness of the steamed duck meat and its crunchy skin; the spice that was perfectly balanced by julienned cucumber.
"She needed to be cared for." Some women don't.
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20:08:19 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Wei's Noodle House, Los Angeles, CFS
Several minutes pass while the two of them eat in relative silence.
"That's true, Ilsa was the kind of girl who needed to be taken care of. There are those who want to be taken care of, though."
Caska has known from the beginning that Cosmo isn't one who needs someone to take care of her. That wasn't really the point of the game anyway.
"It's a delicate balance to strike, between soft and hard."
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20:10:38 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Wei's Noodle House, Los Angeles, CFS
Got it in one.
Cosmo arched an eyebrow and smiled, clearly impressed by his deduction. She cleaned out her bowl and set it to one side, resting her chin on the backs of her hands as she appraised him, her eyes twinkling with undisguised curiosity.
"And you? How do you find this balance?"
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20:11:24 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Wei's Noodle House, Los Angeles, CFS
"Usually I find someone else to be soft for me." Caska finished his noodles with a quick, economic gesture. "Life for me is not about hard or soft. It is war. The fast, the strong, the smart survive. Anything else will fall by the wayside."
His voice drops again, from the lilting insouciance that's marked the conversation so far, to the gravelly rasp that Cosmo associates with his moods of introspection.
"There are those that believe in balance, that a person must have equal parts of everything to find themselves in harmony. There is no harmony in this world. Existence is war. Power is the currency. And death is the reward. Everything else is a fantasy."
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20:13:53 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Wei's Noodle House, Los Angeles, CFS
Existence is war? Women are dangerous things? Death is the reward?
Cosmo tilted her head to one side, respecting that introspective tone even if she didn't necessarily agree with Caska's opinions. It was a dark world, yes, but having a bit of balance in her life was one of the only things that let her hold on to her humanity ...
that's what it is, isn't it?
She sighed softly and looked into icy blue eyes that were as inert as the bangles around her wrist, eyes that would never show what was not planned. A smile ghosted about her lips but did not grow as she was haunted by a dark soulful gaze.
"Why live at all, then, if survival is all there is to look forward to? What about quality? Contentment?" Dare I ask about happiness?
Was he just keeping her around to be 'soft' for him?
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20:14:40 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Wei's Noodle House, Los Angeles, CFS
"Jung said, 'the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light of meaning in the darkness of mere being.' Life, even in war, has meaning. No one will remember my life when I am gone, but I will know. And those who see me know that I live my life with purpose. Not haphazardly or accidentally, not floating through or getting by, but imposing my terms upon this existence."
This time, Caska's voice draws aside the steel curtain riveted around his existence, and Cosmo can see a sliver of the will and the strength that burns inside him like a plasma torch.
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20:16:38 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Wei's Noodle House, Los Angeles, CFS
Cosmo blinked, which for her was the equivalent to dropping her jaw in wide-eyed astonishment. Had he shown her that face when the two of them were alone, she ... no, it was best not to think of that. Her fingers already itched to touch him, to tap into that current of torrential energy and feel it wash over her. He was intoxicating, without question, and seeing that level of conviction displayed at all, much less in someone that seemed so cool, was beyond fascinating.
Ilsa was a damned fool.
She smiled, slowly at first but with a quiet intensity that grew from one second to the next. It wasn't the charming, seductive smile that had become her hallmark or even the playful dimple she often used to keep men off their guard; there was nothing even remotely pretty about the lush curve of her lips, but then the heat that ran through her wasn't all that pretty either. Cosmo followed his train of thought and took it a step further, glancing meaningfully from her empty bowl to his own. She raised one eyebrow in wordless question.
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20:17:04 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Wei's Noodle House, Los Angeles, CFS
Standing, Caska offered his hand to Cosmo, reradiating the heat of desire. He swept his glance across the restaurant, nodding to Wei in thanks. Payment for this evening had already been made. A window opened in his vision, remoting the sensor feed from the Condor II orbiting overhead. A single line of text appeared across the bottom of the image: Clear. Handing Cosmo into his car, he opened up his headware comm interface.
Heading to my place, keep eyes on, ground combat element released once we've arrived, rendezvous tomorrow 1400.
Engine snarling, the Shadow accelerated down the street into the darkness. The drive was short, twenty minutes of primary arteries through central Los Angeles to a modest residential neighborhood consisting mostly of four- and five-storey apartment complexes. The driveway they pulled into belonged to the Camino Del Sur Condominium Homes. Caska slotted his passcard, waiting for the heavy gate to scroll back before negotiating the slight ramp down into the parking garage. Cosmo noted the security cameras scanning the entrance to the garage, set up to catch only the license plate of vehicles entering and not the driver's face. Caska's parking spot is well chosen, affording three different routes to the two exits from the garage while being out of direct sight of the casual passerby on the street.
As he closed the door of the car behind her and moved them towards the bank of elevators in the center of the parking garage, Caska placed his left hand at the small of Cosmo's back, a simple gesture of control and possession that only fueled the fires burning inside of her. It was hard to decide who moved first when the elevator doors closed, bodies came together in a rush, mouths hungry for each other.
Caska broke away when the elevator chimed to a halt on the third floor, clearing the hallway before leading Cosmo down to the condo marked 3D. The door opened to his passcard and entrance code. Her practiced eyes noticed that his lock was different from the others, featuring a passive fingerprint scanner built into the keypad. So, not just another safehouse, but his home, she mused, the hunger of her curiosity warring with another, more basic, desire. Investigation can wait until later, she decides, reaching for Caska as he closed the door behind them.
