## Chapter 1 — The Third Perspective Night City knew how to organize art exhibitions where people spent considerably more time studying each other than studying the art. Tonight, however, was an exception. The private exhibition space in Westbrook was filled with quiet conversations rather than loud social performances, with genuine curiosity rather than the usual competition over status. There were collectors, artists, several recognizable names from the corporate world, and a handful of people whose identities nobody considered it wise to inquire about. Shammy stood near the center of one of the galleries, watching with considerable satisfaction as a small crowd gathered around their installation. Nadia stood beside her. The installation wasn't particularly large. It was more like a space within a space: delicate, nearly invisible structures suspended between points of light that slowly rearranged themselves into changing patterns. Viewed up close, the work appeared almost organic, although every element had been carefully designed. Then the observer moved. The light changed, the structures shifted, and the entire installation seemed to respond to human presence. One visitor had already spent five minutes attempting to make it reproduce the same pattern twice. Without success. Nadia watched his efforts with amusement. "I think he believes there's a particular spot he's supposed to stand in." "Don't tell him," Shammy replied. "Wasn't planning to." They exchanged a glance and smiled. A subtle change in the conversations near the entrance caught Shammy's attention. Not silence, exactly. More like a ripple of recognition moving through the gathering, the kind that accompanied the arrival of someone whose name required no introduction. Elisa entered with two bodyguards. She appeared entirely uninterested in the attention her arrival attracted. One guard remained near the entrance while the other followed at a discreet distance as she surveyed the gallery. Then she spotted Shammy. Her face immediately lit up. "Sera!" Sera turned. "Elisa!" They met halfway across the gallery and embraced warmly, with the easy familiarity of people whose friendship extended considerably beyond formal art-world pleasantries. "You didn't tell me you'd be here tonight," Elisa said. "I sent you an invitation." "You sent me an invitation to the exhibition. You neglected to mention you were exhibiting something yourself." Sera grinned. "I figured you'd come anyway." "Infuriating woman." "I know." Elisa laughed, but her attention was already drifting toward the installation behind Sera. "So. What have you got here?" Sera caught her lightly by the arm. "Come and see. And more importantly, come meet Nadia." Nadia had watched their reunion with a smile. She offered her hand as Elisa approached. "Nadia. Pleasure to meet you." "Elisa. Likewise." Elisa shook her hand, then turned toward the installation. For a moment, she said nothing. Sera recognized that as a promising sign. Elisa stepped closer. The patterns of light changed in response to her movement, first slowly, then with an almost imperceptible increase in complexity. She stopped. Took a step sideways. Looked again. "Interesting." Sera's smile widened. "Just wait." Elisa moved to another position, and a new structure emerged within the light, appearing for several seconds to float without any visible physical support. "Is it responding to the environment or the observer?" "Both," Nadia answered. "Although not quite in the way you're probably thinking." Elisa immediately turned toward her. "Tell me." Nadia stepped beside her. "The installation doesn't actually track the observer. It interprets the ways people alter the space around them. Movement, temperature, air currents, the relative positions of multiple people. It doesn't make any individual the center of the experience." "But it remembers?" "Briefly. Not permanently." Elisa studied the installation again. "Why that distinction?" Nadia smiled. "Because we didn't want to create something that collects information about people. We wanted something that demonstrates how people influence each other without necessarily realizing it." Elisa's expression brightened. "Ah." Sera knew that particular sound. It meant Elisa was interested. Really interested. "So if I'm standing here, and someone else is over there..." "The installation changes because of both of you," Nadia finished. "But neither of you can control the complete result." Elisa glanced toward Sera. "And your contribution?" Sera raised her eyebrows theatrically. "My contribution?" Elisa laughed. "Sorry. Poor choice of words." "This is our joint creation. Nadia developed much of the interactive logic, and I..." "...spent weeks arguing with her about whether the light should behave consistently," Nadia supplied. "Because it should!" "It really shouldn't." "We still haven't settled that argument," Sera informed Elisa. "So I gather," Elisa replied, amused. But her attention had begun moving back and forth between the installation and its creators. Particularly Nadia. "I've seen some of your work before," Elisa said thoughtfully. "Not nearly enough, unfortunately. I remember one piece involving..." She paused, searching her memory. "...was it glass? Or something translucent that looked completely different depending on your viewing angle?" Nadia nodded. "Probably Second Skin. That used layered optical materials." "That's the one!" "It was quite different from this." "I remember it rather well. Unfortunately, I think I only saw a recording." "It doesn't really work as a recording." Elisa sighed. "I suspected as much." Sera looked between them with the unmistakable expression of someone delighted to discover that two people she liked had found common ground. "Nadia has some absolutely extraordinary work you haven't seen yet." Elisa turned toward her. "Really?" "Elisa, seriously. You should see her earlier installations. And not just the installations. She does things I wouldn't even have thought of attempting." Nadia laughed. "Sera." "What? It's true." "You're biased." "Naturally. I have excellent taste." Elisa burst out laughing. "I've never doubted that." Then she looked back at Nadia. "I'd very much like to see more." "Of my work?" "That too. But more importantly, I'd like to understand how you think." That brought a different smile to Nadia's face. Not merely politeness. Genuine interest. "That might take a while." Elisa glanced at her watch. "I'm in no hurry tonight." Sera shook her head, smiling. "Oh, you two are going to get along dangerously well." Elisa gave her an innocent look. "Whatever do you mean?" "Nothing. Absolutely nothing." Nadia laughed. Elisa turned back toward the installation, studying the slowly shifting patterns of light. "Now, tell me something. What happens when there are too many people in the space for the system to distinguish their individual influences?" Nadia's smile widened. "Oh, that is where things get interesting." Sera folded her arms, positively beaming. She had a feeling this was going to be a very good evening. --- ## Chapter 2 — An Interesting Proposition By the time the exhibition began winding down, Elisa had acquired three new opinions about interactive art, abandoned two of her previous ones, and developed a thoroughly inconvenient number of questions. Nadia had answered most of them. Sera had answered the rest, occasionally disagreeing with Nadia so enthusiastically that Elisa suspected some of their artistic debates were considerably older than the installation itself. She was enjoying every minute. "So," Elisa said, looking at the two artists, "I have a problem." Sera raised an eyebrow. "Only one?" "At present. I'm trying to be economical." "How admirable." "I haven't had dinner, and I have absolutely no intention of ending this conversation." Nadia laughed. "That sounds more like two problems." "Fortunately, they share a solution." Elisa gestured toward the gallery entrance. "Would you ladies care to join me?" Sera glanced at Nadia. "Are you hungry?" "Starving, actually." "Excellent," Elisa declared. "Then it's settled." "Just like that?" Nadia asked. "Was there supposed to be paperwork?" Sera snorted. "Oh, you're going to love her." Elisa gave her a suspiciously innocent smile. "I certainly hope so." --- The restaurant occupied the upper floors of a discreet building overlooking one of Westbrook's better-maintained stretches of cityscape. It wasn't the sort of establishment that advertised heavily. Its clientele generally knew where to find it, and anyone who didn't was unlikely to benefit from knowing. Elisa was greeted by name before she had fully crossed the threshold. Her security detail remained discreetly nearby as the maître d' escorted the three women to a table beside the windows. Night City glittered beneath them, a vast, untidy constellation of lights. Nadia looked around appreciatively. "This is lovely." "The food is considerably better than the décor," Elisa assured her. Sera examined the view. "Which is saying something." "Precisely." Their server arrived with menus and a quiet inquiry about drinks. Elisa ordered wine after checking that her companions wanted some. Sera selected something unfamiliar simply because its description sounded interesting, while Nadia spent a little longer considering the menu. Nobody hurried her. Once they had ordered, Elisa settled comfortably into her chair. "Now. _Second Skin._" Nadia blinked. "Straight back to work?" "My dear, I'm having a wonderful evening. Why would I want to change the subject?" Sera laughed into her wine. "Fair warning, Nadia. This is what happens when Elisa becomes interested in something." "She makes people explain themselves?" "Relentlessly." "And here I thought I was being charming," Elisa protested. "You are," Sera replied. "That's what makes you dangerous." Nadia opened her portfolio on the table's integrated display. "All right. Let me show you what you missed." The first image showed an installation occupying a narrow, elongated gallery. Translucent panels hung in irregular rows, their surfaces catching and refracting light in ways that made the space appear much deeper than its physical dimensions. Elisa leaned forward. "Oh, that's beautiful." "Thank you. The difficulty was making the effect depend on where the observer stood, without making any single viewing position the correct one." Nadia brought up a short recording. The camera moved slowly through the installation. As it changed angles, shapes appeared between the panels, dissolved, and reappeared in entirely different arrangements. Elisa watched without interrupting. Then Nadia played a second recording, this one showing two people entering from opposite ends. The apparently solid shapes became fragmented, each observer experiencing a different visual arrangement. "Good heavens," Elisa murmured. Sera smiled. "Now imagine walking through it yourself." "I intend to." Nadia looked up. "Unfortunately, that particular installation was dismantled." Elisa considered this. "Do the plans still exist?" "Of course." "And the materials?" "Some of them. Why?" "Curiosity." Sera made a small, suspicious noise. Elisa ignored her. Nadia moved on to another piece, an installation involving suspended reflective surfaces and carefully directed sound. This one was less concerned with individual perception than with the relationship between strangers sharing a physical space. The accompanying recording showed visitors moving around the installation, initially independently, then gradually discovering that their movements affected sounds heard elsewhere in the room. Elisa watched the video twice. "What I find fascinating," she said, "is that neither of these works tells the audience what to feel." "That's intentional," Nadia replied. "Most people would consider that rather risky." "Most people want an artist to give them an answer." "And you don't?" "I'd rather give them an interesting question." Elisa smiled. "Now _that_ I understand." Sera sat back, looking profoundly pleased. She had seen Nadia discuss her work before. She knew the transformation that took place when someone asked the right questions. Nadia became more animated, her explanations expanding from technical choices into artistic philosophy, then circling back to specific materials, lighting decisions, and the peculiar practical difficulties involved in persuading a complicated installation to behave exactly as intended. Elisa followed all of it. Not merely politely. She asked about fabrication methods, transport requirements, audience accessibility, and the differences between displaying a work in a museum and installing it in a privately owned space. And she listened to the answers. Their food arrived somewhere in the middle of a discussion about whether an artwork could remain fundamentally the same work after being reconstructed in a different environment. Sera maintained that it could. Nadia argued that its relationship with the new space necessarily changed its identity. Elisa considered both positions. "Perhaps you're disagreeing about the meaning of _same_ rather than the artwork itself." Sera pointed her fork at her. "See? This is why I like you." "Because I interrupt arguments?" "Because you make them better." --- Dinner progressed slowly. More images appeared on the tabletop display. Nadia showed Elisa several smaller works, a kinetic sculpture that had required an absurd amount of engineering, and an experimental installation that had never progressed beyond a full-scale prototype. Elisa was particularly interested in the unfinished project. "Why didn't you complete it?" "Funding, partly. Logistics, mostly. It needed a space we couldn't secure for long enough." "How long?" "Six weeks for installation and testing. Longer if we wanted to exhibit it properly." "And you couldn't find anywhere?" "Not without compromising the work." Elisa nodded. "Good." Nadia looked puzzled. "Good?" "That you didn't compromise it merely to get it exhibited." Sera raised her glass slightly. "I told you she'd understand." Nadia smiled, a little embarrassed by the praise. Their conversation eventually returned to the installation they had presented that evening. Elisa looked from Nadia to Sera. "How long have the two of you been working together?" Sera considered. "Long enough to know that Nadia is infuriatingly good at finding flaws in my ideas." "Only the bad ones," Nadia replied. "So most of them, apparently." "Not most." "How generous." Elisa laughed. "Your collaboration seems remarkably natural." "It is," Nadia said, her expression softening. "We don't always agree, but that's rather the point. Sera approaches problems differently from me. Sometimes she finds possibilities I've completely overlooked." "And Nadia has a very annoying habit of making me realize that an idea I thought was finished was actually just the beginning of something better," Sera added. "That sounds productive." "It truly is," Sera agreed. Elisa tilted her head. "How often do you manage to work together?" A brief pause followed. Nadia took a sip of wine. "Not nearly as often as we'd like." "Why not?" "Geography, mostly," Sera answered. "Travel, scheduling, other commissions. We both have our own work." "And lives," Nadia added. "Those too." Elisa glanced between them. "How frequently do you get to meet?" "It varies," Nadia said. "Sometimes quite regularly. Sometimes we go months without managing anything substantial together." "And when you do?" "We spend half the time catching up on ideas we've been sending each other," Sera replied. "Then discover we've somehow invented three more projects before finishing the first." Nadia laughed. "That's painfully accurate." Elisa studied them thoughtfully. "That sounds terribly inefficient." Sera's eyes narrowed with amusement. "Oh?" "You have an evidently productive artistic partnership, a considerable backlog of ideas, and neither of you can devote as much time to it as you'd like." "That would be the problem," Nadia agreed. Elisa turned toward her. "Have you ever considered moving to Night City?" Nadia blinked. "Moving?" "Yes." "As in living here?" "Generally what the word means." Sera lowered her glass. Her expression suggested she was enjoying herself enormously. Nadia looked between them. "Well, no. Not seriously." "Why not?" "Because I have a life elsewhere." "Naturally." "My own studio. Clients. Commitments. Friends. Projects." "Of course." Nadia frowned slightly. "And I rather like that life." Elisa smiled. "Then you should keep it." Nadia stared at her. "I'm sorry?" "Keep it. All of it." Sera covered her smile with her wineglass. Elisa continued with the same pleasant composure. "Nothing about establishing a home in Night City requires you to abandon your existing one. You can continue working with your current clients, travel whenever you wish, maintain your studio, and pursue precisely the same opportunities you have now." Nadia looked genuinely confused. "But that's not really how moving works." "Why not?" "Because maintaining two lives is expensive." Elisa waved a hand. "That's an administrative inconvenience, not an artistic argument." Sera laughed. Nadia turned toward her. "You're enjoying this." "Immensely." "You're not helping." "I haven't decided whether you need help yet." Elisa leaned back. "Let me explain what I'm thinking." Sera murmured, "Here we go." Elisa gave her an amused glance before addressing Nadia again. "I know a fair number of people in this city. Some of them have excellent taste. Some have dreadful taste but considerable money. A few have both excellent taste and the resources to commission genuinely ambitious work." Nadia listened. "Many of them are perpetually searching for something original. Something that can't simply be ordered from a catalogue or reproduced by the nearest fashionable design studio." Elisa gestured toward the portfolio. "Your work would interest them. Very much, I suspect." Nadia glanced at the images still resting on the display. "That's flattering, but—" "And Sera already has a reputation that opens certain doors. The two of you together present an entirely different set of possibilities." Sera's smile grew warmer. Elisa continued. "I could introduce you to collectors, private foundations, corporate patrons, architectural firms, people commissioning public installations. Not indiscriminately, mind you. I wouldn't inflict every wealthy idiot in Night City upon you." "How considerate," Sera said. "I do have standards." "On alternate Tuesdays." "Occasionally Thursdays." Nadia laughed despite herself. "But even if the opportunities existed," she said, "I'd still have to divide my time between here and everything else." "Precisely." Elisa smiled. "So why not make that easier?" Nadia looked at her. "How?" "Establish a proper studio here. Somewhere you can work independently, or with Sera whenever the two of you wish. A residence, if you'd prefer to have one. Whatever equipment and facilities make sense for your practice." Nadia stared. Elisa took another sip of wine. "I'd cover the initial costs." Silence. Not an uncomfortable silence. More the profound, stunned silence of someone whose brain had just been handed an entirely unexpected set of numbers and refused to process them. Nadia opened her mouth. Closed it. Looked at Sera. Sera smiled sweetly. "Lovely weather we're having." Nadia turned back to Elisa. "I'm sorry. You'd _what?_" "Cover the costs." "Of a studio?" "Yes." "In Night City?" "That is where we are." "And a residence?" "If you want one." Nadia stared at her for another long moment. "Why?" It was the first question Elisa answered without a trace of teasing. "Because I think your work deserves opportunities it isn't currently receiving. Because I believe the two of you could create some extraordinary things with fewer practical obstacles. And because I happen to be in a position to make those obstacles rather less troublesome." Nadia looked down at her hands. "Elisa, that's an enormous offer." "Not particularly, in the context of the projects I'm envisioning." "It is to me." Elisa inclined her head. "Then I apologize. I didn't mean to overwhelm you." Sera reached across the table and touched Nadia's wrist. "She's serious, Nadia." "I gathered that." "She also means what she said about your independence." Elisa nodded immediately. "Absolutely. I'm not proposing to buy your time, acquire your work, or dictate what you create. Any commissions would be negotiated separately, with terms you approve. And my introductions would remain introductions. You'd be free to accept or decline." Nadia looked up. "And if I decided after six months that Night City wasn't for me?" "Then we'd have learned something useful." "That's it?" "That's it." "No obligations?" "None beyond whatever specific agreements you independently choose to enter into." Nadia exhaled slowly. "This is insane." Sera grinned. "A little." Elisa looked faintly offended. "I prefer _ambitious._" "Of course you do," Sera said. Nadia glanced toward the windows, at the immense city stretching away beneath them. "I don't even know what to say." "Then don't say anything yet." Elisa's voice had become gentle. "Think about it. Properly. Speak with the people who matter to you. Consider what you want your life to look like. I'm not asking you to make a decision over dinner." Sera raised an eyebrow. "Although you did apparently design the entire proposal over dinner." "Only the outline." "Elisa." "What?" "You've already started thinking about locations." Elisa hesitated. It was a tiny hesitation. Barely noticeable. Unfortunately, Sera noticed everything. "Oh, you _have._" "Well, there are a few spaces that might be suitable." Nadia covered her face with both hands. Sera burst out laughing. "Elisa, you've known her for one evening!" "I've known her work for considerably longer than one evening, and I'm discovering that she's just as interesting as her work." "That's not helping," Nadia said from behind her hands. Elisa smiled. "I know." --- Eventually, Nadia recovered enough to finish her dessert. The conversation returned to safer territory, although Nadia occasionally glanced at Elisa as though expecting another life-changing proposition to materialize between the coffee cups. Elisa, to her credit, made no further attempt to persuade her. Instead, she asked about a particular sculpture Nadia had mentioned earlier, and the three women spent another pleasant half hour discussing the difficulties of translating an idea from a small prototype into a permanent large-scale installation. By the time they were preparing to leave, Nadia had almost regained her equilibrium. Almost. At the entrance, while Elisa's security detail arranged their departure, Elisa turned to her. "I'm very glad we met properly tonight." Nadia smiled. "So am I. Although I confess the evening took a rather unexpected turn." "Good evenings occasionally do." Elisa took out a personal contact card and offered it to her. "My direct number. If you'd like to discuss the possibilities, call me. If you'd rather simply talk about art, call me anyway." Nadia accepted it. "Thank you." "And Nadia?" "Yes?" "You don't need to become a different person to take advantage of a new opportunity. I hope that was clear." For a moment, Nadia seemed unable to answer. Then she smiled. "It was." Elisa embraced Sera once more. "Thank you for introducing us." "My absolute pleasure." "Do try not to overwhelm Nadia with advice." Sera looked scandalized. "Me?" "Yes, you." "I would never." Elisa laughed. "Good night, ladies." They watched her leave, surrounded by the quiet choreography of her security detail. For several seconds, Nadia said nothing. Then she turned toward Sera. "Is she always like that?" Sera considered the question. "Like what?" "Offering people studios and homes over dessert." "Not usually." "That's reassuring." "Sometimes she does it before the appetizers." Nadia stared at her. Sera lost the battle against her laughter. "Oh, Nadia. You should see your face." "This isn't funny." "It's a little funny." "She just offered to establish an entirely new part of my life in one of the most expensive cities imaginable." "Yes." "And you don't seem remotely surprised." "Not really." "Why?" Sera's smile softened. "Because I know Elisa. And because I've seen what you can do." Nadia looked away, suddenly thoughtful. Sera let the silence settle between them. Then she added, almost casually, "For what it's worth, I'd love having you around more often." Nadia turned back. "I know." "And not just for the work." A small smile appeared on Nadia's face. "I know that too." Sera slipped an arm around her waist. "Then don't worry about answering tonight." Nadia rested against her for a moment. "You're being suspiciously sensible." "It happens." "Rarely." "Don't spread it around. I have a reputation." They laughed. Beyond the restaurant's glass doors, Night City continued its endless, restless movement. Nadia looked out at it. For years, the city had been somewhere she visited. Somewhere she came to see people she cared about, to explore possibilities, to work, to experience something different before eventually returning to the familiar rhythms of her own life. Tonight, for the first time, someone had suggested that those two worlds didn't have to remain separate. That she might be able to keep everything she already loved. And add something new. She was nowhere near ready to decide. But the thought had taken root. Beside her, Sera watched the expression on Nadia's face and wisely said nothing. She was far too happy to spoil the moment. Besides, she had a feeling someone else was going to have an exceptionally interesting conversation with Nadia before the night was over. And she was very much looking forward to it. --- ## Chapter 3 — The Shape of Home The safehouse was quiet when they returned. Not entirely silent. Somewhere in the building, ventilation hummed softly, and the distant sounds of Night City drifted through the reinforced windows. But the familiar bustle of the household had settled for the evening. Nadia slipped off her shoes near the entrance and sighed. "Well." Shammy turned toward her. "Well?" "I think I may have just been offered an entirely new life over dessert." Shammy laughed. "Technically, Elisa offered you a studio and somewhere to live." "That is not helping." "Wasn't trying very hard." Nadia gave her a look. Shammy grinned and led the way toward the kitchen. "Tea?" "Something stronger." "Tea with whiskey?" "Now you're thinking." A few minutes later, they were sitting at the kitchen counter with warm mugs in their hands. Nadia looked around the room. She knew this place well enough by now. She knew which cupboards held the mugs, where the good tea was kept, and that one of the chairs near the window had a slightly uneven leg nobody ever seemed to bother fixing. She knew Ace and Mai, knew the effortless affection between them and Shammy, and had long since stopped being surprised by the way the three of them seemed to communicate entire conversations through glances. It was a strange household by most people's standards. But it was a remarkably comfortable one. And Nadia had always felt welcome here. Shammy watched her over the rim of her mug. "You're thinking very loudly." "I have quite a lot to think about." "Want to start somewhere?" Nadia considered. "Did you know Elisa was going to do that?" "No." "Really?" "Really. I knew she'd like your work. I hoped she'd get interested in what we're doing together. I didn't expect her to offer you half of Night City before dessert." Nadia laughed. "It did feel a little like that." "She's Elisa." "Apparently." Shammy grew a little more serious. "But she means it, Nadia. When Elisa sees something she believes in, she doesn't waste much time finding out whether it's possible." "And she doesn't seem especially concerned about what things cost." "Not when she thinks they're worth doing." Nadia stared into her tea. "That's part of what frightens me." "The money?" "Not exactly. The scale of it." She looked up. "I've spent years building my own practice. My studio, my clients, my reputation. I've worked hard for all of that. And suddenly someone comes along and says I can have another studio, another home, access to people I'd never normally meet..." "And you wonder what the catch is." "Wouldn't you?" Shammy thought about that. "Probably." Nadia raised an eyebrow. "That's reassuring." "But I know Elisa. She isn't trying to own you. She genuinely gets excited about people doing extraordinary things." "Still." "Still," Shammy agreed. They sat quietly for a moment. Then Nadia asked, "What would you do?" Shammy lowered her mug. "If I were you?" "Yes." "I'd think about what I actually wanted, before worrying about what Elisa was offering." Nadia considered that. "And what if I wanted it?" "Then I'd help you figure out how to make it work." "Just like that?" "Well, there would probably be spreadsheets." Nadia groaned. "God forbid." "And contracts." "Worse." "And knowing Elisa, someone would arrive with three possible studio locations before we'd finished breakfast." Nadia began laughing. "Please don't say that." "I'm only being realistic." --- They eventually moved into the living area, carrying their mugs with them. Shammy settled into one corner of the sofa, while Nadia curled up beside her, resting her feet on the cushions. The conversation wandered for a while. They talked about the installation, the people who had seen it, and the extraordinary pleasure of watching Elisa become completely absorbed in something neither of them had needed to explain in simplified terms. Then Nadia returned to the question that had been circling in her thoughts all evening. "Would you really want me here more often?" Shammy turned toward her. "Nadia." "I know. Silly question." "Not silly." Shammy took her hand. "I would love it." Nadia smiled. "How much?" "Enough that I'm trying very hard not to start planning a studio for you myself." Nadia burst out laughing. "Oh, no. Not you too." "I said I'm trying." "That sounds suspiciously temporary." "It probably is." Shammy squeezed her hand. "But I don't want you to feel like you have to come here for me. Or for our work. You have a wonderful life already, and I'd never want you to lose any of it." "I know." "I mean it." Nadia leaned closer. "So do I." For a moment, neither spoke. Then Nadia rested her head against Shammy's shoulder. "It would be nice," she admitted. "What would?" "Being able to do this without planning a trip around it." Shammy kissed her hair. "Yes." "Or having an idea at two in the morning and being able to call you over." "You can already call me at two in the morning." "From another city?" "I've answered worse calls." Nadia laughed. "You know what I mean." "I do." Shammy's hand settled gently over hers. "And I'd like that too." --- A little later, Nadia glanced around the room again. "Would I be staying here?" Shammy looked surprised. "If you wanted to, of course. But you don't have to." "I like it here." "I know." "I like Ace and Mai." "They like you." "And I like the way this household works." Shammy smiled. "Some days I'm not entirely sure _we_ know how it works." "Oh, I think you know perfectly well." Nadia turned toward her. "It's not complicated, really. You love each other. You trust each other. You make room for each other." Shammy was quiet for a moment. "That's a rather lovely way of putting it." "It's what I've seen." Shammy smiled, then looked down at their joined hands. "There's someone else I should tell you about." Nadia lifted her head. "Oh?" "Panam." Nadia waited. "She's very important to me," Shammy continued. "Very, very important." "Another lover?" Shammy nodded. "Yes." Nadia considered this without any visible surprise. "And?" Shammy laughed softly. "And I suppose I should tell you a little about her." "That would be nice." "She's with the Aldecaldos. Spends a lot of her time outside the city, on the roads. She's independent, stubborn, brilliant at what she does, and quite possibly the most infuriatingly determined woman I've ever met." Nadia grinned. "That's quite a description." "She's also brave, loyal, and has an enormous heart she occasionally pretends not to possess." "You sound rather fond of her." "Hopelessly." Nadia watched Shammy's expression. There was something particularly lovely about seeing someone speak of a person they loved. The small changes in their voice. The softness around their eyes. The way even their complaints seemed affectionate. "How long have you been together?" "Long enough that I can't imagine my life without her." Nadia nodded slowly. "Then I'd like to meet her." Shammy blinked. "Really?" "Of course." "No questions?" "Oh, I have plenty of questions." Shammy laughed. "I bet you do." "But none of them are about whether I'm supposed to be jealous." Shammy looked at her. Nadia shrugged. "I've seen you with Ace and Mai. I've seen how the three of you work. I already know love isn't something you divide into smaller pieces until everybody gets a fraction." She smiled. "Why would Panam be any different?" Shammy's expression softened. "She's different in all kinds of ways." "I'm sure she is." "But you're right about the important part." Nadia considered this for a moment. "Does she know about me?" "Yes." "And?" Shammy's smile turned distinctly mischievous. "She thinks you're probably the only person in Night City who can keep me occupied with art long enough for her to get anything done." Nadia stared at her. Then she began laughing so hard she nearly spilled her tea. "Oh, I like her already." "I thought you might." "And does she know how much time we spend arguing about completely ridiculous artistic details?" "Yes." "Poor woman." "She has opinions." "I can imagine." "Most of them involve telling me to eat something before I start another project." Nadia nodded solemnly. "An eminently sensible woman." "Traitor." "Artist. There's a difference." Shammy laughed and pulled her closer. --- Eventually, the laughter faded into a comfortable silence. Nadia rested against Shammy, listening to the quiet sounds of the safehouse around them. She thought about Elisa's offer. About studios and commissions, travel schedules and exhibition spaces. About the people she loved elsewhere, the work she had already built, the life she had no intention of abandoning. And about the woman beside her. "What if I did it?" she asked quietly. Shammy turned her head. "Moved here?" "Not permanently in the sense of leaving everything behind. But made Night City another home. Somewhere I could return to, whenever I wanted." Shammy took a moment before answering. "Then I'd be very happy." Nadia smiled. "Just happy?" "Ridiculously happy." "How ridiculously?" "Potentially embarrassing." Nadia laughed softly. "Good." Shammy kissed her forehead. "But I'd want you to be happy too." "I think I could be." "Then maybe that's where you start." Nadia tilted her head. "With being happy?" "With finding out whether this could make you happier than you already are." They sat together a little longer. Then Nadia smiled to herself. "You know, there's one thing Elisa didn't mention." "What's that?" "Whether the studio would have enough room for both of us." Shammy turned toward her. "Oh, Nadia." "What?" "You have absolutely no idea what you've just started." Nadia's eyes narrowed playfully. "Should I be worried?" "Probably." "Good." They kissed, gently at first, then with the easy warmth of two people who had already discovered how comfortable they could be together. When they parted, Nadia rested her forehead against Shammy's. "I think I might actually do this." Shammy smiled. "Then we'll figure it out." "Together?" "Together." Outside, Night City continued its restless, sleepless existence. Inside the safehouse, two artists sat curled together on a sofa, contemplating a future that had seemed impossible only a few hours earlier. Neither knew exactly what it would look like. For once, that uncertainty felt less like a problem than an invitation. And somewhere beyond the city, there was another woman Nadia was beginning to look forward to meeting. --- ## Chapter 4 — An Invitation Without Explanations The safehouse kitchen was already occupied when Ace arrived. Brenda stood at the stove, attending to a pan of scrambled eggs with the concentration of someone who considered breakfast a matter worthy of professional standards. Iris sat at the kitchen counter, drinking coffee and providing commentary. "You're going to burn those." "I'm not going to burn them." "You said that about the toast." "The toast was perfectly fine." "It was black." "It was _enthusiastically browned._" Ace stopped in the doorway. "Should I call Padre? Sounds like your marriage is in trouble." Iris turned and grinned. "Morning, Ace." "Morning, beautiful." Ace kissed her cheek on the way to the coffee machine, then gave Brenda an affectionate squeeze around the waist. "Morning, trouble." "You're late." "For what?" "Breakfast." "Nobody told me there was a schedule." "There isn't. I'm improvising one." Ace inspected the pan. "Looks good." "Thank you." "Unlike the toast, apparently." "IRIS!" Iris dissolved into laughter. Mai appeared a few moments later, wearing a comfortable shirt and looking considerably more awake than Ace. She surveyed the kitchen. "Good morning. Have we started a war?" "Brenda burned the toast," Iris supplied. "I DID NOT BURN THE TOAST!" Mai considered the evidence on a nearby plate. "Well, technically..." Brenda pointed her spatula at her. "Don't." Mai raised both hands. "Wouldn't dream of it." Ace leaned toward Iris. "We're keeping her." "Absolutely." Brenda sighed. "I married into a family of idiots." Iris smiled lovingly. "And you adore us." "Against all available evidence." --- By the time breakfast was ready, the kitchen had acquired the comfortable chaos of a household where everybody knew each other far too well. Brenda had prepared enough food for considerably more people than were currently present, an accomplishment Ace considered both admirable and entirely appropriate. Mai was setting out plates. Iris had appropriated a second cup of coffee. Ace was examining a jar of marmalade with the expression of someone contemplating a difficult moral choice. Two places remained conspicuously empty. Brenda glanced toward the hallway. "Where are our resident artists?" Ace checked the time. "Still sleeping, probably." Mai smiled into her coffee. "Or otherwise occupied." Iris raised an eyebrow. "Oh?" Ace grinned. "Nadia and Shammy came back from that exhibition last night looking rather pleased with themselves." Brenda considered this. "Successful exhibition?" "Apparently." "And?" "And Elisa offered Nadia something." "What?" "That," Ace replied, "is what I'm hoping to find out." Iris leaned back. "Elisa offered Nadia something, and Shammy hasn't already explained it to everyone?" "Suspicious, isn't it?" "Deeply." Mai looked toward the hallway. "Give them a little time. They were talking pretty late." Brenda glanced at the untouched plates. "Well, they'd better get here before the eggs go cold." As though summoned by the threat of deteriorating breakfast, footsteps sounded from the hallway. Nadia appeared first. She wore comfortable clothes, her hair was slightly untidy, and her expression suggested that the world was an exceptionally agreeable place. Shammy followed a few steps behind. Her expression was, if anything, even more satisfied. Ace took one look at them. "Oh, _hello._" Nadia stopped. "What?" Iris turned around. Then smiled. "Oh, my." Brenda glanced up from the stove. "Well, look at those two." Shammy beamed. "Good morning, everyone." Mai folded her arms. "Somebody seems cheerful." "Wonderful morning," Shammy replied. Nadia was already laughing. "You people are impossible." Ace looked at Iris. "See? She knows us." "Quick learner," Iris agreed. Brenda began serving the remaining eggs. "Sit down, you two. Whatever you've been doing, you clearly need breakfast." "Brenda!" Nadia protested. "What? You look hungry." Iris nearly spilled her coffee. Shammy, meanwhile, appeared entirely untroubled. "Starving, actually." Ace put her head down on the table. Mai covered her face. Brenda looked rather proud of herself. --- Breakfast proceeded amid an increasingly cheerful exchange of insults, compliments, and entirely unnecessary observations about the previous evening. Eventually, Nadia told them about the exhibition. About the visitors, the reception to their installation, and Elisa's unexpected arrival. "And then she invited us to dinner," Nadia explained. Iris smiled. "That sounds very much like Elisa." "She wanted to see more of my work." "Also sounds like Elisa," Brenda added. "And she asked an extraordinary number of questions." Ace nodded. "Definitely Elisa." Shammy laughed. "She was absolutely fascinated." Nadia glanced at her. "So were you." "Of course I was. I got to watch two of my favourite people discover they had an entire universe of things to discuss." Mai smiled. "That must have been very entertaining." "It was." Nadia stirred her coffee. "And then she asked how often we work together." Iris tilted her head. "Oh?" "And why we don't do it more often." Brenda paused with her fork halfway to her mouth. "Ah." Ace looked toward Shammy. "Oh, I think I know where this is going." Nadia sighed. "She suggested I move to Night City." For a moment, nobody spoke. Then Iris smiled. "Well, that's not actually a bad idea." "That's what she said!" Brenda leaned forward. "Wait. Just suggested it?" "She offered to arrange a studio. Possibly a residence. Introductions to collectors and patrons. Opportunities for commissions." Ace blinked. "All of that?" "All of that." "And she'd pay for the initial arrangements," Shammy added. Mai whistled softly. "That is quite an offer." Nadia looked around the table. "Why does nobody seem properly shocked?" Iris laughed. "Because we know Elisa." Brenda nodded. "And because, from what I've seen of your work, she has excellent reasons to be interested." Nadia looked faintly embarrassed. "Thank you." Ace grinned. "Besides, she's not wrong about the possibilities. Night City has plenty of people with more eddies than taste." "Some even have both," Iris added. "Rare specimens," Brenda observed. Shammy was grinning so broadly that Mai eventually pointed at her. "And you." "What?" "You're looking entirely too pleased with yourself." "I'm allowed to be happy." "Of course you are." "Then what's the problem?" "The problem," Ace said, "is that you're probably already designing three different studios." "Only two." Silence. Nadia slowly turned toward her. "Shammy." Shammy blinked. "What?" "You said you weren't going to start planning." "I said I was _trying_ not to." Brenda burst out laughing. Iris shook her head. "Oh, sweetheart." Ace raised her coffee mug. "To our resident menace." "Which one?" Brenda asked. "Excellent question." --- After breakfast, the conversation continued while the table was cleared. Nadia helped Brenda stack the dishes. Iris made another pot of coffee, while Ace and Mai drifted toward the living room. Shammy stood near the counter, looking thoughtfully at her phone. Ace noticed immediately. "Oh, no." Shammy glanced up. "What?" "You're planning something." "I'm making a phone call." "Exactly." Iris appeared behind Ace. "Who are we calling?" "Panam." Brenda looked up. "Oh, this should be good." Nadia turned from the sink. "Now?" Shammy smiled at her. "Why not?" Nadia considered that. Then her smile grew. "Oh, I see." Mai settled onto the sofa. "Everybody comfortable? I have a feeling we're about to get a performance." "You're all terrible people," Shammy informed them. Ace smiled. "And yet you love us." "Unfortunately." She placed the call. --- Panam answered after several rings. Behind her voice came the unmistakable noise of machinery, distant conversation, and wind moving across an open landscape. "Shammy?" "Good morning, beautiful." A pause. "...What did you do?" The living room erupted into laughter. Shammy closed her eyes. "Why does everybody always assume I've done something?" "Because I know you." "That's unfair." "Accurate, though." Shammy smiled. "How's your morning?" "Hot, dusty, and full of idiots." "So, normal?" "Pretty much. Mitch is helping me sort out a truck that apparently decided it hates functioning machinery." A distant voice protested something. Panam turned away from the call. "THEN STOP HITTING IT!" Another voice answered. Panam sighed. "See what I mean?" Shammy laughed. "Poor darling." "Don't you start." "Wouldn't dream of it." "So. What's up?" "I'd like you to come to the safehouse." "Okay. Why?" "Because I'd like to see you." Another pause. "Shammy." "Panam." "What's going on?" "Nothing bad." "That's not what I asked." "It's an important distinction." "Shammy." Shammy glanced around the room. Six women were now watching her with varying degrees of amusement. Nadia had settled beside Mai, looking particularly entertained. Iris was smiling into her coffee. Brenda had folded her arms, clearly anticipating trouble. Ace was already struggling not to laugh. Shammy took a breath. "There's something I'd like to talk to you about." "Then talk." "I'd rather do it in person." "Why?" "Because I miss you." Panam was silent for a moment. Then her voice softened. "Miss you too, sweetheart." Shammy smiled. For approximately two seconds, the conversation became entirely sincere. Then Panam added: "Now stop being evasive and tell me what the hell this is about." Ace made an undignified noise. Brenda lost her battle against laughter. Shammy gave them both an accusing look. Panam heard it. "Wait. Who's there?" "People." "People." "Yes." "What people?" "Lovely people." "SHAMMY." Mai leaned toward the phone. "Hi, Panam!" A pause. "Mai?" "That's me." "What the hell are you all doing?" "Having coffee." "Why do I get the feeling I'm being discussed?" Iris leaned in. "Because you are, darling." "IRIS?" "Good morning!" "Jesus Christ. How many of you are there?" Brenda couldn't resist. "Enough to form a committee." "Brenda too?" "Present!" Panam groaned. "Wonderful. The entire circus." Ace leaned forward. "Hi, Panam!" "Oh, for fuck's sake." Ace grinned. "Love you too." Panam's voice became suspiciously calm. "All right. Is Shammy in trouble?" "Nope," Ace replied. "Is somebody hurt?" "No," Mai answered. "Did something explode?" Brenda glanced at Shammy. "Not recently." "That is NOT reassuring!" Nadia began laughing. Panam stopped. "...Hang on." Shammy smiled. "Yes?" "Who was that?" "Who was what?" "That laugh." "A very nice laugh." "Shammy." "Panam." "I swear to God..." Nadia leaned forward. "Hello, Panam." Silence. Then: "...Hello?" "I'm Nadia." Another pause. And suddenly Panam sounded quite different. "Oh! _Nadia?_" Nadia smiled. "The very same." "The artist Nadia?" "Unless there's another one Shammy has been talking about." Panam laughed. "Oh, believe me, I'd know." Nadia turned slowly toward Shammy. "Would you now?" Shammy stared at the ceiling. Ace was practically vibrating with suppressed laughter. Panam continued. "She's been talking about your work for ages. And that installation you two were building? I swear I heard about every revision." Nadia's smile widened. "Every revision?" "Every. Single. One." Shammy covered her face. "Panam..." "What? It's true." Nadia laughed delightedly. "Well, I'm very pleased to finally speak with you." "Likewise. I've been curious about you." "That makes two of us." Brenda leaned toward Iris. "Oh, I like where this is going." Iris nodded. "Very much." Panam apparently heard her. "Are you all sitting around listening to this?" Ace answered immediately. "Absolutely." "WHY?" "Entertainment." Panam laughed despite herself. "You're unbelievable." Shammy sighed dramatically. "I have no privacy." Mai smiled. "You called on speaker." "An unfortunate tactical error." --- Panam, now thoroughly determined to obtain answers, resumed her interrogation. "All right. Let me get this straight. Everybody's fine?" "Yes," Shammy answered. "Nobody needs rescuing?" "No." "No emergency?" "None." "And you want me to drive into Night City." "Yes." "To the safehouse." "Yes." "To discuss something you absolutely refuse to discuss over the phone." "Correct." Panam took a slow breath. "Shammy, I am standing in the middle of the Badlands, approximately two hours away, dealing with a truck that apparently believes mechanical failure is a personality trait." Brenda snorted. "And you're telling me nothing?" "I'm telling you I love you." "That is not the same thing!" "I know. But it's true." A brief silence followed. Then Panam sighed. "You're impossible." "So I've been told." "Repeatedly, I imagine." "Constantly," Iris supplied. "Thank you, Iris." "My pleasure." Nadia rested her chin on one hand, completely absorbed in the exchange. Shammy smiled toward her. "So. Will you come?" Panam hesitated. "How important is this?" Shammy's expression became a little more serious. "Important to me. But not urgent, and nothing bad. I promise." That changed the tone of the conversation. Panam heard the sincerity. "Okay." Shammy smiled. "Okay?" "Yeah. I'll come." "Wonderful!" "But I have to finish up here first." "Of course." "Couple of hours, maybe a little more." "We'll be here." "And Shammy?" "Yes, love?" "If I get there and discover this is some elaborate practical joke..." "It isn't." "...I'm going to make you regret every minute of this phone call." Shammy grinned. "Promises, promises." Ace nearly fell off the sofa. Brenda pressed a hand over her mouth. Mai shook her head, laughing. Panam groaned. "God, you're a menace." "Your menace." "Unfortunately." There was a brief, affectionate silence. Then Panam's voice softened again. "Love you, Shammy." "Love you too. Drive safely." "Always." Ace muttered, "That's debatable." "I HEARD THAT, ACE!" "GOOD!" The call ended. --- For several seconds, nobody moved. Then Nadia began laughing. She laughed until she had to lean against Mai's shoulder. "Oh, my God." Shammy looked exceptionally pleased with herself. "What?" Nadia shook her head. "That woman is magnificent." Brenda nodded. "She certainly has patience." "Of a boiling milk," Iris corrected. Mai looked at Shammy. "And you couldn't have just told her about Elisa's offer?" "Where's the fun in that?" Brenda stared at her. "You're going to get murdered." "Panam wouldn't." "Not permanently," Ace agreed. Nadia laughed again. "Does she always talk to you like that?" Shammy considered. "Sometimes she's considerably more creative." "And you're always this impossible?" "Frequently worse." "Remarkable." Iris smiled warmly. "Those two have their own particular language." Nadia looked toward her. "Yes. I think I'm beginning to understand it." Brenda rested her hand on Iris's shoulder. "Panam may complain, but she absolutely adores that woman." Shammy's smile softened. "And I adore her." There was something in her expression that brought a moment of quiet to the room. Nadia noticed. Of course she did. She had seen Shammy happy before. Had seen her excited about art, delighted by a clever idea, moved by a beautiful piece of music. But hearing her speak to Panam had revealed another aspect of the woman she loved. An effortless joy. The comfortable certainty of an affection that needed no explanation. And Nadia found that she liked it very much. --- "So," Brenda said eventually, "we have a couple of hours before Panam gets here." "At least," Shammy replied. "Then someone should think about lunch." Ace raised her hand. "I volunteer to supervise." "Denied," Brenda answered immediately. Mai laughed. "I'll help." "Accepted." Iris glanced at Nadia. "Would you like another coffee?" "Please." As the household scattered into its familiar routines, Shammy came to sit beside Nadia. "Well?" Nadia turned toward her. "Well what?" "What do you think?" Nadia smiled. "I think you're both completely ridiculous." "That's fair." "And I think she's wonderful." Shammy's expression brightened. "Really?" "Really." Nadia took her hand. "And I'm looking forward to meeting her properly." Shammy squeezed her fingers. "So am I." Nadia tilted her head. "Although I do have one question." "Anything." "Are you planning to tell her about Elisa when she gets here, or are you going to make her interrogate the entire household first?" Shammy considered this with exaggerated seriousness. "Depends on how much fun she's having." Nadia stared at her. Then burst out laughing. From the kitchen, Brenda called: "SHAMMY! STOP TERRORIZING YOUR GIRLFRIENDS!" Shammy looked delighted. "See? No privacy whatsoever." Ace's laughter echoed from the kitchen. And Nadia, sitting comfortably beside the woman she loved, found herself thinking that Night City was beginning to feel less like somewhere she visited. And more like somewhere she belonged. ---- ## Chapter 5 — Every Single Time By the time the afternoon settled over Watson, the safehouse had returned to its usual comfortable disorder. Not actual disorder, at least not by the household's standards. The kitchen had been cleaned, lunch preparations were underway, and nobody had managed to set anything on fire. Ace considered that last detail a significant accomplishment. Brenda was in the kitchen with Iris, discussing whether the ingredients they had available would produce a decent late lunch or an exceptionally early dinner. Mai was curled into one corner of the living room sofa, reading something on her tablet. Ace occupied the other corner, occasionally distracting her wife with observations of questionable relevance. At the dining table, Nadia and Shammy had resumed an artistic discussion that had started sometime before breakfast and showed no signs of reaching a conclusion. "No," Nadia said, studying the drawing on the display. "That would defeat the entire purpose." Shammy tilted her head. "Only if we leave the suspension points fixed." "They have to be fixed somewhere." "Not necessarily." Nadia stared at her. "Please tell me you're not suggesting what I think you're suggesting." Shammy smiled. "Depends. What do you think I'm suggesting?" "Moving the entire support structure?" "Not the entire structure." "Oh, thank God." "Just the parts that matter." Nadia closed her eyes. "Shammy." "Nadia." "You're impossible." "You keep saying that." "Because you keep proving it." From the sofa, Ace looked up. "Are they fighting?" Mai didn't bother raising her eyes. "Art." "Ah. Love language then." Ace returned to her reading. A moment later, Iris emerged from the kitchen carrying a fresh cup of coffee. "Still arguing?" "Collaborating," Nadia corrected. "Ah. Of course." Shammy nodded solemnly. "Very important distinction." Brenda appeared behind Iris. "Does collaborating always involve telling each other you're impossible?" "Only when we're making progress," Nadia replied. Brenda smiled. "Then you must be doing wonderfully." --- The afternoon continued peacefully for another twenty minutes. Then Shammy stopped speaking. It happened so abruptly that Nadia initially assumed she'd noticed an error in the design. "Shammy?" No answer. Shammy's gaze had shifted toward the far wall, her attention apparently captured by something nobody else could hear. Nadia frowned. "Did I say something?" A strand of Shammy's hair lifted. Then another. Nadia blinked. "Oh." Within seconds, her hair had begun rising around her head, spreading outward in a gloriously untidy halo. Ace noticed first. She lowered her tablet. "Oh, here we go." Mai looked up and smiled immediately. Iris glanced toward Shammy. Then grinned. Brenda leaned against the kitchen doorway, folding her arms with a look of delighted anticipation. Nadia stared at the rapidly expanding halo. "Shammy?" Shammy stood. Her entire face lit up. "**PANAM IS HERE!**" And then she was moving. She rounded the table, narrowly avoided a chair, and headed for the hallway at a speed that made Nadia instinctively reach out as though to stop her from colliding with something. "Shammy, wait—" Too late. The door opened. Footsteps hurried toward the stairs. And Shammy was gone. For several seconds, the remaining five women simply listened to the rapidly retreating footsteps. Then Nadia turned slowly toward the others. Her expression was priceless. "...Did her hair just do that?" Ace nodded. "Yep." "And she knew Panam was coming?" Mai smiled. "Absolutely." "Before the truck arrived?" Iris took a sip of coffee. "Before any of us heard it." Nadia looked toward the empty doorway. Then she began to laugh. "Oh, that is _adorable!_" Brenda chuckled. "You should have seen your face." Nadia shook her head. "Is that her usual reaction?" Ace looked at Mai. Mai looked at Iris. Iris looked at Brenda. And four voices answered almost perfectly together. "**Every single time.