The rest of the museum tour was a bit anticlimactic after meeting another of Thotep's avatars, and learning that they aren't unbeatable. And that they can't get a foothold everywhere, specifically on Daltoona Station. Things end up in the Gift Shop, which is fairly expansive. The girls seem excited by all the stuff, but Gabriel is reserved and Tia has been quiet ever since Tasha rejoined the group.
Tasha, meanwhile, rummages through the gift shop. She , in particular, tries to see if there's a toy or model version of the avatar. "You're quiet," Tia hears as she does so, seemingly without a care in the world looking at knicknacks. At one point she picks up a crystal skull, frowns at it, and puts it back.
"I want to cause damage, and it is very frustrating," Tia replies. "Everything is nice here. All those people up there knew what they were getting into. I don't feel like destroying Samael though."
"I know the feeling. I may have seemed relatively calm, but that's only because I was weighing options against consequences. Our kids are here; we can't drag them in to a battle after bringing them in to 'enemy territory'. And we're right, Thotep is not our enemy right now. If we try and fight every great evil simultaneously we're unlikely to get anywhere but dead." Tasha picks up a few statues of the Vril'ya she knows of and the statue of the avatar if she can find it. "Was the avatar kind of hot?"
"Look for Apep," Tia suggests. "Egyptian god of chaos."
Gabriel shows Tasha a figurine of Thoth. "We can tease him with it when he gets back," he suggests.
"Can-do." Tasha finds it, grabs it, and adds it to her collection. "I'm ready! The cast is all gathered to perform on my shelf." And so she makes her way to checkout, but waits for everyone else before they depart. A posh place like this must have a checkput counter and a real person.
Apparently you just walk out the door. The items are tagged, and just get charged to the bracelets automatically. Even the canopic jars full of mummy fruit candies in the shape of internal organs.
"Do you think any of the others will get invitations?" Gabriel asks.
Tasha grabs one of those, too. Gabriel gets handed a bag full of gods to carry. "Oh, sure," she says, unwrapping a heart, "I don't think the avatar would dream of being petty now. We settled matters. Essentially, an avatar of Mr. Hooves is here, it thought we were here for it, and wanted to open a dialogue. At length, Tia and I decided not to on a rampage and obliterate a museum."
Pheeny shows of her plush Horus doll, and Whisper plays with her crocodile-headed Ammit god.. the 'Devourer of the Dead'. It doesn't look much like a dragon though.
"So anything useful come out of the meeting, besides your sudden appreciation of serpents?" Gabriel asks, looking through the collection of gods. "Jackal-headed one but no wolves.."
"Not a lot of wolves in that area I guess, unless the black skinned pointy-types are some sort of exotic fancywolf. As for usefulness we learned he's not on the station in any form. Not alot of wiggle room. He wasn't aware of their trade developments, Sam's apparently left the company, annnnd I suppose we have a truce riding on a lack of mutual aggression. We might be able to expect some assistance here and there." Tasha then beams at Pheeny and says, "You know, I've met him, Horus that is. Regrettably he's not as plush in person, though, you know, he probably should be."
"So, is it safe to say that Thotep is supportive of us messing with Daltoona and the Khomens?" Gabriel asks. "And how does Tia feel about that?" he asks Tasha, since Tia is still looking distracted.
"I think he's fine with it. More than fine, though I imagine he wouldn't admit it: chaos on Daltoona means chaos beyond, and he has no love for his competition on the orderly side of things. It is why he supported us in the first place, because we are 'on the side of chaos', or at least neutrality." And so Whisper this time gets patted on the head.
"As for Tia, it all runs afoul of her black-white instincts. She's come around to a more aggressive style of problem solving, so I imagine having a blatant problem right in front of her -- me -- that could be solved with the hammer of action is frustrating. I also tried to bargain to her her mother free of the conflict deadlock, but as it was related to us, the lock is not one-sided, and it is possible neither can disengage and neither may wish to, or be able to," Tasha says, as for Tia.
"Chaos seems to have an overwhelming advantage," Gabriel suggests. "But that's probably not enough, if you don't have as many playing pieces as the other side." He watches Tia. "Hmm, her relationship with her mother is complicated. I thought she was angry with her?"
"It's like you say: complicated. It's not really my place to explain, either. I know, but I don't feel right elaborating on her problems to others. Lets just say we both took some time to work out our individual problems in a team exercise before we left -- and no not that kind of team exercise. Quite the opposite." And so Tasha leans in and whispers, "I built a hell 'under' our home, for facing personal demons. I thought we could all use facing our problems head-on and using our suffering for our own ends and strength rather than wasting it in self destruction and inaction. It is a highly common problem for many of us and our allies."
"We do have a psychotherapist you know," Gabriel points out. "Still.. is that why Kai and Sam vanished for awhile? This sounds like their sort of project. I can't imagine Whisper was involved. And there's no way to accidentally get there by pressing the wrong button on the elevator or anything, is there?"
"I'm afraid for some problems suffering is required, and for some other problems, well, many of us are prone to monstrous rampages and we may need a place to let go -- or be restrained in -- now and then. It's not meant to replace Yue by any means, it's a special place for special problems, a place to suffer and heal." Tasha then shakes her head. "The entrance is warded and not easily found. We had the dragons, Kai, and Sam all ensure you can't just wander in, or sneak in, for that matter. It was one of my first concerns. Oh, and it's also a kind of combat arena, if you ever wanted to know how you'd square up against a dragon, or fight fight Tia with a cruiser, or ever worried what it might be like having to take me down for whatever reason." But she winks. "To save me, of course."
"I was never the violent sort of soldier," Gabriel claims. "It's why I was White Carded and had my rank. I don't know if modern Karnors need to get in touch with their wild side though. I can see the dragons needing to. Maybe Hakeber versus Katie.. wrestling naked."
"I'm sure Katie would eye you for that, not that I object to such a conflict." Tasha winks. "As for me, well, I was prone to a minor rampage before, and now I am both part dragon and part quite a lot else, including a horror I am keeping at bay for the most part, but it may rear up again. Seeing a problem in all of us, and that our suffering ws only being wasted, or used against us, I had an epiphany and decided to make it work for us. Luckily, I'm tired, and I had my moment down there, so I'm good for a while." Tasha pops a liver into her mouth. "So anyway, looks like we're okay here. When we're done, we can head off and get ready for the big day."
Once they reach the mainland again, Tasha's pad chirps. It's the distinctive chirp that Katherine uses.