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20:40:16 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Camino Del Sur Condominium Homes, Los Angeles, CFS
Cosmo grinned, her teeth flashing white in an otherwise black room. However many things she could say about Caska, there was no denying that she was drawn to him. Spirits above and below, was she ever drawn to him. Clothing ripped. Teeth pulled at flesh with little restraint. Fire leapt into her eyes as tiny crystal beads sprayed from her tattered shirt, bouncing across the floor before they finally settled. Her knees threatened to give out at his low, gravelly laugh. Strength fought strength; skill fought skill, and Cosmo knew that her will was nothing compared to the power he radiated.
It was a difficult balance to strike. Poised between the prospects of gentle yielding and complete and utter surrender, Cosmo felt as though she danced on a razor's edge, flirting with the dangerous prospect of losing herself to caresses that demanded more than she'd ever wanted to give. A low growl slipped from between her lips as she strained against him, her lithe body twisting at the last moment to gain a little extra leverage only to find the move skillfully reversed. Suddenly she was beneath him, her back pressed firmly against a soft mattress as the last of her clothing was torn away. Her eyes widened for a second, alight with challenge before they half-closed. A long slow breath escaped her as she stared up at Caska, noting the rigid set of his jaw, all the planes and angles of his face ... the sheer animal beauty of him. Something inside her tore away in that moment. She knew what he wanted from her; what he'd wanted from her the night they met.
"To hell with it," she breathed, her voice so soft she could barely hear it herself. A small smile played about her lips as her eyes finally drifted shut.
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21:32:49 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Camino Del Sur Condominium Homes, Los Angeles, CFS
Wind hammered against the bedroom window, and the air in the apartment was chill and dark. A single strip of red LEDs lit the room, enough light for a normal human to navigate by, but almost as good as daylight for the enhanced predators curled beneath the covers on the bed. Caska slid his hand across the smooth curves of Cosmo's skin.
"Tell me something true, again," he whispered.
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21:33:11 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Camino Del Sur Condominium Homes, Los Angeles, CFS
Cosmo smiled softly as she looked down at him, her face, still damp with a sheen of sweat, mere centimeters from his. Long waves of silky blonde hair tickled his ribs as she shifted downwards, trailing light kisses across the claw marks she'd given him two nights earlier. She was very nearly purring; his hands hadn't left her from the second the door closed behind them.
"Mmm," she shook her head, playfully nipping at his chest. "You first."
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21:35:26 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Camino Del Sur Condominium Homes, Los Angeles, CFS
Caska was quiet for a moment, his eyes distant. His hands continued to move against her skin, though, gentle but demanding. The latent strength in his body now was relaxed, resting.
"I killed five men when I was thirteen years old. They were my first. That was fourteen years ago. I couldn't tell you how many lives I've taken since then. I've sold pieces of my body, replacing them with titanium and polymer, FRCs and fiber optics. I've trained for years with weapons, explosives, vehicles. I have cut away everything that could be used against me by an adversary."
Again, his voice drops, gravelly. Cosmo feels him close, though. This is the truest he's ever spoken to her.
"If I ask you to stay with me, you'll be in danger. I know that doesn't mean much to you. You've been trained as I have. But I'd like you to stay."
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21:36:57 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Camino Del Sur Condominium Homes, Los Angeles, CFS
She felt his words more than she heard them; the roughness in his voice, the brief statements he made ... and didn't make, all resonated within her. The largest part of her success with people stemmed from feeling what they were about and as much as emotion could be a liability in their particular profession, for her, it was everything. Cosmo had held on to enough of herself to see that there was still music and beauty in an otherwise dark world, so long as one was willing to look for it and make it their own.
The smile that played across her lips was soft, almost sweet, despite the seriousness of the moment, and rather than recoiling from him as another woman might have, Cosmo wrapped her arms about Caska, hugging herself to him. She was quiet for a long time though her eyes, dancing with emotion, never left his.
"It means a great deal to me, Caska, because I know you'd keep me out of trouble if you could; I would do the same, if I could."
She took a deep breath and paused, considering how to proceed.
"There are ... things, about me, that I don't know; parts of myself that I'm still learning. I have dreams, waking and asleep, of the person I might have been but no matter how hard I try, I can't credit them as true. I can't deny them either." Cosmo shivered, remembering dark speckles across her pale skin, the metallic tang of Version's blood on her lips as she felt his life slip away ...
"I don't know what's after me or why I was brought back, but I do know why I'm here tonight. I'd like to stay, if you'll have me."
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21:39:04 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Camino Del Sur Condominium Homes, Los Angeles, CFS
I've never wanted anything more in my life. Caska brushes his fingertips across Cosmo's cheek, silent for the moment. It wasn't a question she asked, but he would give her an answer in any case. She was magical, this creature of soft beauty nestled next to him. She inspired passion in him, something he was unused to, as well as something resembling tenderness, an emotion he long thought dead. Parallel, but at complete opposite purposes, were other, more wicked thoughts. He'd felt her surrender to him, the arch of her back as she bared her throat, the moment in her eyes when his will supplanted hers. He exulted in it, savage glee racing through him.
His was a combat mind, though, used to assimilating information quickly, sorting useful from extraneous, weighing the options, and executing a plan. His indecision did not last long.
"Tonight, then. Stay with me tonight."
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21:41:42 Wednesday, 03 January, 2063 - Camino Del Sur Condominium Homes, Los Angeles, CFS
Cosmo nodded, just once, her features radiant even in the wash of red lighting. She'd seen it, really and truly seen Caska soften toward her, even if it was only for a second; something about the mouth, the way he caressed her cheek ...
"Tonight," she whispered, unsure and uncaring of what tomorrow might bring. Soft, plush lips parted ever so slightly as she tilted her face toward him, curling into a slow, sweet smile as she felt a new fire kindling in him. She would be His ... tonight.
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... TO JANUARY 4