**" Nadia burst into fresh laughter. "Every time?" "Every single time," Ace repeated. "Doesn't matter whether Panam's been gone a few hours or a week," Mai explained. "Full halo," Iris said. "And down the stairs she goes," Brenda added. Ace grinned. "Like a guided missile." "With questionable navigation," Mai observed. "Don't forget the sound effects," Iris said. Nadia was laughing so hard she had to sit down. "Oh, my God. And Panam?" Brenda smiled warmly. "Absolutely loves it." --- Two floors below, Panam was guiding her truck into the underground parking area when she caught sight of a familiar figure appearing at the foot of the stairs. She grinned before she'd even finished parking. "Oh, there she is." The engine died. Panam reached for the door handle. She had barely stepped out of the cab when Shammy arrived. "PANAM!" "Hey, beauti—OOF!" Shammy threw herself into her arms. Panam caught her with practiced ease, staggered half a step, and burst out laughing. "Jesus, woman!" Shammy kissed her. Panam returned the kiss enthusiastically, one arm wrapped securely around her waist, the other hand finding its way into the ridiculous halo of floating hair. For several moments, the mysterious invitation, the frustrating telephone conversation, and the long drive from the Badlands ceased to matter. There was only the familiar delight of being together again. When they finally separated, Panam looked at her with a broad smile. "Missed me?" Shammy beamed. "Terribly." "Yeah, I noticed." Panam reached up and gently caught a floating strand of hair between her fingers. "Still doing that, huh?" "Can't help it." "Wouldn't want you to." She kissed Shammy again, this time more slowly. Then she glanced toward the staircase. "All right, love. Before you distract me completely..." "Yes?" "Why the hell am I here?" Shammy smiled sweetly. "Because I invited you." Panam stared at her. "Shammy." "Panam." "I drove two hours." "I know." "Two hours. Through traffic. After spending half the morning arguing with a truck." "Poor darling." "And you're still not telling me?" "I thought we could go upstairs first." Panam closed her eyes. Counted silently to three. Then opened them. "You're enjoying this." "Immensely." "I can tell." Shammy slipped her hand into Panam's. "Come on. Everyone's waiting." Panam stopped. "Everyone?" "Well, almost everyone." "Shammy." "Yes, sweetheart?" "Am I walking into some kind of ambush?" "Only a friendly one." Panam groaned. "That's not reassuring." But she was smiling as she followed Shammy toward the stairs. --- Upstairs, the remaining occupants had abandoned all pretense of productive activity. Ace and Mai had moved to the larger sofa. Iris sat beside Brenda, who had brought another pot of coffee from the kitchen. Nadia was still grinning. "So she really does this every time?" "Every time," Mai confirmed. "And she can't control it?" "Not when Panam's involved," Ace replied. Iris laughed softly. "She doesn't even try." Nadia glanced toward the hallway. "Does Panam know?" Brenda raised an eyebrow. "About the halo?" "Yes." "Oh, sweetheart. Panam knows." "And?" Brenda smiled. "Just watch." Footsteps approached. Then Shammy appeared in the doorway, still holding Panam's hand. Her halo was magnificent. Panam followed her into the living room, taking in the assembled audience with an expression of amused suspicion. "All right. Which one of you is responsible for this?" Ace raised her hand. "Depends what we're accused of." "Existing, mostly." "Not guilty." Mai laughed. "Hello, Panam." "Hey, Mai." Iris smiled. "Good afternoon, darling." "Hi, Iris." Brenda lifted her cup. "Coffee?" Panam considered. "God, yes." "Coming right up." Then Panam's eyes found Nadia. Her expression brightened immediately. "And you must be Nadia." Nadia stood. "Finally." Panam laughed. "Finally?" "I've been hearing about you." "Likewise." Nadia stepped forward and offered her hand. "It's lovely to meet you properly." Panam took it warmly. "Same here. Shammy's told me a lot about you." Nadia glanced at Shammy. "So I've gathered." Panam grinned. "Oh, you have no idea." Shammy sighed. "Are we really doing this?" "Absolutely," Panam replied. Nadia smiled. "I understand you've been receiving regular updates about our installation." "Regular? Nadia, I could probably give a presentation about that thing." Ace laughed. "With illustrations?" "Probably." "Technical specifications?" Mai asked. "Definitely." Shammy groaned. "Traitors. All of you." Panam slipped an arm around her waist. "Relax, sweetheart. I happen to like hearing you talk about your work." Shammy looked up. "You do?" "Of course I do." A beat. "Even when I don't understand half of it." Nadia burst out laughing. "Oh, I like you." Panam smiled. "Good. Because I have a feeling we're going to get along." --- Brenda returned with coffee, and Panam settled into an armchair with Shammy tucked comfortably against her. Nadia took the adjacent seat. Ace watched the arrangement with a small, satisfied smile. It was remarkable how naturally everyone had settled. No awkward introductions. No territorial uncertainty. Just Panam, dusty from the Badlands, finally meeting the artist who had become such an important part of Shammу's life. And Nadia, whose curiosity had only grown during the telephone call, discovering that the formidable nomad was every bit as warm and entertaining as Shammy had promised. Panam took a long, appreciative sip of coffee. "Okay." Shammy looked up. "Okay?" "I've had coffee. I've met Nadia. Everybody's alive." "All excellent developments." Panam narrowed her eyes. "Now will you _please_ tell me why you dragged me into Night City?" Shammy smiled. "Well..." Ace leaned forward. "Careful, Panam. She's about to start." Mai grinned. Iris rested her chin on her hand. Brenda took a leisurely sip of coffee. Nadia watched Shammy with open amusement. Shammy looked around at the assembled audience. Then turned back to Panam. "Remember the installation Nadia and I were working on?" Panam stared at her. "...The one I've heard about approximately nine thousand times?" "That one!" "Oh, for fuck's sake." The room erupted into laughter. Shammy kissed Panam's cheek. "Elisa came to see it yesterday." Panam's expression shifted. "Elisa?" "Yes." "And?" "She loved it." Panam smiled. "Well, of course she did." "She also spent most of the evening talking to Nadia about her earlier work." Nadia nodded. "Quite an evening, actually." "And then," Shammy continued, "Elisa had an idea." Panam looked at her. "That sounds expensive." Ace snorted. Brenda laughed. Shammy's grin widened. "Potentially." Panam sighed. "Of course." But she was listening now. Really listening. Shammy took her hand. "She suggested that Nadia might want to establish a permanent base here in Night City." Panam blinked. Then turned toward Nadia. "Seriously?" Nadia smiled, looking a little overwhelmed even now. "Very seriously, apparently." "With a studio," Shammy added. "And a residence, if I wanted one," Nadia said. "And access to quite a few interesting people," Shammy continued. Panam looked between them. Then a slow smile spread across her face. "Well, damn." Nadia laughed softly. "That was approximately my reaction." Panam leaned back, considering. "So you'd be around a lot more?" "Possibly." "And you wouldn't have to give up your work elsewhere?" "No. That was one of Elisa's main points." Panam nodded slowly. Then she looked at Shammy. Who was watching her with an expression of unmistakable hope. Panam's smile softened. "Oh, sweetheart." Shammy blinked. "What?" "You've been trying not to explode with happiness since yesterday, haven't you?" "Possibly." Panam laughed. "God, look at you." She reached up and gently brushed a floating strand of Shammy's hair away from her face. Then turned toward Nadia. "Well, for what it's worth, I think it's a hell of an opportunity." Nadia looked surprised. "You do?" "Sure. You two clearly love working together. And Shammy's been happier than a kid in a candy store every time you've had a project going." Shammy made a small protesting sound. Panam ignored it. "Besides, I'm out in the Badlands a lot. Half the time she's probably driving Ace and Mai insane with whatever impossible thing she's building." "Half?" Ace repeated. Mai raised an eyebrow. "You're being generous." Panam grinned. "See?" Nadia laughed. "But seriously," Panam continued, "if you want to do it, you should. You'd have people here who care about you." Her gaze moved briefly to Shammy. "Very much." Nadia smiled. "Thank you." "And if Elisa's involved, I'm guessing she's already got half the arrangements planned." Shammy groaned. "Don't remind her." Panam laughed. "Oh, she has, hasn't she?" "Probably." "Of course she has." --- A little later, the conversation drifted toward practical possibilities. Nadia talked about the work she wanted to continue elsewhere, her existing studio, and the commitments she wasn't willing to abandon. Panam listened, occasionally asking questions. Not the questions of someone evaluating a rival. The questions of someone trying to understand what mattered to another person. Shammy sat between them, watching the conversation unfold with a happiness so obvious that Ace eventually leaned toward Mai. "Look at her." Mai smiled. "I know." "Think she's going to survive this?" "Barely." Across the room, Iris had noticed too. She slipped her hand into Brenda's. "That's rather lovely, isn't it?" Brenda nodded. "Very." Panam was telling Nadia about life with the Aldecaldos and Badlands in general, explaining how frequently she moved between camps and jobs, and why the Badlands remained home no matter how often she came into the city. Nadia listened with genuine interest. "So you already understand the idea of having more than one place that matters to you," she observed. Panam considered. "Yeah. I guess I do." Nadia smiled. "That's reassuring." Panam glanced toward Shammy. "And having somebody worth coming back to doesn't hurt." Shammy's halo, which had finally begun to settle, rose again. Ace made a strangled noise. Mai started laughing. Iris covered her mouth. Brenda shook her head, grinning. Nadia stared at Shammy's hair. Then at Panam. Panam looked positively delighted. "Oh, there it goes again." Nadia burst out laughing. "**Every single time?**" Panam kissed Shammy's forehead. "Every single time." And Shammy, surrounded by people she loved, could only smile. Because for once, there was absolutely nothing she needed to explain. The happiness spoke for itself. --- ## Chapter 6 — Taking the Leap "There's one thing I still don't understand." Panam had abandoned her armchair in favor of the sofa, where Shammy had promptly installed herself against her side. The halo had finally settled. Mostly. Nadia sat opposite them, one leg tucked beneath her, while Ace and Mai occupied the other end of the sofa. Iris and Brenda had moved closer to the kitchen, where Brenda was preparing something that smelled increasingly wonderful. Panam looked directly at Nadia. "What's stopping you?" Nadia blinked. "From what?" "Taking Elisa up on her offer." Nadia opened her mouth. Then closed it. For the first time that afternoon, she seemed genuinely caught off guard. "Well. It's a rather large decision." "Sure." "I have a studio elsewhere." "Which you get to keep." "Yes." "Clients?" "Those too." "Friends? Other commitments?" "Of course." Panam nodded. "And nobody's asking you to give any of that up." "No." "So what's stopping you?" Nadia stared at her. Shammy watched the exchange with growing interest. From the kitchen, Iris smiled quietly. Nadia looked down at her hands. "That's an annoyingly good question." Panam grinned. "I have those occasionally." "Don't encourage her," Shammy murmured. Panam kissed the top of her head. "Too late." Nadia leaned back. "I suppose I've been thinking about it as a move. A relocation. Something that means uprooting one life and starting another." "But that's not what Elisa offered," Mai observed. "No," Nadia admitted. "She offered you another place to work," Ace said. "And somewhere to stay," Iris added. "And a chance to spend more time with people you already care about," Brenda called from the kitchen. Shammy said nothing. Nadia noticed. She turned toward her. "And what do you think?" Shammy smiled. "I think I've made my feelings rather obvious." Panam glanced at the faint remnants of her halo. "Subtle as a brick." "Thank you, darling." "Anytime." Nadia laughed. Then she grew thoughtful again. "I've spent so much time making sure I could support myself, work independently, and never have to rely on somebody else's generosity that I think I forgot something." "What's that?" Iris asked. "Sometimes an opportunity really is just an opportunity." Elisa's words from the previous evening returned to her. _You don't need to become a different person to take advantage of a new opportunity._ Nadia smiled slowly. "Oh, hell." Shammy straightened. "What?" Nadia looked around the room. Then at Shammy. Then at Panam. "I think I'm going to do it." For a moment, nobody spoke. Shammy's hair began to rise. Ace saw it immediately. "Oh, boy." Nadia pointed at her. "Don't you dare." Shammy stared. "Really?" Nadia laughed. "Really." The halo expanded. Panam burst out laughing. "Jesus, Shammy!" "I can't help it!" Nadia leaned forward. "I haven't even called Elisa yet!" "Doesn't matter!" Shammy launched herself across the small distance between them and wrapped Nadia in a delighted embrace. Nadia laughed into her shoulder. "Careful, you lunatic!" "You're coming to Night City!" "I'm _considering establishing a second residence and studio in Night City,_" Nadia corrected. "Same thing!" "Not even remotely!" Shammy kissed her. Nadia returned it warmly, smiling against her lips. Behind them, Ace applauded. Mai joined in. Iris raised her coffee. Brenda appeared from the kitchen doorway. "Did I miss something?" "Nadia's moving in!" Ace announced. Nadia lifted her head. "I am not moving in!" "Close enough!" Brenda grinned. "Congratulations, darling." "Thank you. I think." Panam watched the exchange with an expression of profound amusement. "Well, that settles it." Nadia turned. "What does?" "You've been adopted." --- Once Shammy had been persuaded to release Nadia long enough for everybody to resume breathing normally, the conversation turned practical. Nadia retrieved her tablet. "All right. If I'm doing this, I want to do it properly." Ace raised an eyebrow. "That sounds ominous." "It means I'm not simply going to accept whatever Elisa throws at me." "Good," Panam said. Nadia looked at her. "Good?" "Absolutely. She's offering you a chance to build something. You should know what you're building." Nadia smiled. "Exactly." She opened a blank document. "First, I keep my existing studio." Shammy nodded. "Obviously." "My existing commitments remain intact." "Naturally." "I continue traveling when I need to." "Wouldn't have it any other way." "And I want the Night City studio to be mine. Not a room somebody lends me whenever they find it convenient." Ace nodded approvingly. "That sounds sensible." "I want the freedom to work independently. And with Sera." Shammy's smile widened. "Please." "And no exclusive contracts unless there's an exceptionally good reason for one." Iris raised her cup. "Now you're talking." Brenda emerged from the kitchen carrying a plate of pastries. "Would you also like a lawyer?" Nadia blinked. "Possibly." "Good. Because this household has opinions about contracts." Ace grinned. "Very strong opinions." Panam took a pastry. "Especially contracts written by corps." Nadia laughed. "Yes, I'm beginning to suspect that." Shammy leaned forward. "Can I add something?" Nadia looked at her. "Of course." "Whatever studio you choose, it needs enough room for your work. Not what some architect thinks an artist should need. What _you_ need." Nadia smiled. "And room for you?" Shammy grinned. "Well, I wasn't going to say it." "Of course not." "But since you mentioned it..." Nadia leaned over and kissed her cheek. "Idiot." "Your idiot." Panam raised a finger. "Our idiot." Nadia turned toward her. They looked at each other. Then both began laughing. Shammy stared between them. "I am sitting right here." "We noticed," Panam said. "Hard not to," Nadia added. Ace looked at Mai. "This is getting better by the minute." --- It was Iris who eventually asked the question nobody else had raised. "And where would you actually want to live?" Nadia looked up from her notes. "What do you mean?" "Elisa mentioned a residence. But do you want your own apartment? Somewhere near a studio? Somewhere closer to the safehouse?" Nadia considered. "I hadn't really thought about it." Brenda smiled. "You should. A second home should feel like home." Nadia glanced around the living room. The comfortable furniture. The familiar kitchen. The people scattered across the room, casually sharing coffee, food, conversation, and the small domestic rituals of a household that had learned how to make room for one another. Then her gaze settled on Shammy. "Well..." Shammy tilted her head. "Well?" "I already rather like staying here." Shammy's expression softened. "I know." "And I like being around all of you." Ace smiled. "Excellent judgment." Mai nudged her. "Behave." "I am." Nadia laughed. "But I don't want to assume anything. It's your home." "Our home," Mai corrected gently. Nadia turned toward her. Mai smiled. "And you're most welcome here." Ace nodded. "Always have been." Iris raised her coffee. "Agreed." Brenda smiled warmly. "Besides, we've got guest rooms. It would be a shame not to use them." Nadia looked genuinely touched. "Thank you." Shammy squeezed her hand. "There's no pressure. You can have a place of your own, stay here, do both, or change your mind whenever you want." Nadia considered this. Then smiled. "Both might actually be lovely." Panam nodded. "Sounds practical." "A studio and a small place of my own for when I want some solitude," Nadia continued. "And the safehouse when I want company." Ace grinned. "Or breakfast." "Particularly breakfast." Brenda looked delighted. "Finally. Someone appreciates my cooking." Iris raised an eyebrow. "I appreciate your cooking." "You called my toast charcoal." "Enthusiastically browned charcoal." "IRIS!" The room dissolved into laughter. --- Nadia made the call before she could overthink it. She was standing near the large living room windows, her tablet in one hand and her phone in the other. Behind her, the household had made a heroic effort to appear uninterested. It was not particularly convincing. Elisa answered promptly. "Nadia! What a lovely surprise." "Hello, Elisa. I hope I'm not interrupting anything." "Nothing that can't survive an interruption. How are you?" "Very well, thank you." A pause. Then Nadia smiled. "Actually, I've been thinking about our conversation." "I rather hoped you might." Nadia glanced over her shoulder. Shammy was practically vibrating. Panam had one arm around her, apparently preventing her from floating away. Ace gave Nadia an encouraging thumbs-up. Nadia turned back toward the window. "I'd like to explore your proposal." There was a brief silence. Then Elisa's voice brightened. "Wonderful!" "But I have some conditions." "Of course." "I want to maintain my existing studio and commitments. I need the freedom to continue my work elsewhere. And I'd want the Night City operation to be genuinely independent." "Naturally." "No exclusive agreements." "Unless you decide one serves a particular project. Agreed." "And I'd like to be involved in choosing the premises." "My dear, I wouldn't dream of choosing your studio for you." Nadia smiled. "Good." "Although I may have identified a few possibilities." From behind Nadia came a muffled explosion of laughter. Elisa paused. "...Was that Sera?" Nadia closed her eyes. "Yes." "Are you at the safehouse?" "Yes." "And I assume everyone is listening?" "More or less." Elisa laughed delightedly. "Put me on speaker, darling." Nadia turned. Six faces looked back at her with expressions ranging from innocent curiosity to outright mischief. She sighed. "Of course." She activated the speaker. "You're on." "Good afternoon, everyone." A chorus of greetings answered her. "Elisa," Ace said, "we've been hearing about your little proposal." "Oh, have you?" "Little," Brenda repeated. "That's one word for it." Elisa laughed. "I prefer to think of it as an opportunity." Panam leaned forward. "Sounds like a hell of an opportunity." "Panam! How lovely. I wasn't aware you were there." "Got dragged in from the Badlands." "By Shammy, I assume?" "Naturally." "I hope she at least explained why." Panam looked directly at Shammy. Shammy smiled sweetly. "Eventually." Elisa laughed again. "Somehow that doesn't surprise me." Nadia shook her head. "Elisa, before this turns into an interrogation..." "Yes, darling?" "I'd like to see those possible locations." "Of course." "And discuss how we might structure everything." "Absolutely." "And I don't want you making arrangements until I've approved them." "Perfectly reasonable." A pause. Then Elisa added, with exquisite innocence: "Would tomorrow be too soon to look at a few studios?" Nadia stared at the phone. Behind her, Shammy made a small, delighted noise. Panam began laughing. Ace covered her face. Mai shook her head. Iris smiled knowingly. Brenda muttered, "Of course." Nadia took a deep breath. "Elisa." "Yes?" "Have you already arranged viewings?" A tiny pause. "Provisionally." The safehouse erupted. Nadia stared at the ceiling. "Oh, my God." Elisa sounded thoroughly pleased. "Shall I take that as a yes?" Nadia looked back toward the room. At her friends. At Panam, grinning broadly. At Shammy, whose halo had reached proportions bordering on the architectural. And she laughed. "Yes, Elisa." A beat. "Let's see what Night City has to offer." --- After the call ended, Nadia stood quietly by the window for a moment. The city stretched out beyond the glass. Noisy. Complicated. Beautiful in ways that had nothing to do with conventional beauty. A place where fortunes were made and lost, where dreams could flourish or be devoured, where nobody survived long without learning how to distinguish opportunity from danger. She knew all that. And yet. She had friends here. People who loved her. An artistic partnership that had already produced work she was immensely proud of. And now, perhaps, the possibility of building something she hadn't even realized she wanted. Shammy approached quietly. "Hey." Nadia turned. "Hey." "You okay?" Nadia smiled. "More than okay." Shammy slipped her arms around her. "I'm proud of you." "For saying yes?" "For deciding what you wanted." Nadia rested her forehead against hers. "I haven't said yes to everything." "I know." "There are still details." "Lots of details." "And I reserve the right to change my mind." "Always." Nadia smiled. "Good." Then she kissed Shammy. Warmly. Without hesitation. Behind them, Panam cleared her throat. "All right, you two. Save some enthusiasm for tomorrow. We've apparently got studios to inspect." Nadia turned, laughing. "We?" Panam shrugged. "Why not? I know a thing or two about buildings, electrical systems, and spotting expensive bullshit." Ace raised her hand. "I volunteer for the expensive bullshit." Mai looked at her. "You specialize in that." "Thank you." "Not a compliment." "I choose to take it as one." Iris glanced toward Brenda. "Think we should join them?" Brenda considered. "Depends. Are we shopping for a studio or starting a small corporate takeover?" "With Elisa involved?" Iris asked. Brenda nodded. "Fair point." Nadia looked around at the assembled household. Then she began laughing again. "Oh, this is going to be ridiculous." Shammy grinned. "Probably." "Expensive?" "Almost certainly." "Complicated?" "Definitely." Nadia looked at her. "And fun?" Shammy's smile softened. "Oh, Nadia." She took her hand. "More fun than you can possibly imagine." Panam leaned back in her chair, watching the two artists with an expression of affectionate resignation. "God help Night City." Ace raised her coffee. "Too late." And this time, when everyone laughed, Nadia laughed with the easy certainty of someone who had stopped wondering whether she belonged. She did. What came next was simply a question of how much room Night City was prepared to make for her. --- ## Chapter 7 — Room to Dream Nadia discovered the first problem with establishing a studio in Night City at precisely eight seventeen the following morning. The problem was sitting across from her at the safehouse kitchen table, wearing an expression of intense concentration. And drawing something. "Shammy." "Hmm?" "What are you doing?" "Thinking." "With a structural engineering application?" "Very thoughtful thinking." Nadia leaned across the table. On Shammy's display was a complicated arrangement of suspended platforms, movable supports, and what appeared to be a motorized track system. Nadia stared. "We haven't even seen the buildings." "I know." "Then what exactly are you designing?" "Possibilities." "Shammy." "Nadia." From beside the coffee machine, Panam started laughing. "I warned you." Nadia turned. "Warned me about what?" Panam carried three mugs toward the table. "Give her an empty building and she'll fill it before you've found the light switches." Shammy looked offended. "I am perfectly capable of exercising restraint." Panam set a mug in front of her. "Sweetheart, you spent forty minutes last night explaining how you could make an entire wall rotate." "It was a very interesting wall." "It was a wall you haven't even got." Nadia closed her eyes. "Oh, God." Panam kissed the top of Shammy's head. "Love you, lunatic." "Love you too." Nadia shook her head, smiling. She was beginning to suspect that inviting Panam along had been one of her better decisions. Not because the nomad was likely to restrain Shammy's enthusiasm. Clearly, that was impossible. But because Panam seemed to possess the remarkable ability to understand exactly when Shammy needed encouragement and when she needed someone to confiscate her tools. Ace wandered into the kitchen, took one look at Shammy's display, and sighed. "Already?" Shammy looked up. "What?" "Have you designed the building yet?" "Only part of it." Ace turned toward Nadia. "Run." Nadia laughed. Mai appeared behind Ace and slipped an arm around her waist. "Morning, everyone." "Morning," Panam replied. Mai looked at the display. Then at Shammy. "Oh, sweetheart." "What?" "You haven't even had breakfast." "I have coffee." "Not the same thing." Brenda emerged from the hallway, followed by Iris. "Did someone say breakfast?" Ace gestured toward Shammy. "Emergency intervention." Iris took a look. Then smiled. "Ah. Artistic enthusiasm." "Uncontrolled artistic enthusiasm," Panam corrected. Brenda folded her arms. "Is anyone planning to eat before we start constructing imaginary buildings?" Shammy sighed. "I live among philistines." Nadia reached over and closed the application. "Come on, genius. Breakfast first." Shammy looked at her. Then grinned. "Yes, ma'am." --- Elisa had sent the itinerary the previous evening. Three properties, each representing a different approach to Nadia's potential Night City studio. The first was in Charter Hill, the second in North Oak, and the third in Watson. Elisa had provided the addresses, meeting times, and brief descriptions of each property. Her consultant and security detail would meet them at the first location. Nothing about the arrangements required anyone outside the trusted household to know where Nadia, Shammy, or Panam would be starting their morning. It was an important distinction. The safehouse was not an address to be entered casually into an appointment schedule, and Elisa knew that perfectly well. By nine, the three women were ready to leave. Panam checked her truck while Nadia made sure her tablet contained the portfolio, technical requirements, and notes she'd prepared the night before. Shammy appeared carrying an equipment case. Nadia stared at it. "No." Shammy stopped. "What?" "What's in the case?" "Measuring equipment." "How much measuring equipment?" "A reasonable amount." Panam leaned against the truck. "Define reasonable." Shammy hesitated. Panam grinned. "Thought so." Nadia walked over and opened the case. Inside were a laser measuring system, several compact sensors, a portable structural scanner, and an assortment of tools whose functions were not immediately obvious. She looked at Shammy. Then at Panam. Panam shrugged. "Could be worse." "How?" "She could've brought the welding gear." Shammy looked thoughtful. Nadia pointed at her. "Don't." Shammy laughed. "All right, all right." They climbed into the truck. As Panam started the engine, Nadia glanced toward the safehouse one last time. She had arrived in Night City expecting a visit. A little time with people she loved. An exhibition. Perhaps a few new ideas. Now she was on her way to examine possible premises for an entirely new part of her professional life. She smiled to herself. Life did have an interesting sense of timing. --- The first building stood in one of Charter Hill's more prosperous commercial districts. Its exterior was immaculate. Glass, brushed metal, pale stone, and precisely arranged landscaping gave the entrance the appearance of a place that charged enormous amounts of money for the privilege of being taken seriously. Elisa waited near the entrance, speaking with a woman in a dark business suit. Two security personnel maintained a discreet distance. When Panam's truck arrived, Elisa's expression brightened. "There you are!" Nadia climbed out and found herself immediately swept into a warm embrace. "Good morning, darling!" "Morning, Elisa." Elisa kissed her cheek, then greeted Shammy with equal affection. "Shammy!" "Elisa!" They hugged. Panam emerged from the driver's side. "Morning." Elisa smiled. "Panam! How lovely." They exchanged a brief embrace. Elisa looked at the three of them. "Ready?" Nadia glanced at the building. "As I'll ever be." "Wonderful." Elisa introduced the property consultant, a composed woman named Evelyn who appeared entirely accustomed to dealing with wealthy clients and complicated requirements. "Before we begin," Nadia said, "I should probably explain what I'm looking for." Evelyn smiled professionally. "Of course." "I make installations. Often quite large ones. Sometimes kinetic, sometimes interactive, occasionally involving heavy structural components." Evelyn nodded. "And I need somewhere to actually build them. Not merely display finished work." "Understood." Panam looked toward the building's pristine entrance. "That's going to be interesting." Elisa smiled. "Shall we?" --- The first studio occupied most of the upper floor. It was undeniably beautiful. Natural light flooded through enormous windows. The open interior had been divided into flexible zones, with movable partitions and elegant lighting systems. Everything looked expensive. Everything looked clean. Everything looked as though a maintenance supervisor might suffer a nervous breakdown if someone spilled paint. Nadia walked slowly through the space. Shammy followed beside her, looking around with professional interest. Elisa allowed them time to explore while Evelyn explained the facilities. "Approximately six hundred square meters of adaptable floor space, integrated climate control, network infrastructure, and secure access throughout." Nadia nodded. "The light is lovely." "It is," Shammy agreed. "And the proportions are interesting." "Very." Panam walked toward the nearest service door. "Where's the freight access?" Evelyn consulted her tablet. "There's a dedicated elevator." "Can we see it?" "Certainly." The elevator was immaculate. It was also considerably smaller than Panam had hoped. She examined the opening. Then the interior. Then the posted weight capacity. "Nope." Evelyn blinked. "I'm sorry?" "Too small." "The facility does accommodate deliveries through the ground-floor loading area." Panam nodded. "Okay. How do they get upstairs?" "The elevator." "Exactly." Evelyn hesitated. Elisa concealed a smile. Nadia approached. "Could we bring something four meters long up here?" Evelyn examined the specifications. "Not without special arrangements." "What sort of arrangements?" "Potentially external lifting equipment." Panam looked toward the windows. "Through those?" "Depending on the installation." Panam folded her arms. "So every time they build something large, they're going to need a crane and permission from half the neighborhood." Evelyn maintained her professional composure. "That would depend on the project." "Sure would." Shammy glanced at Nadia. Nadia was already smiling. "Well," she said, "that's useful information." They continued the tour. The building had excellent environmental controls, attractive meeting rooms, and a reception area that would undoubtedly impress collectors. But the more Nadia explored, the less convinced she became. She stopped beside a wall finished in flawless white. "Can this be modified?" Evelyn nodded. "Within certain limits." "What limits?" "All alterations would require approval from building management." "Even temporary structural attachments?" "Those would need to be reviewed individually." Shammy made a small noise. Panam turned toward her. "What?" "Nothing." "That wasn't a nothing noise." "I was just imagining the approval process." Nadia laughed. "Don't." Elisa watched the exchange with obvious interest. When they finally returned to the central space, she asked quietly: "Well, Nadia?" Nadia took a moment. "It's a beautiful property." "But?" Nadia gestured around them. "I can imagine exhibiting here. Hosting clients. Presenting finished work." She looked at Shammy. "But can you imagine us actually making anything?" Shammy considered. "Not without spending half our time protecting the building from ourselves." Panam grinned. "And arguing with management." "Constantly," Nadia agreed. Elisa nodded. "Then it isn't right." Evelyn looked faintly surprised. "We do have considerable flexibility regarding modifications—" "I'm sure you do," Elisa replied pleasantly. "But I think we've learned what we needed to learn." Nadia glanced at her. "Just like that?" "Of course." Elisa smiled. "The purpose of today is to find somewhere you want to work. Not to persuade you that you ought to want something else." Nadia returned the smile. "Thank you." "Besides," Elisa added, "we have two more." Panam looked relieved. "Good." --- The second property was in North Oak. The difference was immediate. The city became quieter, the buildings more isolated, and the landscaping increasingly elaborate. The property itself occupied a private hillside site behind an unobtrusive but substantial security perimeter. Nadia stared through the windshield as Panam guided the truck toward the entrance. "Oh, my." Shammy leaned forward. "Well, that's interesting." Panam glanced at the building. "Looks expensive." Elisa, riding separately, was waiting inside when they arrived. She greeted them with a smile. "Something a little different." "A little?" Nadia repeated. Elisa laughed. "Come and see." The building had originally been designed for a private collector. Its central hall rose through two stories, with broad windows, overhead structural supports, and a carefully controlled environment suitable for delicate works. There was a courtyard. Several large adjoining rooms. Secure storage. Even a fabrication area. Nadia stepped into the central hall and stopped. "Oh." Shammy looked upward. "Oh, indeed." The overhead suspension system immediately caught their attention. Nadia approached one of the supports. "Is this rated for kinetic loads?" Evelyn checked her records. "Yes, although the exact limits would require confirmation." Shammy was already examining the framework. "Interesting." Panam studied the attachment points. "Looks solid, but I'd want the engineering documentation." Nadia nodded. "Of course." They explored the property carefully. And for a while, Nadia genuinely considered it. The available height was extraordinary. The environmental systems were excellent. The courtyard offered interesting possibilities for outdoor work. And there was enough room to accommodate several simultaneous installations. But as they walked, a strange feeling began to settle over her. Everything was too complete. Too carefully arranged. Too determined to be impressive. Shammy noticed her growing silence. "What's wrong?" Nadia shook her head. "I'm not sure." They stepped into the courtyard. Sunlight fell across pale stone and ornamental greenery. It was beautiful. Undeniably beautiful. And Nadia couldn't stop imagining how much trouble she'd cause if she wanted to dig into the ground, replace a wall, or install something that didn't match the architect's vision. Panam joined them. "Something bothering you?" Nadia sighed. "I feel as though I'd be borrowing somebody else's masterpiece." Panam considered that. "Yeah." Shammy looked around. "It's a lovely place." "It is." "But..." Nadia smiled ruefully. "But I want a studio, not a museum." Panam laughed. "That's what I was thinking." Elisa approached. "Not quite right?" Nadia shook her head. "I could do wonderful things here. But I'm not sure I'd ever feel comfortable changing anything." Elisa nodded. "A fair concern." "Would you be disappointed if I said no?" "Not in the slightest." Nadia looked at her. "Really?" "My dear, why would I want to establish you somewhere that makes you uncomfortable?" She gestured toward the courtyard. "This building has its admirers. Someone will love it." Then she smiled. "But it doesn't have to be you." Nadia laughed softly. "You're making this remarkably easy." "That is rather the idea." --- They stopped for lunch before the final viewing. Elisa chose a small restaurant where the food was excellent and the staff seemed entirely unimpressed by the presence of wealthy clients. Nadia appreciated that. Panam appreciated the portions. Shammy appreciated having two women beside her who were equally willing to argue about the practicalities of building enormous pieces of art. Elisa appeared to appreciate all three. "So," she asked over lunch, "what have we learned?" Nadia considered. "That a beautiful space isn't necessarily a useful one." "Good." "And that I need more industrial capability than I initially thought." Panam nodded. "Definitely." Shammy leaned forward. "Also, we should probably think about adaptable suspension systems." Nadia gave her a look. "Shammy." "What?" "We are not designing anything until we find a building." "I was only saying." Panam grinned. "She's been saying that since breakfast." Elisa laughed. "Well, perhaps the third property will prove more accommodating." Nadia looked at her. "You seem rather confident." Elisa smiled innocently. "Do I?" Shammy narrowed her eyes. "Oh, you know something." "Perhaps." Panam pointed her fork at Elisa. "That sounds suspiciously like Shammy." Nadia groaned. "Oh, wonderful. Two of them." Elisa looked delighted. --- The third property stood in Watson. Nadia had not expected that. The first two locations had been in prestigious districts, surrounded by expensive architecture and the sort of discreet wealth that liked to pretend it wasn't showing off. Watson was different. The streets were busier. The buildings older. Workshops, converted commercial premises, warehouses, and small industrial businesses stood alongside newer developments in the familiar, untidy arrangement of a district that had been rebuilt and repurposed more times than anyone cared to count. Panam looked around approvingly. "Now this feels more promising." Shammy smiled. Nadia noticed. "What?" "Nothing." "You know something." "I know Watson." "That's not what I meant." Panam laughed. "Don't bother. She's enjoying herself." Their vehicles stopped outside a substantial former fabrication workshop. The building occupied a corner lot, with a broad service yard and large industrial windows along the upper level. Its exterior was well maintained, but nobody had attempted to disguise its industrial origins. Steel supports remained visible. The loading entrance looked genuinely useful. And the building had enough room around it for trucks and heavy equipment. Panam climbed out, surveyed the loading area, and nodded. "Okay." Nadia looked at her. "Okay?" "Now we're talking." Elisa joined them. "Welcome to our final possibility." Nadia studied the building. "It's not particularly glamorous." "No," Elisa agreed. Nadia smiled. "I like that." --- The moment Nadia entered the main hall, she stopped. The space opened around her. A high ceiling crossed by exposed structural beams. Broad industrial windows. A reinforced concrete floor. Large access doors. An overhead crane system that had clearly been installed for moving genuinely heavy equipment rather than impressing visitors. And room. So much room. Not simply empty floor area. Room to work. Room to experiment. Room to make mistakes and try again. Nadia took several steps forward. Stopped. Turned slowly. Shammy watched her. Panam examined the loading arrangements. Elisa said nothing. For nearly a minute, Nadia simply looked. Then she smiled. "Oh." Shammy recognized that sound immediately. "Oh?" Nadia pointed toward the far side of the hall. "Imagine..." Shammy came to stand beside her. "Yes?" "A suspended array beginning there." Shammy followed her gesture. "All right." "Running across the central space." "Mm-hmm." "Responsive to movement, but with separate sections that can change their orientation independently." Shammy's eyes widened. "Oh." Nadia turned toward her. "Exactly." Shammy looked up at the structural beams. Then toward the opposite wall. "And if we suspended the elements from separate tracks..." "We could change their relationship without changing the installation's footprint." "Yes!" Panam looked over. "Here we go." Elisa smiled. "Something interesting?" "Possibly," Nadia replied. Shammy was already studying the ceiling. "Very possibly." Nadia laughed. "We haven't even checked whether the structure can support it." Panam pointed upward. "That's why you brought me." Shammy beamed. "Exactly!" Panam shook her head. "God help me." --- The building revealed more possibilities as they explored. The main hall could accommodate large installations. A separate workshop wing provided space for fabrication, assembly, and equipment maintenance. Several smaller rooms could be used for experiments requiring controlled lighting or sound. There were storage areas. Utility spaces. A mezzanine overlooking the main hall. And, most importantly, the building could be modified without fighting against an elaborate decorative design. Nadia walked through the workshop wing with growing excitement. "This could be a fabrication room." Shammy nodded. "And this could be assembly." "Or testing." "Both, depending on the project." Panam examined the ventilation system. "Needs an inspection, but the infrastructure's there." Nadia turned. "Would it be difficult to upgrade?" "Depends what you're doing. But there's room for proper equipment, and the existing ducts are accessible. That's a good start." They moved into another room. Nadia studied the walls. "This could be completely blacked out." Shammy smiled. "Controlled light experiments." "Exactly." "And next door..." "Sound isolation?" "Possibly." Panam looked between them. "Are you two going to finish looking at the building before you start redesigning it?" Nadia laughed. "Probably not." Elisa, standing in the doorway, looked deeply satisfied. "I believe this is the first property where you've begun talking about what you want to create rather than what the building will allow you to display." Nadia paused. Then smiled. "You're right." Shammy looked around. "And that's a very good sign." --- Panam fell in love with the loading area. Not metaphorically. She actually spent nearly twenty minutes inspecting it. The service yard was spacious. The main loading door was wide enough for large equipment. The reinforced floor extended directly into the workshop. And the overhead handling systems meant that heavy components could be moved without requiring an army of workers. Panam walked slowly across the floor, studying the embedded rails and access points. "Now this is sensible." Nadia joined her. "You approve?" "Mostly." "Mostly?" "I want to see the structural reports, the maintenance records, and the electrical certification." Nadia smiled. "Of course you do." Panam pointed toward the service entrance. "But this is good. You can bring materials in, build what you need, and move finished pieces out without taking half the building apart." "Which would be rather useful." "Very." Shammy appeared beside them. "There's enough room for a proper fabrication system." Panam glanced at her. "Don't." "I haven't said anything." "You've got that look." "What look?" "The one you get before buying equipment." Nadia laughed. "She already made a list." Panam stared at her. "Seriously?" Shammy looked offended. "It's a preliminary list." "Of course it is." Elisa joined them. "Well, I certainly wouldn't want you to lack the necessary equipment." Panam slowly turned toward her. "Elisa." "Yes?" "Please don't encourage her." Elisa looked almost unbearably innocent. "I wouldn't dream of it." Nadia began laughing. "Oh, you're both terrible." Shammy grinned. "We prefer enthusiastic." --- The mezzanine was what finally convinced Nadia. She found the staircase near the back of the central hall. It led to an upper level overlooking the entire workspace. Several former offices lined one side, while a broad walkway provided an uninterrupted view of the floor below. Nadia climbed slowly. At the top, she stopped. From here she could see everything. The enormous windows. The structural beams. The workshop entrances. The open central floor. Sunlight crossed the concrete in broad geometric shapes. She could imagine the space occupied by a work in progress. Tools arranged along one wall. Materials waiting to be assembled. A half-finished installation suspended overhead. Shammy standing beneath it, arguing that a technical impossibility was merely an engineering problem waiting for an interesting solution. Nadia smiled. She could imagine late nights here. Working until they forgot the time. Stopping for coffee. Finding an unexpected solution to a problem that had bothered them for weeks. She could imagine Panam arriving with dinner and threatening to disconnect the power if they refused to take a break. She laughed softly to herself. "What?" Elisa had joined her. Nadia turned. "Nothing. Just imagining things." "Good things?" "Very." Elisa stood beside her, looking down over the hall. They remained quiet for a moment. Then Nadia asked: "Why did you choose this one?" Elisa considered. "Because I thought you might like it." Nadia smiled. "That's the diplomatic answer." Elisa laughed. "Very well." She rested her hands lightly on the railing. "When I saw your installation at the exhibition, I was struck by how much of it depended on the relationship between people and space." Nadia listened. "And when you showed me your earlier work, I began wondering what you might create if you didn't have to adapt every idea to somebody else's temporary venue." Nadia looked back toward the hall. Elisa continued. "I know artists who thrive on restrictions. Sometimes limitations are essential to the work." "Yes." "But there is a difference between an artistic constraint and an administrative inconvenience." Nadia smiled. "Very much so." "I thought you deserved the opportunity to decide which was which." For a moment, Nadia said nothing. Then she looked at Elisa. "You're quite extraordinary, you know." Elisa smiled. "Occasionally." "And you really don't expect to control what I create?" "Absolutely not." "Even if I never accept a commission from one of your contacts?" "My dear, I'd still have helped make interesting art possible. I can live with that." Nadia laughed. "Somehow I believe you." Elisa glanced toward the floor below. "Besides, watching you and Sera argue about impossible ideas may be worth the investment by itself." Nadia followed her gaze. Shammy was standing beside Panam, gesturing toward the overhead crane system. Panam was shaking her head. Both were smiling. Nadia laughed. "That may be the most expensive entertainment you've ever purchased." Elisa considered. "Possibly." Then her eyes brightened. "But probably not." --- When they finally gathered near the main entrance, Nadia had filled several pages of notes. There were practical questions. Ownership arrangements. Insurance. Operating expenses. Security. Structural certification. Equipment. Modification rights. And the rather important matter of how the entire arrangement would be financed and documented. Nadia intended to understand every detail before signing anything. Elisa appeared entirely comfortable with that. "So," she asked, "what do you think?" Nadia looked back into the enormous hall. Shammy stood beside her, unusually quiet. Panam waited a little farther away, giving her space. Nadia took a breath. "I think this is the one." Shammy's head turned immediately. "Really?" Nadia smiled. "Really." Shammy's expression became luminous. "Oh, Nadia." "Don't you dare tackle me." Shammy stopped. Nadia laughed. "Come here, you idiot." Shammy wrapped her arms around her. They held each other for a long moment. Then Nadia kissed her. Warmly. Happily. When they separated, Shammy's eyes were shining. "We could do so much here." Nadia smiled. "I know." Panam approached. "Before you two start ordering equipment, remember we still need those inspections." Nadia laughed. "Yes, Panam." "And the electrical reports." "Yes." "And the structural certification." "Yes." "And—" Shammy kissed her. Panam blinked. Then laughed. "Nice try. Still getting the reports." Shammy grinned. "Wouldn't dream of stopping you." Elisa watched the three of them with a warm smile. Then she turned to Evelyn. "Please prepare the documentation for this property. Full technical specifications, maintenance history, ownership details, and an initial estimate for the modifications Nadia has identified." Evelyn nodded. "Of course." "And no commitments until Nadia has reviewed everything." "Understood." Nadia looked at Elisa. "Thank you." "My pleasure." "And I really do mean it about the conditions." "I know, darling." Nadia smiled. "Good." Elisa glanced toward the building. "I think we're going to make something rather wonderful possible here." Nadia followed her gaze. For the first time, she could genuinely imagine the building as hers. Not because she owned it. Not because someone wealthy had offered it to her. But because she could see herself working there. Living part of her life there. Creating things that didn't yet exist. She smiled. "I think so too." --- They stepped outside into the afternoon light. Panam was already discussing lunch with Shammy, who appeared to have temporarily forgotten about food until reminded of its existence. Elisa remained beside Nadia for a moment. "Happy?" Nadia looked toward the building. "Very." "Good." A brief silence followed. Then Nadia smiled. "You know, I came to Night City expecting to spend some time with friends and present one installation." Elisa laughed. "And now?" Nadia looked toward Shammy. Toward Panam. Toward the city stretching beyond the surrounding buildings. "Now I'm seriously considering establishing an entire second professional life here." Elisa's expression softened. "Would that be such a terrible thing?" Nadia shook her head. "No." Then she laughed. "Quite the opposite, actually." Elisa embraced her. "Then I'm very glad I went to that exhibition." Nadia returned the hug warmly. "So am I." Behind them, Panam called: "HEY! ARE WE EATING OR WHAT?" Shammy added: "Nadia! There's a place nearby with excellent noodles!" Panam looked at her. "You said that about the last place." "They _were_ excellent noodles!" "They were mostly chili oil!" "Artistic interpretation!" Nadia closed her eyes. Elisa began laughing. "Oh, dear." Nadia looked toward the two women. One an artist whose enthusiasm could apparently fill a warehouse. The other a nomad whose practical instincts might be the only thing preventing that warehouse from becoming an elaborate engineering catastrophe. Both looking toward her. Both smiling. Both waiting. Nadia laughed. "Come on, Elisa." She slipped her arm through the other woman's. "Apparently we're going to lunch." "Apparently so." "And perhaps you can explain how you managed to find that building." Elisa smiled. "Connections, darling." "Of course." "And a little research." "Naturally." "And possibly one or two favors." Nadia shook her head. "You're impossible." Elisa looked delighted. "That's what Sera keeps telling me." They followed Shammy and Panam toward the vehicles. Behind them, the former workshop stood quietly in the afternoon sun. Nothing had been signed. Nothing had been finalized. There were still inspections, negotiations, contracts, and a hundred practical details to resolve. But Nadia no longer wondered whether she wanted to do this. She did. And as Panam opened the truck door and Shammy enthusiastically began explaining a new idea involving suspended kinetic structures, Nadia realized something else. She wasn't merely looking forward to having a studio in Night City. She was looking forward to everything that might happen because of it. The art. The friendships. The arguments. The laughter. And the very real possibility of having somewhere new to call home. She climbed into the truck. Shammy was still talking. Panam was already rolling her eyes. Nadia smiled. Oh, yes. This was going to be fun. --- ## Chapter 8 — Making It Real Three days after the property tour, Nadia received an invitation from Elisa. Not a message. Not a brief call. An actual invitation, delivered electronically in the form of an elegantly designed document requesting her presence at a private meeting in Westbrook. Nadia stared at it for nearly a minute. Then forwarded it to Shammy. **Nadia:** Your friend is impossible. The reply came almost immediately. **Shammy:** Which one? **Nadia:** Elisa. **Shammy:** Ah. Yes. What's she done now? **Nadia:** Sent me an invitation to discuss my own studio. **Shammy:** How scandalous. **Nadia:** It's embossed. **Shammy:** Digitally? **Nadia:** YES. A moment passed. **Shammy:** I'm impressed. Nadia laughed and put her phone down. Then picked it up again. **Nadia:** Are you coming? **Shammy:** Wouldn't miss it for the world. ❤️ --- The meeting took place in a private conference suite overlooking a quiet courtyard. Elisa greeted Nadia and Sera warmly, with the same genuine affection she had shown them at the exhibition. On the table were several displays, a small collection of documents, and a scale model of the Watson workshop. Nadia stopped. "Oh, Elisa." Elisa smiled. "Too much?" "You had a model made?" "Only a basic one. I thought it might help us discuss the possibilities." Sera leaned over the model. "Oh, that's lovely." Nadia gave her a look. "Do not encourage her." Sera grinned. "Sorry." Elisa gestured toward the chairs. "Shall we?" Joining them were a property specialist and a legal adviser. Both were introduced professionally, and neither displayed any particular curiosity about Nadia's personal circumstances. The distinction pleased her. This was about work. About a studio. About making something possible. Elisa began with the practical details. "The technical inspections are encouraging. The structure is sound, the electrical systems are in good condition, and the main hall's overhead equipment is certified for considerably more than your initial requirements." Sera immediately leaned forward. "How much more?" Nadia closed her eyes. "Sera." Elisa laughed. "I thought you might ask." She brought up the relevant specifications. Sera studied them with undisguised enthusiasm. "Oh, Nadia." "No." "But—" "We are not designing anything yet." "Just looking." "You're smiling." "Am I not allowed?" Nadia sighed. The legal adviser was attempting not to smile. Elisa appeared delighted. --- The financial arrangement was considerably more straightforward than Nadia had feared. Elisa proposed to fund the acquisition and initial conversion of the building through a clearly documented arrangement that would give Nadia long-term control over the studio's use. Nadia would retain complete artistic independence. Any commissions would be negotiated separately. There would be no automatic claim on her work, intellectual property, or future income. The arrangement also included a defined process for transferring the studio to Nadia's direct ownership if she chose to make Night City her permanent professional base. Nadia listened carefully. Asked questions. Then asked more. The legal adviser answered them patiently. Sera, to her credit, remained quiet throughout most of the discussion. Mostly. Eventually, Nadia sat back. "So what you're telling me is that I can establish a studio here, continue my work elsewhere, and make my own decisions about what I create." "Exactly," Elisa replied. "And you're prepared to finance the initial setup." "Yes." "Without requiring me to accept commissions from your contacts." "Correct." Nadia looked at her for a long moment. "Why?" Elisa smiled. "We've had this conversation." "I know. I'm asking again." Elisa considered. Then answered simply. "Because I can. Because I want to. And because I think you and Sera could create extraordinary things together." Nadia glanced toward Sera. Her lover was watching her with an expression of unmistakable warmth. "And," Elisa added, "because I would rather see the two of you arguing about impossible installations than spend another evening listening to wealthy people discuss art they don't understand." Sera burst out laughing. Nadia followed. Even the legal adviser smiled. --- They spent the next hour discussing the studio's practical requirements. Nadia wanted several distinct work zones. A fabrication workshop. A clean assembly area. A controlled environment for delicate materials. A large central hall for testing and developing installations. And enough storage that unfinished projects wouldn't turn every available surface into a permanent obstacle course. Sera had opinions about that last requirement. Nadia ignored them. The property specialist took careful notes. Elisa listened. Occasionally she asked a question that redirected the conversation toward something neither artist had considered. "What about visitors?" Nadia paused. "Visitors?" "Collectors. Other artists. Students. Potential collaborators." Sera tilted her head. "Good point." Nadia considered. "I wouldn't want the studio to become a public gallery." "Of course not," Elisa said. "But perhaps a small space where you can receive guests without bringing them directly into the work areas." Nadia nodded slowly. "That would be useful." "And somewhere comfortable to sit and talk?" Sera grinned. "A decent coffee machine." Nadia looked at her. "Naturally." Elisa laughed. "I'll consider that an essential requirement." The discussion moved on to access control. Nadia wanted clear boundaries between private workspace and areas visitors might enter. Sera supported that immediately. Elisa nodded. "Quite sensible. Particularly if you're working on confidential commissions." Nadia glanced at her. "Confidential?" Elisa smiled innocently. "Some clients are discreet." Sera raised an eyebrow. "Elisa." "What?" "You're doing that thing again." "What thing?" "The thing where you know something." Elisa laughed. "Possibly." Nadia groaned. "Oh, no." --- When the meeting finally ended, Nadia had a stack of documents to review, a preliminary schedule for the studio conversion, and the increasingly surreal realization that the entire project was actually happening. Elisa accompanied them to the entrance. "Take your time with the agreements," she told Nadia. "Have your own adviser examine everything. I want you entirely comfortable before anything becomes binding." Nadia nodded. "I will." "And if you'd like to change anything, tell me." "Thank you." Elisa embraced her. "I'm very glad you're doing this." Nadia returned the hug. "So am I." Then Elisa turned toward Sera. "Oh, and one more thing." Sera smiled suspiciously. "Yes?" "I've spoken with someone who might be interested in commissioning a joint installation." Nadia froze. Sera's eyes brightened. Elisa continued, almost casually. "Nothing definite. A private collector with rather ambitious ideas about a new residence." Sera looked toward Nadia. Nadia looked back. Elisa smiled. "I thought perhaps, once the studio arrangements are underway, you might enjoy meeting them." Nadia took a breath. "Elisa." "Yes, darling?" "Have you already arranged that meeting?" Elisa hesitated. Sera started laughing. "Oh, you have." "Provisionally." Nadia closed her eyes. "Of course you have." Elisa looked thoroughly pleased. "Shall I send you the details?" Nadia considered. Then smiled. "Yes." Sera's face lit up. "Really?" "Really. We can at least hear what they have in mind." Elisa beamed. "Wonderful." --- They returned to Watson in the late afternoon. Rather than going directly to the safehouse, Nadia asked Sera to stop near the workshop. The building was quiet. The service yard empty. The broad industrial windows reflected the pale afternoon sky. They stood on the opposite side of the street for a while, looking at it. "Still like it?" Sera asked. Nadia nodded. "Very much." "Regrets?" "Not yet." Sera laughed. "Give it time." Nadia slipped her hand into hers. "I keep thinking about what it will be like when it's ready." "So do I." "Working here." "Mm-hmm." "Having somewhere we can develop our ideas without worrying about how much time we have before one of us needs to travel again." Sera smiled. "That part sounds particularly wonderful." Nadia turned toward her. "You know, there's something I haven't properly thanked you for." "What?" "Introducing me to Elisa." Sera shook her head. "You've thanked me." "Not enough." "Nadia..." "No, listen." Nadia took both her hands. "I've worked hard for my career. I've built something I'm proud of. But there are doors I simply couldn't open on my own." Sera listened. "And now, because of you, I'm standing here looking at a building that might become my own studio in Night City." Sera's expression softened. "Because of your work, Nadia." "And because you believed in it." A brief silence followed. Then Sera smiled. "Well, I do have excellent taste." Nadia burst out laughing. "Oh, you impossible woman." Sera pulled her into a warm embrace. They stood together for a long moment. The building waited across the street. Nothing about it had changed since their visit. And yet everything felt different. --- That evening, Panam called from the Badlands. Nadia was sitting beside Shammy in the safehouse living room, going over the studio documents. Ace and Mai were nearby, arguing cheerfully about a film they had watched years earlier. Iris and Brenda had taken over the kitchen. The household was comfortably noisy. Shammy answered the call on speaker. "Hello, beautiful." "Hey, sweetheart. How'd the meeting go?" Shammy smiled. "Very well." Nadia leaned closer. "Hi, Panam." "Hey, Nadia! So? Still getting your studio?" "Apparently." Panam laughed. "Apparently?" "It's becoming rather difficult to deny." "Good." Shammy grinned. "And the structural reports look promising." "Excellent." "And the overhead crane system..." "Shammy." "Yes?" "Don't." "But—" "I know that voice." Nadia began laughing. Panam continued. "Get the paperwork sorted first. Then you can start arguing about what impossible thing to hang from the ceiling." Sera sighed dramatically. "You're no fun." "That's what you keep saying." "And yet you keep proving it." Panam laughed. "Love you too, menace." Nadia smiled. She found herself increasingly comfortable with these conversations. Panam wasn't merely tolerating her presence. She was genuinely interested. In the studio. In the work. In Nadia's plans. And that meant more than Nadia had expected. "Panam?" she asked. "Yeah?" "Would you come see the place again when we start planning the modifications?" "Sure." "Really?" "Of course. You need somebody there who knows which end of a wrench to hold." Shammy looked offended. "I know which end of a wrench to hold." Panam laughed. "Sweetheart, you once tried to improve a perfectly functional hydraulic lift." "It was inefficient." "It worked." "It could have worked better." "It didn't work at all for three days afterward." Ace burst out laughing. Mai covered her mouth. Nadia stared at Shammy. "Is that true?" Shammy looked toward the ceiling. "Details." Panam grinned. "Welcome to my life, Nadia." Nadia laughed. "I'm beginning to