Tasha steps aside, pulls out her pad, leans against a wall and... pulls out heart candy which she holds up to the camera port. "Hello, this is candy heart."
"Is that what Gabriel is calling you now?" Katie asks. "I've got something special line up for tomorrow. Do you know how to play softball?"
"Vaguely," Tasha says as the heart vanishes off screen, then vanishes again down her gullet. Katerine can see her squint in the manner of someone trying desperately to remember something. "Not my memory, but Nora's. Something about jumping and spikes?"
"Hitting balls with clubs and running," Katie says. "And also catching balls and throwing them to prevent people from scoring by running. It's a game of friendly competition, usually between community teams or businesses. We've been challenged by Lady K'tan'ya and her local team, if you're interested."
"I think I am. It's always good to network with people while swinging clubs. Really, it's like half my job, networking and swinging melee weaponry." Tasha grins. "I assume you are, too, or are you going to keep doing the good work?"
"I am competitive," Katie says. "And they serve special sorts of junk food at the game. Beer and pizza is the traditional celebratory meal as well. I can get us uniforms on short notice."
"I haven't played in thousands of years, but I don't think I've lost my edge yet," Gabriel says. "And we need a bowling alley in the base."
"I agree, a recreational building sounds like a great time," Tasha tells Gabriel before looking back to the screen. "Well consider me in. We can have the kids and Tia have fun at the youth park, while anyone who wnats to join us can go to the game."
"I want to see you play with balls!" Pheeny says. "It sounds more fun than fooling around with boys."
Tasha's face remains very neutral. "Then you can come and watch us, Pheeny! I'm sure there's somewhere to observe the game. And there will be food, which is extremely important."
"If there will be pizza then I'm in too," Tia says.
"Whisper will want to watch, it's a fun game to teach the Kobolds," Katherine promises.
"I don't know if the Vartans will be familiar, except maybe for Shojo," Gabriel says. "If we have the dragons we should have a full team."
"Then I suppose we have our team, then! Tell them we're on for tomorrow." Another anatomical piece of an unfortunate candy human falls away in to Tasha's inner furnace. "I'm curious who they'll field."
"I assume V'Brosh the Vartan," Katie says. "But mostly Khattans probably. Using Shojo would be cheating, but the Karnors are fine. Does Sharon have any sort of physical coordination?"
"She should know what I know, and she's had a lot of time to get in physical fitness, so I imagine she'll be okay. Hopefully. No worse than Vasha and Sasha, anyway." Tasha taps her head. "I did get around a bit before being four after all, in each."
"We can practice in the morning," Katie says. "I've got a field reserved! I expect you all to try your hardest without resorting to supernatural powers."
"I would never... " Tasha assures, grinning and tail wagging. "Besides, I imagine they're also there to get a better assessment of us, as I expect her fellows don't quite believe her and perhaps wish to network more. Or investigate. More."
"I'll call you in the morning with the details, don't plan on sleeping in!" Katie says, then disconnects.
"Why does Katie hate mornings," Tasha wonders aloud. "And when did I start thinking mornings were important? I used to sleep at any time, anywhere, any amount I could."
"I like mornings," Gabriel says, grinning and wagging his tail. "If Hakeber can get up, so can you."
"I'm rarely required in the morning. Is this because I'm associated with the sun, now?" Tasha pouts, but then pushes off. "Well, lets go have dinner, then we can take it easy for tomorrow."
The crew assembles on the field that Katie reserved, wearing their casual clothes until the uniforms are available. Gabriel goes over the rules and positions. "To start, I'm going to hit some balls into the outfield so you can practice catching and throwing," he says. Tasha gets first base, while Sasha is the shortstop. Sharon and Vasha are second and third base respectively, and Shojo is catching. Katie does stretches on the pitcher's mound. "So, everyone ready?"
"I can't decide if I want my ears inside or outside of my hat," Tasha replies, but she seems to decide on 'outside' a moment later. "There. Ready. Catch ball. Touch person."
Lacci is on the sidelines, along with Yue and Mressa. Katie lobs the ball, and Gabriel hits into right field, where Gwyndrael catches it and throws to Tasha.
Tasha holds her hand out to catch, but also spreads her wings to catch, giving her a extended catch-volume. It's hardly the first time a thrown object has hit her in the wings, after all.
"Glove only!" Gabriel calls as the ball comes in. Luckily Tasha catches it properly. Now she just has to throw it to Katie.
Tasha drops her wings, rolls her shoulders, and then tries to channel Nora's memories of throwing various balls and objects at people when she fling the thing at Katherine overhand -- and of course she's thrown her own share of objects at people.
Katie has to reach out to catch it. The practice goes on, so that every position and base gets some catching time. Then it's time to do batting practice! The dragons are naturally good, unsurprisingly, but Katie still gets a few past them. Sharon and Vasha do pretty well, although they don't quite make it to the outfield. Sasha does well, and Hakeber does surprisingly well, but probably played on a Knights Templar college team. And now Tasha is facing down Katie, who is tossing the ball up and down in anticipation. It's not quite an arena in hell, but Katie probably sees it as one.
Tasha is well acquainted with Katherine's competitive side, having been on, and under, it more than once. So, she takes this seriously, and hunkers down, bat up and ready. She may not be any kind of sports star, but she has a great deal of experience hitting things with weaponry, and a bat is wider than most close combat weapons she's used. She's not as strong as she was, but she is a bit faster. "Bring it on Silverstreak."
The first ball goes past Tasha's swing, and is caught by Shojo. "At least we're facing up along the curve," Gabriel says. "I've seen how things veer when they go off to the sides. But the curve-balls are because Katie is throwing them that way."
"It took Tia six tries to get a hit," Katie says, once she gets the ball back. "Should I go easy on you?" she teases.
"Not if you like not being on fire," Tasha says with a grin back. "I haven't gotten this far because I give up when I fail a few times. If I did that, I'd still be bossing animals around -- less than I do already!" She sticks out her tongue, and waits.
This time the bat connects solidly, sending the ball far out into left field where Sharon ends up running after it. Tasha felt it in her arms, but it wasn't bad. Katie whistles. "Much better, Candy Heart!"
"Hitting things really quite hard is one of my many skills, and angry spheres are no exception," Tasha says with pride, standing up and leaning on her bat, legs criss-crossing like some noble knight standing for a portrait.
"Don't get cocky!" Katie says, grinning. "But this is a good start. We won't be completely out-matched by the other team."