understand." --- Later, after the household had settled and the day's excitement had faded, Nadia sat alone for a while in the safehouse living room. Her tablet rested on her lap. The studio documents were open. She had read them twice already. There were still questions to answer. Decisions to make. Practical details that would undoubtedly prove more complicated than anyone currently expected. But beneath all of that was something new. Anticipation. She wasn't simply excited about the building. She was excited about having a place where her ideas could grow. About working with Sera without counting the days until her next departure. About exploring Night City as something more than a visitor. And perhaps, eventually, about discovering what it meant to call this place home. Shammy appeared in the doorway. "Still awake?" Nadia looked up. "Apparently." Shammy crossed the room and sat beside her. "Thinking?" "Always." "About the studio?" "Among other things." Shammy slipped an arm around her shoulders. Nadia leaned against her. After a while, she smiled. "Elisa has already found us a potential client." Shammy grinned. "She mentioned." "You don't seem surprised." "Are you?" Nadia considered. Then laughed. "No. Not anymore." They sat quietly for a moment. Then Nadia looked toward her. "Do you think we're going to make something extraordinary?" Shammy turned. "I think we already have." Nadia smiled. "I meant the art." "So did I." A pause. Then Shammy's grin widened. "Mostly." Nadia laughed and kissed her. Outside, Night City continued its restless, unpredictable existence. Inside the safehouse, two artists sat together, contemplating a future that was beginning to acquire shape. Not certainty. Not permanence. Not yet. But possibility. And for the moment, that was more than enough. --- ## Chapter 9 — The Art of Asking Questions The first indication that Elisa's prospective client might be interesting arrived in the form of a message. **Elisa:** Good morning, darlings. I believe I've found someone worth introducing you to. Nadia was sitting at the safehouse dining table, reviewing the latest technical reports for the Watson studio. Across from her, Shammy was examining the same documents with the unmistakable expression of someone who had discovered several opportunities to improve perfectly functional machinery. Nadia glanced at her phone. "Oh, dear." Shammy looked up. "What?" "Elisa." "Oh?" "She says she's found someone worth introducing us to." Shammy brightened immediately. "Excellent!" Nadia raised an eyebrow. "You haven't even asked who." "If Elisa thinks they're interesting, I'm interested." "That's a remarkable amount of faith." "I know her." "Yes. So you've said." Another message arrived. **Elisa:** Before you ask, no, I haven't committed you to anything. Nadia laughed. "She's learning." Shammy leaned over to read the message. "Or anticipating." A third message followed. **Elisa:** I have, however, arranged an opportunity for you to meet. Tomorrow afternoon. Entirely optional. Nadia looked at Shammy. Shammy looked at Nadia. Both began laughing. "Entirely optional," Nadia repeated. "Naturally." "With an appointment already arranged." "Provisionally, I'm sure." As if on cue, another message appeared. **Elisa:** Provisionally, of course. ❤️ Nadia put her phone down. "That woman is impossible." Shammy smiled. "You're beginning to sound like me." "An alarming development." "Very." Nadia considered the invitation. Then picked up her phone again. **Nadia:** We'll come. But we're not promising anything. Elisa's response was almost immediate. **Elisa:** I wouldn't dream of asking you to. See you tomorrow, darling. Shammy grinned. "Well?" Nadia turned her tablet toward her. "Well, before we meet any mysterious millionaires, would you please explain why you've highlighted the electrical distribution section in four different places?" Shammy's expression became positively radiant. "Oh! I'm glad you asked." Nadia sighed. She had walked straight into that one. --- The following afternoon, Nadia and Sera arrived at a private cultural foundation in Westbrook. The building occupied a quiet street behind a line of carefully maintained trees. Its exterior was restrained, almost understated, especially by Night City standards. Inside, however, Nadia found herself surrounded by an extraordinary collection of contemporary art. Sculptures occupied niches along the corridors. Large photographic works covered several walls, while smaller kinetic pieces moved almost imperceptibly behind glass. She stopped beside one of them. "Oh, that's lovely." Shammy joined her. "Interesting mechanism." Nadia smiled. "Of course you noticed the mechanism." "Of course you noticed the composition." "Fair." They were still examining the piece when Elisa appeared. "There you are!" She approached with her usual warm smile and embraced them both. "Sera. Nadia. Wonderful to see you." "Hello, Elisa." "Did you find everything easily?" "Perfectly," Nadia replied. "And I must say, this collection is extraordinary." Elisa glanced toward the kinetic sculpture. "That one belongs to the foundation's permanent collection. The artist spent nearly three years developing it." Shammy looked impressed. "I can see why." Elisa smiled. "Perhaps I'll arrange an introduction someday." Nadia laughed. "Elisa, you've already arranged quite enough introductions for one lifetime." "My dear, we've barely begun." Shammy grinned. "That's what worries her." "Not worried," Nadia corrected. Elisa tilted her head. "Overwhelmed?" "Occasionally." "Understandable." She linked her arm through Nadia's. "Come along. I think you'll enjoy this." --- Their prospective client was waiting in a spacious room overlooking an interior courtyard. She was a woman in her late fifties, elegantly dressed without appearing particularly concerned about displaying wealth. Her hair was silver, cut short, and she wore a pair of simple dark glasses that she removed as they entered. She stood immediately. "Elisa." "Vivienne." The two women exchanged a warm greeting. Then Elisa turned toward her companions. "Vivienne, may I introduce Nadia and Sera." The woman smiled. "At last." Nadia shook her hand. "Pleasure to meet you." "Mine entirely." Shammy followed. "Hello." Vivienne regarded them with open curiosity. "Elisa has been singing your praises." Nadia glanced toward their mutual friend. "Oh, has she?" "Enthusiastically." Elisa looked entirely unrepentant. "I showed her the recording of your installation." "Several times," Vivienne added. Shammy laughed. "That sounds familiar." Vivienne gestured toward the seating area. "Please. Make yourselves comfortable." Coffee appeared shortly afterward. Nadia noticed that the room contained no presentation screens, no elaborate sales materials, and none of the aggressive visual branding she had half expected from a meeting arranged through Night City's wealthy circles. Instead, the walls displayed several original artworks, including a large abstract canvas whose layered surface changed subtly with the afternoon light. Nadia looked at it appreciatively. Vivienne noticed. "You like that?" "Very much." "It's one of my favorites." Nadia approached for a closer look. "May I?" "Of course." She studied the surface. The work was composed of overlapping translucent pigments over a textured base. From a distance, the composition appeared almost monochromatic. Up close, dozens of subtle colors emerged. "Beautiful handling of light," Nadia murmured. Vivienne joined her. "That's what attracted me to it." "Do you know the artist personally?" "I did. She died several years ago." "I'm sorry." Vivienne smiled faintly. "Thank you. She was a remarkable woman." They stood quietly for a moment. Then Vivienne turned. "Shall I tell you why I asked you here?" Nadia smiled. "I'd be delighted." --- Vivienne owned a private residence overlooking one of Night City's quieter coastal stretches. It was not her primary home. Nor was it intended to become one. Rather, she described it as a place where she could escape the constant demands of business, entertain close friends, and occasionally remember that the world contained things more interesting than quarterly reports. "The house has a central atrium," she explained, bringing up architectural drawings. "Three levels, open through the center, with natural light entering from above." Nadia leaned forward. "How large?" Vivienne supplied the dimensions. Shammy studied the plans. "That's quite a space." "It is." "And what were you imagining?" Nadia asked. Vivienne smiled. "That's precisely what I'm hoping you can tell me." Nadia paused. "Oh?" "I've spoken to several designers. They've suggested sculptures, hanging gardens, architectural lighting, even a suspended aquarium." Shammy raised an eyebrow. "An aquarium?" "Apparently." Nadia laughed. "And none appealed to you?" "Some were beautiful. But they all felt like decorations." Nadia tilted her head. "What would you rather have?" Vivienne considered. "Something that makes the space feel alive." That caught Nadia's interest. "Alive in what sense?" "I'm not entirely sure." Shammy smiled. "That's an excellent starting point." Vivienne looked surprised. "Really?" "Absolutely. It means we have something to discover." Nadia nodded. "But we'd need to understand what you want the experience to be. Not simply what you want it to look like." Vivienne leaned back. "Go on." Nadia studied the architectural drawings. "Who uses this space?" "Mostly me. Occasionally guests." "How often?" "Perhaps several weekends each month." "And when you're alone?" Vivienne considered. "I read. Listen to music. Sometimes I simply sit and look at the ocean." "Do you enjoy silence?" "Very much." "Movement?" "Sometimes." "Would you want the installation to respond to your presence?" Vivienne hesitated. "I don't know." Nadia smiled. "That's fine." She glanced toward Shammy. "What do you think?" Shammy studied the drawings. "I think we should see the house." Vivienne smiled. "That can certainly be arranged." "And," Shammy added, "I think we should spend some time understanding the light." "The light?" "How it moves through the atrium during the day. How the space changes from morning to evening. What happens when the weather changes." Nadia nodded slowly. "Yes." Shammy turned toward her. "And perhaps..." Nadia's eyes brightened. "Oh." Elisa sat back in her chair. There it was. That moment. The one she had first witnessed at the exhibition. Two minds discovering the beginning of something neither had yet fully imagined. Vivienne watched them with fascination. "Have you thought of something?" Nadia laughed softly. "Possibly." Shammy smiled. "But we'd rather not give you an answer before we've asked enough questions." Vivienne looked at her. Then began laughing. "Elisa warned me about you." "Did she?" Nadia asked. "Oh, yes." Elisa raised her coffee cup. "I said they would be interesting." --- The conversation continued for nearly two hours. Vivienne spoke about the house, its history, the people who visited, and the reasons she had begun looking for an artwork in the first place. Nadia asked questions that occasionally seemed unrelated to art. What time did Vivienne usually wake? Did she prefer morning light or evening light? Was the atrium a place she passed through or somewhere she liked to remain? Did she want the artwork to surprise her? Or comfort her? Did she enjoy watching things change? Or did she value familiarity? Shammy approached the same questions from a different direction. She wanted to understand the building. Its physical structure. Its materials. The acoustic properties of the atrium. The available power supply. The relationship between the interior and the surrounding environment. And, inevitably, the possibilities offered by its suspended architectural elements. At one point, Vivienne looked between them. "You really do think differently." Nadia smiled. "Very differently." "Doesn't that make working together difficult?" Shammy laughed. "Constantly." Nadia nodded. "Absolutely." Vivienne looked surprised. Then both artists began smiling. "And that's why it works," Nadia added. Shammy leaned forward. "One of us sees something the other doesn't. Then we argue about it until we find something neither of us would have arrived at alone." Vivienne considered that. "That sounds rather wonderful." "It is," Nadia said simply. Elisa watched the exchange with evident satisfaction. Eventually, Vivienne closed the architectural drawings. "Well." Nadia looked up. "Well?" "I'd very much like you to visit the house." Shammy smiled. "We'd be delighted." "And afterward?" Nadia considered. "Afterward, we might be able to tell you whether we have an idea worth pursuing." Vivienne laughed. "You're not going to promise me something extraordinary?" "No," Nadia replied. "Why not?" "Because we haven't discovered what extraordinary would mean for this particular space." There was a moment of silence. Then Vivienne smiled. "Excellent answer." --- After the meeting, Elisa accompanied Nadia and Shammy toward the entrance. "Well?" Shammy looked delighted. "Interesting woman." "Very," Nadia agreed. "And the house sounds fascinating." Elisa smiled. "I'm glad." Nadia glanced at her. "You didn't tell us much about her beforehand." "Deliberately." "Why?" "Because I wanted you to meet her rather than an impressive list of achievements." Nadia considered. "That was thoughtful." "Occasionally I manage it." Shammy laughed. "Occasionally?" Elisa embraced her. "Don't start." "Wouldn't dream of it." Then Elisa turned toward Nadia. "Are you comfortable proceeding?" "With a visit? Absolutely." "And the commission?" "Far too early to say." Elisa's smile widened. "Good." Nadia raised an eyebrow. "Good?" "I'd have been worried if you'd agreed without understanding the project." Nadia laughed. "You're a very unusual patron." Elisa considered that. "I prefer artists who tell me what they think." "Even when you disagree?" "Especially then." Shammy grinned. "That explains a lot." Elisa gave her an affectionate look. "Go home, Sera." "Yes, ma'am." --- They stopped for coffee on the way back to Watson. Not because either needed more caffeine. Both had already consumed an unreasonable amount. But because Nadia wanted to talk. They found a small café with a quiet corner and enough space to spread architectural drawings across a table without attracting too much attention. Shammy opened the plans on her tablet. Nadia leaned forward. "All right." Shammy grinned. "All right?" "What were you thinking when she mentioned wanting the space to feel alive?" Shammy considered. "Movement without obvious repetition." Nadia nodded. "Yes." "And something that changes slowly enough that you don't notice it happening." "Oh, I like that." "Perhaps the light becomes part of the structure." Nadia looked thoughtful. "Not reactive lighting in the usual sense." "No." "More like a changing relationship between the space and its occupants." "Exactly." Nadia smiled. "That's interesting." Shammy leaned closer. "And what were you thinking?" Nadia brought up a blank sketch. "Something that doesn't demand attention." Shammy paused. "Oh?" "Most interactive installations want people to notice that they're interacting with them. They reward movement, gestures, presence." "True." "But Vivienne wants somewhere to rest. Somewhere she can simply be." Shammy nodded slowly. "So the work shouldn't insist on being observed." "Exactly." They fell silent. Then Shammy smiled. "That's beautiful." Nadia looked at her. "You think?" "Very." Nadia's expression softened. "Thank you." For a moment, they sat quietly. Then Shammy glanced at the sketch again. "Although..." Nadia closed her eyes. "Oh, God." "What?" "Here we go." Shammy grinned. "What if the installation remembers the changing light rather than the people?" Nadia opened her eyes. Looked at the sketch. Then slowly turned toward Shammy. "Oh." Shammy's smile widened. "Yes?" Nadia stared at the drawing. Then began laughing. "You absolute menace." "I take that as a compliment." "You should." They spent the next forty minutes happily making the sketch more complicated. Then another twenty arguing about why it needed to become simpler. By the time they finally left, they had produced three promising concepts, rejected two of them, and agreed that neither was allowed to fall in love with the remaining idea until they'd seen the house. It was, Nadia reflected, an exceptionally productive afternoon. --- The safehouse was busy when they returned. Ace and Mai were in the living room, discussing something that involved a map and several increasingly ridiculous suggestions. Iris sat nearby with a book. Brenda was in the kitchen, preparing dinner. Panam had called earlier to say she'd be staying with the Aldecaldos for another day or two, although she'd promised to visit when she could. Nadia found herself smiling at the familiar sounds of the household. "Evening!" Ace called. "Evening," Shammy replied. "How'd it go?" Nadia considered. "Interesting." Mai looked up. "That sounds promising." "Very promising," Shammy added. Brenda appeared in the kitchen doorway. "Did Elisa find you someone worth talking to?" Nadia smiled. "I think she did." Iris closed her book. "Tell us." They did. Over dinner, Nadia and Shammy described Vivienne, the house, the extraordinary atrium, and the first hints of an installation that might eventually occupy it. Ace listened with interest. Mai asked several questions about the interaction design. Iris was fascinated by the idea of creating something intended to be experienced quietly rather than admired as a spectacle. Brenda wanted to know whether Vivienne understood how much work a project of that scale might involve. "Not yet," Nadia admitted. Brenda nodded. "Then make sure she does." "Believe me, we will." Shammy grinned. "And we're not agreeing to anything until we've seen the house." Ace raised an eyebrow. "Look at you two, being responsible." "Occasionally," Nadia replied. Mai laughed. "Must be Panam's influence." Shammy put a hand over her heart. "I am perfectly capable of responsibility." Ace looked at her. Brenda looked at her. Iris looked at her. Mai looked at her. Nadia looked at her. Shammy sighed. "I hate all of you." "Love you too," Ace replied. --- Later that evening, Nadia found herself standing on the safehouse balcony. The air was cool. Night City glowed beneath the darkening sky, alive with traffic, distant voices, and the endless hum of a city that never seemed quite capable of resting. Shammy joined her, carrying two mugs of tea. "Thought you might want one." Nadia smiled. "Thank you." They stood together for a while. Then Nadia looked toward the city. "Do you know what I found most interesting about today?" Shammy considered. "Vivienne's house?" "Not exactly." "The architectural possibilities?" "Those too." Shammy smiled. "What, then?" Nadia took a sip of tea. "That I didn't feel like an outsider." Shammy turned toward her. Nadia continued. "Usually, when I work somewhere new, there's a period of adjustment. Learning who people are, what they expect, how things work." "Of course." "But today..." She paused. "I wasn't trying to convince anyone I belonged in the room." Shammy smiled softly. "You didn't need to." "I know." Nadia looked at her. "And that's new." Shammy slipped an arm around her waist. "Good new?" "Very good new." They watched the city for another moment. Then Nadia laughed quietly. "And I rather enjoyed telling a wealthy collector that I couldn't promise her anything extraordinary." Shammy grinned. "She loved that." "I think she did." "Elisa certainly did." Nadia smiled. "Yes." She rested her head against Shammy's shoulder. "You know, I haven't signed anything for the studio yet." "I know." "And this commission may never happen." "True." "And I still have commitments elsewhere." "Of course." Nadia looked out across Watson. "But I'm beginning to feel as though something is taking shape here." Shammy kissed her hair. "Something good?" Nadia smiled. "Something very good." A comfortable silence followed. Then Shammy spoke. "By the way." Nadia immediately narrowed her eyes. "Oh, no." "What?" "That voice." "What voice?" "The voice you use when you've had an idea." Shammy grinned. "I was just thinking..." "Of course you were." "...if we use a segmented support system for Vivienne's atrium—" Nadia began laughing. "Shammy!" "What?" "We agreed not to start designing until we've seen the house!" "I'm not designing." "You're absolutely designing!" "Conceptually." "That doesn't make it better!" Their laughter carried across the balcony. Inside, Ace glanced toward the open door. "Art?" Mai smiled. "Art." Brenda shook her head affectionately. "Those two are going to be impossible once that studio opens." Iris laughed. "Once?" And outside, beneath the restless lights of Night City, two artists were already discovering that their best ideas often began with a question neither knew how to answer. Which, Nadia thought, was rather the point. --- ## Chapter 10 — The Space Between Moments By the time Nadia and Sera arrived at Vivienne's residence, they had already agreed on three things. They would not arrive with a finished design. They would not promise anything before understanding the space. And under absolutely no circumstances would Sera begin discussing motorized suspension systems before Nadia had finished asking her questions. The third agreement was proving difficult. "But if the atrium has the structural arrangement shown in those plans—" "Sera." "I'm only saying." "I know exactly what you're saying." "Then you understand why I'm interested." Nadia turned toward her. Shammy smiled innocently. Nadia sighed. "You're going to be impossible today." "Almost certainly." "Good." Shammy blinked. "Good?" Nadia smiled. "I'd worry if you weren't." They laughed together. The residence stood on a secluded stretch of coast beyond the busiest parts of Night City, occupying a low ridge overlooking the water. The approach road wound between landscaped grounds and carefully preserved natural rock formations. The house itself was substantial but surprisingly restrained, its exterior built from pale stone, dark metal, and broad expanses of glass. Nadia leaned forward as they approached. "Oh." Shammy glanced at her. "Interesting?" "Very." The building didn't dominate its surroundings. Instead, it seemed to have been placed with considerable care, following the contours of the landscape rather than forcing them into submission. Nadia smiled. "Someone thought about this." Shammy nodded. "Definitely." They arrived at the front entrance, where Vivienne was already waiting. She greeted them warmly. "Wonderful to see you both." "Likewise," Nadia replied. "Thank you for inviting us," Shammy added. Vivienne smiled. "I've been rather looking forward to this." She glanced toward the house. "Shall we?" --- The atrium was extraordinary. Nadia stopped just inside the entrance. Three stories of open space rose above her, crowned by a broad skylight through which the afternoon sun poured in soft, shifting patterns. Pale stone walls curved gently around the central void, while narrow walkways connected the upper levels. There were plants, but not enough to turn the space into a greenhouse. There was furniture, but none placed in a way that demanded attention. The architecture was quiet. That was the first thing Nadia noticed. Not empty. Not sterile. Quiet. Shammy stepped beside her. "Oh, this is lovely." Nadia nodded slowly. "Very." Vivienne watched their reactions. "I've never quite known what to do with it." Nadia turned. "What do you mean?" "It's beautiful, certainly. But sometimes it feels as though the architect finished the building and forgot to give this particular space a reason to exist." Nadia looked around again. "Do you spend much time here?" "Not as much as I'd like." "Why?" Vivienne considered. "I pass through it. Occasionally I sit here. But most of the time..." She paused. "It feels like somewhere I'm supposed to admire rather than inhabit." Nadia smiled. "That's interesting." "Is it?" "Very." Shammy was already studying the skylight. "Does the light change much during the day?" "Constantly." "And the seasons?" "Quite dramatically." Shammy nodded. "Good." Nadia glanced toward her. Shammy raised both hands. "I'm not designing anything." "Yet." "Yet," Shammy agreed. Vivienne laughed. "I think I'm beginning to understand how you two work." --- They spent the first hour doing almost nothing that resembled a conventional site inspection. Nadia walked. She sat in different places. She stood beneath the skylight and watched the patterns of light move across the floor. She listened. At one point, she asked Vivienne to leave them alone for a few minutes. "Of course," Vivienne replied. "Take as long as you like." When she had gone, Nadia sat on a low bench near the edge of the atrium. Shammy joined her. For several minutes, neither spoke. Then Nadia whispered: "Do you hear it?" Shammy tilted her head. "The ventilation?" "Beyond that." Shammy listened. Somewhere above them, air moved through the open space. A faint sound came from the upper walkways as the building adjusted to the changing temperature. Beyond the windows, distant waves broke against the coast. Shammy smiled. "Oh." Nadia nodded. "Exactly." "It's already alive." "Yes." Shammy looked around slowly. "And perhaps that's the problem." Nadia turned toward her. "What?" "Everyone who has looked at this space has been trying to put something inside it." Nadia's expression changed. Shammy continued. "But maybe we shouldn't." Nadia considered that. Then smiled. "Oh, you beautiful woman." Shammy laughed. "Thank you." "No, seriously." Nadia stood. She walked toward the center of the atrium. "What if we didn't add an object?" Shammy rose. "What would we add?" Nadia turned. "An experience." They looked at each other. And something clicked. --- Vivienne returned to find them standing on opposite sides of the atrium. Nadia was looking upward. Shammy was studying the relationship between the skylight and the upper walkways. Neither appeared particularly interested in the decorative sculpture samples Vivienne had prepared. Vivienne smiled. "Have you found something?" Nadia turned. "Possibly." "May I ask what?" "First, another question." Vivienne laughed softly. "Of course." Nadia gestured toward the open space. "When you're here alone, what do you most enjoy?" Vivienne considered. "The light. The quiet. Sometimes the sound of the sea." "And what do you dislike?" A longer pause. "The feeling that I'm waiting for something to happen." Nadia nodded. "Interesting." Vivienne raised an eyebrow. "You keep saying that." "Because it is." Shammy joined them. "Would you mind if we asked something slightly unusual?" Vivienne smiled. "I'm beginning to expect unusual questions." "Would you be willing to spend a day here without using the other rooms?" Vivienne blinked. "A day?" "Not necessarily all at once. But enough time to experience the space properly. Reading, having coffee, listening to music, whatever you'd normally do." Vivienne looked intrigued. "Why?" Nadia answered. "Because before we decide what to add, we'd like to understand what the space is already giving you." Vivienne was quiet for a moment. Then she smiled. "I think that may be the most sensible thing anyone has suggested." --- They explored the upper levels next. The walkways offered entirely different perspectives on the atrium. From the second level, the skylight framed the sky in a narrow band. From the third, the entire space appeared almost like a geometric drawing. Nadia stood at the railing, studying the relationship between the levels. Shammy joined her. "Look at the shadows." Nadia followed her gaze. The sunlight was beginning to shift. Long, delicate lines stretched across the walls. "Beautiful." "And completely different from downstairs." "Yes." Shammy leaned against the railing. "Imagine something that changes so slowly you can't tell whether it's moving." Nadia considered. "Something that doesn't demand attention." "Exactly." "And when you notice it..." "...you realize it's been changing all along." Nadia smiled. "Oh, I like that." Shammy grinned. "Me too." Then Nadia pointed toward the skylight. "But no obvious machinery." "Agreed." "And no spectacle." "Absolutely." "And nothing that requires someone to stand in the right place." Shammy paused. "That might be difficult." Nadia smiled. "Good." Shammy laughed. "Now who's impossible?" "Learning from the best." --- By late afternoon, they had taken measurements, recorded the changing light, and gathered enough information to occupy several weeks of serious work. Vivienne invited them to remain for coffee. They sat together in a quiet room overlooking the sea. "Well?" Vivienne asked. Nadia smiled. "I think we have the beginning of an idea." Vivienne looked pleased. "Would you like to tell me?" "Not yet." Vivienne blinked. Then laughed. "You're both terribly difficult." Shammy grinned. "We prefer careful." "Of course." Nadia leaned forward. "I can tell you one thing." "Please." "We don't think your atrium needs a centerpiece." Vivienne considered. "No?" "No." "Then what does it need?" Nadia smiled. "Perhaps nothing." A pause. Then Shammy added: "Or perhaps something so subtle that it feels as though it was always there." Vivienne looked between them. For several moments, she said nothing. Then she leaned back. "Well." Nadia waited. Vivienne smiled slowly. "That is not at all what I expected." "Is that a problem?" "No." Her smile widened. "Quite the opposite." --- On the drive back toward Watson, Nadia was unusually quiet. Shammy glanced at her. "Thinking?" "Very much." "Good thinking?" "Excellent thinking." Shammy smiled. "Want to share?" Nadia looked out at the passing city. "I keep thinking about what Vivienne said." "About the atrium?" "About wanting the space to feel alive." Shammy nodded. "And?" Nadia turned. "I think we were wrong to assume she wants the installation to make something happen." Shammy considered. "What do you think she wants?" "Permission to notice what's already happening." For a moment, Shammy said nothing. Then she smiled. "Oh, Nadia." "What?" "That's beautiful." Nadia laughed softly. "I think it might be." They drove in comfortable silence for a while. Then Shammy spoke. "Would you mind if I suggested something?" Nadia immediately grinned. "Oh, dear." "What?" "That voice again." "I'm being perfectly reasonable." "That's what worries me." Shammy laughed. "What if the installation isn't something that moves at all?" Nadia turned toward her. "Go on." "What if it changes what can be seen?" Nadia considered. "Through light?" "Possibly." "Refraction?" "Perhaps." "Layered optical surfaces?" Shammy smiled. "Now you're interested." Nadia looked thoughtful. Then slowly grinned. "Oh, you terrible, wonderful woman." Shammy laughed. "I'll take that as approval." "Preliminary approval." "Naturally." --- They arrived at the safehouse shortly before dinner. The familiar sounds of the household greeted them as they entered. Ace was explaining something to Iris with the exaggerated seriousness of someone recounting a particularly ridiculous event. Mai sat nearby, looking thoroughly entertained. Brenda was in the kitchen. Nadia immediately recognized the smell of something wonderful. "Oh, thank God." Brenda looked up. "Long day?" "Productive day," Nadia replied. "Same thing, usually." Shammy grinned. "Very productive." Ace looked between them. "Uh-oh." Mai smiled. "Art?" "Art," Nadia confirmed. Iris closed her book. "Did you like the house?" "Very much." "And the client?" Nadia smiled. "Even more." Brenda appeared with a serving dish. "Good. Then sit down and tell us about it." They did. Over dinner, Nadia described the atrium, the light, the quiet, and the unexpected realization that perhaps the best artwork for the space would be one that almost disappeared into it. Iris listened with genuine interest. "That's rather lovely." Mai nodded. "Making the environment itself part of the work." "Exactly," Nadia replied. Ace considered. "So instead of putting something impressive in the room, you're making the room impressive." Nadia smiled. "Not quite." Shammy laughed. "But close enough." Brenda glanced toward Nadia. "And does Vivienne understand what you're proposing?" "Not yet. We barely understand it ourselves." Ace raised an eyebrow. "Sounds promising." "It is." Shammy nodded enthusiastically. "Very." --- Later that evening, Nadia found herself alone for a few minutes in the safehouse living room. She opened her tablet and reviewed the photographs from Vivienne's house. The skylight. The shifting shadows. The delicate lines of light across the walls. She smiled. There was something deeply satisfying about a project that resisted easy answers. Something that demanded patience. Thought. And collaboration. She had missed this. Not making art. She had never stopped making art. But this particular kind of collaboration. The freedom to pursue an idea without constantly worrying about when the next train, flight, or appointment would pull her away. Shammy appeared behind her. "Still thinking?" Nadia smiled. "Always." Shammy sat beside her. They looked at the images together. After a while, Nadia rested her head against her shoulder. "You know something?" "What?" "I think Elisa was right." Shammy turned. "About what?" "That we could make extraordinary things together if we had more time." Shammy smiled. "I've been saying that for ages." "I know." "And now?" Nadia looked at the photographs. Then at the woman beside her. "Now I'm beginning to understand just how much I want that time." Shammy kissed her forehead. "Then let's make the most of it." Nadia smiled. "Oh, we will." Outside, Night City continued its endless movement. Inside the safehouse, two artists sat quietly together, studying photographs of sunlight and shadows. And somewhere beyond the city, in a beautiful house overlooking the sea, an empty atrium waited for something that might never look like an artwork at all. Which was, Nadia thought, exactly what made the idea so exciting. --- ## Chapter 11 — The Things We Almost Miss The first serious disagreement about Vivienne's installation began with a shadow. Not a particularly remarkable shadow. It belonged to a coffee mug. Nadia had placed the mug on the safehouse dining table, directly beneath a small adjustable lamp, while explaining something about the atrium's afternoon light. Shammy had been listening. Mostly. Then she'd moved the lamp. Nadia stopped in the middle of a sentence. "Wait." Shammy looked up. "What?" "Do that again." "Do what?" "Move the light." Shammy shifted the lamp slightly. The mug's shadow lengthened across the table. Nadia leaned forward. "Again." Shammy obliged. The shadow moved across a sheet of paper, crossed the edge of Nadia's tablet, and disappeared beneath a notebook. Nadia stared. Shammy stared at Nadia. Then at the shadow. "Oh." Nadia slowly smiled. "Oh, indeed." From the kitchen, Brenda looked over her shoulder. "Should I be worried?" Ace, who had been helping herself to a second cup of coffee, followed her gaze. Two artists were staring intently at a mug. She considered the situation. "Probably." --- By noon, the dining table had disappeared beneath an expanding collection of objects. Three adjustable lamps. Several pieces of translucent material. Two reflective panels. A small motor. A roll of thin optical film. And the original coffee mug, which had somehow acquired the status of essential research equipment. Nadia stood at one end of the table, studying a sequence of photographs. Shammy occupied the other, carefully adjusting a small assembly mounted on a temporary support. "No," Nadia said. Shammy looked up. "What?" "That's too obvious." "The movement?" "The mechanism." Shammy considered the device. "You can barely see it." "Exactly." Shammy frowned. "You're going to have to explain that." Nadia walked around the table. "The moment someone notices there's a mechanism, they'll start looking for it." "Of course." "And then the artwork becomes about discovering how it works." "Isn't that part of the pleasure?" "Sometimes. But not this time." Shammy leaned back. Nadia pointed toward the projected pattern. "Vivienne doesn't want something that demands her attention. She wants a space where she can notice things at her own pace." Shammy considered that. "So the mechanism needs to disappear." "Not just visually." Nadia paused. "Conceptually." Shammy's eyes narrowed with interest. "Go on." "I don't want someone to walk into that atrium and think, _Oh, what a clever installation._" "What do you want them to think?" Nadia smiled. "Perhaps nothing at all." For a moment, Shammy was silent. Then she looked at the projected light again. "You're trying to make an artwork that doesn't announce itself as art." "Exactly." Shammy slowly smiled. "That's going to be difficult." Nadia's smile widened. "I know." "Oh, I like you." Nadia laughed. "I should hope so." --- At half past twelve, Brenda appeared in the doorway. She surveyed the table. Then the floor. Then the collection of optical materials occupying one of the chairs. "Where are we supposed to eat lunch?" Neither artist answered. Brenda folded her arms. "Girls." Shammy adjusted the lamp. Nadia leaned closer to study the result. "Girls." Still nothing. Brenda took a breath. "**SHAMMY. NADIA.**" Both looked up. "What?" they asked together. Brenda stared at them. Then burst out laughing. "Oh, for heaven's sake." Nadia blinked. "Sorry?" "Lunch." Shammy looked at the clock. Then looked again. "Oh." Nadia followed her gaze. "Oh, dear." Brenda gestured toward the table. "Unless you're planning to eat the equipment, I suggest you clear enough space for plates." Shammy smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, Brenda." Nadia started collecting the smaller components. "We lost track of time." "Really? I'd never have guessed." Ace appeared behind Brenda. She took one look at the table. "Oh, wow." Mai followed. "What?" Ace pointed. "They've built a tiny sun." Shammy looked offended. "It's a controlled optical simulation." Ace nodded solemnly. "A tiny sun." Nadia began laughing. Mai leaned closer. "Actually, that's rather clever." Shammy brightened. "Thank you!" Mai studied the arrangement. "Although the angle is wrong if you're trying to reproduce the atrium's skylight." Nadia stopped. Shammy stopped. Both turned toward her. Mai blinked. "...What?" Nadia pointed at the lamp. "Explain." Mai looked from one artist to the other. Then at Ace. Ace grinned. "Oh, you've done it now." --- Lunch was delayed by eleven minutes. Brenda considered that a minor miracle. Mai had pointed out that their miniature experiment was reproducing the direction of the light but not the changing relationship between the skylight and the atrium's walls. The distinction was obvious once she explained it. It was also terribly inconvenient. Because she was right. Shammy had immediately begun rearranging the equipment. Nadia had opened the architectural plans. And Ace, who had absolutely no intention of becoming involved in an optical engineering discussion, had nevertheless suggested using two separate light sources to mimic the changing conditions. Which had also been a good idea. Brenda finally solved the problem by placing a plate of sandwiches directly between the artists and the experiment. "Eat." Nadia looked at the plate. Then at Brenda. "You're rather good at this." Brenda smiled sweetly. "I've had practice." Iris arrived just as everyone was settling down. She surveyed the table. Then looked at Ace. "What happened?" "Art." Iris nodded. "Of course." She kissed Brenda and took a seat. "Anything interesting?" Nadia opened her mouth. Brenda pointed at her. "After lunch." Nadia closed it. Shammy laughed. And for approximately fifteen minutes, the household managed to discuss subjects that had nothing whatsoever to do with optical materials. Almost. --- By midafternoon, Nadia had rejected their original concept. Not entirely. But enough to make Shammy sit back in surprise. "Really?" Nadia nodded. "I think we're solving the wrong problem." Shammy looked toward their latest prototype. "But it works." "Technically." "And it produces almost exactly the effect we discussed." "I know." Shammy considered her expression. Then slowly smiled. "You're not happy with it." "No." "Why?" Nadia looked at the small projected pattern. "It's clever." "That's usually a good thing." "Yes. But it's too clever." Shammy laughed. "I think that's the first time anyone's accused me of that." Nadia smiled. "Hardly." She sat beside Shammy. "Look at it." They watched the light move across the table. A delicate shifting pattern appeared on the translucent material. It was beautiful. Controlled. Technically impressive. And entirely predictable once the principle was understood. Nadia sighed. "It wants to be watched." Shammy studied it for a moment. Then nodded. "Yes." "Vivienne doesn't need something else competing for her attention." "No." "She needs something that rewards her for being present." Shammy went quiet. Nadia waited. Then Shammy slowly turned toward her. "What if we're thinking about movement in the wrong way?" Nadia tilted her head. "How?" "What if nothing moves?" Nadia considered. "Except the light." "Exactly." "The natural light?" Shammy nodded. "The house already gives us an enormous amount of variation. Morning, afternoon, weather, seasons." Nadia's eyes brightened. "So instead of creating change..." "...we reveal it." They stared at each other. Then Nadia began smiling. "Oh." Shammy grinned. "Oh, yes." Nadia stood. She walked slowly around the table, thinking aloud. "Layered optical surfaces. Not enough to alter the entire space. Just enough to make existing changes visible." "Subtle refraction," Shammy suggested. "Possibly." "Selective reflection." "Maybe." "Materials that respond differently to the angle and intensity of daylight." Nadia stopped. Turned. Pointed at her. "That." Shammy's smile widened. "That?" "Exactly that." They looked at the prototype. Then at each other. Then both started laughing. "We've spent half a day designing a machine," Nadia said. "To do something the sun already does." "Oh, God." Shammy put her face in her hands. Nadia laughed harder. "We are idiots." "Highly educated idiots." "With expensive equipment." "Very expensive equipment." They laughed until Nadia had to sit down. Then she reached across the table and took Shammy's hand. "That was worth it." Shammy smiled. "Every minute." --- The new concept was simpler. At least in principle. Instead of introducing an artificial pattern of movement into the atrium, they would use carefully arranged optical elements to reveal changes already occurring throughout the day. Small alterations in the angle of sunlight would produce subtle variations across selected surfaces. Clouds passing overhead would change the quality of the reflected light. Seasonal shifts would gradually transform the installation's relationship with the architecture. There would be no obvious animation. No sensors tracking visitors. No programmed responses demanding interaction. The atrium itself would become the instrument. And natural light would play it. Nadia sat quietly studying their new sketches. Shammy joined her. "Well?" Nadia smiled. "I think we're getting somewhere." "Enough to tell Vivienne?" "Not yet." Shammy nodded. "Agreed." "We need proper material tests." "Definitely." "And we'd have to see how the effects behave in the actual space." "Of course." Nadia glanced toward the window. "Which means..." Shammy grinned. "Another visit." Nadia laughed. "Yes." They sat for another moment. Then Shammy looked toward their improvised experimental setup. "Although I think we've just discovered something else." Nadia raised an eyebrow. "What?" "We desperately need that studio." Nadia burst out laughing. "Oh, we really do." --- The call to Elisa happened that evening. Nadia had intended to send a short message explaining that they had made progress and would appreciate another opportunity to examine Vivienne's atrium. Instead, Elisa called first. "Good evening, darling!" Nadia smiled. "Elisa. Hello." "How are my favorite artists?" Shammy, sitting beside Nadia, leaned toward the phone. "Busy!" Elisa laughed. "I had a feeling." Nadia activated the speaker. "We've been working on Vivienne's project." "Wonderful. How is it progressing?" Nadia considered. "We've discovered that our first idea was wrong." A pause. Then Elisa laughed delightedly. "Oh, excellent." Nadia blinked. "Excellent?" "My dear, that's usually how something interesting begins." Shammy grinned. "That's what we thought." "And the new idea?" "Promising," Nadia replied. "But we need to test it before showing anyone." "Naturally." "And we'd like another visit to the house." "I can ask Vivienne." "Thank you." Elisa hesitated. "Actually, while I have you both..." Nadia closed her eyes. Shammy smiled. "Oh?" "The final studio documents are nearly ready." Nadia sat up. "Really?" "Yes. Your independent legal review can begin as soon as the complete package is delivered." Nadia smiled. "That's wonderful." "And the technical reports are now complete." Shammy's eyes brightened. "All of them?" "All of them." "The overhead equipment?" "Included." "The electrical infrastructure?" "Included." "The ventilation systems?" "Included." Shammy looked delighted. Nadia pointed at her. "Behave." Elisa laughed. "I take it Sera is excited." "Understatement," Nadia replied. "Understandable." Elisa's voice softened slightly. "Nadia, I hope you know there's no pressure to rush. The building will remain available while you review everything." Nadia smiled. "I appreciate that." "Good." A brief pause followed. Then Elisa added, with exquisite innocence: "Although I may have spoken with a very interesting architectural firm." Nadia stared at the phone. Shammy began laughing. "Elisa." "Yes, darling?" "What have you done?" "Nothing permanent." Nadia covered her face. "Oh, God." "Merely identified someone who might understand your requirements." Shammy looked positively delighted. "Tell us more." Nadia pointed at her. "Don't you dare." Elisa laughed. "Perhaps another day." The call ended a few minutes later. Nadia set down her phone. Then looked at Shammy. Shammy smiled innocently. "What?" "We're going to have to supervise Elisa." "Probably." "Carefully." "Very carefully." Nadia sighed. Then smiled. "Still. Isn't it wonderful?" Shammy took her hand. "Absolutely." --- Panam arrived late that evening. Shammy's halo announced her presence before anyone heard the truck. Nadia, who had been helping clear the last of the experimental equipment from the dining table, noticed the familiar transformation immediately. "Oh, there it goes." Ace glanced up. "Incoming." Mai smiled. "Every single time." Shammy was already heading for the stairs. "PANAM IS HERE!" Nadia watched her go, laughing. Then looked at Ace. "Does she ever get tired of that?" Ace grinned. "Nope." "And Panam?" Mai shook her head. "Not even slightly." Nadia smiled to herself. Some things, apparently, were wonderfully reliable. --- When Panam finally made it upstairs, she found the dining table almost completely clear. Almost. There were still two lamps, a sheet of optical film, and the original coffee mug. She stopped. Looked at the arrangement. Then at Shammy. "What happened here?" "Research." Panam narrowed her eyes. "Research." "Yes." "With a coffee mug." Nadia began laughing. "It's a long story." Panam considered. Then shrugged. "Fair enough." She kissed Shammy, greeted Nadia warmly, and settled at the table. "So. How's the art going?" Nadia smiled. "Rather well." Shammy nodded. "We've made a breakthrough." Panam looked at the scattered equipment. "Uh-huh." Nadia explained their revised concept. To her surprise, Panam listened with genuine interest. "So you're not putting some big moving thing in the middle of the room?" "No." "You're making the sunlight do the work?" "Essentially." Panam considered. Then nodded. "Smart." Shammy smiled. "You think?" "Sure. Less machinery to maintain." Nadia laughed. "That wasn't exactly our artistic reasoning." "Doesn't make it wrong." Shammy looked thoughtful. "Actually..." Panam pointed at her. "No." "What?" "Don't start." "I was just thinking—" "You're always just thinking." Nadia laughed. "Oh, Panam. You have no idea how accurate that is." Panam grinned. "Sweetheart, I live with it." Shammy looked between them. Then sighed. "You're both enjoying this far too much." "Yes," Nadia replied. "Absolutely," Panam added. They exchanged a smile. And Shammy, caught between two women she loved, discovered she had remarkably little interest in defending herself. --- Much later, after the rest of the household had settled, Nadia stepped onto the safehouse balcony. The city glittered beneath the night sky. She leaned against the railing, enjoying the cool air. A moment later, Panam joined her. "Mind some company?" Nadia smiled. "Not at all." Panam stood beside her. For a while, neither spoke. Then Panam glanced toward the city. "Shammy says the studio's getting close." Nadia nodded. "It is." "Excited?" "Very." "Nervous?" "A little." Panam smiled. "Good." Nadia turned toward her. "Good?" "Means you care." Nadia considered that. Then smiled. "I suppose it does." They stood quietly for a moment. Then Panam spoke again. "You know, I don't understand half the technical stuff you two talk about." Nadia laughed softly. "You understand more than you think." "Maybe. But I can tell when she's happy." Nadia turned toward her. Panam continued. "And she's happy when she's working with you." Nadia's expression softened. "She makes me happy too." Panam nodded. "I know." There was no awkwardness in the words. No competition. Just simple recognition. Nadia looked out over the city. "Does it ever bother you?" Panam glanced at her. "What?" "That she has so many different things in her life. So many people." Panam considered. "Sometimes I wish there were more hours in the day." Nadia smiled. "I know that feeling." "But no. Not the way you're asking." Panam rested her arms on the railing. "Shammy's always been Shammy. She's got more love and more ideas than most people know what to do with." Nadia laughed. "That sounds about right." "And I don't want her to become smaller just so I can feel bigger." Nadia turned toward her. For a moment, neither spoke. Then Nadia smiled. "That's a lovely way of putting it." Panam shrugged. "Don't tell anyone. I've got a reputation." Nadia burst out laughing. "Your secret is safe with me." They stood together, watching the lights of Watson. Then Nadia spoke quietly. "I'm glad you came tonight." Panam smiled. "Me too." "And I'm glad we're getting to know each other." Panam looked at her. "Same here." A comfortable silence followed. Then Panam grinned. "Besides, somebody's got to make sure you two remember to eat." Nadia began laughing again. "Oh, God. Yes." "Seriously. I'm considering setting alarms." "Please do." "And maybe confiscating the coffee machine after midnight." Nadia turned toward her. "Now, wait a minute." Panam laughed. "See? Knew I'd find your limit eventually." Their laughter drifted across the balcony. Inside, Shammy appeared at the open doorway. "There you are!" Both women turned. Panam smiled. "Hey, sweetheart." Shammy approached, slipped between them, and wrapped an arm around each. "What are you two talking about?" Nadia glanced at Panam. Panam glanced at Nadia. Then both smiled. "Nothing," Nadia replied. "Absolutely nothing," Panam agreed. Shammy narrowed her eyes. "That sounds suspicious." "Does it?" Nadia asked innocently. "Very." Panam kissed her cheek. "Relax, love." Shammy looked between them again. Then sighed. "Oh, wonderful." Nadia laughed. "What?" "You're becoming friends." Panam grinned. "Terrifying, isn't it?" Shammy considered. Then smiled. "Actually..." Her arms tightened around them both. "It's rather wonderful." They stood together for a while, three women looking out over the city. There were no grand declarations. No promises about what the future would bring. Only the easy warmth of companionship, the pleasure of being understood, and the quiet possibility that something new was growing between them. And somewhere across Night City, an unfinished studio waited for its artists. A beautiful atrium waited for the afternoon sun. And a future waited for Nadia that was beginning, little by little, to feel less like an unexpected opportunity. And more like a choice she was very glad she'd made. --- ## Chapter 12 — The Light That Was Already There The first prototype failed spectacularly. Not in the sense that anything exploded. Nothing caught fire, nobody was injured, and the safehouse remained entirely intact. By Shammy's standards, these were already encouraging results. The failure was artistic. Which, according to Nadia, made it considerably worse. "Absolutely not." Shammy stood beside the improvised test rig in Brenda's workshop, studying the delicate patterns of light spreading across a suspended sheet of translucent material. "What's wrong with it?" "Everything." "That's a rather broad assessment." Nadia folded her arms. "It's pretty." Shammy blinked. "Is that a problem?" "In this case? Yes." The pattern was undeniably beautiful. Narrow bands of pale gold and silver moved across the test surface as Shammy adjusted the incoming light. Tiny variations in the angle produced unexpectedly complex changes in the projected image. It was elegant. Sophisticated. And completely wrong. Nadia walked around the apparatus. "It's performing." Shammy considered that. "Ah." "Exactly." "We've made another attention-seeking artwork." "We have." Shammy looked at the glowing pattern. Then at Nadia. Then back at the pattern. "An exceptionally good attention-seeking artwork." Nadia tried to maintain her disapproval. Failed. "Oh, it's gorgeous." Shammy grinned. "Thank you." "And completely unsuitable." "Unfortunately." They stood together for a moment, admiring their failure. Then Nadia sighed. "Well. At least we know what not to do." Shammy reached for her tablet. "I wonder..." Nadia pointed at her. "No." "What?" "You're about to improve it." "Possibly." "We're supposed to make it less noticeable." "I know." "Not more spectacular." Shammy looked wounded. "You take all the fun out of engineering." Nadia stepped closer and kissed her cheek. "Darling, I am attempting to save you from yourself." "An impossible assignment." "Clearly." --- Brenda appeared in the workshop doorway fifteen minutes later. She stopped. Looked at the prototype. Then at the two women standing beside it. "Well, that's pretty." Nadia groaned. Shammy started laughing. Brenda raised an eyebrow. "What?" "Nothing," Nadia replied. "Apparently being pretty is a design flaw," Shammy explained. Brenda walked closer. She studied the optical elements with genuine interest, moving around the apparatus to examine the assembly from different angles. "How's it supposed to work?" Nadia explained their idea. Natural light would pass through carefully selected materials, revealing slow changes in direction, intensity, and color that were already occurring within Vivienne's atrium. The artwork wasn't supposed to command attention. It was supposed to reward it. Brenda listened. Then looked at the glowing patterns again. "So you don't want the room to put on a show." "Exactly," Nadia said. "You want people to notice the room changing." "Yes!" Brenda nodded. "Then why are you using that?" She pointed at the most complicated component in the prototype. Shammy frowned. "The optical assembly?" "Yeah." "Because it allows us to control—" "That's the problem, isn't it?" Shammy stopped. Brenda shrugged. "You're controlling something you said you don't want to control." Nadia stared at the device. Then slowly looked at Shammy. Shammy looked back. "Oh, hell." Brenda smiled. "Did I say something clever?" Nadia began laughing. "Rather." Shammy examined the component again. "We've been trying to engineer a particular result." "Instead of allowing variation," Nadia finished. Brenda nodded. "Well, there you go." She glanced toward a workbench. "Now, if you're finished with the philosophical crisis, I need my tools back." Shammy looked surprised. "Your tools?" Brenda pointed. "My precision clamps." Shammy looked toward the test rig. Then at the clamps holding part of it together. "...Ah." Brenda folded her arms. "Exactly." Nadia covered her face. "Oh, God." "Don't worry," Brenda said cheerfully. "I've stolen worse things from you two." --- They found Mai in the living room, reviewing something on her tablet while Ace sat beside her. Nadia was carrying a small container of optical samples. Shammy had the prototype's revised drawings open. "Mai?" Mai looked up. "Yes?" "Could we borrow your eyes for a moment?" Ace glanced toward her wife. "She's already using them." Mai nudged her. "Behave." "I am behaving." "Approximately." Nadia placed the samples on the coffee table. "We've got a problem." Mai examined them. "Technical or artistic?" "Both," Shammy replied. Mai set her tablet aside. "All right. Show me." They explained the intended effect and the difficulty they were having keeping it subtle. Mai listened without interrupting. Then she studied the material samples. "You're treating the variables as things you need to compensate for." Nadia nodded. "We were." "Why?" Shammy smiled ruefully. "Because we're very good at building things that behave exactly as intended." Mai looked at her. "And in this case, you don't entirely know what the intended behavior should be." "Exactly," Nadia replied. Mai considered. "Then perhaps you need to distinguish between what must remain stable and what should be free to vary." Nadia went quiet. Ace leaned forward. "Translation?" Mai smiled. "The installation needs to be safe and structurally predictable. The visual result doesn't necessarily need to be." Ace considered that. "So build something reliable that does something different every day." Nadia turned toward her. "Yes." Ace grinned. "You're welcome." Shammy began laughing. Mai looked at Ace affectionately. "Very concise." "I have my moments." Nadia looked down at the samples. Then back at Mai. "That's actually rather helpful." Mai smiled. "Good." A moment later, she added: "And you're not moving the dining table into Brenda's workshop to make a larger test rig." Shammy froze. Nadia slowly turned toward her. "You were thinking about doing that?" "...No." Ace burst out laughing. Mai raised one eyebrow. Shammy sighed. "Possibly." Mai returned to her tablet. "Thought so." --- By the following afternoon, the third prototype was barely recognizable as a successor to the first. It consisted of several small optical elements mounted at carefully chosen angles, with no moving parts and almost nothing resembling a conventional light sculpture. Under artificial illumination, it was thoroughly unimpressive. Nadia considered that encouraging. Shammy was less certain. "It looks like we've forgotten to finish it." "Good." "Nadia." "Shammy." "People are going to wonder where the art is." Nadia smiled. "Hopefully." They carried the apparatus onto the large balcony, where afternoon sunlight fell across a section of wall. At first, almost nothing happened. The elements caught the light and produced a few barely perceptible variations. Shammy adjusted one of the mounts. A narrow patch of reflected light appeared on the wall. Nadia watched. "Leave it." Shammy removed her hand. They sat down. Five minutes passed. Then ten. A cloud moved slowly across the sun. The pale reflection softened, almost disappearing. Another cloud passed. The reflection returned, but its shape had changed. Nadia leaned forward. "Oh." Shammy watched the wall. Neither spoke. Several minutes later, as the sun shifted, the light reached a slightly different section of the surface. A muted, almost invisible wash of color appeared along the edge of an existing shadow. Nadia smiled. "There." Shammy nodded. "Yes." It wasn't dramatic. It wasn't especially impressive at first glance. Someone passing through the balcony might never have noticed it. But someone sitting quietly, watching the afternoon change, would eventually become aware that the wall looked subtly different from how it had looked a few minutes earlier. And then perhaps they would begin to notice other things. The direction of the shadows. The changing color of the sky. The slow movement of daylight across the surrounding buildings. Shammy leaned back. "I think we're finally getting somewhere." Nadia rested her head against her shoulder. "I think so too." --- They returned to Vivienne's residence two days later. This time they brought no elaborate machinery. Just the small prototype, several material samples, recording equipment, and a collection of questions. Vivienne greeted them in the entrance hall. "Welcome back." Nadia embraced her. "Thank you for having us." Vivienne smiled toward the equipment case. "Something to show me?" "Possibly," Shammy answered. Vivienne laughed. "You're both infuriating." "We've been told," Nadia replied. They entered the atrium. The morning was overcast. Soft gray daylight filtered through the skylight, leaving the interior in a state of gentle, almost shadowless illumination. Nadia looked upward. "Interesting." Vivienne smiled. "That's becoming your favorite word." "Occupational hazard." They positioned the prototype along one of the atrium's walls. Shammy checked the mounting. Nadia confirmed the orientation. Then they stepped away. Vivienne approached. Looked at the apparatus. Then at the wall. After several seconds, she turned toward them. "Is it working?" Nadia smiled. "Yes." Vivienne looked again. "...Oh." Shammy grinned. "Exactly." Vivienne studied the wall more carefully. A faint alteration in the reflected light was just visible near one of the architectural details. She moved closer. Then farther away. "That's very subtle." Nadia nodded. "Deliberately." Vivienne looked toward the skylight. "And when the sunlight changes?" "So does the effect." "How?" "We'd rather let you discover that." Vivienne smiled. "Of course you would." --- They left the prototype in place while they explored several possible mounting locations. Vivienne remained in the atrium. At first, she watched the small optical elements with professional curiosity. Then she returned to the chair where she usually sat to read. A book lay on the side table. She picked it up. For a while, she read. The artists worked quietly nearby. Occasionally Shammy took a measurement. Nadia recorded the changing light. The morning passed. Around noon, the clouds began to break. Sunlight entered the atrium in broad, shifting bands. Vivienne continued reading. Then, halfway through turning a page, she stopped. Something had changed. A faint line of warm light now crossed the wall beside her. It wasn't bright. It didn't move in any obvious way. But it made a detail in the stonework appear almost luminous. Vivienne watched it. After a minute, she looked toward Nadia. "Was that there before?" Nadia smiled. "Not quite like that." Vivienne looked back at the wall. The light shifted almost imperceptibly. Then slowly softened. "Oh." Shammy glanced toward Nadia. Nadia didn't move. Vivienne set her book down. She looked up toward the skylight. Then around the atrium. For several minutes, she sat quietly, watching the space. Eventually she began smiling. "Good heavens." Nadia approached. "What?" Vivienne laughed softly. "I've lived with this room for years." "Yes?" "And I don't think I've ever really watched the light move through it." Nadia smiled. Shammy joined them. Vivienne looked toward the prototype. "That's what you're trying to do, isn't it?" Nadia nodded. "More or less." "Not make me look at your artwork." "No." "Make me notice everything around it." Shammy smiled. "Exactly." Vivienne looked at the wall again. Then she began laughing. "Oh, Elisa was right about you two." --- They spent the rest of the visit discussing what the installation might become. Vivienne had opinions. Strong ones, as it turned out. She liked the subtlety. She liked the way the effect changed with the daylight. But she wasn't entirely happy with the placement. "It feels too deliberate there," she said. Nadia nodded thoughtfully. "Yes." "Almost as though someone is pointing at that part of the wall." Shammy studied the reflection. "That's fair." Vivienne gestured toward the opposite side of the atrium. "What about over there?" They tested it. The result was less immediately visible. But the changing light interacted with several existing architectural features in a more natural way. Nadia smiled. "Oh, that's better." Vivienne looked pleased. "I thought so." Shammy examined the angle. "We'd need different material characteristics." "Can you do that?" Vivienne asked. "Probably," Nadia replied. "How probably?" Shammy grinned. "Artist probably or engineer probably?" Vivienne laughed. "Should I be concerned that there's a difference?" "Frequently," Nadia answered. They eventually agreed on a direction worth developing. Not a finished design. Not even a final material selection. But something Vivienne understood and genuinely wanted. An installation that would become part of the house's daily rhythms without dominating them. Something quiet enough to be forgotten. And beautiful enough to be rediscovered. --- They celebrated with lunch. Vivienne insisted. Nadia accepted. Shammy required very little persuasion. The three women sat on a sheltered terrace overlooking the coastline, enjoying a meal that had clearly received as much attention as the architecture. For the first time, the conversation drifted away from the installation. Vivienne asked about Nadia's other projects. Nadia described her studio elsewhere, several collaborations, and an upcoming exhibition that would require her to travel for a few weeks. Vivienne listened with interest. "So you're not relocating your entire practice to Night City?" "No," Nadia replied. "I'm expanding it." "That sounds sensible." "Elisa has been very clear about allowing me to retain everything I've already built." Vivienne smiled. "That sounds like her." Nadia looked curious. "How long have you known Elisa?" "Several years." "And she's always been like this?" "Like what?" "Finding something interesting and immediately deciding to make it possible." Vivienne laughed. "Oh, yes." She took a sip of wine. "Elisa can be extravagant, but she's rarely careless about what genuinely interests her." Shammy nodded. "That's been my experience too." Vivienne smiled toward her. "And she does seem terribly fond of you, Sera." Shammy grinned. "Mutual." Nadia looked between them. Then laughed. "I am beginning to suspect Night City has an entire network of people who enjoy enabling each other's most ridiculous ideas." Vivienne considered. "At its best, yes." "And at its worst?" Vivienne's expression turned dry. "Exactly the same, but with worse taste." Shammy burst out laughing. Nadia followed. --- On the way back toward Watson, Nadia received a call. She glanced at the caller identification and smiled. "Oh! I should take this." Shammy nodded. "Of course." Nadia answered. The conversation began warmly. An old colleague. A familiar project. A problem involving a venue that had changed its exhibition schedule. Nadia listened, asked several questions, and eventually laughed. "No, no. That won't work. But I think I know what we can do." Shammy continued driving, leaving her to the conversation. It lasted almost twenty minutes. By the time Nadia ended the call, she was already making notes. "Everything all right?" Shammy asked. "Perfectly." "Work?" "Yes. They need me for an installation opening next month." Shammy smiled. "Wonderful." "I'll probably be away for three weeks." "All right." Nadia looked at her. No disappointment. No hesitation. Just interest. "You're really comfortable with that?" Shammy glanced toward her. "Of course." "Even with everything happening here?" "Nadia, we've talked about this." "I know." Shammy smiled. "Your life doesn't stop because you're building something new in Night City." Nadia looked down at her notes. Then smiled. "No. It doesn't." "And besides," Shammy added, "three weeks gives me time to work on some of my own projects." Nadia raised an eyebrow. "Oh, does it?" "Absolutely." "Should I be worried?" "Probably." Nadia laughed. "Good heavens." --- That evening, Nadia sat with Mai at the safehouse dining table. Not because anything was wrong. Quite the opposite. She had been reviewing the latest studio agreements and wanted another pair of experienced eyes on the practical details. Mai listened as Nadia described the proposed arrangement. "Elisa funds the acquisition and initial conversion. I have protected use of the premises, artistic independence, and clearly defined options for taking ownership later." Mai nodded. "And the ongoing costs?" "Detailed in the revised proposal." "Who controls access?" "I do, subject to the building's ordinary safety requirements." "And the work produced there?" "Entirely mine, unless a separate commission explicitly provides otherwise." Mai smiled. "Good." Nadia looked at her. "Anything I've overlooked?" "Possibly. I'd want an independent legal review of the ownership provisions, especially the transfer conditions." "Already arranged." "Excellent." Mai glanced at the documents. "Then I think you're approaching this sensibly." Nadia smiled. "Thank you." Mai leaned back. "You're building a second professional base, not surrendering your independence. The paperwork should reflect that." "That's precisely how I see it." "Good." They sat quietly for a moment. Then Nadia laughed. "Shammy would have signed everything three days ago." Mai smiled. "Probably." "Without reading it?" "No. She'd have read it. Then become distracted by the workshop specifications and forgotten which question she was supposed to be answering." Nadia burst out laughing. "That's painfully accurate." Mai's expression softened. "She's very happy, you know." Nadia looked toward the hallway. "I know." "Not just about the studio." Nadia turned back. Mai smiled. "About having you here." For a moment, Nadia said nothing. Then she looked down at her hands. "I'm very happy too." "I can see that." Nadia smiled. "And I'm beginning to understand why this household works." Mai raised an eyebrow. "Oh?" "You give each other room." Mai considered that. "Yes." "Even when it gets complicated." "Especially then." Nadia nodded slowly. Then Mai added, with a perfectly straight face: "Although occasionally I have to remind everybody that shared space is not an unlimited resource." Nadia burst out laughing. "Oh, believe me. I've noticed." --- Panam called later that night. She was somewhere in the Badlands, sitting beside a vehicle whose engine was cooling noisily in the background. Shammy answered from the living room. "Hello, beautiful." "Hey, sweetheart." "How's my favorite nomad?" "Covered in dust and questioning several life choices." "Sounds normal." "Pretty much." Panam heard Nadia laughing nearby. "That Nadia?" "Yep." "Put me on speaker." Shammy obliged. "Hello, Panam," Nadia said warmly. "Hey! How'd the house visit go?" "Wonderfully." "Got an actual design yet?" "Something resembling one." Panam laughed. "That's progress." Nadia explained the latest concept. Panam listened. Then said, "So you're basically letting the sunlight do the complicated part." "Essentially." "Smart." Shammy grinned. "That's what you said last time." "Still true." Nadia laughed. Panam continued. "How's the studio paperwork?" "Getting close." "Good." "And I've got a three-week trip coming up," Nadia added. "Oh?" "An exhibition elsewhere. Something I've been involved with for a while." "Sounds good." "It should be." Panam considered. "Shammy going with you?" "Not this time." "Then I'll have to keep her entertained." Shammy looked delighted. "Oh?" Panam's voice became suspiciously cheerful. "Got a whole list of things you can help me fix." Shammy groaned. Nadia began laughing. "Oh, Panam, that's cruel." "Efficient." "Terribly efficient." "Besides," Panam added, "I might actually get her to finish something before she starts improving it." Shammy looked offended. "I finish things!" A pause. Then Panam said: "Sweetheart." Nadia collapsed into laughter. --- Much later, when the safehouse had settled into its usual nighttime quiet, Nadia stood on the balcony with Shammy. The city glowed beneath them. A distant AV crossed the sky. Somewhere below, traffic moved through Watson's streets. Nadia leaned against the railing. "Today was a good day." Shammy smiled. "Very." "Vivienne's project is finally beginning to feel real." "Yes." "The studio is getting closer." "Mm-hmm." "And I've got another exhibition to prepare." Shammy slipped an arm around her. "Sounds like you're going to be busy." Nadia laughed softly. "I always am." They stood together for a while. Then Nadia turned toward her. "You know what I find strange?" "What?" "I came here expecting to spend a little time with you." Shammy smiled. "And?" "And now I'm making plans that might keep bringing me back for years." "Would that be so terrible?" Nadia looked out over the city. She thought about Vivienne's atrium. About Elisa's enthusiasm. About the workshop waiting in Watson. About Mai reviewing contracts at the dining table while Ace provided commentary from the sofa. About Brenda reclaiming her tools. About Iris's easy warmth. About Panam calling from the Badlands and immediately making her laugh. And about Shammy. Always Shammy. "No," Nadia said softly. "Not terrible at all." Shammy kissed her temple. Nadia smiled. "But I'm still going on that trip." "Of course you are." "And I'll probably enjoy every minute." "I hope so." "And then..." She paused. Shammy waited. Nadia looked toward the safehouse door. Then smiled. "And then I think I'll be rather glad to come back." Shammy's hair began to rise. Nadia noticed. She laughed. "Oh, darling." Shammy looked at her with shining blue eyes. "What?" "You're doing it again." "Can't help it." Nadia stepped closer and kissed her. For a while, the world beyond the balcony ceased to matter. Then Nadia rested her forehead against Shammy's. "Don't change." Shammy smiled. "Wasn't planning to." "Good." They stood together beneath the lights of Night City. Neither needed to make promises about forever. Neither needed to decide where Nadia would spend the rest of her life. She had work elsewhere. People elsewhere. A whole world that mattered to her. And now she had something else. Not a replacement. Not an escape. Just another place that was beginning to matter. And perhaps, Nadia thought, that was how a home really began. Not with a decision to stay. But with the realization that leaving no longer meant saying goodbye. --- ## Chapter 13 — The Distance Between Two Studios The trouble began with a suitcase. More specifically, with the third suitcase. Nadia stood in one of the safehouse guest bedrooms, examining the luggage spread across the floor. She had packed for professional trips more times than she could count. Three weeks away, a major installation opening, technical consultations, meetings with collaborators, and a few days reserved for her own work. Under ordinary circumstances, she would have managed everything with two cases and a carry-on. Apparently, Night City had changed her packing habits. Shammy stood in the doorway. "Darling?" "Hmm?" "Why are there three suitcases?" Nadia looked down. Then at the open wardrobe. Then back at Shammy. "Because I appear to have acquired things." Shammy considered this. "Things?" "Yes." "What sort of things?" Nadia pointed at the largest suitcase. "Clothes." Then the second. "Equipment." Then the third. "More equipment." Shammy smiled. "Ah." Nadia folded her arms. "Don't you dare." "What?" "Suggest that I could use another suitcase." Shammy looked genuinely disappointed. "But I wasn't going to." "Shammy." "...I was going to suggest a transport case." Nadia burst out laughing. "Oh, you impossible creature." Shammy crossed the room, took her into her arms, and kissed her. "Want help?" "Actually, yes." "Wonderful." Nadia handed her a carefully padded container. "Could you put this in the equipment case?" Shammy examined it. "Oh! Is that the new optical sample?" "Yes." "The one from—" "Yes." "With the—" "Yes, darling." Shammy grinned. "I thought you'd leave it here." Nadia paused. Then smiled. "I thought about it." "And?" "I want to try something with it at my studio." Shammy's expression brightened. "Oh, that's interesting." Nadia laughed. "There it is." "What?" "That look." Shammy smiled innocently. "What look?" "The one that means we're about to spend the next forty minutes discussing an entirely different project." Shammy considered. "Would that be so terrible?" Nadia glanced at the clock. "My transport leaves in two hours." "Ah." "Exactly." A moment passed. Then Shammy held up the container. "Five minutes?" Nadia laughed. "Ten." They were still discussing the sample twenty-seven minutes later. --- Mai found them sitting on the bedroom floor. One suitcase was closed. Another was half packed. The third had become a temporary work surface for two tablets and several material samples. Mai stopped in the doorway. She studied the scene. Then looked at the clock. "Interesting." Nadia looked up. "Oh, hello." Shammy smiled. "Hi!" Mai folded her arms. "Is there a reason the luggage appears to be less packed than it was an hour ago?" Nadia glanced around. "That depends on how you define packed." Mai raised an eyebrow. Shammy coughed. "We discovered something." "I see." "It's actually quite promising." "I'm sure it is." Mai stepped inside. Then, without another word, she picked up the nearest tablet, closed its display, and placed it on the bedside table. Shammy blinked. "Hey!" Mai picked up the second. Nadia laughed. "Oh, God." "You," Mai said, looking at Nadia, "have a departure to catch." "Yes." "And you," she continued, turning to Shammy, "are going to help her finish packing." Shammy opened her mouth. Mai smiled. "Without inventing anything." Shammy closed it. Nadia covered her face, laughing. "She's absolutely right." "Thank you," Mai replied. Then her expression softened. "Now, do you need any help?" Nadia smiled. "Actually, could you check whether I've forgotten anything important?" Mai glanced at the open bags. "Gladly." Shammy sighed. "You're both conspiring against me." Mai leaned over and kissed her cheek. "Only because we love you." --- By the time they reached the kitchen, Ace had already heard about the packing incident. Naturally. She was sitting at the dining table beside Brenda, who had reclaimed most of the surface for an electronics project. Iris occupied the remaining available chair, drinking coffee and reviewing something on her tablet. Ace looked up. "Did Mai rescue the expedition?" Nadia sighed. "Yes." Shammy looked offended. "We were making progress." "Toward packing?" Iris asked. "Toward science." Brenda nodded approvingly. "Respectable." Mai entered behind them. "Brenda, why is there a circuit board beside the bread?" Brenda looked down. Then slowly moved the board. "Better?" Mai considered. "Marginally." Ace grinned. "Household standards maintained." Mai gave her a look. Ace kissed her hand. "Love you." "Convenient." "Extremely." Nadia laughed. She had become accustomed to the rhythm of these mornings: the easy affection, the overlapping conversations, the way a technical argument could become a family discussion before anyone noticed. She would miss it. The thought surprised her less than it would have a week earlier. Brenda pushed a plate toward her. "Eat something before you go." Nadia smiled. "Thank you." "And when you get back, I want to see what you've done with those optical samples." "Absolutely." Brenda nodded. "Good. I have ideas." Shammy brightened. "Oh?" Mai looked toward the ceiling. "Please don't." Ace began laughing. --- Nadia's departure was neither grand nor especially dramatic. Which was exactly how she wanted it. No procession. No sentimental speeches. No one behaving as though three weeks away were an expedition into uncharted territory. Iris wished her a successful opening and offered to review the final studio paperwork when Nadia returned. Brenda demanded photographs of any interesting technical installations. Ace hugged her, told her to have fun, and added that she expected at least one genuinely ridiculous story. Mai embraced her warmly. "Enjoy your work," she said. "I will." "And don't let the situation here distract you from it." Nadia smiled. "I'll try." Mai glanced toward Shammy. "That applies to both of you." Shammy grinned. "No promises." Mai sighed. "Naturally." Then they were on their way. --- Shammy accompanied Nadia to the departure terminal. They arrived early enough to have coffee together before Nadia needed to pass through security. For a while, they sat at a small table overlooking the platforms, watching travelers come and go. Nadia stirred her coffee. Shammy watched her. After a few minutes, Nadia smiled. "You're staring." "Am I?" "Yes." "Sorry." "Don't be." Shammy reached across the table. Nadia took her hand. "I'll be back before you know it." "I know." "And you have plenty to do." "Also true." "The Watson studio documents." "Yes." "Vivienne's project." "Definitely." "Your own work." "Naturally." "And Panam." Shammy smiled. "Absolutely." Nadia squeezed her hand. "Good." There was no need to reassure either of them about their relationship. No question of whether distance would weaken something they had already chosen freely. But departure still meant absence. And absence could still be felt. Shammy looked toward the platforms. "I'm going to miss having you around." Nadia smiled softly. "I'm going to miss you too." A moment passed. Then Shammy looked back. "Although..." Nadia narrowed her eyes. "Oh, no." "What?" "You're thinking." "Just a little." "About?" Shammy grinned. "How much we can accomplish remotely." Nadia burst out laughing. "Oh, sweetheart. We're hopeless." "Completely." They leaned across the table and kissed. --- The farewell came almost too quickly. A boarding announcement. A final check of Nadia's luggage. One last embrace. Nadia held Shammy close for a few moments. "Take care of yourself." "You too." "Remember to eat." "Yes, darling." "Sleep." "Occasionally." "Shammy." Shammy laughed. "Properly. I promise." Nadia kissed her again. Then stepped back. "I love you." Shammy smiled. "I love you too." Nadia picked up her bag. Walked toward the security checkpoint. Then turned around. Shammy was still standing there. Of course she was. Nadia blew her a kiss. Shammy caught it with extravagant theatrical precision and pressed it to her heart. Nadia laughed so hard she nearly missed the entrance to her lane. --- Shammy made it back to the safehouse in time for a late lunch. Panam arrived shortly afterward. Her truck announced itself from the underground parking, and Shammy's hair promptly rose into its familiar silver halo. "PANAM!" Ace, sitting on the sofa, looked up. "Two for two." Mai glanced toward the hallway. "Some things never change." Shammy was already gone. Panam met her halfway up the stairs. "Hey, sweetheart!" Shammy practically threw herself into her arms. Panam caught her with practiced ease. "Whoa! Miss me?" "Terribly." Panam laughed and kissed her. "Been less than a week." "I know." "Hopeless." "Completely." Panam held her close for another moment. Then leaned back. "So. Nadia get away all right?" Shammy smiled. "She did." "Good." Panam studied her face. "Missing her already?" "A little." Panam kissed her forehead. "Yeah. Thought so." Shammy smiled. Then Panam grinned. "Well, good news." "Oh?" "I've got work for you." Shammy blinked. "What sort of work?" "The kind that involves tools, actual results, and no mysterious artistic theories." Shammy looked scandalized. "That sounds dreadful." Panam laughed. "Come on. You can complain all the way to the truck." --- The next morning, Nadia was standing in her original studio, surrounded by familiar equipment and people she had known for years. She felt wonderful. The space was exactly as she'd left it. Not entirely tidy. Never entirely tidy. But hers. The familiar workbenches. The shelves of materials. The unfinished installation occupying half the main room. Her own tools, arranged in a system that made perfect sense to her and almost nobody else. A colleague appeared from behind a suspended panel. "Nadia!" She smiled. "Hello!" They embraced. "How was Night City?" Nadia laughed. "Interesting." "Interesting good or interesting terrible?" "Very good." Her colleague studied her. Then smiled. "You're different." Nadia blinked. "Am I?" "A little." "How?" "You look as though you've discovered something." Nadia considered. Then smiled. "Perhaps I have." --- By the end of the second day, Nadia was fully immersed in her work. The upcoming exhibition involved a large collaborative installation whose components had been developed over several months. A structural element needed modification. The lighting sequence required adjustment. One section of the work had developed an irritating tendency to behave differently depending on environmental conditions. Nadia spent three happy hours investigating it. She loved this. The concentration. The familiar challenges. The pleasure of working with people who understood her methods. There was no sense that she had abandoned anything by spending time in Night City. This was still her life. Still her work. Still a place she belonged. At half past eight that evening, she finally stepped away from the installation. Her phone displayed a message. **Shammy:** Darling! Look what I found. Attached was a photograph of a piece of weathered metal. Nadia stared at it. Then laughed. **Nadia:** Is that from Panam's truck? **Shammy:** Possibly. **Nadia:** Shammy. **Shammy:** It's fascinating. **Nadia:** Is Panam aware you've stolen part of her vehicle? A pause. Then: **Shammy:** She says it's not stolen if the part was broken. Nadia burst out laughing. She pressed the call button. Shammy answered immediately. "Hello, beautiful!" Nadia smiled. "Oh, darling." "What?" "Please tell me you're not dismantling Panam's truck for art." From somewhere nearby came Panam's voice. **"SHE'D BETTER NOT BE!"** Shammy sighed. "Everybody's so suspicious." Nadia laughed. "I wonder why." --- Their first long-distance conversation lasted forty-three minutes. They talked about Nadia's exhibition. About the workshop in Watson. About the optical sample Nadia had brought with her. About Panam's truck, which apparently had survived its encounter with artistic curiosity. And about the entirely ordinary pleasures of their respective days. At one point, Nadia turned her camera toward the installation in her studio. Shammy leaned closer to her own screen. "Oh, that's beautiful." "Thank you." "Is that the section you were worried about?" "Yes." "Looks much better." "It is." Shammy studied the image. Then tilted her head. "Although..." Nadia began laughing. "Oh, no." "What?" "You're doing it." "Doing what?" "Seeing something." Shammy smiled. "Maybe." Nadia sat down on a nearby stool. "Go on." And just like that, the two of them were discussing a problem that hadn't been part of the original reason for the call. Neither particularly minded. --- Three days later, Panam discovered that Shammy had developed a new habit. She would glance at the time. Pause. Then smile. Sometimes she'd reach for her holo. Sometimes it would ring first. Either way, within moments she'd be talking to Nadia. Panam found this enormously entertaining. Especially because Shammy seemed entirely unaware that she was doing it. One evening, while they were finishing work on a vehicle at the Aldecaldo camp, Panam glanced toward her. "What time is it?" Shammy checked. "Eight forty-six." Panam nodded. "Uh-huh." Shammy looked up. "What?" "Nothing." A moment passed. Shammy glanced at her holo. Panam smiled. Shammy frowned. "What?" "Absolutely nothing." Then Shammy's holo chimed. A call from Nadia. Panam burst out laughing. "Oh, for fuck's sake!" Shammy blinked. "What?" Panam shook her head. "Answer your girlfriend, sweetheart." Shammy grinned. "Gladly." Nadia appeared. "Hello, darling!" "Hello!" Panam leaned into view. "Hey, Nadia!" Nadia smiled. "Panam! Hello!" "How's the exhibition?" "Coming together beautifully." "Good." Panam glanced at Shammy. Then back at Nadia. "So. Either of you managed to go a whole day without calling the other yet?" Nadia blinked. Shammy blinked. Then both began laughing. "Oh, God," Nadia said. Shammy covered her face. Panam grinned. "Thought so." Nadia shook her head. "That's terrible." "Isn't it?" "Absolutely." Shammy looked between them. "I see nothing wrong with this." Panam laughed. "Neither do I." Then her expression softened. "Actually, I think it's pretty damn sweet." --- At the end of Nadia's first week away, the Watson studio received its final independent inspection report. Mai reviewed the summary first, at Nadia's request. There were no major structural surprises. A few electrical improvements would be required. The workshop ventilation needed modification for certain materials. The loading access was suitable, though a small change to the internal handling arrangements would make life considerably easier. And the mezzanine would need additional safety provisions before it could be used for the more ambitious projects Shammy had already begun imagining. Mai sent Nadia a concise list of practical points worth discussing with her own adviser. Nadia replied that evening. **Nadia:** Thank you. This is enormously helpful. **Mai:** You're welcome. Nothing here looks unreasonable, but make sure the final agreement reflects the required work. **Nadia:** Absolutely. **Mai:** And don't let Shammy order any machinery yet. Nadia laughed aloud. **Nadia:** Has she tried? **Mai:** Three times. Nadia laughed harder. **Nadia:** Oh, darling. **Mai:** To be fair, one of her suggestions was excellent. **Nadia:** Only one? **Mai:** Two. I'm being strict. Nadia smiled. She missed this. Not just Shammy. The whole ridiculous, affectionate, capable household. And the thought of returning to it brought an unexpected warmth to her chest. --- The second week began with a problem. Not a disaster. Not a catastrophe. A problem. The exhibition's primary projection system refused to maintain consistent calibration across a series of complex surfaces. Nadia spent most of the morning with the technical team investigating it. By lunchtime, they had identified several likely causes. By late afternoon, they had eliminated two. The third remained stubbornly unresolved. Nadia returned to her studio that evening, tired and mildly irritated. She made tea. Sat down. And stared at the technical notes. Her holo chimed. **Shammy:** Hello, darling. Busy? Nadia smiled. Then answered. "A little." Shammy appeared, looking cheerful. "Hello!" "Hello, sweetheart." Shammy studied her expression. "Long day?" "Very." "Want to tell me?" Nadia hesitated. Then laughed softly. "Actually, yes." She explained. Shammy listened. Asked several questions. Then listened some more. They discussed the projection geometry, the surface materials, the calibration behavior, and the peculiar way the error seemed to accumulate over time. Eventually, Shammy tilted her head. "Have you checked whether the reference surface is changing?" Nadia frowned. "Changing?" "Not visibly. Thermally, perhaps." Nadia considered. Then slowly sat upright. "Oh." Shammy smiled. "Possibility?" Nadia was already reaching for her tablet. "Oh, you beautiful woman." Shammy laughed. "Thank you." "No, seriously. That might explain the drift." "Good!" Nadia looked up. Then paused. "Oh, God." "What?" "I've been staring at this for hours." Shammy smiled. "Sometimes it helps to have another perspective." Nadia looked at her with unmistakable affection. "Yes." A moment passed. Then Shammy added: "Although I should probably mention that Mai suggested checking the environmental variables when I described the problem earlier." Nadia stared. Then burst out laughing. "Of course she did!" Shammy grinned. "She's very good." "She really is." --- The following morning, Nadia's team confirmed the cause. Thermal expansion in part of the mounting structure had been altering the reference geometry by an almost imperceptible amount. Enough to create the calibration drift. Not enough to notice without careful measurement. Once identified, the problem was straightforward to correct. Nadia sent a message to Mai. **Nadia:** You were right about the environmental variables. Mai replied several minutes later. **Mai:** Glad it helped. **Nadia:** Shammy told me you suggested checking them. **Mai:** She called because she thought you sounded frustrated. Nadia paused. Read the message again. Then smiled. **Nadia:** That was thoughtful. **Mai:** She cares about you. A moment passed. **Nadia:** I know. ❤️ --- By the end of the second week, Nadia's exhibition was nearly ready. The installation had passed its technical tests. The lighting was finally behaving. The opening schedule was confirmed. And the remaining work consisted mostly of details that mattered enormously to artists and very little to anyone else. Nadia was tired. Satisfied. And happy. She stood in the exhibition hall late one evening, watching the final lighting sequence unfold across the completed installation. It was beautiful. Not because everything had gone according to plan. Almost nothing ever did. But because the work had survived its difficulties and become something worth sharing. She took a photograph. Then sent it to Shammy. **Nadia:** Look. The reply came almost immediately. **Shammy:** Oh, darling. A moment later: **Shammy:** It's magnificent. Nadia smiled. **Nadia:** Thank you. **Shammy:** I'm so proud of you. Nadia stood quietly for a moment, looking at those words. Then she called. Shammy answered before the second chime. "Hello, beautiful." Nadia smiled. "Hello, darling." For a few moments, neither spoke. Then Nadia said quietly: "I wish you were here." Shammy's expression softened. "So do I." A pause. Then Nadia smiled. "But I'm glad I'm here." Shammy nodded. "I know." "And I'm glad you're there." Shammy smiled. "I know that too." Nadia looked around the exhibition hall. Then back at the screen. "Isn't that a lovely thing?" "What?" "Being able to miss someone without wishing you were anywhere else." Shammy considered. Then smiled. "Yes." A moment passed. "Very lovely." --- Back in Watson, Panam found Shammy sitting on the safehouse balcony later that night. She was looking at the photograph Nadia had sent. Panam approached quietly. "Hey." Shammy looked up. "Hey, beautiful." Panam sat beside her. "Good picture." Shammy smiled. "Isn't it?" "Looks like she's doing great." "She is." Panam leaned against her. "Good." They sat together for a while. Then Panam glanced at Shammy. "Miss her?" Shammy nodded. "Yes." Panam kissed her cheek. "Me too, a little." Shammy turned toward her. "Really?" Panam smiled. "Sure. I like her." Shammy's expression brightened. "I know." "And she's fun." "Very." "And she understands your particular brand of insanity." Shammy laughed. "Apparently." Panam grinned. "Which is good, because I sure as hell don't understand half of it." Shammy slipped an arm around her. "You understand plenty." Panam smiled. "Enough." They watched the city together. Then Panam spoke. "She's coming back next week, right?" "Yes." "Good." A pause. Then Panam added: "Better clear some space in that guest room." Shammy blinked. "Why?" Panam laughed. "Because she's going to come back with more equipment than she left with." Shammy considered. Then began laughing. "Oh, God." "Am I wrong?" Shammy shook her head. "No." Panam grinned. "Thought so." --- On the morning of the exhibition opening, Nadia stood in front of a mirror, making a final adjustment to her outfit. Her holo rang. She answered. Shammy appeared, smiling. "Good morning, darling!" Nadia smiled. "Good morning!" "Big day." "Very." "Nervous?" "A little." "Good." Nadia laughed. "Everyone keeps saying that." "Because it means you care." Nadia looked at her. Then smiled. "Yes." Shammy leaned closer. "You're going to be wonderful." Nadia felt warmth spread through her chest. "Thank you." "And the installation is beautiful." "Thank you." "And you've worked incredibly hard." "Shammy..." "And I'm terribly proud of you." Nadia laughed softly. "Oh, darling." Shammy smiled. "Go enjoy your opening." "I will." "And tell me everything afterward." "Every detail?" "Naturally." Nadia grinned. "That could take hours." Shammy's smile widened. "I know." Nadia shook her head affectionately. "You really are impossible." "Completely." They exchanged a long, warm look. Then Nadia spoke. "I love you." Shammy smiled. "I love you too." The call ended. Nadia looked at her reflection. Straightened her shoulders. And smiled. She had an exhibition to open. A studio to return to. Another studio waiting for her in Watson. And people who loved her in both places. For the first time, she understood that these things did not compete. They belonged to the same life. Her life. And it was becoming a rather wonderful one --- ## Chapter 14 — No Distance at All The exhibition opened at seven. By six thirty, Nadia was considering murdering the lighting technician. Not seriously. She liked Tomas. They had worked together for years. He was talented, meticulous, and ordinarily one of the most reliable people she knew. Unfortunately, he was currently standing beneath the central installation, explaining why a projector that had worked perfectly for forty-eight hours had suddenly decided to develop a personality. "It's a synchronization issue," he said. Nadia folded her arms. "It wasn't a synchronization issue yesterday." "No." "Or this morning." "No." "Or twenty minutes ago." Tomas looked miserable. "Also no." Nadia stared at the projected image. A thin band of light was arriving several milliseconds later than the rest of the sequence. Hardly anyone would notice. Nadia noticed. Tomas noticed. And by the end of the evening, if they failed to correct it, both of them would be watching the error instead of enjoying the opening. Nadia took a breath. "All right. Let's look at the timing reference." Tomas nodded. They got to work. --- At six fifty-two, the problem was fixed. At six fifty-six, Nadia was changing into her opening-night shoes. At six fifty-eight, her holo rang. **Shammy.** Nadia answered while fastening an earring. "Darling, if you're calling to tell me you've discovered a revolutionary new use for coffee mugs, I may have to divorce you." Shammy appeared on the screen, her electric-blue eyes bright with amusement. "That would be difficult." "Why?" "We're not married." "Minor technicality." Shammy laughed. "Hello, beautiful." Nadia stopped adjusting her earring. Shammy was wearing a striking white outfit, elegant enough for a gallery opening and just theatrical enough to belong to Sera. Nadia stared. "Oh." Shammy smiled. "What?" "You." "Me?" "Yes, you." "Something wrong?" Nadia leaned closer. "Sweetheart, you look absolutely devastating." Shammy's smile widened. "Thank you." "Are you trying to distract me?" "Is it working?" "Extremely." Shammy laughed. Nadia studied the screen again. "Why are you dressed like that?" "Well..." "Shammy." "I thought I should look appropriate." "For what?" "Your opening." Nadia blinked. Then slowly smiled. "Oh, darling." Shammy turned her camera. The main living room of the Watson safehouse came into view. Ace was sitting on the sofa with a drink. Mai stood beside her, looking elegant and thoroughly amused. Iris and Brenda occupied the other end of the room. Panam sat in an armchair, wearing a clean shirt and an expression suggesting she'd been persuaded into something unusual but wasn't complaining. A large screen displayed the exhibition's public livestream. Nadia stared. Then she began laughing. "Oh, you wonderful idiots!" Ace lifted her glass toward the camera. "Congratulations!" Brenda waved. "Show us the shiny things!" Iris smiled. "Have a wonderful evening, Nadia." Mai raised her own glass. "We thought you'd appreciate an audience that actually understands how much work went into this." Nadia pressed a hand to her mouth. For a moment, she couldn't speak. Then Panam leaned into view. "Hey, Nadia." Nadia smiled helplessly. "Panam." "Don't let 'em fool you. Shammy's been fussing over her outfit for an hour." Shammy looked scandalized. "I have not!" Ace grinned. "Forty-seven minutes." Mai nodded. "I timed it." Nadia burst out laughing again. "Oh, I love all of you." Shammy turned the camera back toward herself. "We love you too." Nadia looked at her. And for one brief, dangerous moment, she considered saying something that would have made the entire room considerably more interesting. Instead, she smiled sweetly. "Darling?" "Yes?" "When I get you alone on this holo later, I am going to tell you exactly what that outfit is doing to me." Behind Shammy, Panam began coughing suspiciously. Ace nearly spilled her drink. Shammy's smile turned wicked. "Promise?" Nadia looked directly into those bright blue eyes. "Absolutely." Then someone called her name from the gallery entrance. Nadia sighed. "Duty calls." Shammy's expression softened. "Go be magnificent." Nadia blew her a kiss. "Watch me." --- She was magnificent. Not because everything went perfectly. The gallery was crowded. Someone spilled champagne within twelve minutes of the doors opening. A collector asked a question so spectacularly irrelevant that Tomas nearly swallowed his tongue trying not to laugh. And one guest spent an extraordinary amount of time attempting to determine whether an entirely ordinary wall bracket was part of the installation. But the work held. The visitors moved through the exhibition, discovering its different perspectives. Some stood quietly. Some talked excitedly. Others returned to particular sections several times, noticing changes that hadn't been apparent on their first visit. Nadia watched from the edge of the crowd. This was the part she loved. Not the applause. Not the congratulations. The moment a piece of work stopped belonging entirely to its creators and began living through the people experiencing it. A woman in her seventies stood beneath a suspended arrangement of translucent panels. She watched for several minutes. Then turned toward Nadia. "Did you make this?" "With several very talented people, yes." The woman smiled. "It's strange." Nadia laughed softly. "I hope that's a compliment." "It is." She looked upward. "It reminds me of standing beneath the trees outside my childhood home." Nadia studied her. "Really?" "The way the shadows move. You don't notice it at first. Then suddenly you realize nothing has stayed still." For a moment, Nadia said nothing. Then she smiled. "Thank you." The woman nodded. She returned to watching the light. And Nadia stood beside her for a little while, watching too. --- At eleven forty-three, Nadia finally returned to her hotel. She kicked off her shoes. Dropped her bag onto a chair. And collapsed onto the bed with a long, thoroughly satisfied sigh. Her holo chimed. **Shammy:** Are you alone yet, gorgeous? Nadia began smiling. **Nadia:** Finally. **Shammy:** Good. **Nadia:** Why? **Shammy:** Because I've been waiting all evening to tell you something. Nadia laughed and started a video call. Shammy answered immediately. The elegant white couture was gone. She was now wearing a loose shirt, her long silver hair falling around her shoulders. Nadia smiled. "Hello, beautiful." "Hello, darling." They looked at each other. For a moment, neither spoke. Then Shammy smiled. "You were wonderful tonight." Nadia's expression softened. "You watched?" "Every minute I could." "And?" "And I wish I could have been there to kiss you afterward." Nadia settled against the pillows. "Oh, sweetheart." Shammy leaned closer to her camera. "Actually, I wish I could have done considerably more than kiss you." Nadia's eyebrows rose. "Do tell." Shammy smiled. "I missed you." "I missed you too." "Terribly." Nadia tilted her head. "Shammy." "Yes?" "You can be more specific than that." Shammy laughed. "Oh, can I?" "Please." Shammy studied her for a moment. Then her playful expression softened into something warmer. "I wanted to take you home. Get those dreadful shoes off your feet. Hold you while you told me everything about the evening." Nadia smiled. "That sounds lovely." "And then I'd want to kiss you until you stopped thinking about the exhibition." Nadia's smile changed. "Oh." "And keep you all to myself for a while." Nadia looked directly at her. "Darling, you have no idea how much I would enjoy that." Shammy's eyes brightened. "I have some idea." Nadia laughed softly. "Rather a good one, I suspect." She shifted against the pillows. "Shammy?" "Yes?" "I want you in this bed." Shammy went very still. Nadia smiled. "Not an image of you. Not a voice on a screen. You." Shammy's expression softened. "I know, sweetheart." "I want your arms around me. I want to wake up beside you. And I want to spend an entirely unreasonable amount of time kissing you." Shammy laughed quietly. "That sounds wonderful." "Doesn't it?" "Very." Nadia considered her. "Although I should warn you, once I'm back, I'm going to be extremely selfish about having your attention." Shammy grinned. "How selfish?" "Shammy." "Yes, darling?" "I intend to steal you for an entire evening." Shammy's smile widened. "Only one?" Nadia burst out laughing. "Oh, you insufferable woman." "Three?" "Now you're negotiating." "Poorly?" "Terribly." Shammy leaned closer. "I love you." Nadia's laughter softened. "I love you too." They looked at each other for a long, quiet moment. Then Nadia smiled. "And now I am going to tell you about the woman who spent ten minutes studying a wall bracket." Shammy burst out laughing. "Please do." --- At the Aldecaldo camp, Panam was having a different sort of evening. A generator had developed an intermittent fault. Someone had borrowed her tools without returning them. And two people had managed to turn a straightforward fuel inventory into an argument about who had miscounted what. She resolved the generator problem. Recovered the tools. Declined to participate in the inventory argument. Then drove back toward Night City. By the time she reached the safehouse, Shammy was still awake. Of course she was. Panam found her on the sofa, smiling at her holo. "Hey, sweetheart." Shammy looked up. "Panam!" Her hair rose immediately into a magnificent halo. Panam laughed. "Every damn time." Shammy stood and practically folded herself around her. Panam kissed her. "Miss me?" "Yes!" "Good." They settled together on the sofa. Panam glanced at the holo. "Nadia?" Shammy nodded. "Just finished talking." "How'd the opening go?" "Beautifully." "Good." Panam studied her. Then grinned. "Long call?" "Quite." "Thought so." Shammy narrowed her eyes. "What?" "Nothing." "Panam." Panam laughed. "Sweetheart, you look like somebody kissed you through the screen." Shammy's blue eyes brightened. "Wouldn't that be lovely?" Panam laughed harder. "Oh, you're hopeless." "Entirely." Panam pulled her closer. "Come here." Shammy happily obliged. After a long, affectionate kiss, Panam leaned back. "Better?" Shammy smiled. "Much." "Good." A moment passed. Then Shammy spoke. "She's coming home soon." Panam smiled. "Yeah." "I'm looking forward to it." "I know." Panam considered. Then added casually: "So am I." Shammy turned toward her. Her expression changed. "Oh." Panam looked amused. "What?" "Nothing." "Shammy." Shammy smiled. "That's wonderful." Panam shrugged. "I like having her around." Shammy kissed her. Panam laughed softly. "Careful. You're going to make me sentimental." "Too late." "Brat." "Love you." Panam smiled. "Love you too." --- The next few days brought a welcome return to ordinary work. Nadia met with the exhibition's organizers, reviewed the installation's performance, discussed possible future venues, and spent an entire afternoon helping a younger artist resolve a particularly frustrating material problem. She loved teaching. Not formally. Not from behind a lectern. But standing beside someone at a workbench, asking the right question, watching a solution emerge from their own understanding. On the final afternoon, the younger artist looked at her and asked: "How do you know when something's finished?" Nadia considered. "Sometimes I don't." The artist laughed nervously. "That's reassuring." Nadia smiled. "I think the important question is whether continuing to change it would improve what the work is trying to say." "And if it wouldn't?" "Then you stop." The younger artist looked toward the installation. Nadia followed her gaze. After a moment, she added: "Even when stopping is difficult." The artist nodded. Then smiled. "Thank you." Nadia returned the smile. "You're welcome." Later, walking back to her own studio, she found herself thinking about Vivienne's atrium. About their first elaborate prototype. And about the decision to abandon it. She took out her holo. **Nadia:** Darling, I think I understand something about Vivienne's project. The reply arrived almost immediately. **Shammy:** Tell me everything. Nadia grinned. **Nadia:** Call me when you have time. **Shammy:** I have time now. Nadia laughed. **Nadia:** Of course you do. --- They talked for almost an hour. This time the conversation was mostly about art. Mostly. Nadia explained how the experience of mentoring the younger artist had clarified something about their own design. "We keep talking about making the installation almost invisible." Shammy nodded. "Yes." "But I don't think invisibility is quite the right goal." "Go on." "I think it needs to feel inevitable." Shammy considered. "Inevitable?" "As though the light has always behaved that way, and Vivienne simply never noticed." Shammy's expression brightened. "Oh." "Exactly." "Then the material choices matter even more." "Yes." "We'll need samples that don't announce themselves." "Yes." "And the mounting must belong to the architecture rather than sit on top of it." Nadia smiled. "Precisely." They spent the next forty minutes discussing materials, surfaces, maintenance, seasonal variation, and the difference between a beautiful optical effect and a beautiful experience. Eventually Nadia looked at the clock. "Oh, good heavens." Shammy laughed. "What?" "We've done it again." "Done what?" "Turned a little conversation into an entire design meeting." Shammy grinned. "Occupational hazard." Nadia shook her head. Then smiled. "Well, at least we're productive." "Very." A pause. Then Shammy leaned closer. "Although..." Nadia narrowed her eyes. "Oh, no." "What?" "There's something else I'd like to discuss." Nadia laughed. "Of course there is." Shammy's smile became wicked. "Your plans for when you get back." Nadia tilted her head. "Those plans?" "Yes." "Oh, darling." Shammy watched her expectantly. Nadia smiled. "I intend to kiss you the moment I see you." "Good." "And probably forget whatever sensible greeting I was planning." "Also good." "And after that, I rather think you'll have to endure a great deal of affection." Shammy grinned. "I'll suffer bravely." Nadia laughed. "I knew you would." --- The studio agreement arrived for Nadia's final review the following morning. Her independent legal adviser had examined the revised terms. The remaining questions concerned practical implementation rather than ownership or artistic control. The funding structure was clearly documented. Nadia's professional independence was protected. Her existing studio and external commitments were explicitly unaffected. There were no exclusivity provisions. No hidden claims to her work. No requirement to accept commissions through Elisa. And a defined mechanism for Nadia to acquire ownership of the Watson property under agreed conditions. Nadia read the complete summary twice. Then she called her adviser. They discussed the final outstanding points. One clause required clarification. Another needed a minor wording change. Neither was alarming. By the end of the conversation, Nadia felt something she hadn't quite expected. Not excitement. Not yet. Confidence. She understood what she was agreeing to. She understood what she wasn't. And she was making the decision because she wanted to. She contacted Elisa. Elisa answered with characteristic warmth. "Nadia, darling!" "Hello, Elisa." "How was the opening?" "Wonderful." "I saw the photographs. Extraordinary." "Thank you." "And the studio?" Nadia smiled. "My adviser has finished reviewing the agreement." Elisa went quiet. "Good." "There are two final amendments." "Send them through." "I will." A pause. Then Nadia spoke. "Elisa?" "Yes, darling?" "I think I'm ready." For a moment, Elisa said nothing. Then her voice softened. "Oh, Nadia." Nadia smiled. "Provided the final wording is agreed, I'd like to proceed." Elisa laughed delightedly. "Wonderful!" Nadia laughed too. "But no champagne yet." "Not even a little?" "Not until everything is signed." Elisa considered. "You're becoming terribly strict." "I've learned from excellent company." Elisa laughed. "Fair enough." --- Nadia told Shammy that evening. She didn't send a message. She called. Shammy answered from the safehouse kitchen. "Hello, beautiful!" Nadia smiled. "Hello, darling." Shammy studied her expression. Then went very still. "Nadia?" "Yes?" "What's happened?" Nadia laughed. "Nothing terrible." "Oh, good." "Quite the opposite." Shammy leaned closer. Nadia smiled. "I've finished the legal review." Shammy blinked. "And?" "And assuming the final amendments are accepted, I'm going to sign." For a moment, Shammy simply stared. Then her entire expression transformed. "NADIA!" Nadia burst out laughing. "Oh, darling!" "You're doing it!" "Yes." "You're really doing it!" "Yes!" Shammy's silver hair rose into a spectacular halo. From somewhere behind her came Ace's voice. "What happened?" Shammy turned. "NADIA'S GETTING THE STUDIO!" There was a crash. Not a serious crash. Just the sound of something being knocked over. Then Brenda shouted: "WHAT?" Mai's voice followed. "Shammy, volume!" Iris began laughing. And Nadia, watching the entire household erupt around her, found herself laughing so hard that tears came to her eyes. Shammy turned back toward the screen. Her face was radiant. "I'm so proud of you." Nadia smiled. "Oh, sweetheart." Shammy looked at her. Then her expression softened. "I wish I could kiss you." Nadia's smile changed. "Darling?" "Yes?" "You're going to have plenty of opportunities." Shammy grinned. "Oh, I intend to take advantage of every single one." Nadia laughed. "Good." Behind Shammy, Ace called: "Tell her congratulations!" Brenda shouted: "AND TELL HER I WANT TO SEE THE WORKSHOP!" Mai added: "After the agreement is signed." Shammy sighed. "Yes, Mai." Nadia burst out laughing again. "Oh, God, I love this family." Shammy looked at her. And quietly replied: "They love you too." --- On the final evening before Nadia's return, she stood in her original studio. Her luggage was packed. Mostly. The exhibition had been a success. The remaining professional commitments were complete. Her colleagues had already begun discussing the next project. Nothing here had diminished. Nothing had been abandoned. She walked through the studio slowly, checking the equipment, securing the storage areas, and making a few final notes. Then she switched off the main lights. Her holo rang. Nadia smiled without looking. "Hello, darling." Shammy appeared. "Hello, beautiful." "Calling to check whether I've packed?" "Possibly." Nadia laughed. "I have." "All three suitcases?" Nadia hesitated. Shammy narrowed her eyes. "Nadia." "...Four." Shammy burst out laughing. "Oh, sweetheart!" "There were materials." "Of course there were." "And some equipment." "Naturally." "And a few things I thought you might enjoy." Shammy's eyes brightened. "Oh?" Nadia smiled wickedly. "Some are for the studio." "And the others?" Nadia looked directly at her. "Those are a surprise." Shammy considered. Then grinned. "I love surprises." "I know." They looked at each other for a moment. Then Nadia's expression softened. "I miss you." Shammy smiled. "I miss you too." "But tomorrow..." "Tomorrow." Nadia leaned against a workbench. "Darling, I have absolutely no intention of behaving with dignity when I see you." Shammy laughed. "Good." "I may throw myself into your arms." "I'll catch you." "I may kiss you quite scandalously." "I'm counting on it." "And I fully intend to monopolize you for a while." Shammy's eyes sparkled. "How long?" Nadia smiled. "Until we're both satisfied I've made up for three weeks away." Shammy laughed softly. "That could take some time." Nadia leaned closer. "Sweetheart, I've cleared my schedule." Shammy's silver hair began to rise. Nadia noticed. And burst out laughing. "Oh, look at you!" Shammy grinned. "Can't help it." "Apparently not." A moment passed. Then Shammy's expression softened. "Nadia?" "Yes, darling?" "I'm so happy you're coming back." Nadia smiled. "So am I." She glanced around her original studio. The familiar equipment. The workbenches. The photographs. The half-finished ideas waiting patiently for another day. She loved this place. She always would. Then she looked back at Shammy. "And do you know something?" "What?" "I think I'm beginning to have a second home." Shammy went quiet. For several seconds, she simply looked at Nadia. Then she smiled. A beautiful, helpless smile. "Oh, sweetheart." Nadia returned it. "See you tomorrow." "I'll be there." "I know you will." They exchanged one last kiss through the screen. Then the call ended. Nadia stood quietly in the familiar studio. A little tired. Very happy. And more than ready for tomorrow. --- ## Chapter 15 — Welcome Back Panam had seen Shammy do a great many extraordinary things. She had seen her walk through thunderstorms with the relaxed confidence of someone taking an evening stroll. She had watched her calmly handle situations that would have sent experienced mercenaries diving for cover. She had seen her face danger, chaos, and the unpredictable violence of Night City without losing that peculiar combination of courage and irrepressible curiosity. And yet, apparently, a woman arriving at a passenger terminal was enough to make her completely incapable of deciding what to wear. Panam leaned against the bedroom doorway. "Sweetheart." Shammy looked up from the three outfits spread across the bed. "Yes?" "You're picking her up. You're not attending your own coronation." Shammy frowned. "I know." "So why have you changed clothes four times?" "Three." "Four." Shammy considered. "Does the first one count if I didn't like it?" "Yes." "Oh." Panam folded her arms. "She's been away three weeks. I guarantee she won't care what you're wearing." Shammy looked scandalized. "Of course she'll care!" Panam blinked. Then laughed. "Okay. Fair point. But not in the way you're thinking." Shammy looked toward the mirror. "I want to look nice." Panam's expression softened. "You always look nice." Shammy turned toward her. "Oh." Panam smiled. "Come here." Shammy crossed the room. Panam took her face between her hands and kissed her. "There. Perfect." Shammy smiled helplessly. "Thank you." "You're welcome." A moment passed. Then Shammy glanced toward the bed. Panam sighed. "Oh, for fuck's sake." --- Mai found them ten minutes later. Panam was sitting on the edge of the bed, laughing. Shammy stood in front of the mirror wearing a simple, beautifully tailored dark outfit that set off her silver-white hair and electric-blue eyes. On the bed lay the discarded evidence of a prolonged fashion crisis. Mai surveyed the scene. Then looked at Panam. "How bad?" Panam grinned. "Terminal." Mai nodded gravely. "I see." Shammy turned. "You're both being terribly unhelpful." Mai approached her. She straightened one slightly twisted seam, adjusted the fall of her collar, and stepped back. "There." Shammy looked down. Then smiled. "Oh." Mai returned the smile. "Beautiful." "Really?" "Really." Panam nodded. "That's what I've been telling her." Mai glanced toward the bed. "Now, unless you're planning to bring all those clothes to the terminal for a final comparison, I suggest we leave." Shammy checked the time. "Oh!" Panam laughed. "Exactly." Shammy hurried toward the door. Then stopped. Turned around. And hurried back to kiss Mai. "Thank you!" Mai laughed softly. "Go get your girl." --- Ace was waiting beside Panam's truck in the underground parking area. She looked Shammy up and down. Then grinned. "Wow." Shammy brightened. "Good wow?" "Very." Panam pointed at Ace. "Don't encourage her." Ace looked innocent. "Why?" "She's spent forty minutes getting dressed." Ace stared. Then began laughing. "Forty minutes?" "Approximately," Mai replied from the stairs. Shammy folded her arms. "You're all impossible." Ace approached her, stood on tiptoe, and tugged her down into a kiss. "Love you too." Shammy immediately melted. Ace smiled against her lips. "Now go." Shammy kissed her again. Then hugged Mai. Then Panam. Panam caught her wrists before she could repeat the entire process. "Sweetheart." "What?" "The truck." "Oh!" Ace leaned against the wall, grinning. "She's going to explode." Mai smiled. "Probably." Panam guided Shammy toward the passenger side. "Come on, stormcloud. Let's get you to the terminal before you start vibrating." --- They arrived twenty-three minutes early. Panam considered this a personal achievement. Shammy considered it a disaster. "She's not here yet." Panam turned toward her. "Yes. That's generally what happens when we arrive before her." Shammy checked the arrivals display. Then her holo. Then the arrivals display again. Panam watched. "Sweetheart." "Hmm?" "The schedule hasn't changed in the last eleven seconds." "I know." "Then stop checking it." Shammy sighed. "I know." Panam smiled. Then slipped an arm around her waist. "You're excited." Shammy turned toward her. "Very." "I noticed." "I've missed her." "I know." Shammy leaned against her. Panam kissed her temple. "She's almost here." Shammy smiled. "Yes." A moment passed. Then her holo rang. **Nadia.