Tasha rolls her shoulders. "Losing can be a learning experience, too. Something you can grow by. That said, I don't intend to roll over!" Tasha looks around to see if anyone else wants a go with the bat. "Well I'm glad my field didn't block the ball, I had forgotten about that," she sends to Tia.
"The ball wasn't going to hit you," Tia notes. "The batting helmet extends past it anyway."
A flying delivery drone lands nearby, and Katie runs up to it to accept the order. Of uniforms! White shirts with black pants, and the Dark Horse chess knight prominent on the front and on the caps. "Each of your uniforms has your name on them," Katie calls out. "We can change in the locker room before the actual game starts."
"Good to know." Tasha dusts her hands off and returns to the bleachers, sitting down next to Pheeny and slinging an arm around her to give her a hug. "Auntie Katherine is very competitive," she explains. From there, she calls out, "How daring are our uniforms this time?"
"They're standard, I just chose the sizes, colors, names and logo," Katie says. "Did you expect crop-tops or something?"
"Cute skirts, crop tops," Tasha reports. She gets back up and hurries over to collect her uniform. "Maybe some glitter."
"Glitter has no place in proper sports," Katie claims haughtily. "That's for scripted wrestling."
"Hmm, shades of our future," Tasha laments. She grabs the container with her name, and because everyone here's seen her naked, just starts changing where she is, as the field has been rented out and she's not wearing much to begin with anyway.
"See, I told you that was normal," Whisper can be heard telling Pheeny. This leads to the others following suit, even Sharon. "If the other team were here, this would be intimidating to them I imagine," Gabriel says.
The uniforms fit a bit snuggly, and the crotches have impact-reactive sections, and the knees and elbows likewise have reinforcement. Even Pheeny and Whisper get special uniforms, so they can be bat-girls, whatever that is.
"Too bad Batty isn't here. Or is she." Tasha waggles her eyebrows as she fusses and adjusts her uniform. "There. How long until we engage the enemy?"
"That's them in the other dugout," Katie points out. "They've just been waiting on us."
"Oh well I guess I can consider public nudity a psychological weapon then," Tasha says with a grin. "Not that anyone around here minds. Anyway, let's ball play."
The team for The Body Electric had light-up uniforms. But other than that they were just a collection of Khattas and Humans, with their only real heavy hitter being V'Brosh, who regularly hit it out of the park. He was balanced by Gabriel, who also swung for the fences. Katie also had an edge in experience, and even Hakeber knew the game fairly well. But Katie always knew just who to send to bat. The Dark Horses had an edge in the running game, as their pitcher wasn't as skilled, but the other team was much better in the outfield. Vasha was the only Vartan on the Horses who played, but Lacci was very good at 'talking smack' from the bleachers. Tasha just managed to get to home plate before the ball to score the winning point. And it was just by one point! Still, it was enough to celebrate, and Katherine either forgot or was too caught up to remember that the coach had the something poured on top of them. In this case it was a few bottles of sparkling water that Hakeber made sure she got sprayed with - with two of them welded by Whisper and Pheeny so she couldn't get upset.
Tasha inwardly declares it a malicious and cunning stratagem to use her own daughter against her, but they won, everyone had fun, and she is willing to forgive -- this time. She also resists commenting on a water-plastered Hakeber, because they she'd have to explain mommy and women, and she's not ready for that yet. "Another victory, another day with my clothes ruined. How is everyone?"
Before anyone can really complain, they're suddenly joined by Lady K'tan'ya and V'Brosh. "Congratulations! The league here is a bit sparse, so it's always good to be evenly matched... at least when I visit." She flicks her ears at that last bit. "But since you have children with you, I moved the after party to The Enchanted Castle Pizza and Ice-Cream Parlor. But they still serve adult drinks!"
"Sounds good to me, can't have my Pheeny making sad faces because we didn't invite her. I got enough of that before leaving." Tasha distinctly remembers parting with Goldie. Her heart may never recover. "I should probably change and shower first, however. Though I'm sure some of our team don't mind."
The most remarkable thing about The Enchanted Castle Pizza and Ice-Cream Parlor is sound-proofing. Tasha knows of a few places on Sinai that use Shadow Magic to achieve the same effect, but in practice it means you only ever hear the people in your immediate area. This is useful since there is also an arcade, a play area and a stage populated by singing and dancing dragons and gryphons and unicorns.
Whisper and Pheeny are close to the stage to watch the show, leaving the adults at a long table. Pitchers of beer have been brought out, and various sorts of pizzas. Tia has claimed the one with the most toppings all to herself.
Tasha eyes Tia's pizza. "I see a new interest in abjected and ostentatious variety," she remarks, leaning over to have a look. For her part, her pizza is mostly meat and cheese, but there's also an 'artichoke heart' and a 'sardine' on it as well. The sardine is a shiny fish, which she appreciates, and the artichoke heart is green and not an actual heart piece as she had been hoping. To Lady K'tan'ya, she says, "I didn't take you for a beer and pizza sort, is that an acquired taste from having holdings on station, or have you always had a interest in old Terran cuisine?"
"Oh, this is a delicacy," the Khatta claims. "Like donuts. They don't have the fish ice-cream here though. It's hard to find food that is so clearly unhealthy outside of Terran establishments."
Tia's pizza has all sorts of meats and mushrooms and what might be bell-peppers and onions. On the menu it's called the Heartburn Special. And the expressions she makes while eating it are very sensual if not erotic.
"It may as well be illegal narcotics," Tasha agrees, smiling. She then tilts her head towards Gabriel. "Naturally, I picked up my Terran eating habits from my mate, my sister, and from the configuration of my face. You never realize how much culture assumption and focus you have attached to your face, but it's significant. For example if I had a Phin face, I'd be eating elsewhere." She winks.
Gabriel is fighting with a long string of cheese. He also has some sausages on the side. "I think Phins would enjoy the anchovies. Very few people can tolerate the saltiness. But the sea here has been stocked with them. Have you been to many Terran establishments then?"
"I find if you break up the anchovies and have it in correct amount it works well, just don't eat the whole thing, or your mouth will become salt. Just pure salt." Tasha has a bite, ears perked for their guest's answer.
"This is the only Terran station where my company has a presence," K'tan'ya says. "Most of their locations are planet-side colonies. Most Khattan business is restricted to orbital spaceports." She then leans in and whispers, "It's much easier to escape from a spaceport."
"Don't I know it," Tasha says, whispering back and grinning. "Have you ever tried flying in to space? Exhausting." She has another bit, swallows and says, "I believe some of our personnel are interested in your services, a few have a... affection for machinery."