** Shammy answered immediately. "Hello, beautiful!" Nadia appeared on the screen, looking tired, amused, and thoroughly delighted. "Hello, darling." "Where are you?" "Just arrived." "Oh!" "I'm collecting my luggage." "Wonderful!" Nadia tilted her head. "Are you at the terminal?" "Yes!" "Already?" "Yes!" Nadia laughed. "Oh, sweetheart." Panam leaned into view. "Hey, Nadia." "Panam!" "Welcome back." "Thank you, darling." Panam grinned. "Just so you know, she's been trying to climb inside the arrivals display for twenty minutes." Shammy looked offended. "I have not!" Nadia burst out laughing. "Oh, God. I've missed you both." "Likewise," Panam replied. Nadia smiled. "I'll be out shortly." Shammy leaned closer. "I love you." Nadia's expression softened. "I love you too." Then, with a wicked little smile, she added: "And darling?" "Yes?" "Remember what I promised you." Shammy went very still. Panam looked between them. Nadia smiled sweetly. "See you in a few minutes." The call ended. Panam turned toward Shammy. "What did she promise you?" Shammy's silver hair began to rise. Panam stared. Then started laughing. "Oh, this is going to be good." --- Nadia emerged from arrivals with a luggage cart. Four suitcases. One equipment case. A shoulder bag. And the unmistakable expression of a woman who had just completed a successful professional trip and was now very much looking forward to something else. She saw them immediately. Panam waved. Nadia smiled. Then she saw Shammy. Her smile changed. She abandoned the luggage cart. Fortunately, it wasn't moving. "Nadia—" That was as far as Shammy got. Nadia crossed the remaining distance at remarkable speed. Shammy caught her. And Nadia kissed her. Not a polite greeting. Not a restrained public acknowledgment. A long, wholehearted kiss that made it abundantly clear how they felt about three weeks apart. Shammy wrapped both arms around her. Nadia held her face between her hands. Neither seemed particularly interested in the rest of the terminal. Panam watched with a broad grin. A passing traveler glanced at them. Then smiled. Another gave Shammy's spectacular silver halo a second look. Panam folded her arms. "Yep." A moment passed. Then another. Panam cleared her throat. Nothing happened. She cleared it again. Still nothing. Finally, she leaned toward the abandoned luggage cart. "Well, at least somebody remembered to bring the equipment." Nadia began laughing against Shammy's mouth. Shammy laughed too. They separated just enough to look at each other. "Hello, darling," Nadia whispered. Shammy smiled helplessly. "Hello, beautiful." Nadia brushed a strand of silver hair away from her face. "Oh, look at you." Shammy's eyes brightened. "Good?" Nadia laughed. "Sweetheart, if we weren't in a passenger terminal, I'd be making considerably less respectable decisions." Panam burst out laughing. "There it is!" Nadia finally looked toward her. "Panam!" She stepped away from Shammy long enough to embrace her warmly. Panam hugged her back. "Welcome home." Nadia went quiet. Just for a heartbeat. Then she smiled. "Thank you." Panam glanced toward the luggage. "Now. Before we get arrested for blocking the arrivals area, how about we get those cases into the truck?" Nadia sighed. "There's rather a lot." Panam grinned. "Yeah. Noticed." Shammy looked delighted. "What did you bring?" Nadia smiled mysteriously. "Things." Panam groaned. "Oh, great. Two of them." --- The drive back to Watson was gloriously noisy. Nadia described the exhibition opening. Shammy wanted to hear every detail. Panam wanted to know whether the lighting problem had stayed fixed. It had. Nadia described a collector who had mistaken a maintenance access panel for part of the installation. Panam nearly drove into the wrong lane laughing. Shammy demanded photographs. Nadia produced them. They discussed the revised studio agreement, the material samples, the exhibition's reception, and an unexpected invitation to collaborate on another project later in the year. At a traffic light, Panam glanced at Nadia through the mirror. "So. Good trip?" Nadia smiled. "Wonderful." "Glad to hear it." "And I am very glad to be back." Shammy took her hand. Nadia squeezed it. Panam watched them for a moment. Then smiled to herself. --- The welcome at the safehouse was considerably less dramatic. At least initially. Ace was in the living room when Nadia arrived. She looked up. "Hey!" Nadia smiled. "Hello!" Ace crossed the room and hugged her. "Welcome back." "Thank you." Mai appeared from the kitchen. "Nadia!" Nadia embraced her warmly. "It's lovely to see you." "And you." Mai looked toward the luggage being brought upstairs. Then toward Panam. "Four?" Panam nodded. "Four." Mai smiled. "Of course." Brenda emerged from her workshop. "NADIA!" Nadia laughed. "Hello, Brenda!" Brenda hugged her. "Did you bring the samples?" Nadia looked scandalized. "Not even a hello?" "I said hello!" Iris appeared behind Brenda. "She has been asking about the samples since breakfast." Brenda folded her arms. "They're interesting." Nadia laughed. "Yes, I brought them." Brenda beamed. "Excellent!" Mai pointed toward the kitchen. "Food first." Brenda opened her mouth. Mai looked at her. Brenda closed it. Ace began laughing. "Every time." --- Lunch was a wonderfully chaotic affair. Nadia was seated between Shammy and Panam. Shammy held her hand whenever she wasn't using both hands to gesture through some particularly interesting technical explanation. Panam occasionally interrupted to translate the discussion into practical terms. Brenda asked increasingly specific questions about the equipment Nadia had brought back. Iris listened with interest, offering occasional observations about logistics and scheduling. Ace contributed remarks designed almost entirely to make everyone laugh. And Mai somehow managed to ensure that everybody actually ate. At one point, Brenda leaned across the table. "So, what's the first thing you're doing when the studio opens?" Nadia considered. "Cleaning it." Brenda blinked. "What?" "Cleaning it." Panam laughed. "Smart woman." Nadia smiled. "I've seen the inspection photographs. The place is structurally sound, but it hasn't been used properly in years." Shammy nodded enthusiastically. "And then we can start laying out the equipment." Mai glanced toward her. "After the safety work." Shammy sighed. "Yes, Mai." "And the ventilation upgrades." "Yes, Mai." "And the final access arrangements." Shammy looked toward Nadia. "She's very strict." Nadia smiled sweetly. "I rather like that about her." Ace grinned. "Careful. Complimenting Mai's organizational skills only makes her stronger." Mai leaned over and kissed Ace. "Eat your lunch." Ace smiled. "Yes, darling." --- The final studio documents were ready the following morning. Nadia reviewed them once more with her independent adviser. The two requested amendments had been incorporated. The ownership provisions were clear. The technical work was documented. The financing terms matched what had been discussed. And the agreement preserved her complete freedom to work elsewhere, travel, collaborate independently, and accept or refuse commissions as she pleased. For several minutes, Nadia sat quietly in the conference room. Her adviser waited. "Any remaining questions?" Nadia looked down at the documents. Then smiled. "No." "Are you comfortable proceeding?" She considered the question carefully. Not because she was uncertain. But because it deserved a proper answer. "Yes." Her adviser nodded. "Then we can proceed." --- Elisa arrived fifteen minutes later. She was radiant. Which, Nadia suspected, was her normal condition whenever something interesting was about to happen. "Nadia!" They embraced. "Darling, I'm so glad you're back." "Thank you." Elisa looked toward Shammy. "And Sera!" Shammy smiled. "Hello, Elisa." Elisa hugged her too. Then stepped back. "Well?" Nadia laughed. "Well what?" Elisa gestured toward the documents. "Are we doing this?" Nadia looked at Shammy. Shammy smiled. Then Nadia turned back toward Elisa. "Yes." Elisa clasped her hands together. "Oh, wonderful!" The formal signing itself was almost anticlimactic. A few final confirmations. Several signatures. Acknowledgments from the relevant parties. And then it was done. Nadia sat back. For a moment, nobody spoke. Then Elisa smiled. "Congratulations." Nadia looked down at the signed agreement. Then up at Elisa. "Thank you." Elisa shook her head. "No, darling. Thank you." Nadia blinked. "For what?" "For deciding this city deserves more of your work." Nadia smiled. "That's very kind." Elisa's expression became more serious. "I mean it." A moment passed. Then her familiar enthusiasm returned. "Now!" Nadia laughed. "Oh, dear." Elisa smiled innocently. "How do you feel about visiting your studio?" --- The building looked different. Which was ridiculous. Nothing about it had changed since their previous visit. The old industrial structure stood in Watson exactly where it had stood before. The windows remained dusty. The loading area needed work. The interior still smelled faintly of old machinery, concrete, and years of disuse. Yet Nadia stopped at the entrance and stared. Shammy stood beside her. "Well?" Nadia looked toward the doors. Then smiled. "It's mine." Shammy's expression softened. "Yes." Nadia laughed quietly. "Not entirely yet, of course. The ownership provisions—" Shammy kissed her. Nadia stopped talking. A moment later, Shammy leaned back. "Darling." "Yes?" "You know what I mean." Nadia smiled. "Yes." Elisa waited a few steps away, giving them their moment. Then Nadia took a breath. "All right." She looked toward the building. "Shall we?" --- Inside, the space was enormous. Or at least it felt that way with so little occupying it. Afternoon light entered through the high windows, illuminating floating dust. The old overhead structure stretched across the upper part of the workshop. The mezzanine overlooked the main floor. Several side rooms waited for renovation. Nadia walked slowly into the center of the space. Shammy followed. Elisa remained near the entrance, speaking quietly with a representative from the architectural firm. Nadia turned in a slow circle. Then laughed. "Oh, my." Shammy smiled. "Right?" "It's enormous." "Not quite." Nadia turned. "Not quite?" Shammy gestured toward the ceiling. "We can make excellent use of the height." Nadia stared at her. Then burst out laughing. "Oh, God. You're already planning." "Naturally." Nadia approached one of the large windows. She studied the light. Then the open floor. Then the old industrial beams. "Over there," she said softly. Shammy joined her. "Hmm?" "Clean assembly." Shammy followed her gaze. "Yes." "And fabrication farther back." "Definitely." "Storage along that wall." "Probably." "And somewhere..." Nadia paused. Shammy waited. Nadia looked toward a corner of the building where afternoon sunlight fell across the floor. "A place to sit." Shammy smiled. "Of course." "Not a formal reception area." "No?" "No. Just somewhere comfortable." She looked at Shammy. "Somewhere people can have coffee and talk about ideas." Shammy's smile widened. "Oh, darling." Nadia laughed. "What?" "You're building another home." Nadia went quiet. She looked around the enormous workshop. Then back at Shammy. "Maybe." Shammy took her hand. Nadia smiled. "Maybe I am." --- Elisa joined them several minutes later. "Well?" Nadia looked toward her. "It's wonderful." Elisa smiled. "I'm glad." Nadia gestured around the space. "But we're going to have to do this carefully." "Naturally." "I want the technical work completed before we begin installing equipment." "Agreed." "And I want to be involved in the layout decisions." "Of course." "And—" Elisa laughed. "Nadia, darling." Nadia stopped. "Yes?" "It's your studio." Nadia looked at her. Then slowly smiled. "Yes." Elisa returned the smile. "Exactly." --- They spent the afternoon making preliminary plans. Not final decisions. Not ambitious promises. Just the first sensible steps toward turning an empty industrial space into a working studio. Nadia walked the floor with the architect. Shammy examined the structural drawings. Elisa listened, asked questions, and occasionally suggested something extravagantly expensive that Nadia had to gently redirect toward a more practical alternative. At one point, Elisa proposed a spectacular suspended lighting system. Nadia stared at her. "Why?" Elisa blinked. "Because it would be beautiful." Shammy considered. "It would." Nadia turned toward her. "Don't encourage her." Shammy smiled innocently. "I'm not." Elisa looked delighted. "Oh, you two are going to be terrible together." Nadia laughed. "Apparently." A few minutes later, the architect suggested something much simpler. A flexible lighting system that could be adjusted for different kinds of work. Nadia immediately approved. Elisa sighed theatrically. "You're both very sensible." Shammy grinned. "Occasionally." --- By the time they returned to the safehouse, the sun was setting. Nadia was tired. Not unpleasantly. The kind of tired that came from a long day spent doing something meaningful. She dropped her bag onto a chair. Then looked around the living room. Ace was stretched out on the sofa, reading. Mai sat nearby, reviewing something on her tablet. Iris and Brenda were discussing a small technical project. The kitchen smelled wonderful. Shammy approached from behind and slipped her arms around Nadia's waist. "Happy?" Nadia smiled. "Very." "Good." Nadia leaned back against her. For a moment, they simply stood together. Then Ace looked up. "Hey, Nadia." "Yes?" "Congratulations." Nadia smiled. "Thank you." Mai set aside her tablet. "Everything signed?" "Everything." "Excellent." Iris smiled. "Well done." Brenda looked up. "So when do we get to see the workshop?" Nadia laughed. "Brenda!" "What?" "We literally signed the agreement this morning." "Exactly." Mai sighed. "Brenda." Brenda grinned. "All right, all right." Ace began laughing. "Give her a week." Panam's voice came from the hallway. "Give her three days." Nadia turned. Panam stood in the doorway, smiling. She had arrived while everyone was talking. Shammy's hair immediately rose. "PANAM!" Panam laughed. "Hey, sweetheart!" Nadia watched Shammy hurry toward her. Then smiled. Some things were wonderfully reliable. --- That night, Nadia found herself sitting on the balcony with Panam. Shammy had gone inside to fetch drinks. The city spread around them. Panam leaned against the railing. "So." Nadia smiled. "So." "Big day." "Very." "Feeling good?" Nadia nodded. "Wonderful." Panam looked toward the distant lights of Watson. "Glad you did it." Nadia considered. "So am I." A comfortable silence followed. Then Panam glanced toward her. "You know, I was thinking." Nadia smiled. "That sounds dangerous." Panam laughed. "Yeah, well. Happens occasionally." "What were you thinking?" Panam looked toward the balcony door. "Shammy's going to spend a lot of time over there." "At the studio?" "Yeah." Nadia nodded. "I expect so." Panam smiled. "And you're going to spend a lot of time there too." "Certainly." "So somebody's going to have to make sure you both remember the rest of the world exists." Nadia began laughing. "Oh, dear." Panam grinned. "I'm thinking of organizing a schedule." Nadia turned toward her. "A schedule?" "Meals. Breaks. Occasional reminders that daylight is not a personal insult." Nadia laughed harder. "Good heavens." Panam smiled. "And maybe a rule against starting new projects after midnight." Nadia stared at her. Then slowly shook her head. "That last one is completely unreasonable." Panam burst out laughing. "Knew you'd say that." They stood together, laughing. Then Nadia looked toward the city. Her expression softened. "Panam?" "Yeah?" "Thank you." Panam looked at her. "For what?" "For being so welcoming." Panam shrugged. "You're good people." Nadia smiled. "And for making all this feel so easy." Panam considered. Then looked at her more seriously. "Look, Nadia." "Yes?" "I don't think love's supposed to make anybody's world smaller." Nadia went quiet. Panam continued. "Shammy loves you. You love her. I love her. And somehow, instead of making life more complicated in all the wrong ways, it seems to be making something better." Nadia looked at her. "Yes." Panam smiled. "So why fight it?" Nadia laughed softly. "Why indeed?" A moment passed. Then she stepped closer and embraced Panam. Panam hugged her warmly. They remained like that for a little while. Then Panam smiled. "Careful." Nadia leaned back. "What?" "You're going to make me sentimental." Nadia burst out laughing. "Oh, darling. I think it's far too late for that." --- Shammy returned carrying three drinks. She stopped in the doorway. Nadia and Panam were standing close together, laughing. Shammy looked from one to the other. Then smiled. "What have I missed?" Panam accepted a glass. "Nothing." Nadia took hers. "Absolutely nothing." Shammy narrowed her eyes. "Oh, no." Panam grinned. "What?" "You're doing it again." Nadia smiled. "Doing what?" "Becoming friends behind my back." Panam laughed. "Terrible, isn't it?" Shammy considered. Then smiled. "Actually..." She stepped between them. Wrapped an arm around each. And kissed them both. "It's rather wonderful." Nadia leaned against her. Panam smiled. And for a while, the three women stood together on the balcony, drinking quietly beneath the lights of Night City. --- Much later, when Panam had settled into one of the guest rooms for the night and the safehouse had grown quiet, Nadia found Shammy in the Triad's bedroom. Ace and Mai were still in the living room. Shammy had been changing clothes when Nadia appeared in the doorway. She looked up. "Oh. Hello, beautiful." Nadia smiled. "Hello, darling." Shammy studied her expression. Then slowly smiled. "Oh." Nadia stepped inside. Closed the door. And crossed the room. "Shammy." "Yes?" "I've been terribly patient." Shammy's smile widened. "Have you?" "Extremely." "Poor darling." Nadia took her face between her hands. "Three weeks." Shammy nodded. "Three weeks." "Of watching you through a screen." "Yes." "Of wanting to hold you." Shammy's expression softened. "I know." "And of having to content myself with telling you exactly what I wanted." Shammy smiled. "You were very good at that." Nadia laughed quietly. "I know." Then she kissed her. Long and warm. When they finally separated, Shammy looked at her with shining eyes. "Oh, Nadia." Nadia rested her forehead against hers. "Darling, I intend to make very good use of the fact that you're actually here." Shammy laughed softly. "I was rather hoping you would." Nadia kissed her again. Then smiled. "And after that, I’d like to spend some time with you, Ace and Mai." Shammy's expression brightened. "Oh?" "Yes." Nadia glanced toward the door. "Because I've missed them too." Shammy smiled. "They've missed you." Nadia looked at her. Then laughed softly. "Good." She kissed Shammy's cheek. "Now go find them." Shammy grinned. "Yes, darling." --- When Ace and Mai joined them a few minutes later, Nadia was sitting comfortably on the edge of the bed. Shammy stood beside her, looking entirely too pleased with herself. Ace stopped in the doorway. Looked at Nadia. Then at Shammy. Then grinned. "Well." Mai raised an eyebrow. "Well what?" Ace gestured toward Shammy. "Somebody looks happy." Shammy laughed. "I'm always happy." Ace considered. "Fair." Mai approached and kissed her. Then turned toward Nadia. "Settling in?" Nadia smiled. "Very." Ace climbed onto the bed beside her. "So." Nadia laughed. "So." "How does it feel?" Nadia considered. "The studio?" Ace nodded. Nadia looked toward Shammy. Then at Mai. Then back at Ace. "Wonderful." Ace smiled. "Good." Nadia hesitated. Then added softly: "And I think I'm beginning to understand why all of you love this place so much." Mai sat beside her. "It's home." Nadia nodded. "Yes." A moment passed. Then Ace grinned. "Although I should warn you." Nadia raised an eyebrow. "Oh?" "The dining table is a contested territory." Nadia burst out laughing. "Yes. I've noticed." Mai sighed. "Don't encourage them." Shammy smiled. "Too late." Ace leaned over and kissed Mai. Mai returned it. And Nadia watched them with a warmth that had become increasingly familiar. This was not a household held together by rules alone. Nor by simple habit. It was built from choices. Repeated every day. In gestures both large and small. A kiss in a doorway. A shared meal. A hand offered across a table. A promise kept. A home that made room without asking anyone to become less than themselves. And as Nadia settled comfortably among them, she realized something. She hadn't returned to Night City because she needed somewhere to be. She had returned because there were people here she wanted to be with. People who were becoming part of her life. And perhaps that was the beginning of something wonderful. --- Outside, the city continued its restless movement. Vehicles passed through Watson. Distant sirens rose and fell. Somewhere, a nightclub was just beginning its evening. Somewhere else, a studio stood empty, waiting for its first workbenches, its first tools, its first mistakes, and its first small triumphs. And in a secure home above the streets, Nadia smiled as Ace made a ridiculous joke, Mai pretended not to laugh, and Shammy failed completely to conceal her delight. For once, nothing needed to be solved. Nothing needed to be built. Nothing needed to be planned. They could simply enjoy being together. Tomorrow would bring new work. New ideas. Probably several arguments about equipment. But tonight— Tonight was for coming home. --- ## Chapter 16 — The First Thing You Build The first thing Nadia discovered about owning the future of an enormous industrial workshop was that somebody had left a dead refrigerator in it. Not a small refrigerator. Not the sort of thing that could be carried away by two reasonably determined people. This was an ancient commercial unit, approximately the size of a modest wardrobe, which had apparently spent the last several decades cultivating rust and personal grievances. Nadia stood in front of it. Shammy stood beside her. Panam stood behind them, examining the loading-bay entrance. After a moment, Nadia said, "Well." Shammy nodded. "Yes." Panam glanced over. "What?" Nadia gestured toward the refrigerator. "I believe we've found our first artistic challenge." Panam looked at the appliance. Then at Nadia. "That's trash." "Quite." "Not art." "Probably." Shammy tilted her head. "Although—" Panam pointed at her without looking. "No." Shammy sighed. "I hadn't said anything." "You were about to." Nadia burst out laughing. Panam folded her arms. "Nobody is turning that thing into an installation." Shammy looked wounded. "You're both being terribly unimaginative." Nadia smiled. "Darling, it has something growing inside it." "Atmospheric character." "Biological warfare," Panam corrected. That settled the matter. Mostly. --- They had come to the studio to make the first practical decisions about its conversion. The agreement was signed. Nadia had the long-term rights and protections they had negotiated, with the eventual ownership arrangement clearly documented. But there was a considerable distance between having a studio secured on paper and having a studio anyone could safely work in. The building still required electrical upgrades, ventilation work, mezzanine safety improvements, and a thorough cleaning. The conversion team was due to begin its initial work the following week. Today was for walking the space without an audience of architects and advisers. Nadia wanted to understand how the building felt when it belonged to her plans rather than somebody else's presentation. Shammy wanted to measure everything. Panam had come because she'd taken one look at the preliminary equipment-moving proposal and said, with unmistakable conviction: "You're getting robbed." Nadia had blinked. "Am I?" "Probably." "By whom?" "Whoever wrote that transport estimate." Shammy had leaned closer. "What's wrong with it?" Panam had pointed at the numbers. "You're paying for six people, two lifting systems, and a full day's access to move things that could be handled with the right vehicle and three people who know what they're doing." Nadia had studied the estimate. Then looked at Panam. "Would you mind explaining that to me?" Panam had smiled. "Gladly." Which was how the three women found themselves in Watson on a bright morning, standing beside a dead refrigerator and planning the future of an artist's workshop. --- The building was quieter than Nadia remembered. Without Elisa's advisers or the architectural team, every footstep echoed. The main workshop stretched out beneath its high ceiling. Dust floated through broad shafts of sunlight. Somewhere overhead, old metal creaked as the structure warmed. Nadia walked toward the center of the floor. She stopped. Looked up. Then smiled. "Oh, I do love this place." Shammy joined her. "I know." Panam walked around the perimeter, checking the loading access, the drainage points, and the places where heavy equipment would eventually need to pass. Nadia watched her. "You're looking for something." "Several things." "Such as?" Panam pointed toward the floor. "That." Nadia looked. A narrow seam crossed the concrete. "Expansion joint?" "Yeah. And if you're planning to roll a heavy machine across it, you'll want to know whether both sides are level." Nadia approached. Panam crouched and ran her fingers along the edge. "See?" There was a small height difference. Not much. Enough to catch the wrong kind of wheel under load. Shammy leaned down. "Oh." Panam glanced at her. "Exactly." Nadia considered. "That wasn't in the transport estimate." "Nope." "Or the equipment layout." "Probably not." Nadia straightened. "Right. That's worth documenting." Panam grinned. "First useful thing today." Shammy looked toward the refrigerator. "Second." Panam closed her eyes. "Shammy." Nadia laughed. --- An hour later, the floor was marked with removable tape. Not to establish a final layout. Just to make the possibilities visible. Nadia had marked a broad central area for fabrication and assembly. Shammy had identified several locations where suspended equipment might eventually be useful, subject to engineering approval. Panam had mapped the practical route from the loading bay to the main work zones. This immediately revealed a problem. A large component could enter the building. It could move across most of the floor. But the proposed storage position created an awkward turn that would be difficult to negotiate with heavy equipment. Panam stood in the middle of the taped route. "Nope." Nadia looked up from her tablet. "No?" "No." Shammy followed the line across the floor. "What's wrong?" Panam gestured. "Imagine you're moving something two and a half meters wide through here." Nadia considered. "All right." "Now imagine you can't rotate it easily, because it's fragile, heavy, and mounted on a transport frame." Shammy frowned. "Ah." "Exactly." Nadia looked at her carefully arranged tape. Then at the wall. Then back at Panam. "Oh, damn." Panam smiled. "Welcome to logistics." Nadia laughed. "I believe I've just been introduced." They moved the proposed storage area. The route improved immediately. Shammy studied the revised arrangement. "Actually, that gives us more flexibility for the assembly zone." Nadia looked. "Oh, it does." Panam shrugged. "Good." Nadia turned toward her. "Panam." "Yeah?" "You're extremely good at this." Panam looked almost embarrassed. "Moving stuff?" "Understanding how people will actually use a space." Panam considered. Then smiled. "Spend enough years keeping vehicles, supplies, and people moving, you learn pretty fast what happens when somebody designs something that only works on paper." Shammy slipped an arm around her. "I keep telling people you're brilliant." Panam laughed. "You keep telling people I'm stubborn." "Both can be true." Nadia nodded solemnly. "Absolutely." Panam looked between them. Then sighed. "Oh, great." --- They ate lunch sitting on the edge of the loading platform. Panam had brought sandwiches. Proper sandwiches. With enough food to count as an actual meal. Shammy examined hers. "Oh, wonderful." Panam gave her a look. "What?" "Nothing." "Shammy." "You're very thoughtful." Panam's expression softened. "Yeah, well. Somebody has to make sure you eat." Nadia smiled. "She's been perfectly good today." Panam looked toward Shammy. "Has she?" "Mostly." "How many times has she tried to improve something that isn't installed yet?" Nadia considered. "Four." "Six," Panam replied. Shammy looked scandalized. "You're counting?" "Of course." Nadia burst out laughing. "Oh, darling!" Shammy shook her head. "I'm being persecuted." Panam leaned over and kissed her. "Terribly." Nadia smiled. Then took another bite of her sandwich. For a while, they ate in comfortable silence. A delivery vehicle passed along the street. Somewhere in the distance, machinery rattled. The city moved around them without taking much notice of three women sitting outside an empty workshop. Eventually Nadia spoke. "I've been thinking about the coffee corner." Panam groaned. Shammy brightened. "Oh?" Panam pointed at both of them. "Finish lunch first." Nadia laughed. "I was merely going to say—" "After lunch." "Panam." "Nadia." They stared at each other. Then Nadia smiled. "You're rather commanding when you want to be." Panam raised an eyebrow. "Problem?" Nadia's smile widened. "Not remotely." Shammy nearly choked on her sandwich. Panam turned toward her. "What?" Shammy swallowed. Then grinned. "Oh, nothing." Panam narrowed her eyes. "You two." Nadia took another bite with exaggerated innocence. --- The interruption came shortly after lunch. Nadia was measuring the proposed clean-assembly area when her holo rang. An unfamiliar number. She answered. "Hello?" A man's voice introduced himself as a representative of a neighboring business. He explained that he'd heard the building was being converted and wanted to discuss access arrangements. Nadia listened. The first few questions were perfectly ordinary. Construction schedules. Noise. Loading access. Then he mentioned an arrangement with the building's previous operator. Apparently, deliveries had occasionally used a narrow passage along the side of the property. Nadia frowned. "Was that a formal access agreement?" A hesitation. "Well, it was understood." "Understood by whom?" Another hesitation. Nadia looked toward the side entrance. Panam noticed her expression and approached. The caller explained that the previous tenant had always allowed it. Nadia remained pleasant. "I'm happy to discuss practical arrangements, but I'll need to verify the legal access provisions first." The man's tone changed slightly. He suggested that a new business shouldn't start by making problems for its neighbors. Nadia's expression cooled. "I don't intend to make problems. I intend to understand the existing arrangements." Panam folded her arms. The man continued talking. Nadia listened for another moment. Then replied, perfectly calmly: "Please send the details in writing. My adviser can review them." She ended the call. Silence. Then Panam said: "Well." Nadia looked at her. "Yes." Shammy approached. "Problem?" "Possibly," Nadia replied. Panam glanced toward the side entrance. "Or somebody hoping you won't ask questions." Nadia sighed. "That was my impression." Shammy frowned. "Do we know whether there's an actual agreement?" "No," Nadia said. "And we won't assume either way." Panam nodded approvingly. "Good." Nadia looked at her. "You sound pleased." "I am." "Why?" "Because he tried to pressure you, and you didn't let him." Nadia smiled faintly. "I've dealt with difficult people before." "Yeah. I can tell." Shammy slipped an arm around Nadia. "Want me to call Elisa?" Nadia shook her head. "Not yet." "All right." "I'll forward it to my adviser, check the property documentation, and take it from there." Panam smiled. "That's the way." Nadia looked toward the loading bay. Then laughed softly. "Well. I suppose this makes it feel more like a real business." Shammy considered. "Because somebody has already tried to make it your problem?" "Precisely." Panam grinned. "Welcome to Watson." --- By midafternoon, they had finished the measurements they could reasonably make without specialized equipment. The revised layout looked more promising than the original. The loading route was practical. The work zones made sense. And Nadia had decided that the coffee corner belonged near the windows rather than beneath the mezzanine. The latter decision caused a surprisingly energetic debate. Shammy preferred the mezzanine. Panam preferred the windows. Nadia considered both arguments. Then said: "The windows." Shammy stared. "Really?" "Really." "But the mezzanine would—" "Darling." Shammy stopped. Nadia smiled. "People need somewhere to sit that isn't underneath a storage platform." Panam folded her arms. "Thank you." Shammy sighed. "Fine." A moment passed. Then she smiled. "Can we put another coffee machine upstairs?" Nadia stared at her. Panam started laughing. "Oh, for fuck's sake." --- They had just begun collecting the measuring equipment when Nadia's holo chimed. A message from her adviser. The neighboring business had no recorded permanent right to use the side passage. There might be a historical informal arrangement, but nothing in the documents established an obligation to maintain it. Nadia read the summary carefully. Then sent a reply requesting a polite, formal explanation for the neighbor. No confrontation. No unnecessary drama. Just clear boundaries. Panam watched her finish. "Sorted?" "Mostly." "Good." Nadia put away her holo. "Although I'm going to make sure the construction team knows not to block the passage unnecessarily while this is being clarified." Panam nodded. "Smart." Shammy smiled. "Very." Nadia laughed. "I feel as though I've spent half the day being examined." Panam grinned. "Passed so far." Nadia tilted her head. "Oh?" "Yeah." "What's the final examination?" Panam looked toward the refrigerator. Nadia followed her gaze. Then groaned. "No." Shammy began laughing. Panam grinned. "Find somebody who can get that thing out without wrecking the floor." Nadia folded her arms. "That seems unfair." "Realistic." "You're enjoying this." "Immensely." Nadia shook her head. Then smiled. "All right. Challenge accepted." --- They returned to the safehouse shortly before dinner. Brenda was sitting at the dining table, surrounded by components from a small mechanical assembly. Iris sat beside her, reading. Ace occupied the sofa. Mai was in the kitchen. The moment Nadia entered, Brenda looked up. "Well?" Nadia smiled. "Productive." "Did you finish the layout?" "Not entirely." "Did you find anything interesting?" Shammy grinned. "A refrigerator." Brenda blinked. Then laughed. "What?" Panam shook her head. "Don't ask." Nadia put her bag down. "We did identify several practical changes. Panam was enormously helpful." Ace looked toward Panam. "Uh-oh." Panam raised an eyebrow. "What?" "Somebody's praising you." "Shut up." Ace grinned. Mai emerged from the kitchen. "How did the loading access look?" Panam explained the revised route. Mai listened. Then nodded. "That sounds much more practical." Nadia smiled. "She also spotted a problem with the proposed storage arrangement." Mai looked toward Panam. "Good catch." Panam shrugged. "Just experience." Brenda studied her. Then smiled. "You're coming with us when we move the big equipment." Panam stared. "Us?" Brenda looked innocent. "What?" Panam turned toward Nadia. "See what you've started?" Nadia burst out laughing. --- Dinner was lively. Brenda wanted to visit the studio again. Iris offered to help Nadia review the operational access requirements. Ace suggested painting a giant warning sign on the refrigerator. Shammy proposed photographing it before removal. Panam threatened to leave the room if anyone mentioned the refrigerator again. Mai listened to the conversation for several minutes. Then calmly asked: "Has anybody checked whether the building's electrical supply is suitable for the equipment you're planning to install?" Silence. Nadia looked toward Shammy. Shammy looked toward Nadia. Then both smiled. "Yes," Nadia said. Mai raised an eyebrow. "All of it?" Shammy hesitated. "...Most of it." Mai sighed. Ace began laughing. Panam closed her eyes. Brenda looked delighted. "Oh, this is going to be fun." --- Later that evening, Nadia found Panam alone on the balcony. The Badlands woman was leaning against the railing, looking out over Watson. Nadia approached. "Mind if I join you?" Panam smiled. "Of course not." They stood together for a while. Then Nadia spoke. "Thank you for today." Panam shrugged. "Happy to help." "No, genuinely." Panam looked at her. Nadia smiled. "I wouldn't have noticed half those practical problems." "You would've noticed once you started moving equipment." "Which would have been rather late." Panam laughed. "Yeah." Nadia leaned against the railing. "I think I've been very lucky." Panam raised an eyebrow. "How?" "With the people I've met here." Panam considered. Then smiled. "Yeah. They're a good bunch." Nadia glanced toward the balcony door. "Shammy's extraordinary." Panam laughed. "That's one word for her." "Several others occur." "Oh?" "Beautiful. Brilliant. Ridiculous. Occasionally infuriating." Panam grinned. "Now you're getting somewhere." Nadia laughed. Then she grew thoughtful. "And she's brought so many wonderful people into my life." Panam looked at her. For a moment, neither spoke. Then Panam said quietly: "She's done that for me too." Nadia turned toward her. Panam smiled. "Before Shammy, most of my life was the family, the road, the work. Still is, really." "Of course." "But now..." She glanced toward the door. "There's this whole other world." Nadia nodded. "Yes." Panam smiled. "Funny, isn't it?" "Very." They stood in comfortable silence. Then Nadia turned toward her. "Panam?" "Yeah?" "You're a very attractive woman." Panam blinked. Then looked at her. Nadia's expression remained perfectly calm. "I thought you should know." Panam stared for half a second. Then burst out laughing. "Oh, wow." Nadia smiled. "Too direct?" Panam shook her head, still laughing. "No." "Good." "Not even close." Nadia's smile widened. Panam studied her for a moment. Then grinned. "You're not exactly hard on the eyes yourself." Nadia laughed softly. "How kind." "Just stating facts." They exchanged a look. Warm. Curious. Unhurried. Then Panam spoke. "You're going to fit right in around here." Nadia smiled. "I rather hope so." --- Shammy appeared in the doorway a few minutes later. She stopped. Looked at Nadia. Then at Panam. Both women were smiling. Shammy narrowed her eyes. "What have you two been doing?" Panam folded her arms. "Talking." Nadia nodded. "Quite." Shammy looked deeply suspicious. "About?" "Logistics," Panam replied. Nadia began laughing. Shammy's eyes narrowed further. "That doesn't sound like logistics." Panam grinned. "Maybe it's advanced logistics." Nadia laughed harder. Shammy looked from one to the other. Then sighed. "Oh, this is going to become a problem." Panam stepped closer. "Problem?" "For me." "Why?" Shammy gave her a look. Panam smiled sweetly. "Whatever do you mean?" Nadia leaned against the railing, laughing helplessly. Shammy stared. Then slowly smiled. "Oh." Panam raised an eyebrow. "Oh?" Shammy's smile widened. "You're enjoying this." Panam grinned. "Immensely." Shammy stepped between them and slipped an arm around each. Nadia leaned into her. Panam did too. For a moment, the three women stood together beneath the Night City sky. Then Nadia kissed Shammy's cheek. And Panam kissed the other. Shammy closed her eyes. "Oh, you're both terrible." Nadia smiled. "Absolutely." Panam laughed. "Get used to it, sweetheart." Shammy opened her eyes. Looked at them both. Then grinned. "I think I can manage." --- The next morning, Nadia returned to the studio alone. Not to work on the layout. Not to meet architects. Not to review contracts. Just to sit. She brought coffee. A notebook. And a folding chair. She placed the chair near the large windows. Then sat down. The workshop was quiet. Sunlight moved across the empty floor. Somewhere in the building, old pipes clicked as the temperature changed. Nadia opened her notebook. On the first page, she wrote: _What should this place become?_ She looked around. Thought about the fabrication equipment. The optical materials. The clean assembly area. The loading bay. The coffee corner. Then she began to write. Not a shopping list. Not a schedule. Not a set of technical requirements. Ideas. A space where complicated things could be made. A place where failure was allowed. Where people could ask difficult questions. Where an artist could arrive with an impossible idea and leave with the beginnings of something real. She paused. Then added another line. _A place people want to return to._ Nadia looked at the words. And smiled. Her holo chimed. A message from Shammy. **Shammy:** Good morning, beautiful. Where are you? Nadia smiled. **Nadia:** At the studio. **Shammy:** Already? **Nadia:** Just sitting. A pause. **Shammy:** Thinking? Nadia laughed softly. **Nadia:** A little. **Shammy:** Want company? Nadia looked around the enormous empty workshop. Then out toward the sunlight. And smiled. **Nadia:** In a while, darling. I'd like a little time with my thoughts first. The reply arrived immediately. **Shammy:** Of course. I love you. Nadia's smile softened. **Nadia:** I love you too. She set the holo aside. Opened her notebook again. And continued writing. Because the first thing she wanted to build in Watson wasn't a machine. Or an artwork. Or even a studio. It was a place where she could make the kind of life she wanted. And for the first time, she had enough room to imagine it. --- ## Chapter 17 — The Trouble with Beautiful Things The first unexpected delivery arrived at nine seventeen in the morning. Nadia wasn't there to receive it. Neither was Shammy. In fact, nobody who actually worked at the studio had ordered anything remotely resembling the object currently being unloaded from the back of a rather expensive transport vehicle. It was enormous. It was carefully wrapped. It occupied most of the loading platform. And according to the documentation, it was a custom-fabricated architectural lighting assembly. Nadia stood in front of it, holding the delivery manifest. She read the description. Then read it again. Panam, standing beside her, looked at the enormous crate. "Well." Nadia sighed. "Quite." Shammy studied the shipping label. "Oh." Nadia turned toward her. "Shammy." "Yes?" "Do you know anything about this?" Shammy looked almost offended. "Darling, if I'd ordered something that large, I'd certainly remember." Panam snorted. "Debatable." Shammy gave her a look. Panam grinned. Nadia checked the manifest again. The sender was an architectural fabrication company in Westbrook. The listed recipient was the studio. The purchasing authorization— Nadia closed her eyes. "Oh, Elisa." --- Elisa answered on the third chime. "Good morning, darling!" Nadia smiled despite herself. "Good morning." "How's the studio?" "Interesting." "Oh?" "Elisa, have you sent me a lighting installation?" A brief pause. Then: "Has it arrived already?" Nadia slowly looked upward. Panam covered her mouth. Shammy began laughing. "Elisa." "Yes, darling?" "We discussed a flexible lighting system." "Of course." "Something practical." "Absolutely." "Something that would allow us to adjust the working conditions for different kinds of art." "Precisely." Nadia glanced at the crate. "This appears to be a custom architectural sculpture." Elisa considered that. "Well, it is rather beautiful." Nadia put a hand over her eyes. Panam turned away, shoulders shaking. Shammy looked delighted. "Elisa," Nadia said patiently, "we haven't even finished the electrical upgrades." "Oh, I know." "And the suspension points haven't been certified." "Naturally." "And I specifically asked that equipment purchases be approved through the studio planning process." A pause followed. Then Elisa's voice changed. Not dramatically. Just enough. "You're right." Nadia blinked. Elisa continued. "I got carried away. I'm sorry." The simple admission took much of the frustration out of the situation. Nadia looked at the crate. Then smiled faintly. "Thank you." "I can arrange for it to be returned immediately." "That would probably be best." "Of course." Another pause. Then Elisa added, with unmistakable hope: "Unless you happen to like it?" Nadia burst out laughing. "Oh, Elisa!" Panam finally lost the battle and began laughing openly. Shammy leaned toward the holo. "Hello, Elisa!" "Shammy! Darling!" "It's a magnificent crate." "Isn't it?" "I haven't seen what's inside yet." Nadia turned toward her. "Shammy." "What?" Panam shook her head. "Don't." Shammy sighed. "Nobody lets me have any fun." Elisa laughed. "Very well. I'll have it collected." Nadia's expression softened. "Thank you." "And Nadia?" "Yes?" "I really am sorry. Your studio, your decisions." Nadia smiled. "Exactly." They ended the call on good terms. For several moments, the three women stood beside the crate. Then Panam spoke. "Well." Nadia sighed. "Yes." "At least she's trainable." Shammy burst out laughing. --- The actual construction meeting began forty minutes later. This time, everyone present had been invited. Nadia considered that an improvement. The architect, a structural engineer, and the electrical contractor gathered around a temporary worktable near the center of the building. Panam had agreed to join them for the loading and equipment-handling discussion. Shammy was reviewing the proposed technical infrastructure. Nadia led the meeting. And, much to her private amusement, she rather enjoyed it. Not the administrative details. Not the scheduling complications. But the process of translating possibilities into practical choices. The studio was slowly becoming a real place. The electrical contractor pointed toward the north wall. "We can establish the main distribution here. That gives you separate feeds for the fabrication and controlled assembly areas." Nadia nodded. "And the clean workspace?" "Independent circuits, as requested." Shammy leaned forward. "What about temporary high-load equipment?" The contractor consulted the plan. "Dedicated connections at the marked locations." "And if we need to relocate one?" "We can provide additional connection points, but I wouldn't recommend treating every part of the floor as a heavy-load zone." Shammy considered. "Fair." Nadia made a note. The structural engineer continued with the mezzanine. The existing structure was suitable for its intended revised use, provided the planned reinforcement and access improvements were completed before occupancy. No surprises. No shortcuts. No wildly ambitious machines suspended from ancient beams without proper certification. Shammy accepted this last condition with the expression of someone making a considerable personal sacrifice. Nadia noticed. Of course she noticed. "Darling." Shammy looked up. "Yes?" "You're doing that face." "What face?" "The one that means you've imagined something enormous hanging from the ceiling." Panam laughed. The engineer looked mildly concerned. Shammy smiled innocently. "Not enormous." Nadia raised an eyebrow. "Shammy." "...Medium-sized." --- By lunchtime, the meeting had produced something unexpectedly satisfying. A schedule. Not an idealized fantasy of what could happen if every contractor arrived on time and every component behaved perfectly. A proper schedule. With dependencies. Inspection stages. Safety requirements. And enough flexibility to accommodate the inevitable difficulties of renovating an old industrial building. Nadia studied it. Then looked toward Panam. "What do you think?" Panam read the sequence. "Looks reasonable." "Really?" "Yeah. Though I'd give the loading-bay work a little more room." The architect nodded. "We can do that." "And don't schedule the first big equipment delivery on the same day as the final floor inspection." The contractor grimaced. "Good point." Nadia smiled. She had developed a deep appreciation for Panam's ability to identify exactly where a perfectly sensible plan would become an unnecessary disaster. Shammy leaned against her shoulder. "She's wonderful, isn't she?" Nadia looked toward Panam. "Extremely." Panam glanced up. "What?" "Nothing," Nadia replied sweetly. Shammy smiled. "Absolutely nothing." Panam narrowed her eyes. "Oh, here we go." --- The message from Vivienne arrived just after lunch. It contained two photographs. The first showed her atrium in bright afternoon sunlight. The second showed the same space during heavy rain. The difference was striking. In the sunlight, the architectural details were crisp, the stone surfaces warm, and the great skylight almost dazzling. In the rain, the space looked entirely different. Soft. Muted. Full of diffuse gray light and faint reflections from the wet glass overhead. Nadia studied the photographs. Then enlarged the second. "Oh." Shammy looked over her shoulder. "What?" "Look." Shammy leaned closer. For several moments, neither spoke. Then Shammy smiled. "Oh, that's interesting." Nadia turned toward her. "Isn't it?" Panam glanced at the screen. "What are we looking at?" Nadia showed her the photographs. "The installation concept depends on changing daylight." "Right." "But we've been thinking mostly about direct sunlight and the slower seasonal variations." Panam studied the rain photograph. "And?" Nadia pointed to a section of wall. "Look at how the entire character of the room changes when the light becomes diffuse." Panam nodded. "Yeah." Shammy smiled. "We haven't tested the material properly under those conditions." "No." Panam considered. "Then you should." Nadia looked at her. Panam shrugged. "What?" Nadia began laughing. "Nothing. You're absolutely right." Panam grinned. "Getting used to that yet?" Shammy kissed her cheek. "Never." --- They called Vivienne. She answered from the atrium itself. "Oh, hello, you two!" "Hello, Vivienne," Nadia replied. "Did you get the photographs?" "We did." "Good. I thought you might enjoy seeing the room in different weather." Nadia smiled. "More than you know." Vivienne turned her camera toward the skylight. Rain was falling steadily. The upper glass was veiled in moving water. Somewhere in the background, the sea was audible. Shammy leaned closer. "Oh, that's beautiful." "It is, isn't it?" Vivienne replied. Nadia considered. "May I ask you something?" "Of course." "Do you use the atrium differently when it rains?" Vivienne thought. "Sometimes." "How?" "I read there more often." Nadia smiled. "Really?" "Yes. The sound is lovely. Rain on the skylight, the sea beyond the windows. The whole house becomes quieter." Shammy glanced at Nadia. Nadia nodded slowly. "And do you still want the installation to be present in that sort of light?" Vivienne looked thoughtful. Then smiled. "I think I'd like it to belong there." Nadia considered the distinction. "Even if it's almost invisible?" "Especially then." For a moment, Nadia said nothing. Then she smiled. "Thank you. That's exactly what I needed to know." --- They spent the afternoon testing materials. Not in the studio. There wasn't yet a safe, suitable controlled work area. Instead, they returned to the safehouse with a small selection of samples and the portable testing equipment that had survived Brenda's previous attempts to borrow it. The dining table was occupied. Again. Naturally. Brenda had spread an impressive collection of components across one end. A half-assembled mechanical device sat near her tablet. Several tools occupied the middle. And the space nearest the kitchen was covered with notes. Nadia stopped. Looked at the table. Then at Brenda. Brenda looked up. "Hello." Nadia smiled. "Hello." A pause. Then Nadia asked: "Any chance we could borrow a little space?" Brenda looked around. "How much?" Nadia considered. "About a meter." Brenda shook her head. "Absolutely not." Shammy blinked. "What?" Brenda pointed toward her project. "I've spent the entire morning getting this arranged properly." Nadia smiled. "That's fair." Shammy studied the table. "Could we move—" "No." Panam folded her arms. "Oh, this is good." Brenda looked toward her. "What?" "Nothing. Just enjoying the negotiations." At that moment, Mai entered the room. She stopped. Looked at Brenda's project. Then at the equipment cases in Shammy's hands. Then at Nadia's hopeful expression. "Ah." Ace appeared behind her. "Territorial dispute?" Mai nodded. "Apparently." Ace grinned. "Excellent." Mai turned toward the artists. "What do you need?" "Enough space for a few optical tests," Nadia replied. "How long?" "An hour or two." Mai looked toward Brenda. "And how long do you need the table?" Brenda considered. "Another forty minutes." Mai nodded. "Good." She looked at Nadia. "Coffee first. You can use the table afterward." Nadia smiled. "Perfectly reasonable." Shammy sighed. "Forty minutes." Mai raised an eyebrow. "Shammy." "Yes?" "Your equipment will not become less interesting in forty minutes." Ace leaned against the doorway. "Debatable." Mai gave her a look. Ace grinned. "Love you." "Convenient." --- During the enforced coffee break, Nadia found herself sitting beside Panam on the sofa. Shammy had become involved in a conversation with Brenda about a mechanical component. Ace was teasing Iris about something that had happened earlier that morning. Mai was in the kitchen. For once, nobody was asking Nadia about the studio. She rather enjoyed it. Panam stretched her legs out. "Good day?" Nadia smiled. "Very." "Even with the giant mystery delivery?" Nadia laughed. "Oh, God." "That was something." "Elisa means well." "Yeah. I can tell." Nadia considered. "And she did accept the correction." Panam nodded. "That matters." "Very much." They sat quietly for a moment. Then Panam glanced toward her. "So. You've really settled in." Nadia smiled. "I think I have." "Good." A pause. Then Panam added: "You look different." Nadia tilted her head. "Different?" "More relaxed." Nadia considered. "Really?" "Yeah." "How interesting." Panam grinned. "Don't start analyzing it." Nadia burst out laughing. "Oh, darling, that's terribly unfair." "Accurate, though." Nadia smiled. "Unfortunately." They watched Shammy enthusiastically explain something to Brenda. Panam shook her head. "Look at her." Nadia laughed softly. "I know." "Give her a screwdriver and somebody willing to listen, and she'll forget the planet exists." Nadia glanced at Panam. "Isn't she wonderful?" Panam's expression softened. "Yeah." They exchanged a smile. Then Nadia leaned a little closer. "And you know something?" "What?" "I find myself rather looking forward to the next time the three of us spend an evening together without a construction schedule." Panam looked at her. A slow smile appeared. "Yeah?" "Very much." Panam considered. Then grinned. "Well, that can probably be arranged." Nadia returned the smile. "I was hoping you'd say that." --- At last, Brenda reclaimed the final component from the dining table. Mai checked that the surface had been cleared. Then nodded. "All yours." Nadia beamed. "Thank you." Shammy immediately began arranging their equipment. Panam helped move a portable lamp into position. Brenda remained nearby, pretending not to be interested. This lasted approximately forty-five seconds. "What are you testing?" Nadia smiled. "Diffuse illumination." Brenda looked at the samples. "Oh." Shammy nodded. "We're trying to understand how the material behaves without direct sunlight." Brenda studied the setup. "Can I watch?" Nadia laughed. "Of course." Ten minutes later, Brenda was adjusting the lamp. Fifteen minutes later, she had suggested a more stable mounting arrangement. Twenty minutes later, Shammy and Nadia were both listening intently as she explained how a very simple change in surface orientation could make the test less sensitive to vibration. Panam watched from the kitchen doorway. Mai joined her. For a while, they observed the three women working. Then Panam leaned toward Mai. "How long do you give them?" Mai considered. "Before dinner?" "Before somebody says they need just five more minutes." Mai smiled. "Three." Panam grinned. "Optimistic." Two minutes later, Shammy looked toward the kitchen. "Mai?" Mai closed her eyes. Panam burst out laughing. "Called it." Shammy blinked. "What?" Mai smiled sweetly. "Nothing, darling." --- The results were promising. Better than promising. Under diffuse light, the chosen material produced almost none of the obvious visual effects that had made their first prototype unsuitable. Instead, it subtly altered the perceived warmth and depth of nearby surfaces. The changes were gentle enough that an observer might not notice them immediately. But over time, as the quality of daylight shifted, they could create a quiet sense that the space itself was breathing. Nadia stood beside the wall, watching. Shammy joined her. "Well?" Nadia smiled. "I think that's it." Shammy looked at her. "Really?" "Not the finished installation." "Of course." "But the principle." Shammy studied the faint optical effect. Then nodded. "Yes." Nadia reached for her hand. They stood quietly together. A few minutes later, a cloud passed across the late-afternoon sun outside. The light softened. The reflection almost disappeared. Nadia smiled. "Look." Shammy watched the wall. Then smiled too. "Oh, darling." They had finally stopped trying to make light perform. And started listening to what it was already doing. --- That evening, Nadia sent Vivienne a short video. Nothing elaborate. No presentation. No dramatic music. Just a recording of the test surface under changing illumination. Vivienne replied twenty minutes later. **Vivienne:** I think I understand what you've been trying to show me. Nadia smiled. A second message appeared. **Vivienne:** It doesn't decorate the light. It gives me another way to notice it. Nadia read the words twice. Then sent them to Shammy. Shammy's reply came immediately. **Shammy:** Oh, that's beautiful. Nadia smiled. **Nadia:** Isn't it? Another message arrived from Vivienne. **Vivienne:** When you're ready, I'd like to discuss commissioning the finished work. Nadia sat very still. Then slowly smiled. There it was. Not a promise. Not an assumption. Not an obligation arising from Elisa's generosity. A client who understood what they were trying to create and wanted to take the next step. Nadia looked toward Shammy, who was sitting across the room. "Darling?" Shammy looked up. "Yes?" Nadia held up her holo. "I think we have a commission to discuss." Shammy's expression transformed. "Oh!" Ace looked up from the sofa. "What happened?" Shammy stood. "NADIA!" Nadia burst out laughing. Mai glanced toward the ceiling. Panam smiled. Brenda looked delighted. And for a few wonderful seconds, the safehouse erupted into the kind of cheerful chaos that had become increasingly familiar. --- Later, when the excitement had settled, Nadia stepped onto the balcony. Night City stretched out below. She stood beside the railing, enjoying the cool air. A moment later, Shammy joined her. "Hello, beautiful." Nadia smiled. "Hello, darling." Shammy slipped an arm around her waist. Nadia leaned against her. For a while, they stood quietly. Then Nadia laughed softly. "What?" Nadia shook her head. "It's rather extraordinary." "What is?" "How much has changed." Shammy smiled. Nadia looked toward the city. "A few weeks ago, I was here for an exhibition." "Yes." "And now I have a studio, a prospective commission, new friends..." She paused. Then looked at Shammy. "And you." Shammy's expression softened. "You already had me." Nadia smiled. "Yes." She reached up and kissed her. "But now I get to see you every morning." Shammy laughed softly. "Not every morning." "Most mornings." "Most." "And I intend to make very good use of that." Shammy