"I notice your crew is into a sort of retro-chic," the feline says. "But our technique will work with modern devices that can emulate the old styles."
It's hard to imagine someone elegantly eating a pizza, but Lady K'tan'ya manages it. Mostly by using a fork and knife.
"They do enjoy their retro-chic. I myself run the gamut, as you can probably tell. Variety is the spice of my life and composition." Tasha looks around for Katherine, then waves her over. "Katie is interested, I believe. So is Sasha... Brother, where art thou?" She tries to find him as well.
They are further down the table, past Tia, but do notice the summons and come over. Katie remembers to carry her mug with her. "I think Tia is having an orgasm," Katie notes. "Maybe we should get more of whatever pizza she's having. Unless it's just a Human thing."
"Aww, she's just letting go for once. I don't think she's given herself a break in forever. Let her have her fun... And her infinite toppings. There is a pizza under all of those toppings, right?" Tasha squints down the way, then shakes her head. "Anyway, I think you've met but this is Katherine Vesuvius and my brother Sasha Argentine, they both have an interest in what you offer. Sharron may as well, but I'm less certain. And so, too, may I."
"I'm not a Mezzode," Sasha clarifies. "The resemblance is.. uh.. complicated. And I already have a Khatta girlfriend.. er.. I probably just stuck my foot in my mouth there, didn't I?"
K'tan'ya has one of those careful cultivated sort of laughs. "I think Tasha was talking about my business offerings. Embedded circuitry that allows for interfacing with varying levels of technology."
"Oh, I saw a Human with that," Katherine says with a smile. "Very shiny."
"No, I meant relationship offerings." Tasha can have a very neutral face when she wants to, hands folded very neatly; her tail flicks behind her like a hyperactive metronome however. "I believe Katherine would date technology if it were possible to date abstract conceptual technological dvevelopment."
"Technically I do date technology," Katie claims, and throws an arm around Tasha. "But passive cybernetic networks do interest me."
Tasha settles in to Katherine's arms and rests her head against her neck, though she does scootch her pizza closer as a canine anticipatory defense. "I actually have a Titan interface system embedded in my body, among other more proprietary works which I cannot discuss no matter how fascinating and intriguing they might be. Alas my Titan is displaced at the moment, so their current purpose is making resting my head slightly less comfortable."
"My goodness, I've never seen a Titan in the wild," the Khatta claims. "Is it fun to pilot?"
"Extremely! I've had to handle a few things in it, like a gigantic worm, and the utility can be handy . Ahh, I miss him." Tasha sighs, head shaking. "My Titan is off with some of the others, with their own plans of which I remain only vaguely privy too. An unpleasant affair, but what can you do? I'll step in if I have to but for now all we can do is wait. I hate waiting." And she she shrugs with her hands, then nuzzles Katherine, "But just because I'm put out doesn't mean Katie and our has-a-Khattan-girlfriend fellow can't have exciting things. Sasha? Laser tail? Mechanical jaw? Weapon arm?"
"I doubt those are things available at a salon," Sasha says. "This is more like.. touching a console and not having to use the usual controls, isn't it?"
"Well, it can do that, act as a security key for fourth-level biometrics, short-range bio-telemetry for health monitoring," the business-cat lists off. "And also for fashion, if you have compatible clothing."
"Is there an interface that helps Sasha understand what comedic hyperbole and facetiousness are," Tasha inquires with the driest tone she can muster.
"Oooo? Controllable clothing effects," Katie ponders.
"I've only had one beer, cut me some slack," Sasha says, and rubs the top of Tasha's head, despite the proximity to Katie's chest. "Softball is quite a workout when you're a console jockey most of the time. I need to start in on one of Aaron's workout sessions."
"Such a puppy," Katie remarks.
"How about programmable hair? Man-machine interface system for controlling dedicated machines? Though I suppose they'd need a dedicated machine, and I have my interface." Tasha ponders as she eats pizza. "Though programmable hair and nails would be handy." She duly gets her head rubbed, giving a perfect sister-getting-sassed pouty frown. Then she immediately grins too widely at 'Aaron's workout sessions'.
"Programmable hair is possible, with the proper coating," K'tan'ya says, and grins. "You have quite the range of Karnors in your group."
"It's the face. When you have this face, you get lots of Karnors." Tasha shrugs, which does jiggle Katherine a bit. "I also have two Vartans, one for each wing -- and my adorable Pheeny of course. We're an eclectic experiment of a group, which has certainly made us widely appealing. It's hard to feel you may be turned down, business wise, when an inclusive family and business unit is right there in front of you."
"And there's something about them.." the Khatta notes, a bit wistfully. She may be reacting to the pheromones now that Gabrile, Katie and Hakeber have stopped taking the suppressants. "I clearly have not spend enough time around Karnors. All of the Vartans I know are ex-military, of course."
"Well if you wish to borrow any of them, we have very reasonable hourly rates," Tasha says, tail wagging and thus slapping against Katherine. "I am, of course, extra-expensive. " Her grin is, to put it mildly, mischievous. "Sadly the Vartans are too in to each other."
"I'm the most expensive," Gabriel claims. "Triple rate if I take my shirt off, or growl."
"I.. could see that," K'tan'ya says. "I'm never sure what to make of Mezzodes. You're the first I've ever had an actual conversation with. And I can get all the Vartans I need, I think."
"Tasha is more of a mascot for the business," Katie claims. "She judged a war-game between a Vartan and Silent-Ones battle-group, and presents an 'exotic' face for our exotic shipping business."
"Shipping?" the Khatta asks. "I had to look you up of course. Scholarly expeditions too it seems."
"Really? Not a single Mezzode except for me? Though I'm hardly one to talk, as I've never met another, myself. And you did say conversation and not have never seen in person. I don't believe I've seen another Mezzode in person, though I'm relatively new... The 'Mark II' two version, as my prior model had an unfortunate problem with existence." Tasha rubs her head self-consciously. "Ouch." But then she nods. "Mascot's embarrassingly accurate. I do have business functions, of course, and I've stepped in to direct things, handle negotiations, or otherwise take charge, but I'm more of a generalist and we have specialists who can usually offer superior efforts in their area of expertise."
"I've seen some that were.. mmm.. pets, to be honest," K'tan'ya says, her expression one of distaste. "I don't know if they were sapient, but I hope they weren't. And I've heard rumors of genetic modification for criminal activities. Like trying to recreate an ancient Celestial, and creating a faux Silent-One. And abominations meant to take advantage of religious beliefs."