grinned. "Oh?" Nadia's smile turned wicked. "Darling, don't look so surprised. You know perfectly well how much I enjoy waking up beside you." Shammy leaned closer. "Good." Nadia kissed her again. Then rested her forehead against Shammy's. For a moment, nothing else mattered. Not the studio. Not the commission. Not the enormous crate that Elisa had thankfully agreed to retrieve. Just the two of them. Together. Then Nadia looked toward the balcony door. "Where's Panam?" Shammy smiled. "Inside. Talking to Mai." Nadia considered. "Shall we invite her out?" Shammy's eyes brightened. "Oh, yes." Nadia smiled. "Good." --- Panam arrived carrying three glasses. She looked at Nadia. Then at Shammy. Then at the very satisfied expressions on both their faces. "Oh, hell." Nadia laughed. "What?" "You're both looking at me like you've got ideas." Shammy grinned. "We do." Panam folded her arms. "That never ends well." Nadia smiled sweetly. "On the contrary, darling. I rather think it might end beautifully." Panam studied her. Then slowly smiled. "Oh, really?" Nadia stepped closer. "Really." For a moment, the air between them changed. Not dramatically. Not enough for anyone else to notice. Just a subtle shift in attention. A recognition. A possibility. Panam looked at Nadia. Then at Shammy. Shammy watched them with unmistakable delight. Panam laughed softly. "You two are trouble." Nadia smiled. "Terrible trouble." Shammy nodded. "Absolutely." Panam considered. Then handed them their glasses. "Well." She raised her own. "To trouble, then." Nadia laughed. "To trouble." Shammy grinned. "To beautiful trouble." Their glasses touched. And above the restless streets of Watson, three women stood together beneath the night sky. One of them had built a life on the road. One had spent years moving between art, weather, and the strange impossible edges of the world. And one was discovering that the life she'd already made had room to grow in directions she had never anticipated. Nothing needed to be defined tonight. No promises had to be made. No one had to choose between the people or places they loved. There was time. Time for work. Time for discovery. Time for laughter. And perhaps, eventually, time for something none of them had quite found the words for yet. For now, that was more than enough. --- The following morning, Nadia arrived at her empty studio carrying a small box. Inside were three things. A notebook. A photograph from her original studio. And a coffee mug. She placed them on the temporary worktable near the windows. Then stepped back. The building was still dusty. The electrical work hadn't begun. The walls needed attention. The old refrigerator was finally scheduled for removal. There were months of decisions ahead, large and small. But something had changed. This was no longer just an empty building waiting to become useful. It was hers to shape. Nadia looked around. Then smiled. She took a photograph and sent it to Shammy. **Nadia:** First things installed. The reply arrived almost immediately. **Shammy:** Darling, is that a coffee mug? Nadia laughed. **Nadia:** An essential piece of studio equipment. A moment passed. Then: **Shammy:** I love you. Nadia smiled. **Nadia:** I know. I love you too. She set the holo aside. Opened her notebook. And began working. Because somewhere by the coast, an atrium waited for light. And here in Watson, a studio waited for art. Both were becoming real. One careful decision at a time. --- ## Chapter 18 — Two Kinds of Security Mai discovered the omission while reviewing the studio's conversion schedule. She was sitting at the safehouse dining table with a cup of coffee, a tablet, and a remarkably patient expression. That last item was becoming necessary. Across from her, Nadia and Shammy were discussing optical materials for Vivienne's atrium. They had begun with a perfectly reasonable comparison of surface finishes and somehow progressed to debating whether a suspended test assembly could reproduce the visual conditions of a cloudy afternoon on the coast. Brenda, who had temporarily reclaimed the other end of the table, was rebuilding a compact actuator. Iris was reviewing a delivery schedule. Ace occupied the sofa with a book, although she seemed to be paying rather more attention to the conversation than to the page. Panam had arrived an hour earlier and was enjoying the unusual luxury of having nowhere urgent to be. It was, by safehouse standards, a peaceful morning. Then Mai spoke. "Nadia?" Nadia looked up. "Yes, darling?" "What are you doing about the studio's internet connection?" Nadia blinked. "The internet connection?" "Yes." Shammy's pencil stopped moving. Ace slowly lowered her book. Panam smiled into her coffee. Nadia consulted her tablet. "The building has communications infrastructure." Mai nodded. "What kind?" Nadia scrolled. Shammy leaned closer. They studied the document. A moment passed. Then another. Finally, Nadia looked up. "Communications infrastructure." Ace began laughing. Mai closed her eyes briefly. "Of course." Shammy looked thoughtful. "There's a cabinet downstairs." "What's in it?" Mai asked. "I haven't opened it." "Do we know whether the building has an active service?" "Not precisely." "Do we know whether the existing cabling is usable?" "Not yet." Mai looked from Nadia to Shammy. Both women smiled apologetically. Panam set down her mug. "Well, that's one thing for the list." "Several things," Mai corrected. Nadia laughed. "Oh, dear." Mai turned her tablet around. "You're planning a professional studio. You'll have client files, design records, production equipment, collaboration with outside artists, and probably remote diagnostics for some of your machinery." Shammy brightened. "And environmental monitoring." "Yes, darling. That too." "And possibly—" Mai raised one finger. Shammy stopped. Ace grinned. "She's learning." Mai continued. "You need to decide what connects to the outside world, what stays local, and who can access which systems." Nadia nodded. "Quite right." "And then there's the building itself." Panam looked up. "What about it?" Mai enlarged the floor plan. "Access control. Deliveries. Visitors. Expensive equipment. Work in progress. Client confidentiality. What happens when Nadia is traveling and nobody is here?" Iris set aside her own tablet. "Those questions need answering before the renovation is finished." "Exactly," Mai said. Brenda leaned over from her project. "And you want the network and security systems coordinated before anyone closes up the walls." Mai smiled at her. "Precisely." Shammy looked at the plans. Then at Nadia. "Well." Nadia sighed. "Yes." Ace put down her book. "Oh, this is going to be excellent." Panam turned toward her. "Why?" Ace's grin widened. "Because I know exactly who Mai is about to call." --- Kiro answered on the second pulse. "Hey, beautiful." Mai smiled. "Good morning, Kiro." "That sounds suspiciously like the beginning of a request." "Does it?" "Absolutely." Ace leaned into view. "Hi, Kiro!" Kiro's expression brightened. "Hey, trouble." "Miss me?" "Terribly. My life has been way too peaceful." Ace laughed. "That sounds awful." "It is. You should come ruin it sometime." Mai looked between them. "Would you two like a moment?" Kiro grinned. "Depends. Are you offering?" Ace nearly fell off the sofa laughing. Mai shook her head, smiling. "Business first, darling." "All right. What have you got?" Mai explained the studio. The new property in Watson. The planned fabrication and assembly equipment. The client work. The existing but unverified communications infrastructure. Kiro listened without interrupting. When Mai finished, she asked three questions. "Has anybody checked the fiber termination?" "No." "Has anybody designed the internal network?" "No." "Has anybody ordered equipment?" Mai glanced toward Shammy. Shammy looked away. "Not yet," Mai answered. Kiro laughed. "Oh, thank fuck." Nadia leaned into view. "Hello, Kiro." "Nadia! Congratulations on the studio." "Thank you." "And congratulations on calling before buying a mountain of completely unsuitable networking hardware." Nadia laughed. "I gather that's important." "Extremely." Kiro considered for a moment. "Okay. I'd like to see the building, the conversion plans, and your actual technical requirements. Then I can design something appropriate." Mai nodded. "Excellent." "Who's handling physical security?" "That's the second call." Kiro went quiet for half a second. Then a slow smile spread across her face. "Oh?" Mai smiled back. "Yes, Reyes." Kiro leaned back in her chair. "Well, now." Ace began grinning. Kiro looked directly into the camera. "Mai, darling, you really should have led with that." --- Reyes answered with the sound of wind in the background. "Morning, gorgeous." Mai smiled. "Good morning." "Something up?" "We have a project that could use your expertise." "Sounds interesting." "Physical security for Nadia's new studio." Reyes's expression sharpened with professional interest. "Where?" "Watson. Former industrial building. Conversion work is still in the planning stage." "Good timing." "That's what I thought." "What's going in?" "Fabrication equipment, optical installations, materials, prototype storage, some client work. Nadia will travel regularly, so the building also needs to function safely when she's away." Reyes nodded. "Have you picked a security contractor?" "Not yet." "Access system?" "No." "Camera coverage?" "Still open." "Perfect." Mai laughed. "You're enjoying this." "I like getting involved before somebody spends money putting the wrong things in the wrong places." "Then I have more good news." Reyes raised an eyebrow. "Oh?" "Kiro is taking the network side." For a moment, Reyes said nothing. Then her smile became positively dangerous. "Is she now?" Ace called from the sofa: "Try not to sound too disappointed!" Reyes laughed. "Tell Ace I'll be deeply professional." Ace grinned. "Nobody believes you!" Reyes looked toward Mai. "When are we going?" Mai checked the schedule. "Tomorrow morning, if that works." "Works beautifully." Another pause. Then Reyes added: "Tell Kiro I expect a proper briefing." Mai smiled. "Of course." "And coffee." "Naturally." "And if she wears that little black jacket—" "Reyes." "What?" Mai laughed. "We'll discuss your professional requirements tomorrow." Reyes grinned. "Looking forward to all of them." --- Kiro arrived at the studio twelve minutes before the agreed meeting time. Reyes arrived nine minutes before. This meant Kiro had three uninterrupted minutes to examine the building's exterior before Reyes approached from the parking area. "Morning, gorgeous." Kiro turned. Her expression changed immediately. "Well, hello to you too." Reyes wore practical dark clothing, comfortable boots, and a jacket with enough pockets to suggest she expected to spend the day climbing around an unfinished building. Kiro looked her up and down. "Very nice." Reyes smiled. "You too." Kiro glanced at the jacket she was wearing. Then back at Reyes. "Mai warned you?" "About what?" "This jacket." Reyes laughed. "She didn't have to." Kiro stepped closer. Reyes caught her by the waist. Their kiss was entirely unhurried. When they separated, Kiro was smiling. "That's a good start to a site survey." Reyes kissed her once more. "I thought so." A vehicle door closed behind them. Panam stood beside her truck, watching with considerable amusement. "Morning, lovebirds." Kiro turned. "Hey, Panam." Reyes smiled. "Morning." Panam looked between them. "Productive meeting so far?" "Extremely," Reyes replied. Panam laughed. "Yeah. I can see that." --- Nadia was waiting inside with Shammy and Mai. The architect had provided updated plans. The construction schedule was on the temporary worktable, along with notes about electrical upgrades and the loading-bay modifications. Nadia greeted both women warmly. "Thank you for coming." Reyes embraced her. "Happy to." Kiro hugged her next. "Let's see what you've got." Nadia gestured around the great empty workshop. "At the moment? Mostly space." Shammy smiled. "Wonderful space." Kiro looked toward the high windows. "She's right." Reyes surveyed the building. "Nice sightlines." Kiro turned toward her. "For cameras?" "For people." Kiro grinned. "Already disagreeing?" "Not yet." "Give us time." Reyes laughed and kissed her cheek. Nadia watched the exchange with a small smile. Then looked toward Mai. Mai returned the smile. No explanation was necessary. These two were obviously delighted to be working together. --- They began outside. Reyes wanted to understand how the building met the street. Not just the main entrance. The loading bay, side access, maintenance routes, adjoining structures, and the places where someone might legitimately need entry during renovation or later operation. Kiro followed with a tablet, noting where communications and power infrastructure would need to support any security equipment. Panam joined them for the loading-area assessment. Nadia walked beside Reyes. "How much security does a studio like this actually need?" Reyes considered. "Enough to protect the people and work without making it miserable to use." "That's reassuring." "I don't want to turn an art studio into a fortress." Nadia smiled. "Good." "But I also don't want someone carrying an expensive optical assembly through an unsecured delivery entrance while the person at reception assumes somebody else checked the paperwork." Panam nodded. "That happens." "Constantly." Nadia looked toward the loading bay. "Then what would you recommend?" "First, separate the ways people use the building." Reyes pointed toward the public entrance. "Visitors, clients, collaborators." Then toward the loading area. "Deliveries and heavy equipment." Then toward a smaller service door. "Maintenance and contractors." She turned back to Nadia. "Different purposes. Different access requirements. Nobody should need to improvise every time a courier arrives." Kiro nodded. "And each of those access points may need network infrastructure." Reyes smiled. "Exactly." Nadia looked between them. "You're going to enjoy this." Kiro grinned. "We already are." --- The old communications cabinet was less impressive. Kiro stood in front of it for several seconds. Then sighed. "Oh, this poor thing." Reyes leaned over her shoulder. "That bad?" "Let's just say its best years are behind it." Shammy peered inside. "Could we reuse anything?" "Maybe the conduits. Maybe some cabling, after testing. The rest depends on what we find." Kiro pointed toward an old patch panel. "Nobody connects anything to this until I've identified it." Ace, who had arrived with Iris and Brenda to see the studio, immediately leaned closer. "Especially the cable marked DO NOT TOUCH?" Kiro turned. Slowly. "Ace." Ace smiled sweetly. "What?" "Absolutely not." "But—" "No." Reyes grinned. "She's got you there, sweetie." Ace folded her arms. "You're both terrible." Reyes stepped closer and kissed the top of her head. "Love you too." Ace immediately looked pleased with herself. Kiro shook her head. "That woman is an engineering hazard." Mai, standing in the doorway, nodded. "Frequently." --- By lunchtime, the temporary worktable had become a proper planning station. Kiro had drawn three broad zones on a digital floor plan. **Business and collaboration.** **Production and specialist equipment.** **Building operations.** "These need different levels of trust," she explained. Nadia studied the layout. "Even though it's all one studio?" "Especially because it's one studio. Client communications shouldn't automatically have access to fabrication equipment. A visitor's device doesn't need to see your design archive. And building-control systems should have only the connections they actually require." Reyes pointed toward the third zone. "That's mine." Kiro smiled. "Some of it." Reyes raised an eyebrow. "Oh?" "Physical access policy is yours. Network architecture is mine. We agree on the interface together." Reyes studied her. Then grinned. "That sounds suspiciously cooperative." "I can be cooperative." "I know." Panam made a choking noise into her coffee. Nadia looked up. "What?" "Nothing," Panam replied. Shammy was already laughing. Kiro continued without missing a beat. "Access control should operate safely even if the external internet connection goes down. We don't want people locked out of their workplace because a provider has a bad afternoon." Reyes nodded. "And emergency exit functions must remain independent of whatever clever digital arrangements we choose." "Absolutely." Nadia looked from one to the other. "So we're designing one system together?" "Two disciplines," Kiro corrected gently. "One coordinated plan." Reyes smiled. "Exactly." --- Reyes's next question caught Nadia by surprise. "Do you expect to work here alone?" "Certainly." "At night?" "Sometimes." "How often?" Nadia considered. "It depends on the project. I may be here late during installation work or when something needs uninterrupted attention." Reyes nodded. "Then we should think about how you arrive and leave after dark. Lighting, visibility, parking access, and what happens if you need help." Nadia frowned slightly. "I don't want somebody supervising my movements." "Neither do I." Reyes's answer was immediate. "I want you to be able to come and go freely, with sensible precautions available when you want them." Nadia relaxed. "That's different." "Very." Kiro nodded. "And if we install any kind of alerting system, you should control who receives those alerts and under what circumstances." Mai looked pleased. "No unnecessary surveillance." "Exactly," Reyes said. Nadia glanced toward Shammy. Shammy smiled. "I like that." Panam folded her arms. "So do I." --- The biggest disagreement of the afternoon concerned cameras. Not whether to have them. Where. Reyes suggested coverage of entrances, loading areas, and critical equipment-access points. Kiro agreed on the need for infrastructure but questioned one proposed camera position. "That angle catches most of the clean assembly workspace." Reyes checked the plan. "You're right." Nadia leaned closer. "Is that a problem?" "It could be," Reyes replied. "You may have confidential client projects or work you don't want recorded continuously." Kiro nodded. "And footage is sensitive data. The less unnecessary material you collect, the less you have to protect." Reyes moved the proposed camera. "Better?" Kiro examined the revised angle. "Much." Reyes smiled. "See? This is why I wanted you here." Kiro looked up. "Oh, really?" "Among other reasons." Kiro laughed. "Good answer." Nadia studied the plan. The revised camera covered the entrance and equipment-access corridor without unnecessarily recording the main work area. "That's much better." Reyes nodded. "Security should serve the studio, not consume it." Kiro leaned against her shoulder. "Look at you being philosophical." Reyes kissed her temple. "Only because you're here." Ace, watching from the other side of the table, groaned theatrically. "Oh, you two are unbearable." Kiro turned toward her. "Jealous?" Ace grinned. "Of the networking equipment, possibly." Mai laughed. --- The serious problem emerged when they compared the electrical renovation plans with the proposed security and network infrastructure. Two cable routes overlapped. The architect had reserved one conduit path for electrical upgrades. Kiro wanted part of that route for the communications backbone. Reyes needed a connection to the loading-bay access controller. All three requirements were reasonable. All three could not use the same limited space without changes. Nadia stared at the drawings. "Well." Kiro nodded. "Exactly." Reyes studied the plan. "Could we establish a separate route?" "Probably," Kiro replied. "But I want the contractor to confirm it before anybody starts opening walls." Mai looked toward Nadia. "Which is why we're doing this now." Nadia laughed. "You're enjoying being right." "Immensely." Reyes marked an alternate route. Kiro adjusted the proposed network cabinet location. Panam pointed out that the new path would also make future maintenance easier. Within twenty minutes, they had an approach worth taking to the architect. Nadia leaned back. "That could have been expensive." "Very," Kiro replied. Reyes smiled. "And annoying." Mai took a sip of coffee. "Prevention is usually cheaper than correction." Ace raised a finger. "Except when Shammy discovers a new piece of equipment." Shammy looked offended. "Darling!" Nadia burst out laughing. --- The final meeting of the day was held on the loading platform. Panam had brought sandwiches. Reyes had brought coffee. Kiro had brought a preliminary network diagram that was already considerably more useful than the building's existing documentation. Nadia spread the plans across a portable table. "All right. What happens next?" Kiro answered first. "I'll arrange a proper communications survey, confirm what service can be provisioned, and prepare a network design based on your workload." Reyes nodded. "I'll prepare the physical-security assessment: entrances, visitor access, deliveries, equipment protection, and sensible arrangements for working alone." "And you'll coordinate?" They looked at each other. Kiro smiled. "Closely." Reyes grinned. "Very closely." Panam laughed. "Oh, for fuck's sake." Nadia smiled. "Wonderful." Mai looked entirely satisfied. "Then we need proper proposals from both of you." Kiro raised an eyebrow. "Paid professional work?" "Of course," Nadia answered. Reyes nodded. "Good. Then you'll get a proper professional scope." Kiro looked at Nadia. "And no ordering network equipment until we've finished the design." Shammy sighed. "I know." Reyes turned toward her. "And no ordering access-control systems because they look beautiful." Shammy blinked. "I hadn't considered that." Kiro stared. "Please don't start." --- Nadia stayed behind with Reyes after the others began packing up. Kiro was helping Panam load equipment into the truck. Shammy was enthusiastically explaining something to Ace. For a few minutes, the enormous workshop became quiet enough for an ordinary conversation. Nadia leaned against the temporary table. "May I ask something?" Reyes smiled. "Sure." "Does it ever become difficult?" "What?" "Working with somebody you're also personally close to?" Reyes glanced toward Kiro. Kiro was laughing at something Panam had said. Reyes smiled. "Depends on the people." Nadia waited. Reyes continued. "Kiro knows what she's doing. I know what I'm doing. We respect each other's work." "And outside work?" Reyes's smile widened. "That's nobody's business unless we choose to make it theirs." Nadia laughed softly. "Fair enough." Reyes glanced at her. "You're not uncomfortable, are you?" "Not in the slightest. More curious." "Good." Nadia looked toward Kiro. "You seem very happy together." Reyes considered. "We are." Then she smiled. "We're not trying to turn every relationship into the same thing, Nadia. Kiro and I have our own connection. We also have our own relationships with Ace and Mai. None of that stops us being excellent at our jobs." Nadia nodded. "Of course." Reyes tilted her head. "Something on your mind?" Nadia smiled. "Only that I seem to have entered a social circle where people are extraordinarily comfortable being themselves." Reyes laughed. "Yeah." "And I rather like it." "Good." Reyes looked toward the others. "Because you've barely seen the half of it." Nadia laughed. "Oh, dear." Reyes smiled innocently. "What?" "Nothing." --- They returned to the safehouse together. Kiro and Reyes had accepted the invitation to dinner, although Reyes had announced that she needed to collect something from home first. Kiro immediately volunteered to accompany her. Ace watched them leave. Then looked at Mai. "Think they'll be back on time?" Mai considered. "Eventually." Ace burst out laughing. --- They were back forty minutes later than originally suggested. Neither appeared remotely apologetic. Kiro entered first. Reyes followed, carrying a bottle of wine. Ace looked at the clock. Then at the two women. "Interesting." Kiro raised an eyebrow. "What?" "Nothing." Reyes smiled. "Smart choice." Mai approached them. "Welcome back." Kiro hugged her. Reyes did too, lingering long enough to kiss her affectionately. Ace watched. Then folded her arms. "Where's mine?" Reyes laughed. "Impatient." Ace grinned. "Always." Reyes bent to kiss her. Kiro joined them a moment later, resting a hand on Ace's shoulder. For a brief, delighted moment, the four women occupied the doorway in a thoroughly affectionate tangle. Panam watched from the living room. "Are they coming in, or should we serve dinner out there?" Mai began laughing. "Coming!" --- Dinner was exactly the sort of occasion Nadia was beginning to love. Brenda wanted to know everything about the proposed networking infrastructure. Iris was interested in the delivery and visitor-access arrangements. Panam had opinions about loading-bay security. Shammy had questions about environmental monitoring. And Kiro and Reyes answered them with evident pleasure. But what Nadia enjoyed most was watching the two women work together even when they weren't discussing work. Kiro would begin a thought. Reyes would complete it. Reyes would suggest something. Kiro would improve it. And occasionally one of them would say something so wickedly suggestive that the other would burst out laughing while Mai pretended she hadn't heard. At one point, Brenda asked whether the security system could distinguish between legitimate deliveries and unauthorized entry. Reyes nodded. "With the right procedures, yes." Kiro added: "And we'll design the notifications so nobody gets buried under meaningless alerts." Brenda considered. "So the system needs good judgment." Reyes smiled. "People need good judgment. Systems need predictable behavior." Mai raised her glass. "That may be the most sensible thing anyone has said all day." Ace looked offended. "Excuse me?" Mai kissed her cheek. "Present company excepted." Ace grinned. "Better." --- Later, Nadia found Kiro standing near the balcony door. Reyes was outside with Panam, discussing something that seemed to involve vehicles and the relative merits of several very different security arrangements. Kiro watched them with a smile. Nadia approached. "Happy?" Kiro looked toward her. "Very." "I'm glad." Kiro turned. "And thank you for the project." "You're welcome." "No, seriously. It's a good one." Nadia smiled. "I'm beginning to realize that." "There's enough complexity to be interesting, but you're starting early enough that we can do it properly." Nadia considered. "And Reyes?" Kiro's expression softened. "What about her?" "You seem to enjoy working together." Kiro laughed. "Oh, absolutely." "Good." Kiro glanced toward the balcony. Then smiled. "She's brilliant at what she does. And she's wonderful company." Nadia returned the smile. "That much is obvious." Kiro leaned a little closer. "And she's very good at making sure I take breaks." Nadia laughed. "That sounds rather familiar." Kiro grinned. "I suspect you know exactly what I mean." --- The following morning, Nadia arrived at the studio carrying a fresh notebook. She placed it beside the coffee mug she'd brought the week before. On the first page, she wrote two names. **KIRO — NETWORKS AND DIGITAL SECURITY** **REYES — PHYSICAL SECURITY AND ACCESS** She looked at them for a moment. Then added a third line. **Joint design review before installation.** Satisfied, she opened the preliminary plans. The studio still looked very much like an empty industrial building. The electrical work was only beginning. The loading-bay modifications remained on the schedule. The communications provider had yet to confirm the fiber route. And Vivienne's commission still needed formal scope, pricing, and approval. There was plenty to do. Nadia loved that. Her holo chimed. A message from Kiro. **KIRO:** Sent you the survey requirements. Also, Reyes has a few questions about how you want visitors handled. Nadia smiled. **NADIA:** Wonderful. Shall we arrange a joint meeting? The reply came almost immediately. **KIRO:** Absolutely. I like joint meetings. A second message appeared. **REYES:** So do I. Nadia stared. Then burst out laughing. **NADIA:** I am beginning to suspect the two of you will be having a wonderful time with this project. **REYES:** Correct. **KIRO:** Extremely correct. Nadia shook her head. Then another message arrived. **MAI:** Did you get the security and network planning started? Nadia smiled. **NADIA:** Yes, darling. Both are in excellent hands. Mai replied: **MAI:** Good. A moment later: **MAI:** And did you remember breakfast? Nadia laughed. **NADIA:** Yes. **MAI:** Excellent. Then: **MAI:** Don't let Shammy order anything before Kiro and Reyes approve the infrastructure. Nadia glanced toward the empty space where Shammy had already proposed installing an environmental monitoring system. She smiled. **NADIA:** I'll do my best. The final message came from Shammy. **SHAMMY:** Darling! I have a wonderful idea! Nadia closed her eyes. "Oh, sweetheart." She began laughing. **NADIA:** Does it require electricity? **SHAMMY:** Possibly. **NADIA:** Does it require network access? A pause. **SHAMMY:** Probably. Nadia laughed harder. **NADIA:** Then you're going to love Kiro and Reyes. **SHAMMY:** I ALREADY DO! Nadia set the holo aside. Looked around her studio. And smiled. Somewhere in Night City, two extraordinarily capable women were already discussing how to make this place secure, practical, and ready for whatever its future might bring. And if they happened to enjoy each other's company enormously while doing it— Well. Nadia could hardly see a problem with that. Not when the work was in such excellent hands. Not when everyone involved understood the difference between professional responsibility and private affection. And certainly not when she'd spent the last several weeks discovering how wonderfully those two things could coexist. She opened her notebook. Turned to a new page. And began planning the next stage of her studio. One carefully considered connection at a time. --- ## Chapter 19 — The Weight of Nothing The trouble began with a photograph. Not a dramatic photograph. Not a photograph of broken equipment, structural damage, or anything else that might reasonably justify the expression currently occupying Nadia's face. It was a perfectly ordinary image of a stone wall. More precisely, it was an image of the upper eastern wall of Vivienne's atrium, taken from the mezzanine landing. Nadia had been studying it for almost ten minutes. Shammy had noticed. Naturally. "Darling?" "Hmm?" "You're doing that thing." Nadia looked up. "What thing?" "The one where you stare at something until it confesses." Nadia laughed softly. "Oh, sweetheart." Shammy leaned over her shoulder. "What is it?" Nadia enlarged the photograph. "Tell me what you see." Shammy considered the image. "Stone. A narrow architectural recess. A change in surface finish near the upper edge." "Yes." "And a rather beautiful intersection of light." "Also yes." Shammy looked at her. "Should I be worried?" "Possibly." Nadia tapped the screen. "Where do we attach the installation?" Shammy blinked. Then studied the wall again. "Oh." "Exactly." They had spent weeks finding the right optical behavior. They had tested materials. They had rejected unnecessarily elaborate mechanisms. They had discovered how to make the changing daylight of Vivienne's atrium feel gently more noticeable without turning the entire room into a performance. And somewhere along the way, they had become so interested in making the intervention nearly invisible that neither had properly resolved how it would physically belong to the building. Shammy enlarged another section. "There's a structural mounting point above the recess." "According to the original drawings." "But?" "But the drawings are older than the last renovation." Shammy studied the photograph. Nadia leaned back. "And I don't want to start drilling holes into Vivienne's beautiful walls on the assumption that something useful is behind them." Shammy considered that. Then smiled. "Well." Nadia looked at her. "Well?" "We should go and look." --- Mai was less impressed by their proposed departure time. "Today?" Nadia nodded. "If Vivienne is available." Mai glanced at the clock. "It's nearly noon." "We wouldn't be doing any installation." "I should hope not." "Just inspecting the space." Mai considered. "With the architect?" Nadia hesitated. Shammy looked innocent. Mai sighed. "Of course." Ace, sitting at the kitchen counter, began grinning. "Oh, this is wonderful." Nadia laughed. "What?" "You're about to get the full Mai treatment." Mai turned toward her wife. "Would you prefer I leave them to discover the load-bearing structure by intuition?" Ace thought about that. "Actually, no. That sounds expensive." "Precisely." Nadia smiled. "Then we'll arrange an inspection with the appropriate people." Mai nodded. "Good." Shammy looked toward the ceiling. "I wasn't planning to hang anything today." Ace pointed at her. "That is exactly what somebody planning to hang something would say." Shammy folded her arms. "I'm surrounded by cynics." Mai kissed her cheek. "Competent cynics, darling." --- Vivienne answered the call while walking through her garden. Her hair was loosely pinned back. Somewhere behind her, the sea was breaking against the rocks. "Nadia! What a lovely surprise." "Hello, Vivienne. Have you a moment?" "For you? Certainly." Nadia explained the mounting question. Vivienne listened carefully. Then looked thoughtful. "You're worried about the walls?" "Yes. And the possibility of needing intrusive work for an installation that's supposed to feel as though it belongs naturally to the architecture." Vivienne smiled. "I'm glad you're thinking about it." "I'd like to visit again, with someone who can examine the existing structure properly." "Of course." "Before we finalize the proposal." Vivienne considered. Then nodded. "That seems sensible." Shammy leaned into view. "And we have another question about the skylight." Vivienne laughed. "Hello, Sera." "Hello!" "Is this going to involve you climbing something?" Shammy opened her mouth. Nadia turned toward her. Shammy closed it. Vivienne began laughing. "Oh, I see." Nadia smiled. "We'll bring a professional." "Excellent." --- The professional arrived the following afternoon. Her name was Helena Whitcomb. She was an architectural conservation specialist recommended by Vivienne's own architect, a woman with short dark hair, practical shoes, and the calm expression of someone who had spent a considerable portion of her career preventing expensive people from doing expensive damage to old buildings. She shook Nadia's hand. "Helena." "Nadia. Thank you for coming." "My pleasure." Shammy approached. "Sera." Helena smiled. "I've seen some of your work." Shammy brightened. "Oh!" "Particularly the installation in Westbrook last year." "Really?" "Beautiful piece." "Thank you!" Helena looked between them. "So. You want to add almost nothing to a very beautiful room." Nadia laughed. "That's one way of putting it." "And you want the almost-nothing to stay exactly where you put it." Shammy grinned. "Yes." Helena nodded. "Good. Let's find out what the building will tolerate." --- Vivienne's atrium looked different again. Morning sun came through the skylight at a low angle, catching the pale stone and leaving the far wall in cool shadow. Nadia stood near the entrance. She had visited several times now. Yet the room still surprised her. That was encouraging. The installation had to preserve that quality. Not replace it. Not become the reason someone entered the room. Just give the existing experience a little more room to unfold. Helena examined the drawings. Then the wall. Then the drawings again. "Interesting." Nadia approached. "Good interesting?" "Potentially." Helena pointed toward the upper recess. "These decorative surfaces aren't necessarily attached the way the current drawings suggest." Shammy looked up. "Meaning?" "Meaning the supporting structure may be set farther back. We need to confirm before designing a fixing." Nadia nodded. "And the existing mounting point?" "May be useful. But I wouldn't assume it was intended for permanent loads." Shammy looked disappointed. Helena smiled. "There's no need to be sad yet." "I'm not sad." Nadia raised an eyebrow. Shammy sighed. "Perhaps slightly." Helena laughed. "Come on. Let's investigate." --- The inspection was methodical. Helena reviewed accessible construction records and inspected the existing service openings without damaging the decorative surfaces. Vivienne's architect joined them remotely to clarify details from the previous renovation. Together, they identified a narrow service zone above the atrium. It had been designed for maintenance access to the skylight and certain concealed building services. It might offer a route for reversible mounting. Might. No one was willing to promise anything before further structural verification. Nadia found herself rather liking that. There were few things more reassuring than an expert who knew precisely where her knowledge ended. They moved to the upper landing. Helena looked down into the atrium. "Tell me about the artwork." Nadia explained. Not the technical specifications. The intention. The way afternoon light changed. The way rain softened the room. Vivienne's wish to feel the atrium was more alive without seeing an obvious machine or theatrical display. Helena listened. Then nodded. "Good." Shammy looked curious. "Good?" "You're trying to work with the building rather than impose something on it." "Exactly." Helena studied the skylight. "Then let's see whether the building can become part of the mounting strategy." Nadia looked at her. A slow smile appeared. "Oh." --- The first promising idea came from a place neither artist had expected. A maintenance rail. Not beautiful. Not interesting. Not even visible from the floor. But the rail ran along part of the service zone, allowing workers to position themselves safely during skylight maintenance. Helena pointed it out. "That isn't a mounting system for art." Shammy nodded. "Understood." "But it gives us a reference for how the building's maintenance access was designed." Nadia considered. "And perhaps a location for an independent support, provided the engineers approve it." "Exactly." They began discussing a reversible bracket system. Something removable. Something that would not permanently alter the decorative stone. Something accessible for inspection. And, crucially, something that didn't require the entire optical assembly to be suspended over the center of the atrium. Shammy became very still. Nadia knew that expression. "Darling?" Shammy looked at the upper recess. Then the skylight. Then the opposite wall. "Oh." Nadia smiled. "What?" "We've been thinking about this as a suspended installation." "Yes." "But the light doesn't care whether the material is suspended." Nadia stared. Then slowly turned toward the wall. "No." Shammy's eyes brightened. "It only cares about the angle." Nadia looked back at her. "Oh, sweetheart." Helena watched the exchange with evident interest. Nadia pulled out her tablet. "Suppose we stop trying to position the elements in open space." Shammy nodded eagerly. "And instead use the concealed perimeter." "With a much smaller optical surface." "And no visible suspension." Helena raised one finger. "Subject to verification." Both artists turned toward her. "Of course," Nadia said immediately. Helena smiled. "Then keep talking." --- The new idea was considerably simpler. Which made Shammy suspicious. Nadia knew that expression too. "What's wrong?" "Nothing." "Shammy." "It's just..." "Yes?" Shammy looked at the rough model. "We've spent weeks designing something far more complicated." Nadia smiled. "Yes." "And now we're proposing a few discreet elements along the perimeter." "Yes." Shammy considered. Then laughed. "Oh, that's infuriating." Nadia laughed with her. Helena looked amused. "Good design often is." They built a preliminary digital model. It was crude. Approximate. Enough to see whether the geometry justified more serious study. The model suggested that the optical surfaces could be positioned along existing architectural boundaries, with reflected daylight producing the subtle changes they wanted. The effect would be less mechanically flexible. But it might also be more stable, easier to maintain, and less noticeable. For a project whose central intention was to avoid spectacle, that was not a small advantage. Nadia studied the simulation. Then looked toward Vivienne, who had joined them on the landing. "What do you think?" Vivienne examined it. Then smiled. "I think you're getting closer." --- The problem appeared just before they left. Helena was reviewing the maintenance requirements. "How often will these surfaces need cleaning?" Nadia answered. "That depends on the final material and coating." "Monthly?" "Possibly less frequently." "Annually?" "Perhaps." Helena nodded. "And how will somebody reach them?" Silence. Shammy stared at the drawing. Nadia looked toward the proposed mounting location. Vivienne glanced between them. Helena waited. Then Shammy said, very quietly: "Oh, damn." Nadia began laughing. Not because the problem was funny. Because it was so obvious once somebody asked. The proposed support location would be accessible during installation. But once the final enclosure was fitted, routine maintenance might require removing part of the decorative surround. Which was completely unacceptable. Helena smiled sympathetically. "There's your next problem." Nadia sighed. "Yes." Shammy looked at her. Then grinned. "At least it's a new problem." Nadia burst out laughing. "Darling, that's a very optimistic interpretation." "I'm an artist." "Unfortunately, so am I." --- Vivienne insisted they stay for tea. Helena accepted. Nadia accepted. Shammy accepted with considerable enthusiasm. They sat in a smaller room overlooking the coast. For a while, the conversation had nothing to do with architecture. Vivienne asked Nadia about her exhibition. Nadia described the opening, the visitors, and the woman who had been reminded of the trees outside her childhood home. Vivienne listened with a smile. "That's a wonderful response." "It was." "Do you ever get tired of people telling you what your work reminds them of?" Nadia considered. "Sometimes they ask me to explain what it means before they've had a chance to experience it themselves. That's different." Vivienne nodded. "But a personal response?" "I love those." Shammy smiled. "Even when they're completely different from what you intended." "Especially then," Nadia replied. Helena looked thoughtful. "That's true of buildings too." Nadia turned toward her. "How so?" "Architects can design a space for a particular purpose. But people live in it. They discover uses nobody anticipated." Vivienne smiled. "Which is why I read in my atrium when it rains." "Exactly." A comfortable silence followed. Then Vivienne looked toward Nadia. "I hope you'll forgive me for asking something practical." Nadia smiled. "Please do." "When do we stop investigating and decide whether to proceed?" It was an excellent question. Nadia set down her cup. "We're close to having a feasible concept. But I don't want to offer you a finished commission until we've verified the mounting and maintenance approach." Vivienne nodded. "Fair." "I can prepare a formal proposal for the next design phase, with a defined scope and fee. That would allow us to complete the engineering and optical validation before committing you to the full installation." Vivienne considered. "An initial design commission?" "Yes." "With the final installation subject to your findings?" "Precisely." Vivienne smiled. "That sounds sensible." Shammy looked delighted. Helena nodded approvingly. Vivienne reached for her tea. "Then send me the proposal." Nadia smiled. "I will." --- The drive back to Night City was surprisingly quiet. Shammy sat beside Nadia, reviewing sketches. They had borrowed a car for the visit. Panam was in the Badlands handling Dakota's business, and had declined to make a coastal trip merely to watch two artists think. Her exact words had been: _"Love you both. Call me when you invent something that needs wheels."_ Nadia was still smiling about it. Shammy looked up. "What?" Nadia glanced at her. "Nothing." "You're smiling." "I often smile." "True." Nadia considered. "Actually, I was thinking about Panam." Shammy's expression brightened. "Oh!" Nadia laughed. "Sweetheart, you are wonderfully predictable." Shammy grinned. "Am I?" "Entirely." Nadia turned back toward the road. "She's very good for us." Shammy's expression softened. "Yes." "And I rather miss her when she's away." Shammy smiled. "I know." Nadia glanced over. "Do you?" "Of course." Nadia laughed softly. "And here I thought I was being terribly subtle." Shammy leaned closer. "Darling, you told her she was very attractive." "She is." "I know!" They laughed together. Then Nadia added: "But I think the most attractive thing about Panam is how thoroughly herself she is." Shammy considered. Then nodded. "Yes." "She doesn't try to impress people." "No." "And she's very comfortable telling someone exactly what she thinks." "Oh, extremely." Nadia laughed. "I like that. A lot." Shammy's eyes shone. "So do I." --- Back at the safehouse, Brenda had occupied the dining table again. This time she was testing a compact mechanical assembly. A row of tiny components lay arranged on a cloth beside her. Iris sat nearby, helping document the results. Ace and Mai were in the living area. Kiro and Reyes were expected later for a brief review of the studio's network and security plans. Nadia arrived carrying a folder. Shammy entered behind her. Ace looked up. "Hey!" Nadia smiled. "Hello." "How'd it go?" "We found a better solution." Shammy nodded enthusiastically. "And a new problem!" Ace grinned. "Of course you did." Mai looked up from her tablet. "What kind?" "Maintenance access," Nadia replied. Mai nodded immediately. "Ah." Shammy stared. "What?" Mai smiled. "How do you reach the installation after it's finished?" Nadia looked at her. Then began laughing. "Oh, darling, where were you this morning?" Mai's eyebrows rose. "Here." "Yes, but you could have saved us considerable trouble." Mai smiled. "Apparently." --- Kiro arrived at six thirty. Reyes arrived with her. They entered together, laughing about something neither seemed inclined to explain. Ace immediately looked suspicious. "What's funny?" Kiro smiled. "Nothing." Reyes nodded. "Absolutely nothing." Mai looked at them. Then smiled. "I see." Ace folded her arms. "No, you don't." Mai's smile widened. "Darling, I really do." Reyes laughed and bent to kiss Ace. Kiro hugged Mai. Nadia watched from the dining table with a smile. She was beginning to appreciate how comfortably these women moved between their different relationships. No awkward introductions. No unnecessary explanations. Just warmth, familiarity, and the occasional spectacularly inappropriate joke. --- The security review lasted forty minutes. Kiro had confirmed that a provider site survey was scheduled. Reyes had prepared a preliminary access-control assessment. Both had reviewed the renovation drawings together and identified several routes that should be reserved for their systems before the contractors began closing walls. Nadia listened carefully. Asked questions. Made decisions where she could. Deferred the rest until the relevant technical information was available. At one point, Reyes pointed toward the proposed visitor entrance. "I'd recommend keeping the public-facing access separate from the main equipment delivery route." Nadia nodded. "That makes sense." Kiro added: "And I'll make sure the visitor network is isolated from the studio's production systems." "Excellent." Reyes looked toward Nadia. "Any plans for a reception desk?" Nadia considered. "Not a formal one." "Good." Kiro raised an eyebrow. "Good?" Reyes smiled. "It doesn't need to look like a corporate office. We can make visitor access work with the space she actually wants." Nadia brightened. "Oh, I like that." Kiro grinned. "Then we'll make it elegant." Reyes leaned closer. "You're very attractive when you're being elegant." Kiro smiled. "Only then?" Reyes laughed. "Don't start." Ace looked up from the sofa. "Too late!" --- After the review, Nadia showed Kiro and Reyes the revised concept for Vivienne's atrium. Not because they were part of that commission. Because she was proud of the progress. Kiro studied the optical model. "That's beautiful." Nadia smiled. "Thank you." Reyes looked at the mounting details. "How heavy?" Shammy answered. "Very little, if we can use the new arrangement." "And how does someone maintain it?" Nadia burst out laughing. Reyes blinked. "What?" Mai smiled. "That's today's question." Kiro looked from Nadia to Shammy. Then at the drawing. "Oh." Reyes considered. "Could you design a removable section?" Shammy nodded. "Possibly." "Something accessible from the service zone?" Helena's proposed access route appeared on the screen. Reyes studied it. Then asked: "Would that mean somebody has to work at height over the open atrium?" Nadia hesitated. "Potentially." Reyes nodded. "Then I'd talk to the maintenance specialist before locking down the design. Make sure there's a safe method for routine access." Nadia smiled. "That's exactly what we're doing." "Good." Kiro pointed toward the model. "And if you make the optical components modular, you might be able to remove individual sections for service rather than disturbing the whole installation." Shammy went still. Nadia turned toward her. They looked at each other. Then both smiled. "Oh," Nadia said. Kiro looked suspicious. "What?" Shammy leaned closer to the screen. "Darling, that's actually very interesting." Kiro laughed. "What did I do?" Nadia began reaching for her notebook. Mai closed her eyes. Ace started laughing. "Oh, no." --- Brenda appeared from her workshop carrying a small mechanical assembly. "Why is everybody laughing?" Ace pointed toward the dining table. "Kiro gave our artists an idea." Brenda immediately looked interested. "What kind?" Shammy turned. "Modular optical elements." Brenda stopped. Then looked toward Nadia. "Oh." Nadia smiled. "Exactly." Brenda set her assembly down. "Can I see?" Mai looked toward the clock. Then toward the growing crowd. For a moment, she seemed to consider intervening. Instead, she sighed. "Coffee." Ace turned. "What?" "Everybody gets coffee before this becomes another three-hour design session." Kiro laughed. Reyes smiled. Nadia looked grateful. Shammy looked delighted. And Brenda was already pulling out a chair. --- The actual breakthrough came twenty minutes later. Not from a grand insight. Not from a revolutionary new material. From a small, practical observation. Brenda was studying the proposed removable optical modules. "If the elements are this light, why are you designing the mounting as though they're structural components?" Shammy blinked. "Because they need precise positioning." "Sure." Brenda pointed toward a reference drawing. "But precision and weight are different problems." Nadia leaned closer. "Go on." Brenda sketched a simple arrangement. A fixed support. A removable optical cassette. A repeatable alignment interface. Nothing magical. Nothing expensive. Just a way to remove and replace a small component without disturbing the approved supporting structure. Kiro nodded. "That could make maintenance much easier." Reyes added: "And safer, if the access arrangement is properly designed." Shammy studied the sketch. Then looked at Brenda. "Oh, that's lovely." Brenda grinned. "Right?" Nadia smiled. "Assuming Helena and the engineers approve the mounting, we could take the cassette out for cleaning and inspection." "Exactly," Brenda said. "And you wouldn't have to dismantle the entire installation." Shammy laughed. "Oh, Brenda!" Brenda looked pleased with herself. Ace leaned toward Mai. "She's going to be insufferable." Mai smiled. "She's earned it." --- Panam arrived while everyone was still discussing the sketch. She came in carrying a bag of food. Shammy's hair rose instantly. Full halo. "PANAM!" Panam laughed. "Hey, sweetheart!" From the sofa, Ace called: "Every single time!" Shammy hurried across the room. Panam caught her, kissed her, and glanced past her shoulder at the crowded table. "What's happening?" Nadia approached with a broad smile. "We solved a problem." Panam raised an eyebrow. "Which one?" "Maintenance access." Panam looked toward Brenda. Brenda waved. "Mostly." Panam grinned. "Nice." Then Nadia stepped closer and kissed her cheek. Panam's expression softened. "Hey, you." "Hello, darling." "Miss me?" Nadia smiled. "Yes." Panam blinked. Then laughed. "Straight answer." "Would you prefer a complicated one?" "Nope." "Good." Nadia kissed her again, this time lingering just a moment longer. Panam looked at her. Something warm and amused passed between them. Then Shammy slipped an arm around both their waists. "Oh, this is wonderful." Panam glanced toward her. "What?" "You're both here." Panam laughed. "Yeah. That's generally how arriving works." Nadia smiled. "And we've had a rather good day." "Even better." --- The evening gradually became a celebration of small victories. Not a formal occasion. Nobody had planned it. Kiro and Reyes stayed for dinner. Brenda took considerable pleasure in explaining the optical cassette idea. Iris helped clarify the practical manufacturing requirements. Panam told a story about a particularly disastrous attempt to repair a vehicle using a component that almost fit. Ace insisted that _almost fit_ was an entirely legitimate engineering category. Mai disagreed. This became a lively argument. At one point, Kiro leaned against Reyes and murmured something into her ear. Reyes laughed. Then kissed her. Nadia watched them with an affectionate smile. Across the table, Mai noticed. "You look happy." Nadia turned. "I am." "Good." Nadia glanced around the room. "It's rather extraordinary, isn't it?" "What is?" "This." Mai followed her gaze. Ace was laughing at something Panam had said. Brenda and Iris were bent over the sketch. Kiro and Reyes were talking quietly together. Shammy had become involved in an animated debate with Panam about whether a nomad vehicle could reasonably be described as a mobile fabrication workshop. Mai smiled. "Yes." Nadia looked back at her. "I don't think I realized how much I wanted something like this." Mai considered. "A crowded dinner table?" Nadia laughed. "Among other things." Mai reached across and squeezed her hand. "Then I'm glad you found us." Nadia smiled. "So am I." --- Later, when everyone had eaten and the household had begun settling into smaller conversations, Nadia stepped onto the balcony. Panam was already there. She stood near the railing with a drink, looking out over the city. Nadia approached. "Mind some company?" Panam smiled. "Never." Nadia joined her. For a while, they watched the traffic below. Then Panam spoke. "So. Big project." Nadia nodded. "Getting bigger." "Good bigger?" "Mostly." Panam laughed. "That's the kind that matters." Nadia smiled. They stood quietly for another moment. Then Nadia said: "I enjoyed talking with you the other day." Panam looked over. "At the studio?" "And afterward." Panam's smile changed slightly. "Yeah?" "Yes." Nadia looked toward her. "I hope I wasn't too forward." Panam raised an eyebrow. "About?" Nadia smiled. "Calling you attractive." Panam laughed. "Oh, that." "Yes, that." "Sweetheart, you weren't exactly subtle." "I wasn't trying to be." Panam grinned. "Good." Nadia studied her. Then smiled. "And?" "And what?" "Did you mind?" Panam's expression softened. "No." A moment passed. Then she added: "Not even a little." Nadia looked pleased. "Good." Panam turned toward her more fully. "Nadia." "Yes?" "You don't need to dance around things with me." Nadia laughed softly. "I had begun to suspect that." Panam smiled. "Then we're good." "Very." They stood together beneath the city lights. Then Nadia glanced toward the balcony door. "Shammy will be looking for us." Panam laughed. "Probably." Nadia considered. "Shall we make her come find us?" Panam looked at her. A slow grin appeared. "Oh, you're trouble." Nadia smiled sweetly. "Apparently." --- Shammy found them four minutes later. She stepped onto the balcony. Stopped. Looked at Nadia. Then Panam. Both women were standing close together, smiling. Shammy narrowed her eyes. "What have you been doing?" "Talking," Panam replied. Nadia nodded. "Quite." Shammy sighed. "That word again." Panam laughed. "What word?" "Talking." Nadia smiled. "Would you prefer we were doing something else?" Shammy went very still. Panam turned toward Nadia. Then burst out laughing. "Oh, shit." Nadia looked delighted. Shammy's silver hair began to rise. "Darling!" Nadia laughed. "What?" Panam shook her head. "You're getting dangerously good at this." Nadia smiled. "I have excellent company." Shammy stepped closer. Panam caught her hand. Nadia took the other. For a moment, the three women stood together. Then Shammy leaned toward Nadia. "You know..." Nadia raised an eyebrow. "Yes?" "I rather like the two of you talking." Panam grinned. "Do you?" "Very much." Nadia smiled. "Then perhaps we should do more of it." Shammy laughed. "Oh, absolutely." --- Much later, Nadia sat on the edge of the guest-room bed with her tablet. She was reviewing the notes from the day. The mounting approach needed engineering verification. The removable optical cassette required a prototype. Vivienne's initial design-phase proposal needed a formal scope and fee. The studio's renovation was progressing. Kiro and Reyes were coordinating the network and security design. There was still a great deal of work ahead. But for the first time, the different pieces seemed to be settling into place. Not finished. Not guaranteed. Just possible. And possible was enough. Her holo chimed. A message from Vivienne. **VIVIENNE:** Thank you again for today. I'm glad you're taking such care with the house. Nadia smiled. She replied: **NADIA:** Thank you for trusting us. I'll send the design-phase proposal once we've completed the next technical review. A second message arrived. **VIVIENNE:** Wonderful. And Nadia? **NADIA:** Yes? **VIVIENNE:** I think the best part is that the work is becoming quieter. Nadia read the message twice. Then smiled. **NADIA:** I think so too. She set the holo aside. A soft knock came at the door. "Come in." Shammy appeared. "Hello, beautiful." Nadia smiled. "Hello, darling." Shammy stepped inside. "Still working?" "Just finishing." Shammy sat beside her. Nadia leaned against her. For a while, neither spoke. Then Shammy looked toward the tablet. "Vivienne?" "Yes." "Good news?" Nadia smiled. "Very." Shammy kissed her temple. Nadia closed her eyes for a moment. Then sighed happily. "Darling?" "Yes?" "I think we're making something rather beautiful." Shammy smiled. "The installation?" Nadia considered. Then looked at her. "That too." Shammy's expression softened. Nadia kissed her. Outside, Night City continued its endless noise. Inside, the safehouse was quiet. Not empty. Never empty. Just settled. Somewhere down the hall, Ace and Mai were laughing about something. Brenda's workshop door had finally closed. Panam was still awake, probably arguing with somebody over her holo. Kiro and Reyes had gone home together. And tomorrow, an old industrial building would be one day closer to becoming a working studio. Nadia rested her head against Shammy's shoulder. She had begun this adventure because Elisa had offered her a place to work. Now she was discovering something much larger. A place to make things. A place to return to. A place where people cared whether she had eaten breakfast. Where friends contributed their talents without needing to be asked twice. Where affection could be open, complicated, and entirely unashamed. Where somebody could spend hours helping her solve a technical problem and then stay for dinner simply because they wanted to. Nadia smiled. "Shammy?" "Yes, darling?" "I'm very glad I came here." Shammy wrapped an arm around her. "So am I." And for a while, they sat together in comfortable silence. Because the most beautiful thing they were building in Night City wasn't suspended from a ceiling. It didn't require a network connection. It didn't need a security system. And it didn't have to be invisible to matter. It was already here. Growing quietly, one ordinary day at a time. --- ## Chapter 20 — Just Between Us The first construction noise began at eight twelve. Nadia knew because she had been enjoying a perfectly lovely cup of coffee at eight eleven. At eight twelve, somebody started cutting through an old section of concrete. Her coffee rippled. The folding table vibrated. And the pencil she had placed beside her notebook rolled cheerfully onto the floor. Nadia watched it go. Then looked toward the loading bay. "Well," she said. The concrete cutter continued its enthusiastic destruction. Nadia sighed. "Good morning to you too." --- The studio was beginning to look like a construction site. Which was encouraging. Also inconvenient. The electrical contractor had begun preparing the new distribution routes. The ventilation team was assessing the existing ductwork. The loading-bay modifications had been approved, and the structural work required for the mezzanine was scheduled to begin shortly. Kiro and Reyes had completed their initial assessments. Their combined recommendations were now being incorporated into the building plans, which meant that network conduits, access-control wiring, and security infrastructure could be installed without somebody having to reopen freshly finished walls later. Mai had expressed considerable satisfaction with this arrangement. Shammy had expressed satisfaction too. Although Nadia suspected her enthusiasm had rather more to do with the prospect of eventually connecting interesting machines to those cables. For now, the construction team had established a temporary work area near the entrance. Nadia sat there with her coffee and reviewed the revised design proposal for Vivienne. The optical cassette idea was promising. Very promising. But a promising idea was not a finished piece of engineering. The fixed support required structural approval. The removable modules needed repeatable alignment. The materials still needed long-term testing. And the maintenance procedure had to be something a competent professional could carry out without Nadia or Shammy standing beside them explaining which part to touch. She made another note. Then the concrete cutter started again. Nadia closed her eyes. "Oh, for heaven's sake." A familiar voice spoke behind her. "Having fun?" Nadia turned. Panam stood in the entrance, holding two coffees and wearing the expression of someone who had anticipated exactly this reception. Nadia's face lit up. "Panam!" "Hey, gorgeous." Panam handed her one of the cups. Nadia accepted it gratefully. "Oh, you wonderful woman." "Figured you might need another." Nadia looked toward the construction work. "An inspired deduction." Panam laughed. They exchanged a warm hug. Then Panam looked around. "Progress." "Rather noisy progress." "Best kind." "Darling, you clearly don't have to compose client correspondence within ten meters of it." Panam grinned. "Nope." She leaned against the temporary table. "So. What's the plan today?" Nadia gestured toward her drawings. "Vivienne's project, mostly. I'm trying to resolve the tolerances for the removable optical elements." Panam glanced at the diagrams. "Any luck?" "Some." "Good." "And you?" "Finished a supply run. Got an hour or two before I need to head back out." Nadia smiled. "How fortunate for me." Panam looked at her. "Yeah?" "Very." Panam's smile widened. --- They inspected the loading area together. Panam had wanted to see whether the construction team had accommodated the revised equipment route. They had. The awkward turn near the proposed storage area was gone, and the floor modifications were designed to allow heavy transport frames to pass without catching on the old expansion joint. Panam walked the route twice. Then nodded. "Much better." Nadia smiled. "I thought you'd approve." "Yeah. Whoever planned this actually listened." "To you, mostly." Panam shrugged. "Good habit." Nadia laughed. They continued around the building. The eastern section of the mezzanine had been cleared for reinforcement work. Temporary barriers marked the areas that were not safe to enter. And the upper landing, which overlooked the main workshop, was now accessible from the approved staircase while the construction crew worked elsewhere. Nadia stopped at the foot of the stairs. "Would you like to see something?" Panam looked at her. "Sure." --- The upper level was quieter. Not silent. Nothing in the building was silent while construction continued. But the concrete cutter sounded farther away, and the great windows along the upper wall admitted a beautiful wash of afternoon light. Nadia approached the railing. Panam joined her. From here, they could see almost the entire main workshop. The fabrication area. The future clean assembly space. The loading route. The temporary construction equipment. And, beyond the windows, the restless spread of Watson. Nadia stood with her hands resting lightly on the railing. "I've been thinking about this level." Panam glanced around. "Yeah?" "Not all of it. Some space will still be needed for technical work and storage." "Sure." "But there's more room up here than I initially appreciated." Panam looked toward the far wall. "Could make a nice office." "Possibly." "Meeting room?" "Perhaps." Nadia smiled. "Although I was thinking of something rather more comfortable." Panam turned toward her. "Oh?" Nadia hesitated. Not because she was uncertain of the idea. Because she was still enjoying the possibility before committing it to practical realities. "Somewhere to stay." Panam considered. "Like an apartment?" "Yes." She gestured toward the windows. "A proper little living space. Kitchen, bathroom, somewhere to sit and relax after working." Panam looked around again. Then nodded slowly. "That makes sense." "Does it?" "Yeah. You work weird hours. You travel. Sometimes you're going to want to crash upstairs instead of driving across the city." Nadia laughed. "That's rather what I thought." Panam examined the far end of the mezzanine. "Would need proper separation from the workshop." "Of course." "Fire safety. Ventilation. Soundproofing." "Yes." "And somebody has to check whether the building can legally be used for that." Nadia smiled. "Darling, you're beginning to sound like Mai." Panam snorted. "Don't tell her. She'll get smug." Nadia laughed. "Too late, I'm afraid. She's already asked about the possibility." "Oh, good." "And suggested we have the architect assess it before drawing anything elaborate." Panam nodded. "Smart." Nadia looked toward the windows. "I like the idea of having somewhere that belongs to my life here. Not just my work." Panam's expression softened. "Yeah." Nadia glanced at her. "And perhaps somewhere my favorite people might occasionally stay." Panam raised an eyebrow. "Favorite people?" Nadia smiled. "Well, certainly Shammy." "Obviously." "And..." She let the sentence trail away. Panam turned toward her more fully. "And?" Nadia looked at her with perfect composure. "I was rather hoping you'd enjoy spending time here too." Panam's expression changed. Not dramatically. But the humor softened into something warmer. "Yeah?" Nadia nodded. "Very much." Panam looked out across the workshop. Then back at her. "I think I would." Nadia smiled. "Good." --- They stayed on the upper landing. The conversation wandered. It began with the apartment. How much space would really be available after the structural and building-services requirements were resolved. Whether a kitchen would be practical. Whether an independent entrance could be incorporated without compromising security. Whether soundproofing would be sufficient to allow somebody to sleep while the workshop operated below. Panam made several useful observations. Nadia took notes. Then, somewhere between discussing the location of a future sofa and the possibility of a small balcony overlooking the rear courtyard, Nadia put her tablet away. Panam noticed. "Done designing?" "For the moment." "Miracle." Nadia laughed. "Darling, you are terribly cheeky." "Been told." "Frequently, I imagine." "Daily." They stood together beside the window. Outside, the afternoon traffic moved through Watson. Inside, the construction noise had settled into a distant mechanical hum. Nadia leaned against the wall. "Can I ask you something?" Panam smiled. "Sure." "Do you ever feel pulled between different parts of your life?" Panam considered. "All the time." Nadia looked interested. "Really?" "Sure. The Aldecaldos. Work in the city. People I care about. Places I want to be." She shrugged. "Sometimes I want all of them at once." Nadia laughed softly. "That sounds familiar." "Yeah?" "Very." Panam looked at her. Nadia continued. "I love my original studio. I love traveling. I love the people I've worked with for years." "Sure." "And I love what I'm building here." Panam smiled. "Good." "Sometimes I catch myself wondering whether wanting all of it is unreasonable." Panam considered. Then shook her head. "Nah." Nadia laughed. "Such a beautifully concise answer." Panam grinned. "Want the long one?" "Please." Panam leaned beside her against the wall. "Look, if you were promising five people you'd be in five places at the same time, yeah, that'd be unreasonable." Nadia smiled. "But?" "But you're not." Panam shrugged. "You're building a life. Lives are allowed to be big." Nadia looked at her. For a moment, she said nothing. Then smiled. "I rather like that." "Good." "You're very wise sometimes." Panam laughed. "Don't spread it around." "Oh, I absolutely intend to." "Traitor." Nadia leaned a little closer. "Only occasionally." --- Panam watched her for a moment. Then smiled. "You know something?" Nadia tilted her head. "What?" "You've been flirting with me for weeks." Nadia laughed. "Oh, darling." "Am I wrong?" "Not remotely." Panam's smile widened. "Good." Nadia folded her arms loosely. "I've hardly been trying to hide it." "Yeah. Noticed." "And?" Panam raised an eyebrow. "And what?" Nadia studied her with theatrical patience. "Panam." "What?" "Are you going to make me do all the work?" Panam burst out laughing. "Oh, you're something else." Nadia smiled. "I've been told." "Frequently?" "By Shammy, almost daily." Panam shook her head, still smiling. Then the laughter gradually faded. She looked at Nadia. Really looked at her. The attractive, confident artist standing in the afternoon light. A woman who had built an extraordinary professional life without losing her curiosity. Who could be gentle without being timid. Direct without being careless. And whose smile had been occupying rather more of Panam's thoughts than she had originally intended. Panam took a small step closer. "Nadia." "Yes, darling?" "I've been thinking about kissing you." Nadia's smile softened. "Oh." Panam watched her. "Yeah." Nadia set one hand lightly against Panam's arm. "Well, sweetheart." She looked into her eyes. "That makes two of us." Panam smiled. "Good." Then she leaned closer. Not hurriedly. Not uncertainly. Just close enough to let Nadia meet her halfway. Nadia did. Their first kiss was gentle. A brief meeting of lips. Warm. Uncomplicated. And unexpectedly lovely. When they separated, Nadia remained close. Panam looked at her. Nadia smiled. "Oh." Panam laughed softly. "Yeah?" Nadia nodded. "Yes." A moment passed. Then Nadia touched Panam's cheek. "Would you mind doing that again?" Panam's smile widened. "Not even a little." Their second kiss lasted longer. Nadia slipped an arm around Panam's waist. Panam rested a hand against her back. There was no performance in it. No audience. No need to turn the moment into something more complicated than two women finally acting on what had been growing between them. When they separated, Nadia laughed softly. "Well." Panam rested her forehead against hers. "Yeah." Nadia smiled. "That was worth waiting for." Panam grinned. "Wasn't planning to wait much longer." "Neither was I." They laughed together. And then Nadia kissed her once more. Simply because she wanted to. --- Shammy saw them from below. She had arrived at the studio carrying a small case of optical samples. The construction supervisor had confirmed that the temporary work area was clear, and she'd been heading toward the table when she glanced up. Nadia stood beside the upper windows. Panam stood close to her. Very close. Shammy slowed. She watched Panam lean toward Nadia. Watched Nadia meet her halfway. And then— Oh. Shammy stopped walking. Her electric-blue eyes widened. A smile spread across her face. And her long silver-white hair began to rise. Not dramatically. Just a gentle, unmistakable halo of delight. For half a second, she wanted to shout. To laugh. To race upstairs and throw her arms around both of them. She was Shammy. These were perfectly reasonable instincts. But then she watched Nadia rest her forehead against Panam's. Watched Panam smile. Watched them laugh together. And something quieter settled beneath her excitement. This was theirs. Not something she had arranged. Not something she needed to celebrate on their behalf. Not something requiring her approval. Two women she loved were discovering a new part of their own relationship. Shammy smiled. Then, very deliberately, she looked away. She carried her case to the temporary table. Set it down. Opened it. And began arranging the samples for the afternoon's work. Her hair took another minute to settle. She didn't mind. --- Upstairs, Panam was laughing. Nadia was responsible. "You're telling me Shammy once spent an entire afternoon trying to improve a coffee maker?" Panam nodded. "Yep." "Why?" "Because it made a noise she didn't like." Nadia stared. Then burst out laughing. "Oh, that's magnificent." "Gets better." "Really?" "She fixed the noise." "Wonderful." "Then decided the heating cycle could be improved." Nadia closed her eyes. "Oh, no." "Yeah." "What happened?" "Coffee was great." Nadia opened her eyes. "But?" "Machine started announcing the brewing temperature out loud." Nadia doubled over laughing. Panam grinned. "At six in the fucking morning." "Oh, sweetheart!" "And it wouldn't shut up." Nadia laughed harder. "How did you stop it?" "Mai unplugged it." Nadia leaned against Panam's shoulder, helpless. Panam slipped an arm around her. For a while, they simply stood there laughing. Then Nadia looked up. "You know, I think I could become terribly fond of you." Panam smiled. "Think?" Nadia's expression softened. "All right." She touched Panam's cheek. "I already am." Panam looked at her for a moment. Then kissed her. --- They came downstairs twenty minutes later. Shammy was sitting at the temporary worktable, examining one of the optical samples. She looked up. "Hello, beautiful!" Nadia smiled. "Hello, darling." Panam approached. "Hey, sweetheart." Shammy's hair rose instantly. Panam laughed. "There it is." Shammy stood and hugged her. Then kissed her. Then turned to Nadia and kissed her too. Nothing unusual. Nothing exaggerated. Just the greetings they always shared. Nadia looked toward the samples. "What have you brought?" Shammy brightened. "Oh! I think I've found a useful alternative for the cassette alignment surfaces." Nadia leaned closer. "Really?" "Yes!" Panam glanced at the technical drawing. Then toward the staircase. Then at Shammy. Shammy appeared completely absorbed in the optical material. Panam smiled faintly. And said nothing. --- They spent the next hour working. Nadia compared the new samples against their latest measurements. Shammy checked how the material behaved under different angles of illumination. Panam helped improvise a stable support arrangement using approved temporary equipment. Nothing was installed permanently. Nothing was connected to the unfinished electrical infrastructure. And nobody climbed into an unsafe part of the building. Mai would have been proud. Probably. The test produced a useful result. The new material offered good alignment stability without introducing the unwanted optical effects they'd encountered earlier. It still needed more testing. But the direction looked promising. Nadia stood beside the worktable. "Excellent." Shammy smiled. "Yes!" Panam folded her arms. "So that's a win?" "A small one," Nadia replied. "Counts." Shammy nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely." Panam looked at her holo. "Okay. I've got to head out soon." Nadia turned. "Already?" "Yeah. Got people expecting me." "Of course." Panam approached. She looked at Nadia. For a moment, both women smiled. Then Panam leaned in and kissed her. Unhurried. Affectionate. Perfectly natural. When they separated, Nadia smiled. "Drive safely, darling." "Always." Nadia raised an eyebrow. Panam laughed. "Mostly." "Better." Panam turned toward Shammy. Kissed her too. "See you later, sweetheart." Shammy smiled. "Love you." "Love you too." Then Panam picked up her jacket and headed toward the loading entrance. Nadia watched her go. She was still smiling when she turned back. And found Shammy studying an optical sample with extraordinary concentration. Nadia approached. "Darling?" Shammy looked up. "Yes?" Nadia slipped an arm around her waist. Then kissed her cheek. "Have I told you recently how much I love you?" Shammy's expression softened. "Oh, Nadia." "Well?" Shammy smiled. "Yes." Nadia laughed. "Good." She kissed her again. Then returned to the worktable. Shammy watched her for a moment. Her silver hair lifted just slightly. And she went back to work. --- That evening, Panam called from the Badlands. Nadia was in one of the safehouse guest rooms, reviewing notes from the afternoon. She answered immediately. "Hello, gorgeous." Panam laughed. "Hey." "Everything all right?" "Yeah. Just finished up." "Good." A brief pause. Then Panam smiled. "So." Nadia leaned back. "So." "About earlier." Nadia's smile widened. "Yes?" Panam looked faintly amused. "I liked it." Nadia laughed softly. "Oh, darling." "Thought you should know." "I'm very glad you told me." "Yeah?" "Very." Nadia studied the screen. Then added: "For the record, I liked it too." Panam grinned. "Good." "Rather a lot." "Even better." Nadia considered. "Panam?" "Yeah?" "I don't want us to make this unnecessarily complicated." Panam's expression softened. "Neither do I." "I love Shammy." "I know." "And you do too." "Yeah." Nadia smiled. "But I rather think I could love you as well." Panam went quiet. Not uncomfortable. Not startled. Just giving the words the attention they deserved. Then she smiled. "Yeah." Nadia waited. Panam continued. "I think we should find out." Nadia's expression warmed. "I'd like that." "Me too." A moment passed. Then Panam grinned. "Though I should warn you." Nadia raised an eyebrow. "Oh?" "I'm not always this charming." Nadia burst out laughing. "Darling, I should be terribly disappointed if you were." Panam laughed with her. --- Shammy was on the safehouse balcony when Nadia found her later. The city lights stretched into the distance. A cool breeze moved through her long silver-white hair. She stood by the railing, looking out over Watson. Nadia approached. "Hello, darling." Shammy turned. "Hello, beautiful." Nadia slipped her arms around her. Shammy bent to kiss her. For a moment, they stayed close. Then Nadia rested against her. "Lovely evening." "Very." They looked out over the city. A comfortable silence settled. Then Nadia spoke. "Shammy?" "Yes?" "May I tell you something?" Shammy looked down at her. "Of course." Nadia smiled. "Panam kissed me today." Shammy's heart gave a delighted little leap. But she kept her voice gentle. "Did she?" "Yes." Nadia looked up. "And I kissed her back." Shammy smiled. "Oh, sweetheart." Nadia studied her. "You don't seem terribly surprised." Shammy considered. "Should I be?" Nadia laughed softly. "Probably not." Shammy brushed a strand of hair away from Nadia's cheek. "How was it?" Nadia's expression softened. "Wonderful." Shammy smiled. "I'm glad." Nadia watched her for a moment. Then laughed. "Darling, you're being remarkably restrained." Shammy's eyes sparkled. "Am I?" "Extremely." "How unusual." "Quite." Shammy kissed her forehead. Nadia leaned against her. For a while, they stood quietly. Then Nadia spoke again. "I think something lovely is happening." Shammy smiled. "So do I." Nadia looked up. "Does that make you happy?" Shammy considered the question. Not because the answer was difficult. Because she wanted Nadia to hear the right part of it. "Yes." Nadia smiled. "Good." Shammy continued. "But what makes me happiest is that you and Panam are finding something that's yours." Nadia went still. Then her expression softened. "Oh, darling." Shammy smiled. "You don't need me to tell you what you're allowed to feel." Nadia reached up and kissed her. Long and warmly. When they separated, Nadia rested her forehead against Shammy's. "You're a rather extraordinary woman." Shammy laughed softly. "So are you." --- Later, after Nadia had gone inside, Shammy remained on the balcony for a few minutes. She took out her holo. Opened Panam's contact. For a moment, she considered calling. Then stopped. Panam would tell her when she wanted to. There was no need to make their first kiss into a family announcement. Shammy smiled. Put the holo away. And went inside. --- The following morning, Mai found Shammy in the kitchen. Shammy was making coffee. Properly. Without modifying the machine. Mai considered this encouraging. "Morning, darling." Shammy turned. "Good morning!" Mai approached and kissed her. Shammy wrapped her arms around Mai. The kiss lasted long enough for the coffee machine to finish brewing. Mai leaned back. "You're happy." Shammy smiled. "I'm often happy." "Yes." Mai studied her. "But this is different." Shammy's hair lifted faintly. Mai raised an eyebrow. "Oh?" Shammy smiled. "Nothing." Mai looked amused. "Nothing?" "Nothing I need to tell you." For a moment, Mai simply looked at her. Then her expression softened. "All right." Shammy kissed her again. Mai returned it. And neither said another word about the matter. --- At the studio, Nadia arrived carrying two coffee mugs. She placed one beside her notebook. The other on the temporary table. A moment later, her holo chimed. **PANAM:** Morning, gorgeous. Nadia smiled. **NADIA:** Good morning, darling. **PANAM:** Working? **NADIA:** Supposedly. **PANAM:** Supposedly? **NADIA:** You've been rather distracting lately. A pause. Then: **PANAM:** Good. Nadia laughed. **NADIA:** Terrible woman. **PANAM:** You kissed me. **NADIA:** And I fully intend to do so again. **PANAM:** Looking forward to it. Nadia set the holo down. Looked around the studio. The construction work was continuing. Kiro and Reyes were preparing the next coordinated infrastructure review. Vivienne's design-phase proposal was nearly ready. The upper level still needed proper architectural assessment before anyone could decide whether residential accommodation was feasible. Everything important remained unfinished. And somehow, that no longer felt like a problem. Nadia smiled. She had projects to complete. A studio to build. A life that stretched between more than one city. People she loved. And now, something new with Panam. Something that didn't need a name just yet. She picked up her notebook. Then paused. And wrote one small reminder at the bottom of the page. _Ask architect about upper-floor residential feasibility._ She considered the words. Then added: _And the windows._ Because if there was going to be a place to sit beside someone at the end of a long day, Nadia wanted it to have a beautiful view. And perhaps enough room for three. Not because everything had already been decided. But because some possibilities were simply too lovely not to leave space for. --- At the safehouse, Shammy received a message from Panam. **PANAM:** Hey, sweetheart. **SHAMMY:** Hello, beautiful! **PANAM:** Got a minute later? Shammy smiled. **SHAMMY:** Always for you. A pause. **PANAM:** Good. There's something I want to tell you. Shammy's hair began to rise. She looked at the screen. Then laughed softly to herself. **SHAMMY:** I'd love to hear it, darling. She set the holo down. Took a sip of coffee. And, for once in her life, managed not to tell anybody why she was smiling. Which was possibly the most extraordinary thing she had accomplished all week. --- Somewhere across Night City, Panam slipped her holo into her pocket and returned to work. Somewhere in Watson, Nadia was making notes about windows and future living spaces. And in a safehouse above the streets, Shammy was very quietly having the time of her life. Three women. Three lives. Something new growing between them. Nothing taken away from the people they already loved. Nothing decided for them. Just one kiss. Then another. And all the beautiful possibilities that came afterward. --- ## Chapter 21 — Tell Me Yourself Panam called at nine seventeen. Shammy answered before the second pulse. "Hello, beautiful!" Panam appeared on the screen, sitting in the cab of her truck. The Badlands stretched behind her through the windscreen, the last traces of daylight turning the distant hills a deep reddish gold. "Hey, sweetheart." Shammy smiled. "How was your day?" "Long." "Good long?" "Mostly." "Did the transport problem get sorted?" "Yeah. Turns out somebody had entered the wrong destination code." "Oh, dear." "Three vehicles, six hours, and a very creative argument over who was supposed to read the damn manifest." Shammy laughed. "Did you win?" "Obviously." "Wonderful!" Panam watched her for a moment. There was something quietly delightful about being greeted as though she were the best thing to happen to an entire day. It happened every time. She'd never quite become used to it. "Where are you?" Panam asked. "Safehouse. Bedroom." "Alone?" "At the moment." "Good." Shammy's eyebrows rose. "Oh?" Panam laughed. "Not like that." Shammy looked disappointed. "Shame." "Sweetheart." "What?" "Behave." "Never." Panam grinned. Then her expression softened. "There's something I wanted to tell you." Shammy sat a little straighter. "Yes?" Panam studied her. For a woman who could face down a hostile convoy without blinking, the next sentence required a surprising amount of attention. Not courage. There was nothing to fear. Just the desire to say something properly. "I kissed Nadia yesterday." Shammy smiled. "Oh, darling." Panam's own smile appeared. "Yeah." "That's wonderful." Panam watched her. "You're not surprised?" A very small problem presented itself. Shammy considered her options. Lying was unattractive. Pretending to be astonished would be absurd. And Panam knew her far too well to be fooled by either. So Shammy did the sensible thing. She told the truth. "I saw you." Panam blinked. Then stared. "You what?" Shammy's smile widened. "At the studio. I was downstairs." Panam went completely still. A moment passed. Then she began laughing. "Oh, for fuck's sake." Shammy laughed too. "Darling!" "You saw us?" "Only briefly." "And you didn't say anything?" Shammy shook her head. "No." Panam looked at her. Really looked. The laughter gradually softened. "Why not?" Shammy considered. "Because it was your moment." Panam said nothing. Shammy continued gently. "Yours and Nadia's. I didn't want to interrupt it." Panam leaned back against the truck seat. Her expression changed. "Oh, sweetheart." Shammy smiled. "You looked very happy." Panam looked toward the distant hills. Then back at the screen. "Yeah." A pause. "I was." Shammy's hair began to rise. Panam noticed. And laughed again. "There it is." Shammy beamed. "I can't help it!" "I know." "Oh, Panam." "What?" "I'm so happy for you." Panam smiled. "Thanks." "And for Nadia." "Yeah." "And—" Panam raised an eyebrow. "And?" Shammy laughed. "And perhaps a little for myself." Panam's smile became wicked. "A little?" "Quite a lot." "Thought so." --- Panam turned off the truck's engine. She had parked near the Aldecaldo camp, but wasn't in any hurry to get out. Outside, somebody called to somebody else. A vehicle started. Then moved away. The familiar sounds of camp life continued around her. Shammy watched her through the holo. "How did it happen?" Panam smiled. "We were talking." "Of course." "About the studio apartment, actually." Shammy brightened. "Oh!" Panam laughed. "Yeah. She showed me the upper level. Started talking about making part of it somewhere comfortable to stay." "Yes!" "Then we got talking about work. Traveling. Having different parts of your life." Shammy's expression softened. Panam looked down briefly. "And then I realized I was standing beside this beautiful woman who's been flirting with me for weeks, and I was getting pretty tired of pretending I wasn't thinking about kissing her." Shammy laughed softly. "Oh, darling." "So I told her." "Just like that?" "Pretty much." Shammy smiled. "Wonderful." Panam shook her head. "She looked at me and said she'd been thinking about it too." "Of course she did." Panam narrowed her eyes. "Of course?" Shammy grinned. "She's Nadia." Panam considered that. Then laughed. "Yeah. Fair." They sat with the thought for a while. Then Shammy asked: "And?" Panam raised an eyebrow. "And what?" Shammy's eyes sparkled. "Was it a nice kiss?" Panam stared at her. Then slowly grinned. "Sweetheart." "Yes?" "It was a really fucking nice kiss." Shammy burst out laughing. Her hair rose into a magnificent silver halo. Panam laughed with her. "Oh, look at you." "I'm happy!" "I noticed!" --- When the laughter settled, Panam's expression grew thoughtful. "There's something else." Shammy tilted her head. "Yes?" "Nadia and I talked again afterward." Shammy nodded. "Good." "She said she didn't want us making things unnecessarily complicated." Shammy smiled. "That sounds like her." "Yeah." Panam looked toward the windscreen. "She loves you." "I know." "So do I." "I know that too." Panam smiled. "And I like her. A lot." Shammy waited. Panam considered her next words. "Maybe more than a lot." Shammy's expression softened. "Oh, sweetheart." Panam laughed quietly. "Yeah." "That's lovely." "She said she thinks she could love me." Shammy was silent for a moment. Then she smiled. A slow, beautiful smile. "And what did you say?" "That we should find out." Shammy laughed softly. "Oh, Panam." "What?" "That's perfect." Panam looked genuinely amused. "Perfect?" "Yes." Shammy leaned closer. "You don't have to decide everything tonight." Panam nodded. "Exactly." "And neither does Nadia." "Right." "And you can both enjoy finding out." Panam smiled. "That's the plan." Shammy rested her chin on one hand. For a moment she looked almost dreamy. Panam noticed. "You're doing it again." "What?" "Thinking about something ridiculous." Shammy looked offended. "Not ridiculous." "What, then?" Shammy considered. Then smiled. "Wonderful." Panam shook her head. "You're hopeless." "Entirely." Panam leaned closer to the screen. "Love you, sweetheart." Shammy's expression softened immediately. "I love you too." --- At the safehouse, Ace found Mai in the kitchen. Mai was washing two mugs. Ace approached from behind and wrapped her arms around her wife's waist. "Hey." Mai smiled. "Hello, darling." Ace kissed the back of her neck. Then rested her cheek against Mai's shoulder. "Shammy's still talking to Panam?" "Yes." "Long call." "Apparently." Ace considered. Then grinned. "Think something interesting happened?" Mai set one mug on the drying rack. "Yes." Ace looked delighted. "Really?" Mai turned in her arms. "But I don't think it's ours to investigate." Ace sighed theatrically. "You're no fun." Mai raised an eyebrow. "Am I not?" Ace smiled. "Well..." Mai kissed her. Not a brief peck. A lingering, affectionate kiss that made Ace forget the rest of her sentence. When Mai leaned back, Ace blinked. Then grinned. "Okay. You're some fun." Mai laughed. "How generous." Ace slipped her hands beneath the open edges of Mai's cardigan and drew her closer. "Very generous." Mai studied her. "Did you actually want something?" Ace smiled. "You." Mai's expression warmed. "That can be arranged." Ace kissed her again. And for several minutes, the conversation about Shammy's call ceased to exist. --- Panam reached the camp's communal area nearly an hour later. She was still smiling. Unfortunately, that meant somebody noticed. "Good evening?" Panam looked over. "Fine." The woman sitting beside the equipment cases raised an eyebrow. "That's a very happy fine." Panam opened a storage compartment. "Mind your business." The woman laughed. "Right." Panam retrieved the parts she had brought back from the city. She put them on the workbench. Checked the accompanying paperwork. Then her holo chimed. **NADIA:** Good evening, gorgeous. Survived the day? Panam smiled. **PANAM:** Barely. **NADIA:** Oh, dear. Shall I send sympathy? **PANAM:** Coffee would be better. **NADIA:** How terribly practical. A pause. Then: **NADIA:** Would a kiss help? Panam's smile widened. **PANAM:** Absolutely. The reply came immediately. **NADIA:** I'll remember that. Panam looked at the message for several seconds. Then typed: **PANAM:** Talked to Shammy. The answer took a little longer. **NADIA:** How lovely. And? **PANAM:** She saw us. A pause. Then: **NADIA:** SHE WHAT? Panam burst out laughing. The woman beside the equipment cases looked up. "Seriously. What happened to you?" Panam waved her away. **PANAM:** Saw the first kiss from downstairs. Kept quiet. Several seconds passed. Then Nadia's reply appeared. **NADIA:** Oh, that wonderful woman. Panam smiled. **PANAM:** Yeah. **NADIA:** I love her so much. **PANAM:** Me too. A pause. **NADIA:** And I rather like you as well, darling. Panam grinned. **PANAM:** Rather? **NADIA:** Considerably. **PANAM:** Better. --- The next morning, Nadia made the first practical decision about the apartment. She called the architect. Not to commission detailed plans. Not yet. Just to ask whether the upper level could realistically accommodate residential space under the building's permitted uses, structural limitations, fire-safety requirements, and proposed industrial operation. The architect agreed to prepare a feasibility assessment. Nadia requested that it include independent access options, separation from the workshop, ventilation, acoustic insulation, and emergency egress. She also asked whether the existing upper-level windows could be retained. That last question received a particularly enthusiastic response. Apparently, architects liked clients who cared about daylight. Nadia found that reassuring. Then she ended the call. Opened her notebook. And wrote: **UPPER LEVEL — RESIDENTIAL FEASIBILITY** Beneath it: _Do not compromise the studio._ _Do not compromise safety._ _Make it somewhere worth coming home to._ She looked at the final sentence for a long moment. Then smiled. --- Shammy arrived twenty minutes later. She found Nadia standing beside the upper windows, studying the light. "Hello, beautiful!" Nadia turned. Her face lit up. "Hello, darling." Shammy approached. Nadia caught her by the front of her jacket and kissed her. Shammy laughed against her mouth. "Oh!" When they separated, Nadia rested her forehead against hers. "You saw." Shammy blinked. Then smiled. "Oh." "Yes, oh." Shammy's hair lifted. Nadia laughed softly. "Panam told me." "I thought she might." "And you kept quiet." "Yes." Nadia studied her for a moment. Then kissed her again. This one lasted longer. When they separated, Nadia looked at her with unmistakable affection. "Thank you." Shammy smiled. "For what?" "For giving us that moment." "Oh, sweetheart." Nadia brushed a strand of silver hair away from her cheek. "You could have come running upstairs." "I know." "And shouted." "Probably." "And hugged us both until we couldn't breathe." Shammy grinned. "Definitely." Nadia laughed. "But you didn't." Shammy shook her head. "No." Nadia's expression softened. "You're rather wonderful." Shammy looked down at her. "So are you." They stood close together. Then Nadia smiled. "And for the record..." "Yes?" "I'm very glad Panam kissed me." Shammy beamed. "Oh, darling!" Nadia laughed. "And I'm very glad I kissed her back." Shammy hugged her. Nadia returned the embrace. For a moment, neither moved. Then Shammy leaned back. "Was it wonderful?" Nadia looked scandalized. "Darling!" "What?" "Panam already told you." Shammy grinned. "I want your version." Nadia began laughing. "Oh, you insufferable creature." Shammy smiled innocently. "Please?" Nadia considered. Then her expression softened into a smile that made Shammy's hair rise another few centimeters. "Yes," Nadia said quietly. "It was wonderful." Shammy closed her eyes. "Oh." Nadia laughed. "Sweetheart, you're going to float away." "Possibly." --- By early afternoon, they were back at work. The portable optical testing assembly stood on a temporary bench in a safe section of the studio, well away from the active construction areas. Nadia had prepared three sample cassettes. Shammy had prepared five. Nadia looked at the extra two. "Darling." "Yes?" "We agreed on three." Shammy smiled. "I know." "And yet..." "Two were interesting." Nadia sighed. "Of course they were." Shammy brightened. "One has a slightly different surface treatment." "And the other?" "A very promising variation in the alignment interface." Nadia looked toward the ceiling. Then laughed. "Oh, sweetheart." They began the tests. The first sample performed almost exactly as expected. The second developed a faint unwanted reflection at one angle. The third was excellent under bright illumination but lost too much of its effect under diffuse light. The fourth— Nadia stopped. "Wait." Shammy looked up. "What?" Nadia adjusted the test lamp. The effect changed. Not dramatically. Just enough. She moved the lamp again. Shammy leaned closer. "Oh." Nadia smiled. "Yes." The fourth sample produced a delicate shift in the reflected light while remaining almost invisible from most viewing positions. It was the sort of effect they had been chasing for weeks. Subtle. Quiet. Entirely dependent on the quality of the surrounding illumination. Shammy watched it. Then looked at Nadia. "Darling." Nadia smiled. "I know." Shammy laughed. "Oh, that's beautiful." They repeated the test. Then repeated it again. The results held. There were still tolerances to confirm. Still materials testing. Still the engineering review. But the optical behavior was promising enough to justify moving into a more rigorous prototype. Nadia made a note. Then smiled at Shammy. "Well." Shammy grinned. "Yes." "Apparently you were right to make five." Shammy beamed. Nadia pointed at her. "Don't become unbearable." "Too late." --- The architect's preliminary response arrived later that afternoon. It wasn't an approval. Far from it. The building's existing permitted use did not automatically extend to residential occupancy. Any proposal would need detailed review of the upper floor's structure, fire separation, ventilation, access, and local planning requirements. The current mezzanine reinforcement plans might also need revision. There was no guarantee that the desired conversion could be approved. Nadia read the response carefully. Then called Mai. Mai answered from the safehouse. "Hello, darling." "Hello." "Everything all right?" "Quite. The architect has sent the first response about the upper level." Mai listened. Nadia explained the requirements. When she finished, Mai nodded. "That sounds exactly right." Nadia laughed. "Of course you'd say that." "Would you prefer they promised something impossible?" "Certainly not." "Then this is good." Nadia considered. "Yes." Mai smiled. "They're identifying the questions before anybody commits to expensive changes." Nadia looked toward the windows. "I suppose I was hoping it might be simpler." "It still might be feasible." "Yes." "But you'll know properly." Nadia smiled. "You're very reassuring, darling." "That's because I'm usually right." Nadia burst out laughing. "Oh, you and Panam." Mai raised an eyebrow. "What about Panam?" "Nothing." Mai studied her expression. Then smiled. "Ah." Nadia narrowed her eyes. "Mai." "What?" "You're doing that thing." Mai looked innocent. "What thing?" "The one where you understand far too much without anybody telling you." Mai laughed softly. "Occupational hazard." --- That evening, Panam came to the safehouse. She had finished her work earlier than expected. Shammy was in the kitchen when the downstairs arrival system announced her. By the time Panam reached the upper door, Shammy was waiting. The door opened. "PANAM!" Panam laughed as Shammy swept her into an embrace. "Hey, sweetheart!" From the living room, Ace called: "EVERY SINGLE TIME!" Shammy's silver hair rose into a glorious halo. Panam kissed her. "Miss me?" "Yes!" "Good." Nadia appeared from the hallway. Panam looked up. Her smile changed. "Hey, gorgeous." Nadia approached. "Hello, darling." She stopped in front of Panam. For one brief moment, both women seemed to consider how they wanted to greet each other. Then Nadia smiled. Reached up. And kissed her. Not on the cheek. Not as an ambiguous gesture that could be mistaken for something else. A warm, unmistakably affectionate kiss. Panam returned it. Shammy watched with shining eyes. Behind them, Ace stopped in the middle of a sentence. Mai looked up from her tablet. Iris glanced toward the doorway. Brenda, emerging from her workshop with a small component in hand, froze. For a moment, the safehouse became very quiet. Then Nadia stepped back. Panam smiled at her. And Ace said: "Well, shit." Nadia began laughing. Panam turned toward the sofa. "Problem?" Ace grinned. "Absolutely not." Mai's expression softened. "Oh." Shammy looked between Ace and Mai. Then toward Nadia and Panam. Her smile widened. Brenda recovered first. "Hang on." Iris looked toward her. "What?" Brenda pointed toward Nadia. Then Panam. Then Shammy. "Oh." Ace began laughing. "Yeah." Brenda's eyes widened. "Oh!" Mai closed her eyes briefly. "Brenda." "What?" "Let them take their coats off." Brenda looked scandalized. "I wasn't going to say anything!" Ace nearly fell off the sofa. --- Dinner became lively. Not because anybody demanded explanations. Quite the opposite. Ace made one spectacularly inappropriate joke and was immediately silenced by Mai kissing her. Brenda attempted to ask a question, reconsidered, and instead asked whether anybody wanted more bread. Iris smiled through most of the meal. Shammy was radiant. Panam looked amused. And Nadia appeared entirely comfortable with the attention. At one point, Ace leaned back in her chair. "So." Mai looked at her. "Ace." "What?" "Eat." "I was going to ask about the studio." Mai raised an eyebrow. "Really?" Ace grinned. "No." Everybody laughed. Nadia shook her head. "Oh, darling." Panam looked toward her. "You okay?" Nadia smiled. "Perfectly." "Good." Under the table, Panam reached for her hand. Nadia took it. Across from them, Shammy noticed. Her expression softened. Then she reached for Mai's hand. Mai squeezed it. And Ace, seeing the exchange, leaned against Shammy's shoulder. There was nothing dramatic about it. Just affection moving around the table in all the directions it had already learned to travel. --- After dinner, Nadia and Iris took the plates to the kitchen. Brenda followed with the serving dishes. Panam remained at the table with Ace, Mai, and Shammy. Ace studied her. Panam raised an eyebrow. "What?" "Nothing." "You're staring." "Observing." Panam sighed. "That's worse." Ace smiled. Then her expression softened. "Happy?" Panam looked at her. "Yeah." Ace nodded. "Good." A moment passed. Then she added: "Nadia's wonderful." Panam smiled. "She is." Mai leaned against Ace. "And so are you." Panam looked toward her. Something warm settled in her expression. "Thanks." Shammy slipped an arm around Panam's shoulders. Panam leaned into her. For a while, nobody spoke. Then Ace looked toward the kitchen. "Think Nadia knows what she's getting into?" Panam laughed. "With me?" "With this family." Panam considered. Then grinned. "Not a fucking chance." Shammy burst out laughing. --- Later, Nadia found Panam on the balcony. The city was warm. The evening air carried a faint breeze. Panam stood by the railing with a drink in hand. Nadia approached. "Mind if I join you?" Panam turned. "Always room for you." Nadia smiled. She stood beside her. For a moment, they watched the city. Then Nadia laughed softly. "What?" "I think we made a bit of an announcement at dinner." Panam grinned. "Yeah." "Was that all right?" Panam looked at her. "With me? Absolutely." "Good." Panam studied her. "You weren't worried about Shammy?" Nadia smiled. "No." "Good." "Although I did wonder whether she was going to burst into flames from sheer happiness." Panam laughed. "Same." Nadia leaned against the railing. "I love how happy she is for us." Panam's expression softened. "Yeah." "And how completely herself she remains." Panam smiled. "That's our girl." Nadia looked at her. "Yes." A pause. Then she stepped closer. "Panam?" "Yeah?" "Would you kiss me again?" Panam grinned. "Thought you'd never ask." Their kiss was unhurried. Nadia slipped her arms around Panam's shoulders. Panam drew her closer. For a moment, the noise of the city became unimportant. When they separated, Nadia smiled. "Oh, darling." Panam laughed softly. "Still good?" Nadia nodded. "Very." Panam brushed a strand of hair away from her face. Then kissed her again. --- Shammy found them a little later. This time, she didn't need to decide whether to interrupt. Nadia saw her approaching and smiled. "Hello, beautiful." Shammy beamed. "Hello!" Panam held out a hand. "Come here, sweetheart." Shammy joined them. Panam kissed her. Nadia took her other hand. For a while, the three women stood together beneath the city lights. Then Shammy smiled. "I love you both." Panam's expression softened. "Love you too." Nadia leaned closer. "Oh, darling. So do I." Shammy looked from one to the other. Her eyes shone. For a moment, she seemed ready to say something enormous. Something that would require gestures, enthusiasm, and possibly a diagram. Instead, she simply hugged them. Panam laughed softly. Nadia rested her cheek against Shammy's shoulder. And nobody hurried to fill the silence. --- Much later, when Panam had gone to sleep in one of the guest rooms and Nadia had retired to another, Shammy returned to the Triad's bedroom. Ace was already in bed, reading. Mai sat beside her with a tablet. Shammy paused in the doorway. Mai looked up. "Hello, darling." Shammy smiled. "Hello." Ace studied her. Then grinned. "Well?" Shammy laughed. "What?" Ace set down her book. "Good day?" Shammy considered. "Wonderful." Mai smiled. "Come here." Shammy crossed the room. Ace reached for her. Shammy settled between Ace and Mai, gathering both into her arms. For a moment, the three of them simply held each other. Then Ace kissed her. Mai kissed her too. Shammy closed her eyes. "Oh." Ace laughed softly. "What?" "Nothing." Mai brushed a strand of silver hair away from Shammy's face. "You look very happy." Shammy smiled. "I am." Ace rested against her. "Good." A moment passed. Then Shammy looked toward Mai. "Darling?" "Yes?" "Thank you." Mai frowned slightly. "For what?" Shammy considered. "For making room." Mai's expression softened. Ace looked up. Shammy continued. "For Nadia. For Panam. For all these wonderful things." Mai took her hand. "Shammy." "Yes?" "There's room because we want there to be." Ace smiled. "And because you're terrible at having a small life." Shammy burst out laughing. "Oh, Ace!" Ace kissed her. "Love you." Shammy smiled. "I love you too." Mai leaned closer. "And we love you." Shammy looked from Ace to Mai. Then hugged them both. Nothing about this was new. And nothing about it had changed. The three of them had built their life together. They still chose it. Still chose each other. Every day. That was the center. The rest of the world could grow around it without making it smaller. --- The next morning, Nadia stood alone on the upper level of her studio. The architect's feasibility assessment was underway. The structural questions remained open. The network and security plans were progressing. The first construction milestones were being met. And Vivienne's proposed design-phase agreement was almost ready for review. There was a great deal to do. Nadia looked across the enormous workshop. Then toward the windows. The upper level caught the morning sunlight beautifully. She imagined a comfortable sitting room. A small kitchen. A private bedroom. Somewhere to drink coffee with Panam. Somewhere to sit with Shammy while she talked excitedly about an impossible new idea. Somewhere the three of them might someday spend an evening together without needing to drive across Watson afterward. She smiled. Then opened her notebook. On the page beneath the feasibility questions, she wrote: _What makes a place feel like home?_ She thought about the safehouse. About her original studio. About Panam's truck. About Shammy's delighted face. About two women standing beside a window, laughing just before their first kiss. Then she wrote: _People who want to be there._ Nadia looked at the words. And smiled. It was a simple answer. Probably incomplete. But a very good beginning. Her holo chimed. **PANAM:** Morning, gorgeous. Nadia smiled. **NADIA:** Good morning, darling. **PANAM:** Busy? **NADIA:** Always. **PANAM:** Dinner sometime this week? Nadia's smile widened. **NADIA:** Just the two of us? A pause. **PANAM:** Yeah. Thought that might be nice. Nadia looked out through the high windows. Then typed: **NADIA:** I would love that. The reply came immediately. **PANAM:** Good. Another message followed. **PANAM:** And afterward, maybe we can see if that kiss was really as good as we remember. Nadia burst out laughing. **NADIA:** Darling, I intend to conduct a very thorough investigation. **PANAM:** Looking forward to your findings. Nadia set the holo down. Still smiling, she picked up her notebook. Because there was an entire studio waiting to be built. An artwork waiting to take shape. And, apparently, a first proper date to look forward to. Somewhere in the Badlands, Panam was probably smiling at her holo too. And somewhere in Watson, Shammy was almost certainly being a spectacularly happy nuisance to Ace and Mai. Nadia laughed softly to herself. What a wonderful life this was becoming. --- ## Chapter 22 — The Cost of Making Room The first serious problem arrived in a photograph. Nadia was halfway through her morning coffee when the architect's message appeared. She opened it, expecting another revision to the mezzanine feasibility notes. Instead, she found an image of a steel connection plate. Six bolts. Two stiffening ribs. One irregular patch of older metal. And a measurement that made her put down her cup. "Oh." She enlarged the photograph. Looked at the measurement again. Then opened the accompanying report. Five minutes later, she called Brenda. --- "How bad?" Brenda didn't bother with hello. Nadia smiled despite herself. "Good morning to you too, darling." "Morning. How bad?" "Potentially inconvenient." "That's architect for expensive." "Possibly." "Send it." "I already have." A pause. Then the distant sound of something metallic being put down. Brenda opened the files. "Huh." Nadia waited. "Yeah," Brenda said eventually. "I see why they're asking." "Is it serious?" "Serious enough that nobody should guess." Nadia sighed. "I was rather afraid you'd say that." "The old connection looks like somebody modified it after the original installation. Could be perfectly serviceable. Could also mean the drawings don't match what's actually holding the floor up." "Wonderful." "Right?" Brenda enlarged the detail. "Listen. The architect needs a structural engineer to confirm what they've got. If the load path isn't what the drawings say, the reinforcement plan might change." "And the apartment?" "That's a separate question. Even if they reinforce the workshop mezzanine, residential use has different requirements." Nadia leaned back. "So nothing upstairs is certain." "Not yet." She closed her eyes briefly. Then opened them. "All right." Brenda sounded almost surprised. "All right?" "Well, what else would you suggest? Climbing upstairs and shouting at the steel?" Brenda laughed. "Wouldn't help." "I suspected as much." "Although I'd pay to watch." Nadia smiled. "Darling, you are a dreadful woman." "Professionally." --- By noon, Nadia had three sets of drawings open and considerably less enthusiasm for the upper floor. The studio itself remained viable. That was the good news. The existing workshop area had passed its preliminary structural assessment for the planned use, subject to the specified work. The loading-bay modifications were progressing. The ventilation design was moving toward final review. And the new electrical distribution layout had been coordinated with Kiro's network plan and Reyes's physical-security requirements. But the mezzanine was becoming troublesome. The original building documentation did not clearly describe one of its later modifications. Nobody had yet established whether the change affected the planned reinforcement. Until they did, the architect could not offer a reliable residential feasibility opinion. Nadia understood that. She didn't have to like it. She stood at the bottom of the stairs, looking toward the upper windows. The light was beautiful. Of course it was. Uncooperative buildings always seemed to have excellent light. Her holo rang. **ELISA.