The red woman frowns at the mention of the unfortunate pets, nodding slowly. "Not something I'd appreciate. Despite my nature, I'm not inclined to slavery, nor excessive subservience. Although, ... I have been asked if I'm a devil or angel before." Tasha then leans in and stage whispers, "The truth is I'm both." She winks, grins, and leans back. "Although... I did hear about the whole fiasco with House Khomen. Who knows what they get up to in that city of theirs. I've heard from some interesting sources the security and oversight is considerable. If one of them could manufacture fake Silent-Ones, what else could there be?"
"Alas, they generate a lot of profit, and so other Houses tend to overlook such things," K'tan'ya laments. "The downside of not having an actual government, I suppose. They were fined, and made to pay restitution to the Silent-Ones. I think they originally wanted the perpetrators to face their harsher justice, but their new Archon has a soft heart."
"I hope that softness works for them. Me, I have the heart of a dragon." And so Tasha devours the rest of her slice, beaming.
"So do you sing and dance then?" K'tan'ya asks, ears flicking. After all, a few meters away a mechanical(?) dragon is dancing with an armored knight.
"I can dance, and I can sing, but I'm not a mechanical entertainment. I do have other exciting abilities, however, which is how I have my relationships. That and my winning personality." Tasha's grin increases. "Before I forget, however, why don't we slate Katherine and Sasha for salon sessions, and we'll see if anyone else wants to have a go. Maybe Kaa would like an upgrade. Or to have racings stripes."
"I don't handle that myself, but if you still have my card it'll let you get priority scheduling," K'tan'ya says. "And we can take Phins as well."
"You can sing?" Sasha asks Tasha, surprised. "I thought Katie and Tia were our only songbirds."
"Choir, at least," Katie points out.
"I sung a bit during my studies, and Katherine has forever been trying to turn me in to a stage show," Tasha says, lifting her chin a bit. Chin still up, she turns to the Khattan and nods. "Then that's what we'll do. I apologize for assuming, it's not like you can come up to me and I'll personally arrange transport, after all."
"But.. isn't that how it works?" K'tan'ya asks. "You have a yacht. I'm sure you've rented it out for private cruises."
"Hasn't come up," Gabriel says. "Our clients haven't been of that social tier as yet."
"Oh sure, but I have people to arrange the particulars. I don't arrange appointments, I just hand over my card or set things up initially. I suppose I have offered a direct line on occasion, but it's really a case-by-case basis. I've been urged to delegate more." And so Tasha shrugs. "Apparently I shouldn't do everything, which as I am clearly trying to be everything, seems a bit unfair."
"They barely let me do anything," K'tan'ya says. "I'm a figurehead. I go to parties and entice investors."
Katie barks a laugh. "Been there, sister," she claims.
"Katherine certainly has some similarities. As do I. Though I try to take a hand in things anyway, you know, secret stuff. You know how it is." Tasha taps her cheek with a finger. "I don't suppose you need a ride anywhere?"
"Maybe when I have vacation time," K'tan'ya chuckles. "I still have a few more locations to check in on. I've never been anywhere exotic yet."
"Well, more than a few would consider this place exotic. It's not exactly easy for some to reach, but I understand what you mean. It's old, established, a matter of the past, not some far flung world wrapped in mystery." Tasha's eyes sparkle at her own description, and she lights up when thinking on her travels.
"Have you been to mysterious worlds?" K'tan'ya asks. "I know you stopped at Praxafalopus before it.. imploded. The stories about that are pretty unbelievable though. You never know when First Ones tech will just go wild."
"New Calafia was a nice resort," Katie says. "And Ymir was certainly exotic."
"It was rather alarming when the planet decided to cease to exist, I admit," Tasha says, scratching the side of her head and suddenly very interested in her beer mug. "I did like Ymir, spent some time up in the tree. Very relaxing. You can forget there's anything other than the tree, the sky, the wind, and you."
"I do like trees, when I can find them," K'tan'ya says, her eyes unfocused. "They have great parks here, one with an actual forest. I mean, it's planted and gardened, but it's still nice. Even though everyone is naked. That took some getting used to. But this is a controlled environment so it isn't any different than being on a ship."
The noises from Tia have stopped, as she's run out of pizza.
"I sense Tia is done. Hopefully, she will recover some day." Tasha peeks out from under Katherine's arms. "Yes, the pizza has been destroyed. May it rest in peace." And then she's looking back. "I do recommend travel, it broadens mind and opinion wonderfully. I wouldn't be the person I am today if I hadn't opted to get out and travel around rather than stick with the business day-to-day. And nakedness can be fun; that too is an adventure."
"I am inherently modest," K'tan'ya says.
"We're naked as a group surprisingly often," Katie claims. "But maybe that's just planet-bound instinct? We came from stock that runs around in the woods."
"Our origins are shrouded in the past, which everyone seems to have a different story about," the Khatta sighs. "We're nomads at heart."
"I don't know, maybe you were made by a gigantic feline statue full of energy? That could be fun," Tasha posits, curling her finger around her hair, eyes wide as she feigns vapidity.
"I think I've heard that one," K'tan'ya says. "I suppose if were created by some god-like First Ones, I wonder what they must think of us now? That's why I prefer not to believe stories like that."
"Reasonably proud, and they wanted to give you a head start, which is why they gave you a technological advantage. Or so I'd suppose." Tasha just keeps twirling her finger around her hair. "Although often people forget, I believe, that deities would have their own problems, and may be rather busy. The temptation of hero worship, idealizing, and investing all worth in to a creator can be quite dangerous. But you didn't hear that from me." And so Tasha puts her free hand finger's to her lips; shhh.
"Well, do you deify your creator?" K'tan'ya asks. "I barely tolerate my parents, and they made me," she laughs.
"I looked up to them, for a time. My original version had a much more personal relationship with the contributing entities, but there ended up being a kind of competition and, in fact, jealousy. The created became too much, and so the creator secretly resented, or saw the created as competition, succeeding in some freedoms they could not. However with my many experiences, and being a mother myself now, I've moved away from competition with my original creators and found a way to stand on my own. And my new creator -- recreator? -- is difficult to relate to directly, often distant, and highly intelligent, so I've been on my own, so to speak. Though, I did get an excellent review from a AI construct modeled after them, so that's nice." Tasha beams. "I suppose there's problems being created or born. We all look to our makers to give us meaning and purpose -- and we exceed them by finding our own."
"Hmm, our own purpose," K'tan'ya says a bit dreamily. "When you're part of a House, it sort of decides your purpose for you. But it isn't permanent. It changes as you gain experience or show promise or talent in other fields. I.. have not done that yet, alas."
"You could consider striking out on your own, it may be the opportunities available to you may broaden. I decided to try moving away from my original work, and that's how I ended up out here, in this experiment of a team and family. Maybe you could try working with Karnors, or Terrans in general. Find a niche. Then you could be more useful without needing your House, your independence giving you leverage to take or leave offers. Is there anything you want to do? Or try? Or maybe you don't need vast success, but to live in a way that appeals to you. I've met many people who are perfectly happy not being influential. Do you need to succeed, or is that, too, what you've been told you must have?" Tasha tilts her head, resting her head on a hand, considering.
"That is a tough question," the feline admits. "I honestly don't know what I'm capable of, if anything, beyond what I've been doing. I wish I had the resources to just do whatever I wanted, but I don't. And V'Brosh keeps me out of trouble. It's why I was so interested in your group though. I have no idea what each of you does, or who sponsors you. I think I just need to travel more and see what others have done. I suppose I don't have a lot of imagination."
"Independent Khattan merchants will try to sell anything," Katie points out. "So there must be some appeal to living like that."
"You won't know what you're good at or interested in unless you try things, and that requires giving them a shot. I have bounced around many positions, roles, and efforts, and I'm still not exactly sure what I do, but it does seem to be essential and important. And you do have an interest: clearly you have an interest in us and lives like ours. That seems like a good place to start, finding a group like that that appeals to you, and working with them." Tasha smiles. "And the nice thing about traveling is the world will have imagination for you."
"Well, the employees at our salons here are pretty diverse," K'tan'ya says. "It's something you only really see in Terran outposts. I've even seen Confederates here, aside from your daughter." And speaking of.. Pheeny and Whisper appear as if by magic, and Whisper asks, "Can Hakeber take us to the ice-cream counter now? They have bowls made out of waffles that you can eat! I mean, edible bowls!"
"Only if you get momma a triple scoop and a edible bowl with a sundae in it," Tasha says automatically, without so much as a bark of surprise as the kids arrive. "Oh, and the others might want some too. Hakeber! Deploy!" She waggles a hand at her friend.
"Aye-Aye boss!" Hakeber replies, and gathers up the girls and the dragons. Even Lacci shows some interest, although eating ice-cream with a beak could be a challenge.
"By the way Tia... Have you been investigating our new Khattan friend? I feel bad for her, and she's the type we usually take in. M'ressa and Miss Tea Time could help sort her out more, I suspect, give her direction and make sure of her loyalties. I think she'd be a great friend to Katherine," Tasha sends while trying not to seem like she's staring in to space.
"You aren't getting into trouble are you?" Tia asks as she comes over to Tasha's group. "Haven't sold Gabriel or anything?" She also smiles to K'tan'ya, and looks at her for a bit longer than usual.
"What? Me? Trouble?" Tasha's scoffing is audible and affronted. "Never, I am the soul of peace, tranquility, and accord. It said so on the cylinder I was made in!"
"She's not a stray," Tia replies. "She has responsibilities that she takes seriously, but is young and a daydreamer. If she knew who we really were, she might be afraid, or she might abandon everything to join up. She craves adventure, as her life is very safe and protected. Not luxurious, but close enough."
"She might have associates on Daltoona though, if you want to bring up that we're headed there," Tia suggests. "I'm not going to probe deeper to find out directly."
"Maybe a test, then. I've always wanted to be the one giving the big vision or the mysterious-visitor monologue. You know, how half of the entities I meet show up and start talking to me. I think you did, too, come to think of it. My turn!" Tasha starts grinning, and then realizes she's mixing her inner and outer worlds, and quashes it. "I think she deserves a test, and besides, we should probably start working on evaluations, we've been rather willy-nilly about it so far, for lack of resources, but now we can do them more safely, and hopefully more broadly, so that those who might have joined us won't be left behind. And thanks for not going too deep, I don't like doing things this way, but for her and for us, this seems like the best option we have available. If it doesn't work out we can erase the memory of my interview and she can live blissfully unaware. I'll try and get some consent first, however."
"I'm not Kai, I have a sense of personal privacy," Tia notes. "And my analysis probably isn't far off from what someone like Katherine would have gathered just from observation."
"I know, which is why I asked you and not Kai -- or Lilith, another conversation we need to have sooner or later. But for our new Khattan friend, can you set up a isolated space or mental communication so I can talk to her openly? I'll ask her if she'd like to walk with me and consider options while I'm free." Tasha flicks her gaze back to their new feline acquaintance. "I have some free time, why don't you take a walk with me, just the two of us, or maybe Katherine as well, and we can see about some ideas?"
The feline looks down the row to where V'Brosh is downing a pitcher of beer with Vasha. Maybe she can keep him distracted. "I'll get a talking to later," K'tan'ya says, but grins. "But that's all, and maybe my babysitter won't notice I'm gone."
"He'll have the rest of us as hostages for your safe return," Gabriel points out. "Just don't go to the nude park without me."
"Can-do, Captain. This is about the future, though I do like to think my future has lots of naked people in it. come to think of-- No, musn't get distracted. I'll need my ice cream for this, however. Katie, you may need to hold my scoops." Tasha pokes Katherine's chin. "Up, up! Places to go."
Hakeber does arrive with Tasha's sundae before they leave at least. This part of the mall is very Terran. The shop facades are made of wood, and it looks a lot like a town on the surface of Sinai might, just much cleaner and with decent paint and actual flowers. There are a lot of cafes with outdoor seating too. Humans love their coffee, and a coffee shop is always in sight.
"You'll need to hold her hand or make some other physical contact to establish a link," Tia explains to Tasha. "And she has to be willing, of course."
"How about the beach? The beach seems like a place to try one's horizons, fully of the unknown, and the deep. Or, well, that's the case on planets. We'll just have to pretend." Tasha winks, then starts lapping at her ice cream was they walk. "You know, I think you two could be great friends."
"What makes you say so?" Katie asks. K'tan'ya looks surprised, then looks at Katie, who she's just barely met.
"Just a hunch. You share a similar background, and you've both yearned to escape it. You want more; one of you knows what they're about and the other is searching. There's room for mutual support and betterment." Tasha heads through the mall, towards the beach access. "I know a little about people who are lost, you could say it's one of my talents as a person, bringing the lost together to accomplish great things. Or, at least help someone find a place to be."
"Well, I wasn't lost, just.. okay, I wanted some adventure that wasn't a photo-op," Katie admits.
"You're a model?" K'tan'ya asks, wide-eyed.
"I was a performer," Katie replies.
"Katie has a hard time admitting weakness," Tasha relates. She heads out a door, past real or possibly fake palm trees, and angels towards the sand. "As you might relate to, she came from a culture where showing it was not acceptable, and success meant everything. Karnor military culture can be harsh."
"What weakness?" Katie asks, grinning.
"Military," K'tan'ya says. "V'Brosh was Vartan military. Or.. might still be, I'm not sure. He doesn't talk about it though."
Tasha eyes Katherine, then tries to push her now two stack ice cream at her muzzle. "Often people don't talk because they can't, or the memory is painful. He may have special orders. He may just not want to think about it any more. Sometimes it's easier to live in comfortable lies, or divorced from a greater reality, so you can go on."
Katie dodges, but takes a lick anyway.
"Khattas hide everything," K'tan'ya complains, making a frustrated wave of her hands. "Especially the men."
The road transitions into a boardwalk as the reach the beach. The smell of the sea is somehow cleaner that what Tasha's experienced on Sinai and Calafia. Less rotten.
Tasha licks the licked part and then keeps walking. Soon she's down to one, then she's noisily crunching her cone in to oblivion. By the time that's over she's walking to the beach, where upon she turns around in front of the waves. "As a person, I'm familiar with always moving. Docks and places of departure, ships and shores. I've traveled rather far, but there's always further. I've seen in to forever. Now... " Tasha holds out a hand to Katherine, then on to K'tan'ya, "If hiding things bother you, and departure appeals, the next step would be trust. You came with both of us and ditched your body guard, so that's something, now here's the rest: Take my hand, and maybe you'll learn something interesting. I am not exactly what I seem. But I can show you more. Or don't, and we can forget all about it." Her fingers wiggle enticingly. "Here, on the edge of forever."
When K'tan'ya takes Tasha's hand, her arms lights up in a baroque pattern of light just beneath the surface, traveling all the way up to her ear. Katie's arms don't do anything when she takes Tasha's other hand though. But then they're someplace else.
Tasha looks around with the restrained enthusiasm of a person trying not to wonder where in the world she is, a very common problem for her, and often as not, in the world or any world for that matter. She is in this place for a reason and looking like a tourist in her own fantastical recruitment realm would be decidedly embarrassing. And so, she sweeps her gaze as if someone taking everything in, behold, this, the place she has brought you.
And then her head falls.
"Welcome, again. And welcome to us, we, travelers from -- and beyond -- the stars. Warriors and explorers both." And so she smiles at K'tan'ya. "You have questions."
"What are you talking about, exactly?" the Khatta asks, looking surprised.
Katie tries one of the couches. "Comfy. I'm guessing is something from Tia's memory then?" she wonders.
"Yes, probably." Tasha starts walking around, patting K'tan'ya's hand. "You see, you expressed an interest in moving beyond your shores, and we decided to have a look at that -- in private. Before I go on, I must ask a degree of permission, however: If you find you don't appreciate what we have to offer, or, for that matter, would rather not know, or present a risk to us, I would like to erase your memory of our time together. What I am offering and about to reveal demands a certain secrecy, and your ties with your House are stronger, and we've known you much more briefly. Unfortunately we're in a bit of a hurry, or I'd do this more slowly, using instinct rather than artifice."
"ERASE MY MEMORY?" the cat yelps, clutching her fists to her chest. "You can do that? Are you spies?"
"Not all of us are spies," Katie notes.
"I'm more of a warrior really, when I'm not an explorer, momma, or everyone's hot friend," Tasha replies with a wink. Then, she gestures around. "It is and isn't what you think. This place. Anyway, I'll give you a warm up pitch: You want to find a place where you can belong, where you can -- ahem -- spread your wings. Where you can find meaning, and place. You clearly like us and see something in all of us. I thought you might like to join us -- but I need some reassurances before I go beyond that. You will not be harmed, either way. Though, coming with us has its own dangers. We just can't go sharing everything with everyone, for a variety of reasons."
"You mean just leave with you.. now?" K'tan'ya asks, her tail twitching. "I.. you are a very mysterious group you know. I don't know.. how much can you tell me that will still give me time to think about it and make arrangements?"
"Well, quite a lot if you agree to the mind wipe. Much less so if not. Sadly we just don't have time, but I wanted to give you a chance. I don't like the idea of not reaching out when I could have, never offering a path that might have brought someone to where they want to be." Tasha sits down on the couch next to Katherine, leaning forward to pat the seat across from her. "If it helps you feel any better, Katie here is someone I recruited a bit ago. I brought her along so you don't have to just listen to my side of things."
"I'd already exploited Tasha for my own clandestine purposes," Katie says. "So I owed her one," she claims and winks.
"I am regrettably vulnerable to the machinations of attractive older women," Tasha says with a sigh, but her big grin shows just how much she regrets. "And besides, Katie wanted to get away, too. You two share certain backgrounds in common, especially, feeling like faces and props for your family, an organization, or both. As for me, well, my own role isn't mascot -- although it kind of is sometimes, too. All I said is true, but it's more like my side-job."
"I don't know how to react to any of this," K'tan'ya admits. "You don't have the subdermal circuits, so I don't even know how you're doing all of this.." She gestures to the virtual environment. "Or.. what value I have to your group? You've already got a Khattan."
"We're not limited by species count, otherwise I'd have covered the scoreboard already. And it's not always apparent what people bring, which is part of what we learn together. I also find some are searching for causes, others for belonging, and many are lost. I offer a place and a chance to do something meaningful." Tasha leans back and stretches a moment, then puts her arms on the back of the couch, one behind Katherine. "A question: do you want to have value to a group, is what I said about trying new things, being part of something else, going on your own appealing at all? Are you willing to take a risk to find the answer to these things?"
"I'd like for my life to not be scheduled out without my input," K'tan'ya admits. "But.. I have a vague sense of adventure, without knowing what that is. Can you tell me what sort of adventures you have.. if the visit to Aegis doesn't count as one."
"Adventure is about desire, risk, and stepping out in to the unknown. The first step is courage, the ability to face your fear and act anyway, to take that first step and decide to change, decide to step in to the night. And so I offer you a taste of adventure:" Tasha pulls her arms in, claps her hands together, ears forward and eyes meeting K'tan'ya's. "Chose it. Or don't. It's risky, I know. I'll answer your question, that's the adventure, out there and waiting, but I need something in return. An agreement. That's the risk. No guarantees in life. The world beyond is a rougher place. Chose."
"So.. this is more than just a non-disclosure agreement then?" K'tan'ya asks. "It's not like.. a cult thing is it?"
"Lacci might have been better for this," Katie says. "She got pretty much the same offer."
"Mmmm, I'd say making things not perfectly comfortable is better. Lacci also lacked a grasp of what we were about and almost walked in to... a bad day several times. I can't afford to coddle people too much, it will go badly for them, and for us, and it will have been a mistake. I need to be more firm," Tasha tells Katherine, then she looks back to the Khattan. "Yes, it's like a non-disclosure agreement, if that helps. And pay no mind to any cult trappings, if I'm a cult leader, I'm a bad one since everyone teases me and half of them don't take me seriously even when they know what I've done and can do." And so Tasha pouts a little.
"You make it sound very dangerous," the girl notes. "I might be open to something on the outside of the dangerous part. I thought having your office based on the Caltrop was plenty dangerous already! And going to all those places, like Praxafallopus and wherever the Seeders sent you, that sounded dangerous too. I'm.. I'm not ready for danger. I just was to have fun on my own terms for a bit, I think. Big secrets, spying.. that's way beyond what I'm capable of dealing with. After this I'm visiting the business on Daltoona, which has a bunch of cities on it. That's pretty daunting!"
"Daltoona you say... That could be useful. We'd also like to go to Daltoona. Lucky for you, we do have a 'less dangerous' logistics, planning, and business arm, and they're rarely in direct danger. Does that interest you? We also have business on Daltoona, so that interests us. I'll still need you to chose, because this must be your choice and I need my own assurance." Tasha settles back again. "But I can at least promise a position in the more office-based area of things."
"Actually learning how a business runs might be nice," K'tan'ya says. "Still, I can't just step away without preparing. But you can look me up on Daltoona, it sounds like. I'll have a better idea of what I can do without.. I think the Terran idiom is 'burning my bridges'?"
"A very old one that comes from an old habit of armies burning their ships once they'd landed on a new land to conquer," Katie says.
"Terran history is frightening," K'tan'ya says.
"Burning your ship scares me too, what did the ship ever do to them? Never mistreat your ship." Tasha just shakes her head sadly. "Well, I'll take this as a tentative interest at least. We'll meet you there. Oh, and don't mention this to anyone, please, I'll consider that bad faith."
"I have to say something as an excuse," K'tan'ya says. "I thought saying I had an opportunity to work in the office of a private shipping company would be safe enough."
"Definitely safe enough. Just say you want to try your own hand at business and would like to see how we do it, that you want to grow beyond being a figurehead. Some may reject it, but those who value you and what you wish to do should support you. Or, you'll learn you're not supported at all, and that's a difficult but important lesson to learn." Tasha smiles sympathetically. "I don't mean to frighten you, but facing difficult challenges is often a part of how we do things. But everyone's 'difficult' is different and I understand that. You may eventually find Lacci to be someone you'd enjoy talking to, she has a similar situation."
"I just need to figure out how to not have a bodyguard," K'tan'ya sighs. "V'Brosh is a bit of an anchor. Do you already have bodyguards on staff?"
"Mr. Ives is pretty imposing," Katie suggests.
"I play with dolls, and the dolls protect me, when I don't protect them," Tasha answers with a completely straight face. "Otherwise we do have a few 'bodyguard sorts'. Do you think V'Brosh is looking for another line of work? We could sweep him in to things, depends where his loyalties ultimately are, how willing he is to branch out, and so on."
"Who are you calling a doll?" Tia asks Tasha.
"I honestly don't know what V'Brosh's personal life is like," K'tan'ya admits. "He isn't the most talkative sort, and I don't think he likes me much."
"Tia, want to look in to that?" Tasha nods slowly. "Quiet and composed. I know the type. We can look in to it, assuming he doesn't come along and look in to us first and I'm not about to awaken to being grabbed by my neck or something. What makes you think he doesn't like you? Sometimes they like you too much, and stay away, you know. And he does seem to stick with you."
"Well, he's military, and I don't think he wanted to be a babysitter," K'tan'ya explains. "Not that there is a lot of fighting going on. But the Colony Corps is always busy, and they get paid big to do what they do."
"Hmmm, a restless soldier. That could be interesting. We'll be looking in to him, maybe he has aspirations, and a desire to do more." Tasha nods. "Was there anything else, or is this enough adventure for now?"
"Can you at least tell me how you're doing this?" K'tan'ya asks. "I can smell things here. And not the beach."
Tasha's smile becomes a big, mysterious, grin. "I cannot. Proprietary. You didn't think I was just a complicated pretty face mascot, did you?" Tasha winks, then lifts a hand and makes a wave. "See you on the outside!"
And then they're back on the beach, and luckily still standing, as if no time had passed. K'tan'ya's tattoos haven't even stopped glowing.
"And so I accept your hand in friendship. I think, as we discussed, we can work something out," Tasha continues, as if no time had, in fact, passed.
The Khatta blinks, and looks at her hand. "So.. you have my card, I think I just need yours now?" she mews.
Tasha reaches in to her pocket and slides a card in to the Khattan's hand. "Here you go!" She does risk a sidelong glance to see if the Vartan bodyguard is barreling up the way.
Still no sign of anyone coming to interrupt them, but there are a few odd glances their way from people going past to the actual shore. "We really need to start wearing our bathing suits under our clothes all of the time," Katherine suggests. "Wait.. do you have a bathing suit, Tasha?"
"I've never been fond of swimming," K'tan'ya admits. "I prefer deserts."
"I do, but I sense you want me to wear one that tickles your fancy," Tasha says with a grin that's much more mischievous. "Something black and gold an' shiny, tight fitting, maybe? One piece or two?"
"One piece works best with wings, and you can get matching ones for the girls," Katie suggests. "Although you can always just go without, too!" She waggles her eyebrows and says, "I'll do it if you do."
"Weeelllll, we do have some time, and I sense out kitty needs to get back to her minder before there's a problem... Unless she wants to join us for our we-won't-tell-anyone nude beach private excursion. I can be your beach babe, Katie." Tasha winks, then... starts undressing. "We can see how long it takes for the others to notice, then invite them so it seems like our great idea!"
"Oh my, I could never get away with frolicking naked in public.. in the water," K'tan'ya claims, her ears blushing. "I'll.. go back and let people know though."
"Aww, we'll miss you though! But if you must." K'tan'ya gets a kiss blown her way. "Don't be a stranger! C'mon Katie, lets go find the best spot first."