** Nadia considered the timing. Then answered. "Hello, darling." "Nadia! Good morning!" "It's afternoon." "Oh. Right. Sorry. I've been awake since six." "That sounds exhausting." "It was fascinating, actually." Nadia laughed. "Of course it was." Elisa smiled at her. "How's the studio?" "Progressing." A pause. "That sounded suspicious." Nadia sighed. "We have a structural question upstairs." Elisa listened while she explained. When Nadia finished, Elisa frowned. "Can I help?" Nadia smiled. "Perhaps. But not by ordering us another enormous lighting fixture." Elisa made a face. "Oh, come on. Are you going to hold that against me forever?" "Only until the end of the century." "Fair." They laughed. Then Elisa grew serious. "What do you actually need?" Nadia looked up at the mezzanine. "At the moment? Accurate information. The architect is arranging an independent engineering assessment." "Okay." "And I need to know what that assessment costs before approving additional work." Elisa nodded. "That's reasonable." "Once we have it, we'll know whether an apartment is practical or whether I'm simply falling in love with a rather inconvenient piece of industrial architecture." Elisa smiled. "I understand that problem." "Do you?" "Absolutely. Buildings are terrible at being exactly what you want." Nadia laughed. "Yes, they are." Elisa considered. "If the extra assessment wasn't in the original renovation budget, we can discuss it under the project's change-control process." Nadia nodded. "Thank you." "But I won't authorize anything on your behalf." Nadia's expression warmed. "That," she said, "is exactly the kind of help I appreciate." Elisa grinned. "See? I'm learning." "Wonderfully." --- At three, the problem became more expensive. Not because the mezzanine report had worsened. Because the electrical contractor had discovered that the existing service cabinet was unsuitable for the new distribution arrangement. The cabinet was older than the building records suggested. Part of its labeling was wrong. And one of the circuits appeared to have been repurposed years earlier without a proper documentation update. The contractor stopped work on that section. Correctly. Nadia stood beside the open cabinet, studying the photographs on his tablet. "So we replace it." "Most likely." "Can the rest of the electrical work continue?" "Yes. The affected section can remain isolated while the replacement is specified." "And the cost?" He showed her the preliminary estimate. Nadia stared. Then laughed once. Not because it was funny. Because it was either laugh or say something that would startle the construction crew. "Of course." The contractor looked sympathetic. "Old buildings." "So I'm discovering." "We'll provide a formal variation before ordering anything." "Please do." He nodded. "And we'll coordinate the proposed replacement with your network and security specialists." "Excellent." Nadia stepped away. Looked around the unfinished workshop. And suddenly felt the weight of every decision she had made since accepting Elisa's invitation. It wasn't regret. She wanted this place. She wanted it fiercely. But wanting something and being responsible for it were different experiences. The studio needed to be safe. It needed to function. It needed to be financially sustainable. And it needed to belong to the artistic life she intended to build, not become an expensive monument to enthusiasm. Her holo chimed. **PANAM:** How's the palace? Nadia looked at the message. Then at the open electrical cabinet. **NADIA:** Currently attempting to bankrupt its future queen. The response was immediate. **PANAM:** That bad? **NADIA:** Two unexpected engineering problems in one day. **PANAM:** Want me to come over? Nadia smiled. Then paused. She considered the question carefully. Finally, she typed: **NADIA:** Not to rescue me, darling. But I'd love the company. **PANAM:** Good. Wasn't planning a rescue. A second message followed. **PANAM:** Bringing food. Nadia laughed. **NADIA:** Now THAT is useful. --- Panam arrived with sandwiches. Good ones. Not the vaguely edible roadside variety that occasionally accompanied her Badlands work. She handed Nadia a paper bag. Nadia looked inside. "Oh, you magnificent woman." Panam grinned. "Thought you'd approve." "Darling, I might marry you for this sandwich." Panam raised an eyebrow. "Better finish it first. Might change your mind." Nadia laughed. They sat at the temporary table, safely away from the active work area. Panam listened while Nadia explained the day's discoveries. She asked practical questions. Not because she intended to take control. Because she was good at finding the difference between an actual problem and a problem that merely sounded frightening. "So the workshop's still fine?" "Subject to the existing work plan, yes." "Loading bay?" "Proceeding." "Ventilation?" "Final design review." "Electrical?" "One replacement cabinet. Pending formal variation." "Upper floor?" "Structural assessment needed before anyone promises me an apartment." Panam nodded. "Okay." Nadia looked at her. "Okay?" "Yeah." "That's all?" Panam took a bite of her sandwich. "Well, none of that sounds like the studio is falling down." Nadia stared. Then began laughing. "Oh, darling." "What?" "You're infuriatingly sensible." "Sometimes." "Only sometimes?" "Trying not to make a habit of it." Nadia smiled. Then looked around the workshop. "I suppose I had begun to imagine the place finished." "Nothing wrong with that." "No." "But now you're finding out what it takes." Nadia considered. "Yes." Panam nodded toward the drawings. "Then find out. Make the calls. Get the numbers. Decide what matters." Nadia looked at her. "And if the apartment isn't feasible?" Panam shrugged. "Then it isn't." Nadia felt a small pang of disappointment. Panam noticed. "Hey." Nadia looked up. "You want a place of your own here. I get it." "Yes." "That doesn't mean it has to be this exact bit of floor." Nadia considered that. Panam continued. "Maybe the upstairs works. Maybe it doesn't. Maybe there's another way to do it." She looked around. "But don't let an apartment kill a perfectly good studio." Nadia was quiet for a long moment. Then smiled. "That's rather excellent advice." "Yeah?" "Yes." Panam grinned. "Should've charged you." Nadia leaned closer. "I believe I already owe you a kiss." Panam laughed. "Several, actually." Nadia considered. "Darling, you keep astonishingly careful accounts." "Only for important things." Nadia kissed her. Briefly. Warmly. Then returned to her sandwich. "Payment on account." Panam smiled. "Acceptable." --- The formal electrical estimate arrived the next morning. It was unpleasant. Not disastrous. But unpleasant. Nadia took it to the project's scheduled coordination meeting. Mai attended remotely. Brenda came in person, partly because of the revised equipment specifications and partly because she was curious about the replacement cabinet. Kiro joined with the updated network drawings. Reyes arrived carrying an annotated physical-security plan. The architect attended with the latest mezzanine documentation. Nadia chaired the meeting. Not Elisa. Not Mai. Not Panam. Nadia. It was her studio. She intended to treat it that way. "Right," she began. "Let's separate what the building needs from what we'd merely like it to have." Brenda grinned. "That sentence should be framed." Nadia smiled. "Darling, you're welcome to embroider it." Mai laughed quietly over the holo. Nadia turned to the electrical contractor's estimate. "The replacement cabinet is essential to the approved studio work. Correct?" The architect confirmed. "And the proposed new equipment arrangement is compatible with the final network and security routes?" Kiro nodded. "With two adjustments. I've marked them." Reyes leaned forward. "One of those changes affects the access-control supply. We can coordinate it now." "Good." Nadia made a note. "Then that work proceeds once the final variation is reviewed and approved." She moved to the mezzanine drawings. "And the apartment." The architect opened the photographs of the questionable connection. "The preliminary assessment has identified an undocumented modification. We need a structural survey before we can establish whether residential use is feasible." "Could we assess only the area being considered for residential conversion?" "Yes. That would limit the scope initially." Nadia looked at the figures. "What would the first-stage survey tell us?" "Whether the existing structure is suitable for further design, whether reinforcement is likely to be practicable, and whether there are any immediate reasons to stop pursuing the idea." Nadia nodded. "And it would not constitute permission to build an apartment." "Correct." "Nor approval to occupy it." "Correct." She smiled. "Then that's the assessment I want." Brenda looked pleased. Mai nodded over the holo. Reyes made a note. Kiro glanced toward Nadia. "And the network layout?" "Keep residential connections out of the studio network." Kiro smiled. "Good." "If the apartment is approved, we'll design its services separately." "Exactly." Nadia looked around. "Anything else?" Brenda raised a hand. Nadia sighed. "Darling." "What?" "That expression worries me." Brenda grinned. "Just one thing." "Go on." "Have you considered putting a workshop up there instead?" Nadia stared. Mai closed her eyes. Reyes looked down at her notes. Kiro started laughing. Brenda spread her hands. "I'm asking a legitimate question!" Nadia pointed toward the enormous workshop surrounding them. "Brenda. Look around." Brenda looked. Then grinned. "Okay, fair." --- After the meeting, Reyes remained behind to review one final access-control detail. Nadia joined her beside the entrance. Reyes indicated a section of the plan. "This door's going to become more important once the studio starts taking deliveries." "Yes." "We should keep the delivery protocol simple. No unnecessary credential sharing. Time-limited access for contractors. Visitors escorted into the working areas unless you authorize otherwise." Nadia nodded. "Agreed." "And if you do get residential approval upstairs, we'll treat that as a separate private zone." "Excellent." Reyes glanced at her. "You're getting the hang of this." Nadia laughed. "Of renovating an industrial building?" "Of keeping people from building the wrong thing because somebody got excited." Nadia smiled. "A remarkably common problem, apparently." Reyes's mouth twitched. "More common than you'd think." She gathered her notes. Then Nadia tilted her head. "Reyes?" "Yeah?" "May I ask something entirely unrelated to the building?" "Sure." Nadia smiled. "Are you always this reassuringly competent?" Reyes looked mildly suspicious. "Depends who's asking." "I am." "Then yes." Nadia laughed. "Wonderful." Reyes gave her a brief smile. Then returned to the practical matter of ensuring the studio's future visitors wouldn't accidentally acquire access to areas they had no business entering. Nadia appreciated that. There was a great deal to be said for people who could be charming without forgetting why they'd been hired. --- That afternoon, Nadia sent Vivienne the preliminary design-phase proposal. She read it three times before sending. Not because she was nervous about presenting her work. Because she wanted every promise in it to be honest. The proposal described the intended optical effect. It explained why the installation should remain visually discreet. It outlined the removable cassette concept, the necessary material testing, engineering review, mounting studies, conservation constraints, maintenance planning, and the circumstances under which the project might need to change direction. There was a defined design-phase fee. There were milestones. There were deliverables. And there was a clear distinction between being paid to establish a feasible design and being commissioned to fabricate a final installation. Nadia refused to blur that distinction. A beautiful idea did not become responsible engineering merely because somebody wealthy wanted it badly enough. She attached selected photographs from the latest optical tests. Then pressed send. For several seconds, she watched the confirmation on her screen. A remarkable amount of effort had gone into that one message. And yet it felt good. Not triumphant. Not finished. Simply good. She'd put her work forward on terms she could defend. --- Vivienne replied shortly after six. Nadia opened the message standing beside the studio windows. It was concise. Thoughtful. And encouraging. Vivienne appreciated the clarity of the phased approach. The sample photographs interested her greatly, especially the fourth variation. She wanted to discuss the proposed fee, the design-stage deliverables, and the maintenance implications before proceeding. She suggested a meeting the following week. Nadia read it twice. Then smiled. A meeting was not a signed agreement. But it was progress. Real progress. She called Shammy. Shammy answered immediately. "Hello, beautiful!" Nadia laughed. "Hello, darling." "How was the meeting?" "Productive." "Wonderful!" "And Vivienne has replied." Shammy went very still. "Oh!" "She wants to discuss the proposal next week." Shammy's hair began to rise. "OH!" Nadia laughed. "Darling!" "That's wonderful!" "It is." "Does she like the new sample?" "Very much." Shammy made a delighted sound. Nadia smiled at the screen. Then said gently: "But we still have a considerable amount of work to do." "I know." "And nothing has been signed." "I know!" Nadia laughed. "Good." Shammy leaned closer. "Can I come over?" Nadia blinked. "To the studio?" "Yes!" Nadia smiled. "Of course, sweetheart." "I'll bring the updated optical measurements." "That would be lovely." "And perhaps dinner?" Nadia laughed. "Darling, that would be even lovelier." --- By the time Shammy arrived, the construction crew had finished for the day. The studio was quiet. Temporary work lights illuminated the lower floor. The great windows above reflected the last light of evening. Shammy came through the entrance carrying a slim equipment case and a bag of food. Nadia met her halfway. They kissed. Then Shammy held up the bag. "Dinner!" Nadia smiled. "Oh, sweetheart. You're wonderful." "I know!" Nadia burst out laughing. They ate at the temporary table. For a while, they discussed Vivienne's project. The optical behavior of the fourth sample. The need for repeatable positioning. The difficulty of guaranteeing a subtle effect under changing natural light. The importance of designing for maintenance rather than imagining the installation would remain untouched forever. Then the conversation shifted. Nadia told Shammy about the mezzanine. Shammy listened carefully. When Nadia finished, Shammy looked toward the upper windows. "Oh." Nadia nodded. "Yes." "That's disappointing." "A little." Shammy considered. Then turned back. "But we're checking." "Yes." "And the studio itself is still going ahead." "Absolutely." Shammy smiled. "Then that's good." Nadia studied her. "You're not upset?" "Why would I be?" "About the apartment." Shammy looked genuinely surprised. "Darling, it's your studio." Nadia smiled. "Yes." "And if an apartment works, wonderful." "Yes." "And if it doesn't, we'll still have somewhere beautiful to make things together." Nadia felt a sudden, enormous rush of affection. "Oh, sweetheart." Shammy smiled. "What?" Nadia reached across the table. Took her hand. And kissed her knuckles. "That," she said softly, "was exactly what I needed to hear." --- They went upstairs after dinner. Only as far as the approved landing. The area beyond the temporary barrier remained off-limits. Nadia stood beside the railing. Shammy joined her. They looked out across the unfinished workshop. From here, the building seemed full of possibilities. But Nadia was beginning to understand the difference between possibility and entitlement. She could want a place without forcing it to become exactly what she'd imagined. She could build a home without making every room obey her first idea. She could love people without demanding they organize their entire lives around hers. Shammy slipped an arm around her. Nadia leaned closer. "Darling?" "Yes?" "Do you know what Panam said yesterday?" Shammy smiled. "What?" "She told me not to let an apartment kill a perfectly good studio." Shammy laughed. "Oh, Panam." "Rather sensible, wasn't it?" "Very." Nadia smiled. "I think she's good for me." Shammy turned toward her. Her expression softened. "I think so too." Nadia looked up. "And so are you." Shammy kissed her. Warmly. Without hurry. When they separated, Shammy rested her cheek against Nadia's hair. "I love you." Nadia closed her eyes. "I love you too." They stood together for a while. Then Nadia laughed softly. "What?" "Something rather ridiculous." Shammy brightened. "Oh?" Nadia smiled. "I was thinking that if the apartment does turn out to be possible, we shall need to furnish it." Shammy considered. "Yes!" "And I suspect you'll have opinions." "Of course!" "Strong opinions." "Probably." Nadia tilted her head. "About the bed, perhaps?" Shammy's hair rose instantly. Nadia burst out laughing. "Oh, darling!" Shammy looked delighted. "Well, obviously!" "Obviously?" "Yes!" Nadia laughed harder. Shammy looked toward the upper floor. Then smiled. "But we should check the structure first." Nadia stopped laughing. She stared at her. Then began laughing all over again. "Good heavens." Shammy blinked. "What?" "You've been spending far too much time with Mai." Shammy grinned. "She’s my partner! I’m allowed to pick up a few of her habits!" "Yes, darling. And apparently her influence is becoming positively contagious." --- At the safehouse, Mai received Nadia's updated project summary later that evening. She reviewed the electrical variation. The mezzanine survey authorization. The current renovation budget. Then the notes from the latest optical tests. Ace approached from behind. "More studio stuff?" Mai nodded. "Yes." "Good stuff?" "Mostly." Ace leaned over her shoulder. "What's that?" "An electrical cabinet replacement." Ace looked at the figure. Then whistled. "Fuck." Mai smiled faintly. "Quite." Ace read further. "Apartment still possible?" "Unknown." "Shame." "Perhaps." Ace studied the drawing. Then grinned. "You know what I think?" Mai looked up. "I'm almost afraid to ask." "I think Nadia's going to make that place work." Mai smiled. "So do I." "And I think Shammy's going to be insufferably happy about it." "She already is." Ace laughed. Then leaned down and kissed her. Mai caught her by the collar before she could move away. And kissed her again. Ace smiled against her mouth. "Hi." Mai laughed softly. "Hello, my wife." Ace rested her forehead against hers. For a moment, they remained close. Then Mai glanced toward the workshop. "Brenda's working late." Ace nodded. "Yeah." "Again." "Yeah." Mai considered. "Should we tell Iris?" Ace grinned. "Oh, she knows." --- Iris did know. She found Brenda standing over a set of sketches in her workshop. The desk was covered with small components and measurement notes. Brenda had been investigating a mounting mechanism for the optical cassettes. Not the final design. Just a prototype that might let Nadia adjust and remove the elements without disturbing the support structure. Iris stood in the doorway. "Babe?" Brenda looked up. "Hey!" "Do you know what time it is?" Brenda glanced toward the clock. Then winced. "Oh." Iris smiled. "Yes." "Got distracted." "I noticed." Brenda put down her pencil. Iris approached. Looked at the sketches. Then at her wife. "Is this the part where you tell me you only need another five minutes?" Brenda grinned. "Was considering it." Iris took her hand. "Don't." Brenda smiled. "Okay." She switched off the work light. Then followed Iris into the hallway. At the door, she paused. "Wait." Iris turned. "What?" Brenda reached back, picked up the small prototype from the desk, and slipped it into her pocket. Iris stared. "Brenda." "What?" "No." "It's tiny!" Iris held out her hand. Brenda looked at her. Then sighed. And surrendered the component. Iris placed it back on the desk. Then took Brenda's hand again. "Come along, gorgeous." Brenda laughed. "You're ruthless." Iris kissed her. "Only when necessary." This time, Brenda followed willingly. --- Nadia was still at the studio when Panam called. "Hey, gorgeous." Nadia smiled. "Hello, darling." "How'd it go?" "Which part?" Panam laughed. "That bad?" "Actually, rather well." She told Panam about the meeting. The electrical replacement. The limited mezzanine survey. Vivienne's reply. Panam listened. Then smiled. "Sounds like you got shit done." Nadia laughed. "An elegant summary." "Accurate, though." "Very." Panam leaned back. "So. Feeling better?" Nadia looked around the studio. The unfinished walls. The temporary lights. The equipment still waiting to be installed. "Yes," she said. And realized she meant it. Panam smiled. "Good." Nadia considered. "Are we still having dinner this week?" Panam's grin appeared immediately. "Absolutely." "Just the two of us?" "Unless you've invited somebody." Nadia laughed. "Certainly not." "Then yeah." Nadia smiled. "Wonderful." Panam studied her. Then said: "And Nadia?" "Yes?" "Don't spend the whole date talking about construction budgets." Nadia looked scandalized. "Darling!" "What?" "I am perfectly capable of discussing other things." Panam raised an eyebrow. "Yeah?" Nadia leaned closer to the holo. "Quite a number of other things, actually." Panam laughed. "Looking forward to hearing them." "Oh, sweetheart." Nadia smiled. "You might find that talking isn't always my first priority." Panam's expression changed. Slowly. Delightedly. "Yeah?" Nadia smiled back. "Yes." A moment passed. Then Panam shook her head and laughed. "Fuck, I like you." Nadia's expression softened. "I rather like you too." --- After the call, Nadia remained at the temporary table for a while. Her notebook lay open before her. On one page were the studio's outstanding construction items. On another, the next steps for Vivienne's design proposal. On a third, the architect's residential feasibility questions. And tucked between them was a small collection of personal notes. Places she wanted to explore in Night City. People she wanted to invite to the studio once it was ready. Ideas for an exhibition. A reminder to call her colleagues at the original studio. And one line, written almost casually: _Dinner with Panam._ She looked at it. Smiled. Then added a small heart beside the words. For a moment, she felt rather foolish. Then decided she didn't care. The new life she was building had room for serious work. For complicated contracts. For inconvenient buildings and unexpected bills. For affection. For laughter. For desire. For the people whose presence made an unfamiliar city feel less unfamiliar every day. She closed the notebook. Turned off the temporary work light. And stepped outside. Night City met her with traffic noise, neon reflections, distant voices, and the endless restless movement of a place that rarely slept. Nadia looked back through the glass. The studio wasn't finished. The apartment might never happen. Vivienne might still decide against commissioning the installation. There would be other difficulties. Other decisions. Other days when the building seemed determined to eat money. But Nadia had made progress. Real progress. And that mattered. She smiled. Then headed toward her vehicle. Because tomorrow there would be more work. And sometime very soon, there would be dinner with Panam. For once, Nadia was equally excited about both. --- The following morning, the architect sent a short message. The structural survey had been scheduled. Nadia read it. Then wrote the date into her calendar. One more uncertainty on its way toward an answer. One more step. Not toward somebody else's idea of a perfect life. Toward her own. --- ## Chapter 23 — The Things We Choose The first mistake Panam made was asking Shammy for advice. Not because Shammy gave bad advice. Quite the opposite. Shammy gave excellent advice. A remarkable amount of it. At considerable volume. And, eventually, with diagrams. “Darling, you could wear the black jacket!” Panam stood in her apartment, staring at the contents of her wardrobe. “Which black jacket?” “The nice one!” “They’re all nice.” “The one with the fitted shoulders!” Panam glanced down at her holo. Shammy’s delighted face filled the screen. “Sweetheart, I’ve got three jackets with fitted shoulders.” “Oh!” A pause. “Show me?” Panam closed her eyes. “Why did I call you?” Shammy beamed. “Because you love me!” “Unfortunately.” “I love you too!” Panam laughed despite herself. Then she pulled the first jacket from its hanger. Shammy considered. “Hmm.” Panam narrowed her eyes. “What?” “That’s your serious jacket.” “It’s a fucking jacket.” “Yes! But it says you’re about to negotiate something.” Panam looked at it. Then put it back. “Fair.” The second jacket received a more enthusiastic response. The third caused Shammy’s hair to rise so high that Panam nearly dropped the holo laughing. “Okay. That one.” “Yes!” “Are you sure?” “Absolutely!” Panam held up the charcoal jacket. It was well fitted, comfortable, and just worn enough to feel like hers. Nothing elaborate. Nothing she would spend the evening worrying about. “Good.” Shammy smiled. Then her expression softened. “Panam?” “Yeah?” “Are you nervous?” Panam opened her mouth. Closed it. Considered lying. Then shrugged. “A little.” Shammy’s smile became impossibly tender. “Oh, sweetheart.” “Don’t.” “What?” “Don’t make it sound adorable.” “But it is adorable!” “Goddammit.” Shammy laughed. Panam sat on the edge of her bed. “Look, I know Nadia likes me.” “Yes.” “And I like her.” “Yes!” Panam watched the silver halo forming around Shammy’s head. “A lot.” Shammy clasped her hands together. “Oh!” “Christ, sweetheart.” “I’m listening!” “No, you’re celebrating.” “Can’t I do both?” Panam laughed. Then rubbed a hand over her face. “It’s just different.” Shammy quieted immediately. “How?” Panam considered. “We’ve spent all this time together. At the studio, at the safehouse, doing things. Talking. Helping with whatever problem somebody’s having.” “Yes.” “And now I’m picking her up for dinner.” Shammy nodded. “Just the two of you.” “Yeah.” Panam smiled faintly. “That’s the part.” Shammy looked at her with gentle understanding. For a moment, neither spoke. Then Shammy said, “You know you don’t have to impress her.” Panam gave her a look. “Sweetheart, she builds art installations for people with houses bigger than some Aldecaldo compounds.” “Yes.” “And I’ve spent most of today arguing with a fuel pump.” “Yes!” Panam raised an eyebrow. Shammy smiled. “And she likes you.” Panam looked down at the jacket. Then laughed softly. “Yeah.” Shammy leaned closer to the screen. “Be yourself, beautiful.” Panam grinned. “Terrible advice. I’m difficult.” “I know!” “Stubborn.” “I know!” “Sometimes an asshole.” Shammy considered. “Occasionally.” Panam burst out laughing. “Thanks.” “You’re welcome!” They exchanged an affectionate smile. --- Across Night City, Nadia was discovering that a wardrobe could become an unexpectedly hostile environment. She had selected a dress. Rejected it. Selected another. Rejected that too. And was now standing before the mirror in a dark green dress she had owned for years, trying to remember why dinner with someone she genuinely liked required more consideration than an exhibition opening. Her holo chimed. **MAI.** Nadia answered. “Hello, darling.” Mai appeared on the screen. “Hello. I wanted to confirm tomorrow morning’s contractor meeting. Nine thirty still works?” “Absolutely.” “Good.” Mai paused. Her eyes moved over Nadia’s outfit. Then back to her face. “Nadia?” “Yes?” “Are you going somewhere?” “Dinner.” “Ah.” A small smile appeared. “Oh.” Nadia closed her eyes. “Really, darling. Must everybody do that?” Mai looked innocent. “Do what?” “Say _oh_ in that particular tone.” “I have no idea what you mean.” “Of course you don’t.” Mai laughed softly. Then studied Nadia again. “You look beautiful.” Nadia glanced down. “Do you think so?” “Yes.” “It’s rather simple.” “Good.” Nadia looked up. “Good?” “Panam asked _you_ to dinner. Not some version of you that needs inventing for the occasion.” Nadia grew quiet. Then smiled. “Oh.” Mai’s eyes sparkled. “There. Now you’re doing it.” Nadia laughed. “Apparently.” Mai leaned back. “Are you excited?” “Very.” “Nervous?” Nadia considered lying. Then laughed. “Ridiculously.” Mai smiled. “That sounds promising.” Nadia stepped closer to the mirror. “Darling, I negotiate with collectors who expect me to justify six-figure artistic decisions over lunch. I’ve presented installations to rooms full of people who would cheerfully dismantle every argument I made.” “And?” “And somehow I’m worried that the woman who kissed me twice beside a studio window won’t like my dress.” Mai’s expression softened. “Oh, Nadia.” “Pathetic, isn’t it?” “Not remotely.” Nadia looked at her. Mai continued. “It matters to you.” Nadia considered that. Then nodded. “Yes.” “Then let it matter.” A comfortable silence settled. Nadia smiled. “Thank you, darling.” “You’re welcome.” “And I’ll see you tomorrow at nine thirty.” “Unless your date goes spectacularly well and you decide to abandon the construction industry.” Nadia burst out laughing. “Mai!” Mai’s smile became positively wicked. “Just checking.” --- Panam’s holo rang while she was fastening her jacket. **BIRGITTA.** She smiled immediately. “Hey, beautiful.” Birgitta appeared on the screen, copper-grey hair framing her face, pale brown eyes bright with amusement. “Hello, Owner.” Panam laughed. “Not working tonight, sweetheart.” “I noticed.” “How?” “Your hair.” Panam frowned. “My hair?” “Yes. You’ve actually done something with it.” Panam stared. Birgitta burst out laughing. “Oh, that expression!” “Very funny.” “Extremely.” Panam shook her head. “You’re a menace.” “Your menace, apparently.” Panam’s expression softened. “Yeah.” Birgitta looked at her for another moment. Then smiled. “You look beautiful.” “Thanks.” “Going somewhere?” “Dinner.” “Lovely.” Panam hesitated. Not because there was anything to hide. Because there was something strangely intimate about telling someone she cared for that another person was beginning to matter to her too. “With Nadia.” Birgitta’s smile widened. “Oh?” “Don’t start.” “I haven’t said anything!” “That tone says plenty.” Birgitta leaned closer. “Is this a date?” Panam smiled. “Yeah.” For a moment, Birgitta simply looked at her. Then her expression became wonderfully warm. “Oh, Panam.” “What?” “That’s lovely.” Panam laughed quietly. “Yeah. Think so too.” “Have a wonderful evening.” “Thanks, sweetheart.” Birgitta studied her. Then added, with devastating sweetness, “And try not to spend the entire dinner talking about engines.” Panam closed her eyes. “Jesus Christ.” Birgitta laughed. “Goodnight, beautiful.” “Goodnight, trouble.” They exchanged affectionate farewells. When the call ended, Panam stood for a moment with the holo in her hand. She was smiling. Birgitta had become an extraordinarily important part of her life. That didn’t become less true because tonight mattered too. Panam slipped the holo into her jacket pocket. Checked the time. And went to collect Nadia. --- Nadia was waiting beneath the restaurant’s awning when Panam arrived. The evening had turned cool, and the pavement still carried the dark shine of an earlier shower. Nadia stood beside the entrance in her green dress and tailored coat, reading something on her holo. Panam approached. “Hey, gorgeous.” Nadia looked up. Her smile appeared immediately. “Oh, darling.” Panam stopped in front of her. For a moment, both women simply looked. Nadia’s gaze traveled over the jacket. Panam noticed. “Well?” Nadia laughed softly. “You look gorgeous.” Panam smiled. “So do you.” “Thank you.” “Ready?” Nadia stepped closer. “Almost.” Panam raised an eyebrow. “Oh?” Nadia placed a hand lightly against her jacket. Then kissed her. Warmly. Without hesitation. When they separated, Panam smiled. “Now?” Nadia nodded. “Now.” --- The restaurant was small. Comfortable. Quiet enough that people could talk without shouting, but lively enough that silence never became conspicuous. Panam had chosen it because the food was good and nobody treated dinner as an opportunity to demonstrate their financial importance. Nadia approved immediately. A staff member showed them to a table near the window. Panam pulled out Nadia’s chair. Nadia gave her an amused look. “Why, darling.” “What?” “How gallant.” Panam grinned. “Don’t get used to it.” “Oh, I fully intend to.” They laughed. The menu arrived. Nadia studied it with interest. Panam watched her. “You okay?” Nadia looked up. “Perfectly.” “You’ve got that look.” “What look?” “Like you’re about to make a very important decision.” “I am.” Panam glanced at the menu. “About dinner?” “Darling, some decisions deserve proper attention.” Panam burst out laughing. By the time they ordered, whatever nervousness had accompanied them through the door was beginning to dissolve. Then their drinks arrived. And, for a moment, they looked at each other across the table. No construction plans. No urgent messages from colleagues. No Shammy enthusiastically explaining why some optical material was behaving unexpectedly. Just the two of them. Panam smiled. “So.” Nadia smiled back. “So.” A pause. Then Nadia began laughing. Panam raised an eyebrow. “What?” “Oh, darling. We’re being ridiculous.” “How?” “We’ve already kissed each other quite enthusiastically, and now we’re sitting here as though we need to establish whether we like each other.” Panam stared. Then burst out laughing. “Fuck. You’re right.” Nadia reached across the table. Panam took her hand. And that, somehow, settled everything. --- They talked about the Badlands first. Not the dramatic parts. Nadia had heard enough to know that Panam’s life occasionally involved risks she preferred not to contemplate over appetizers. Tonight she wanted to know about the ordinary things. What the camp felt like early in the morning. Whether the silence outside the city was really as complete as people claimed. What Panam missed when she spent several days in Night City. Panam considered that last question. “The people, mostly.” Nadia nodded. “Of course.” “And sometimes the space.” “The space?” Panam smiled. “Yeah. In the city, there’s always something in your face. Buildings. Traffic. Somebody trying to sell you something. Somebody trying to tell you what you should do.” Nadia laughed. “A familiar experience.” “Out there, sometimes you can just look around and see where the world goes.” Nadia watched her. Panam continued. “But then you spend too long out there, and you start missing the city.” “Really?” “Sure.” “Why?” Panam shrugged. “People.” Nadia smiled. “A recurring theme.” “Apparently.” Panam took a sip of her drink. “Maybe I just like having more than one place I can go.” Nadia looked at her for a moment. Then said softly, “I think I understand that very well.” --- When Panam asked about Nadia’s original studio, Nadia surprised herself by talking about its earliest years. Not the successful exhibitions. Not the commissions that had established her reputation. The difficult ones. The work that had nearly failed. The pieces that had failed completely. The first major client who had wanted to turn a carefully conceived installation into an expensive spectacle. “And you refused?” Panam asked. “Eventually.” “Eventually?” Nadia smiled ruefully. “Darling, I tried to persuade them first.” “Didn’t work?” “Not remotely.” “What happened?” “I returned the advance and withdrew.” Panam stared. “Seriously?” “Yes.” “How much?” Nadia told her. Panam whistled. “Fuck.” “Quite.” “Regret it?” Nadia considered. “No.” “Not even a little?” “I regretted the financial consequences.” Panam nodded. “Fair.” “But not the decision.” “Good.” Nadia looked at her. “Why?” “Because you knew what mattered to you.” Nadia sat quietly for a moment. Then smiled. “Yes. I suppose I did.” Panam shrugged. “Sometimes the right decision is expensive.” Nadia laughed softly. “Darling, that might be the most useful sentence anyone has said to me all week.” “Really?” “Absolutely.” “Should charge you.” Nadia’s smile turned wicked. “Oh, sweetheart. Are we discussing your professional rates now?” Panam nearly choked on her drink. Nadia laughed. “Behave, darling.” Panam stared at her. “Me?” “Yes.” “You started it!” “Did I?” Nadia took a perfectly innocent sip. Panam began laughing again. --- Their food arrived. Dinner became a long, delightful argument about things that mattered very little. Whether a sandwich counted as a complete meal. Whether properly prepared vegetables improved most dishes. Whether Panam’s preferred roadside food qualified as food at all. Panam accused Nadia of being a snob. Nadia accused Panam of having a scandalously low opinion of bread. They reached no agreement. Both considered the discussion a success. At one point, Nadia laughed so hard she had to put down her fork. Panam watched her. And something in her expression changed. Nadia noticed. “What?” Panam smiled. “Nothing.” “Panam.” “What?” “You’re staring.” “Yeah.” Nadia tilted her head. “Why?” Panam considered. Then shrugged. “Because I like looking at you.” Nadia went very still. Just for a moment. Then her smile softened. “Oh.” Panam grinned. “There it is.” “What?” “That little _oh_.” Nadia laughed. Panam reached for her hand again. Nadia took it. Neither let go for quite a while. --- Dessert arrived later than either had intended. Not because the service was slow. Because they had forgotten to order it. Panam glanced at the time and shook her head. “Shit.” Nadia raised an eyebrow. “What?” “We’ve been here ages.” Nadia checked. Then laughed. “Oh, goodness.” “Got somewhere you need to be?” Nadia looked at her. “No.” Panam smiled. “Good.” Nadia leaned back in her chair. “Actually, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.” “Go ahead.” “Why did you ask me to dinner?” Panam stared at her. Then laughed. “Seriously?” “Yes.” “Because I wanted to.” Nadia smiled. “A beautifully straightforward answer.” “Want a more complicated one?” “Perhaps.” Panam considered. Then set down her spoon. “Because I like being around you.” Nadia listened. “Because when we’re working on something, I keep finding reasons to stay another twenty minutes.” Nadia’s smile grew. “And because sometimes you look at me like you’re about to say something completely outrageous.” Nadia laughed softly. “Am I?” “Usually.” “Good heavens.” Panam grinned. “And I wanted an evening where we didn’t have to pretend we were discussing truck access or electrical work.” Nadia looked at her for a long moment. Then said quietly, “I’m very glad you asked.” Panam smiled. “Me too.” --- After dinner, they walked. The air was cool. Neon reflected in the wet pavement. Somewhere farther down the street, music escaped through an open doorway. Nadia slipped her hand into Panam’s. Panam squeezed it. They walked without any particular destination. For a while, they spoke about the studio. Only a little. Panam asked whether the mezzanine survey was still scheduled for the following morning. Nadia confirmed that it was. Then Panam grinned. “Okay. That’s our one construction question.” Nadia laughed. “One?” “Yep.” “Darling, that seems terribly restrictive.” “Date rule.” “Is that so?” “Absolutely.” Nadia considered. “Then I suppose I must find other things to talk about.” Panam looked at her. “Think you can manage?” Nadia stopped walking. Turned toward her. And smiled. “Oh, sweetheart.” Panam raised an eyebrow. Nadia stepped closer. “I can think of at least one activity that requires very little conversation.” Panam laughed softly. “Yeah?” “Quite.” Nadia slipped her arms around her shoulders. Panam drew her closer. Their kiss was slow. Warm. Entirely unhurried. When they separated, Nadia rested her forehead against Panam’s. For a moment, neither moved. Then Panam whispered, “Still good?” Nadia smiled. “Very.” Panam kissed her again. This time Nadia laughed softly against her mouth before returning it. When they finally stepped apart, Panam was smiling like a woman who had forgotten every minor irritation of the day. Nadia looked no less delighted. --- They found a quieter stretch of pavement beside a small courtyard. A narrow wall offered somewhere to sit. Panam removed her jacket and folded it beneath them before Nadia could protest. Nadia looked at her. “Darling, you’ll get cold.” Panam shrugged. “I’ll survive.” “Such heroism.” “I know.” Nadia laughed. They sat close together. For a while, neither spoke. Then Panam said, “Can I ask you something?” “Of course.” “You’ve got your old studio. People you’ve known for years. Work outside Night City.” “Yes.” “And now you’re building this whole new thing in Watson.” Nadia nodded. Panam looked at her. “Why Night City?” Nadia considered. “Initially? Elisa.” Panam laughed. “Yeah. Figured.” “She saw possibilities in my work and offered me a chance to expand without abandoning what I’d already built.” “Sure.” “But that isn’t the whole answer anymore.” Panam waited. Nadia watched a vehicle turn at the far end of the street. Then looked back at her. “I think I’ve fallen in love with the possibility of belonging somewhere unexpected.” Panam’s expression softened. Nadia continued. “I already belonged in other places. I still do. But Night City has somehow become a place where people are making room for me.” She smiled. “And where I find myself wanting to make room for them.” Panam was quiet. Then nodded. “Yeah.” Nadia tilted her head. “What?” “Know what you mean.” “Do you?” “More than you think.” Nadia rested her head against Panam’s shoulder. Panam slipped an arm around her. And they sat together while the city moved around them. Nothing about the moment demanded a decision. They didn’t need to define their entire future. They didn’t need to work out where everyone would sleep or how often they would see one another or what shape their lives might eventually take. For tonight, they had chosen to be here. Together. That was enough. --- When they returned to Nadia’s vehicle, neither seemed eager to say goodbye. Nadia leaned against the door. “Well.” Panam grinned. “Yeah.” Nadia laughed softly. “We’re doing it again.” “Apparently.” “Running out of things to say.” Panam stepped closer. “Got an idea.” “Oh?” “Dinner again.” Nadia smiled. “Absolutely.” “Different place.” “Perhaps.” “Same company.” Nadia’s expression warmed. “Definitely.” Panam kissed her. Nadia returned it with considerable enthusiasm. When they separated, she sighed contentedly. “Darling.” “Yeah?” “I think this has been an extremely successful first date.” Panam grinned. “Agreed.” Nadia opened her car door. Then paused. “Panam?” “Yeah?” “Thank you for asking me.” Panam looked at her. Then smiled. “Thanks for saying yes.” --- Panam arrived home a little later. She hung up her jacket. Kicked off her boots. And dropped onto the sofa. Her holo chimed. **NADIA:** Home safely, darling. Panam smiled. **PANAM:** Good. **NADIA:** And you? **PANAM:** Just got in. **NADIA:** Wonderful. A pause. Then: **NADIA:** I haven’t stopped smiling. Panam looked at the message for a long moment. Then typed: **PANAM:** Me neither. She set the holo down. Looked toward the ceiling. And laughed softly to herself. --- At the safehouse, Shammy was lying between Ace and Mai. Ace had one arm around her. Mai was reading beside them. Shammy’s holo chimed. She glanced at the screen. Smiled. Then very carefully set it facedown. Ace looked up. “Oh, that’s interesting.” Shammy blinked. “What?” “You just read something and didn’t tell us.” Mai lowered her book. Shammy looked between them. Then smiled. “Did I?” Ace narrowed her violet eyes. “Suspicious.” Shammy’s hair rose slightly. Mai laughed. “Darling, leave her alone.” Ace grinned. “I haven’t done anything!” “Yet.” Shammy leaned down and kissed Ace. Then turned and kissed Mai. Ace promptly abandoned her investigation. Mai set her book aside. For a while, the three of them were quite content to do nothing more complicated than hold each other. Eventually, Ace rested her head against Shammy’s shoulder. “Happy?” Shammy smiled. “Very.” Mai kissed her cheek. “Good.” Ace considered. Then grinned. “Whatever it is, I hope it’s worth the secrecy.” Shammy laughed. “Oh, darling.” “What?” “It isn’t a secret.” Ace raised an eyebrow. “No?” Shammy smiled. “It’s just not my story to tell.” Mai’s expression softened. Ace watched her for a moment. Then smiled too. “Fair enough.” And, astonishingly, left it there. --- The following morning, Nadia arrived at the studio before nine. She was carrying coffee. Proper coffee. She had also eaten breakfast. Panam would have approved. The structural engineer and architect were due at nine thirty. Mai was joining the contractor coordination remotely afterward. Brenda had asked whether she could observe the survey. Nadia had agreed, with one condition: Brenda was not to turn the inspection into an opportunity to redesign the mezzanine on the spot. Brenda had sounded deeply offended by the suggestion. Nadia trusted her completely. Within reason. At nine twenty-seven, Brenda arrived. “Morning!” “Hello, darling.” Brenda looked around the building. “Where’s the engineer?” “Three minutes away, according to the schedule.” Brenda grinned. “Can’t wait.” Nadia gave her a look. “Brenda.” “What?” “You remember our agreement.” “Of course.” “No spontaneous redesigns.” “Absolutely.” “No volunteering to weld anything.” Brenda looked wounded. “Nadia.” “Darling.” “I’m a professional.” “I know.” A pause. Brenda smiled. “Doesn’t mean I can’t be interested.” Nadia laughed. --- The inspection began on time. A small section of nonstructural covering was removed to expose the undocumented connection properly. The engineer checked the steelwork. Took photographs. Recorded measurements. Compared the exposed connection with the available drawings. Then moved to the adjacent support. Nadia watched. Brenda stood beside her, hands firmly in her pockets. After twenty minutes, the architect approached. “We’ve found something useful.” Nadia smiled. “I would dearly love for it to be good news.” “It isn’t bad news.” “I’ll accept that as a beginning.” The architect showed her the photographs. “The modification appears to have been made when additional equipment was installed on the mezzanine some years after the original construction.” Brenda leaned closer. “That would explain the added stiffener.” The engineer nodded. “Possibly. We need to verify the load path rather than assume the original drawings remain applicable.” Nadia looked toward the upper level. “Any evidence of immediate structural distress?” “Nothing apparent in the visible members we’ve inspected, but that isn’t the same as a complete assessment.” “Understood.” The engineer indicated the connection. “We’ll model the verified arrangement and evaluate the proposed loads. That will tell us what reinforcement might be needed.” “And whether residential use remains feasible?” “Structurally, yes. Other approvals are separate.” Nadia nodded. “So no promises yet.” “Correct.” She smiled. “I’m becoming remarkably familiar with that phrase.” Brenda laughed. --- The contractor meeting began shortly afterward. Nadia chaired it. Mai joined remotely. Kiro participated in the network-services discussion. Reyes reviewed the planned access-control routes. The electrical contractor presented the replacement cabinet’s inspection status. The loading-bay work remained on schedule. The ventilation design had one remaining coordination question concerning the proposed clean assembly area. Nothing was catastrophic. Nothing was magically finished. It was an ordinary construction meeting. Which Nadia was beginning to appreciate as a considerable achievement. At one point, Kiro identified a cable route that would interfere with a proposed ventilation service opening. The contractor suggested moving the network conduit. Kiro shook her head. “That would bring it through the wrong access zone.” Reyes leaned forward. “And it would put maintenance personnel inside the controlled storage area.” Nadia looked between them. “Alternative?” Kiro opened a revised route. Reyes studied it. Then nodded. “That works.” The contractor checked the drawing. “So we adjust the ventilation opening by this distance?” The architect confirmed that the change was possible, subject to the final services review. Nadia made the decision to proceed with that coordination. No drama. No argument about whose department mattered most. Just competent people solving the problem they had been hired to solve. She found it deeply satisfying. --- At the end of the meeting, the architect remained behind. “There’s something you should consider regarding the apartment.” Nadia looked up. “Go on.” “Even if the structure can be reinforced, residential use will require a separate design and approval process. We shouldn’t incorporate residential assumptions into the ongoing studio work until the feasibility assessment is complete.” Nadia nodded. “Agreed.” “And the proposed reinforcement could be expensive.” “I suspected as much.” The architect smiled faintly. “We’ll provide the structural options and a preliminary cost comparison.” “Good.” Nadia looked toward the upper windows. “I still love the idea.” “Of course.” “But I’m not going to compromise the studio to get it.” “Then we’re approaching it correctly.” Nadia smiled. “I’m glad one of us thinks so.” --- At two that afternoon, Nadia and Shammy arrived at Vivienne’s coastal house. The sky was overcast. Fine rain moved across the windows. The atrium stood in beautiful grey light, its stone surfaces seeming almost luminous. Vivienne received them in the library. She had read the proposal. Carefully. And she had questions. “First,” she said, “if the structural assessment rejects your proposed mounting arrangement, what exactly have I paid for?” Nadia answered without hesitation. “A properly documented investigation. Material studies, conservation input, evaluated alternatives, and a design-stage conclusion. If the installation isn’t responsibly feasible, you’ll receive that conclusion with the evidence supporting it.” Vivienne considered. “So I may pay you to tell me not to commission the artwork.” “Yes.” Shammy remained quiet. Nadia continued. “I would rather deliver an answer you can trust than accept a fabrication commission based on assumptions we haven’t tested.” Vivienne studied her. Then smiled faintly. “Good.” She turned a page. “Second. If the conservation specialist and structural engineer disagree, whose judgment takes precedence?” “The disagreement must be resolved before approval. Neither discipline automatically overrides the other. We would revise the proposal, find an acceptable alternative, or stop.” “Even if I insisted?” Nadia met her gaze. “Even then.” Vivienne looked toward the atrium. For a moment, she said nothing. Then nodded. “And third.” She touched one of the sample photographs. “This is beautiful. But I cannot tell from a photograph whether it will remain beautiful in this room.” Nadia smiled. “Neither can I.” Vivienne looked back at her. “That is an unusual sales technique.” “It is.” Shammy’s mouth twitched. Nadia opened the equipment case. “Which is why I’d like to show you the latest prototype.” --- Nothing was mounted to the historic surfaces. Instead, they used a small freestanding assembly positioned safely away from the delicate stone and normal access routes. Shammy adjusted the sample. Nadia checked the illumination. Vivienne watched. Under the grey afternoon sky, the fourth optical variation initially did almost nothing. Nadia moved slightly to the left. A delicate band of reflected light appeared across the sample. Not bright. Not theatrical. More like daylight briefly discovering another direction. Vivienne stepped closer. The effect disappeared. She stopped. Moved back. It returned. “Oh.” Nadia smiled. “Yes.” Vivienne studied it. Then looked toward the atrium walls. “Would it behave like that here?” “That depends on the final geometry, surface treatment, and natural lighting conditions. We know the material can produce the effect. We haven’t established whether it can do so reliably in the proposed installation location.” Vivienne considered. “And that is what the design phase would establish.” “Exactly.” Shammy adjusted the sample by a fraction. The reflected band shifted. Vivienne watched. Then said something Nadia hadn’t expected. “I like that it refuses to perform on command.” Nadia turned toward her. Vivienne smiled. “Most expensive things are designed to impress immediately.” She looked at the sample. “This seems more interested in being discovered.” Nadia felt a quiet thrill. _There._ That was what she had been trying to explain for weeks. Not an effect demanding attention. An experience waiting for someone to notice. “Yes,” Nadia said softly. “That’s exactly what I want.” --- Back in the library, the conversation became precise. Fees. Payment milestones. Insurance responsibilities. Ownership of the studies. Rights to the final artistic concept. Access to the property. Documentation. Conservation requirements. Approval stages. Conditions for stopping the work. Vivienne questioned two clauses. Nadia agreed to clarify one and defended the other. They discussed an independent engineering review before any structural intervention. The conservation specialist’s approval remained mandatory for work affecting the historic surfaces. Nothing would be fabricated for permanent installation before a separate contract. By the end of the meeting, they had an agreed list of revisions. Vivienne closed the document. “Have your lawyer incorporate those changes.” “I will.” “Then send it back.” “Of course.” Vivienne looked at her. “And Nadia?” “Yes?” “I want to proceed.” Nadia went still for half a second. Not long enough to look surprised. But long enough for Shammy to notice. Vivienne continued. “With the paid design phase. Subject to the final contract wording, naturally.” Nadia smiled. “I’m delighted.” Vivienne glanced toward the atrium. “So am I.” --- They did not celebrate in the car. Not immediately. Nadia checked that the equipment case was secured. Shammy settled into the passenger seat. Nadia started the engine. They drove away from the coastal house. For nearly a minute, neither spoke. Then Shammy looked at her. “Nadia?” “Yes?” “She said yes.” Nadia smiled. “She did.” “To the design phase.” “Yes.” “A real paid project.” “Pending signature.” “Still!” Nadia laughed. Shammy threw both hands into the air. “OH, THAT WAS WONDERFUL!” Nadia began laughing so hard that she had to pull into a safe stopping area. Shammy’s hair rose into a magnificent silver halo. They looked at each other. And started laughing again. Nadia reached across the console and took her hand. “Oh, darling.” Shammy squeezed it. “You did it!” “We did it.” Shammy smiled. Nadia’s expression softened. “We still have a great deal to do.” “I know.” “And the installation may prove impossible.” “I know!” “But this is real progress.” Shammy nodded enthusiastically. “Yes!” Nadia leaned closer and kissed her. “Thank you.” Shammy looked puzzled. “For what?” “For helping me make something I couldn’t have made alone.” Shammy smiled. “Always, beautiful.” --- That evening, Nadia called Panam. Panam answered from the Badlands. “Hey, gorgeous.” Nadia smiled. “Hello, darling.” “How was your day?” “Quite extraordinary.” “Good extraordinary?” “Mostly.” Panam laughed. “Sounds complicated.” “Darling, everything involving an industrial building is complicated.” “Fair.” Nadia told her about the mezzanine inspection. The contractor meeting. The conversation with Vivienne. Panam listened. Then grinned. “So your client wants to pay you to figure out if the thing can be built.” Nadia smiled. “A gloriously concise summary.” “And she’s happy with that.” “Yes.” “Good.” Nadia looked at her. “Good?” “Yeah. Means she understands you’re doing real work even if the answer turns out to be no.” Nadia was quiet for a moment. Then smiled. “Yes.” Panam leaned back. “Sounds like a pretty good day.” “It was.” A pause. Then Nadia added, “And yesterday was rather wonderful too.” Panam’s smile changed. “Yeah.” Nadia leaned closer to the holo. “I keep thinking about it.” “Dinner?” “That.” Panam raised an eyebrow. “And?” Nadia smiled. “The company.” “Uh-huh.” “The conversation.” “Sure.” “And certain moments during our walk.” Panam laughed. “Thought so.” Nadia’s expression softened. “I had a lovely time.” “Me too.” “Perhaps we might do it again?” Panam grinned. “Was counting on it.” “Good.” Nadia tilted her head. “And next time, I choose the restaurant.” Panam narrowed her eyes. “Should I be worried?” Nadia smiled sweetly. “Almost certainly.” --- Two days later, Nadia received two messages within twenty minutes. The first came from Vivienne’s legal representative. The revised design-phase agreement had been accepted. The fee schedule was approved. The contract was ready for electronic signature. Nadia reviewed the final text with her counsel. Then signed. Vivienne signed shortly afterward. The first payment milestone was activated. For the first time, the coastal installation was no longer merely an intriguing possibility. Nadia had a contracted, paid design assignment. The final artwork was still uncertain. Its engineering and conservation constraints remained unresolved. But the design work had officially begun. Nadia sat at her temporary desk for a long moment, looking at the signed agreement. She had earned this. Not because Elisa had provided a building. Not because Shammy had introduced her to extraordinary people. Not because Panam made her feel loved. Those things mattered. Deeply. But this contract existed because Nadia had listened to a client, developed an artistic response, assembled the necessary expertise, and insisted on defining the work responsibly. It was hers. And that felt wonderful. --- The second message came from the structural engineer. The verified mezzanine assessment was complete. Nadia opened the report. Read it carefully. Then read the conclusion again. The existing structure could not support the proposed residential use without additional reinforcement. That was disappointing. But it wasn’t the end. The engineer had identified two technically plausible reinforcement approaches. Both required further design. Both needed coordination with the ongoing renovation. Neither guaranteed residential approval. And neither was cheap. Nadia leaned back. Looked toward the upper windows. Then opened the architect’s accompanying recommendation. The sensible next step was to pause residential design until a preliminary cost comparison and regulatory feasibility review had been completed. Nadia considered. Then made her decision. She authorized the limited comparison. Not detailed construction drawings. Not a residential conversion. Just enough information to make an informed choice. She set the report down. Smiled faintly. And said to the empty studio: “Well, darling. At least you’re beginning to tell me what you actually need.” --- Brenda arrived that afternoon with a small prototype. She held it up before Nadia had even finished greeting her. “Look!” Nadia smiled. “Hello to you too, darling.” “Hello! Look!” Nadia examined the mechanism. It was a compact adjustment assembly designed to hold one removable optical cassette. Not a finished mount. Not an approved structural component. But a working mechanical concept. Brenda placed it on the temporary test bench. “Watch.” She released a small locking element. Slid the cassette free. Reinserted it. And locked it again. Nadia leaned closer. “Oh.” Brenda grinned. “Right?” “Can you repeat the positioning accurately?” “That’s what we’re testing.” Nadia smiled. “Excellent answer.” Brenda looked delighted. They ran a series of measurements. The first few were promising. Then one repeat showed a small alignment difference. Brenda frowned. “Huh.” Nadia looked at the reading. “Problem?” “Tolerance issue.” “Can it be improved?” “Probably. Need to understand whether it’s the guide surface or the locking preload.” Nadia nodded. “Good.” Brenda looked up. “Good?” “Yes.” Brenda stared. Nadia smiled. “We found the problem before anybody installed it in a wealthy woman’s atrium.” Brenda burst out laughing. “Okay. Yeah. Fair.” They repeated the test. Recorded the results. And agreed on what needed changing. It was the beginning of a useful engineering collaboration. Not a miracle. Not an instant solution. Just two women doing careful work. Nadia liked that enormously. --- That evening, Nadia returned to the safehouse carrying a bottle of wine and the expression of a woman who had accomplished something important. Ace noticed immediately. “Oh, that’s a face.” Nadia laughed. “Hello, darling.” Mai looked up. “Good news?” “Two kinds.” Shammy appeared from the hallway. “NADIA!” She crossed the room and gathered Nadia into a delighted embrace. Nadia laughed. “Oh, sweetheart!” Shammy kissed her. Nadia returned it. Then leaned back. “Vivienne signed.” Shammy froze. For one extraordinary second, she said nothing. Then: “SHE DID?!” Ace covered her ears. Mai laughed. From the workshop, Brenda shouted, “WHAT?” Iris appeared behind her. “What happened?” Nadia was laughing too hard to answer. Shammy’s silver-white hair rose into a glorious halo. “VIVIENNE SIGNED!” Brenda emerged fully. “Oh, hell yes!” Iris smiled. “Congratulations!” Nadia finally managed to speak. “Thank you, darlings.” Mai approached and hugged her. “That’s wonderful.” Nadia’s expression softened. “Yes.” Ace grinned. “And the second kind of good news?” Nadia looked at her. “Well, the structural engineer has confirmed that the mezzanine might support residential conversion with reinforcement.” Shammy gasped. Nadia held up a hand. “Might, darling.” Shammy stopped. “Right.” “Further engineering, cost assessment, and regulatory approval are all required.” Mai nodded. “Good.” Ace laughed. “Of course you’d say that.” Mai smiled. “It means Nadia can make an informed decision.” “Exactly,” Nadia said. Brenda looked thoughtful. “How expensive?” Nadia told her the preliminary range. Brenda whistled. “Fuck.” Iris looked at her. “Brenda.” “What? It is.” Nadia burst out laughing. “Darling, I said much the same thing.” Mai shook her head, smiling. --- Dinner became a modest celebration. Nothing elaborate. No grand speeches. Just good food, the wine Nadia had brought, and enough laughter to make the day's remaining construction worries feel a little less important. At one point, Ace raised her glass. “To Nadia.” Nadia smiled. “Oh, darling.” Ace continued. “For getting somebody to pay for the part where she tells them whether the expensive thing they want is actually possible.” Brenda burst out laughing. Iris smiled. Mai looked amused. Shammy beamed. Nadia shook her head. “An alarmingly accurate description of my profession.” Ace grinned. “I'm good at this.” Mai leaned over and kissed her. “Yes, darling.” Nadia raised her own glass. “To asking the difficult questions before the expensive mistakes.” Brenda looked toward the ceiling. “That's going on a workshop wall, isn't it?” Iris smiled sweetly. “Only if you promise to read it.” Everybody laughed. --- Later, Nadia found Shammy on the balcony. The evening was cool. The city lights stretched toward the horizon. Shammy stood beside the railing, her long silver-white hair moving softly in the breeze. Nadia approached. “Hello, beautiful.” Shammy turned. “Hello!” Nadia slipped her arms around her. Shammy bent to kiss her. For a moment, they remained close. Then Nadia rested her cheek against Shammy’s shoulder. “Quite a week.” “Yes!” Nadia laughed softly. “The studio remains unfinished.” “Yes.” “The upstairs apartment is still uncertain.” “Yes.” “Vivienne’s actual installation may turn out to be impossible.” “Yes.” Nadia smiled. “And yet somehow I feel as though everything is moving in the right direction.” Shammy looked down at her. “Because it is.” Nadia considered. Then nodded. “Yes.” They watched the city for a while. Then Shammy said, “I heard you had a lovely date.” Nadia looked up. “Did you?” Shammy’s eyes sparkled. “Panam told me.” Nadia laughed. “Oh, darling.” “She was very happy.” Nadia’s expression softened. “So was I.” Shammy smiled. “I know.” Nadia looked at her. “And that makes you happy too.” Shammy’s silver hair lifted gently. “Very.” Nadia kissed her. Slowly. Warmly. When they separated, Shammy rested her forehead against hers. “I love you.” Nadia smiled. “I love you too.” After a while Nadia looked over her shoulder at the light spilling from the living room. “I keep imagining you in that apartment,” she admitted. Shammy brightened. “Doing what?” “Bringing in a sketch and declaring that you only need one corner of the table.” “I'd only need one corner!” “For approximately eight minutes.” Shammy laughed. Her hair gave a delighted little lift. “And then I'd have to build you another table,” Nadia continued. “And then you'd explain why the second table needed better light.” Shammy looked genuinely thoughtful. “Oh. It *would* need better light.” Nadia laughed and kissed her again. “If this becomes my home, sweetheart, there will always be room for you. And your drawings. We may have to negotiate the number of tables.” “Negotiations!” Shammy said, delighted. “I'm good at those.” “That,” Nadia replied, “is precisely what worries me.” --- Much later, Shammy returned to the Triad’s bedroom. Ace was lying across the bed. Mai sat beside her. Shammy paused in the doorway. Ace looked up. “Hey, beautiful.” Shammy smiled. “Hello!” Mai held out a hand. “Come here, darling.” Shammy crossed the room. Ace immediately caught her around the waist. Shammy laughed as Ace pulled her down onto the mattress. Mai leaned close and kissed her; Shammy caught the back of Mai's neck and kept her there a little longer than either of them had planned. Ace made an indignant noise. “Oh, come on. I was here first.” “You were,” Shammy agreed, laughing, and turned to kiss her. Ace's hand stayed at her waist, firm and familiar. Mai moved closer rather than waiting to be included, one hand settling over Ace's before Shammy could think about anything except the two women holding her. That was how it had always worked when the world stopped demanding explanations: Ace reaching first, Mai choosing exactly where she wanted to be, Shammy meeting both of them without being pulled in two directions. Shammy kissed Ace again, then Mai; this time Ace reached past her to bring Mai into the same embrace. For a while their laughter kept interrupting the kisses. None of them seemed remotely inclined to complain. When at last they rested together, Shammy settled between her loves. Ace rested against her side. Mai's hand lay over Shammy's heart. Shammy closed her eyes. The safehouse was warm. Her loves were close. The city beyond the windows continued its restless life. And Shammy felt deeply, wonderfully at home. Nothing about Nadia and Panam had made this smaller. Nothing had been taken away. She loved Ace. She loved Mai. She loved the life the three of them had built. And she loved that her world could keep growing without asking any of them to become less than themselves. Ace lifted her head. “Shammy?” “Yes?” “You’re smiling.” Shammy laughed softly. “I know.” “Care to share?” Shammy looked at her. Then at Mai. Her smile became impossibly tender. “I love my life.” Ace’s expression softened. Mai leaned closer. “We love you.” Shammy gathered Ace and Mai into her arms. “I love you too.” And this time, nobody needed to say anything more. --- The following morning, Nadia arrived at the studio with a fresh notebook. The design-phase agreement was signed. The first payment was scheduled. Brenda had a prototype to refine. The structural comparison for the upper floor was underway. The studio renovation continued according to its revised plan. And Nadia had a list of things she wanted to accomplish before the week was over. She stood beside the temporary worktable and opened the notebook. On the first page, she wrote: **VIVIENNE — DESIGN PHASE** Below it, she began outlining the next steps. Then she turned to a second page. **STUDIO — REMAINING WORK** Electrical inspection. Ventilation coordination. Loading-bay completion. Network installation. Physical-security integration. Equipment procurement. Testing. Occupancy requirements. There was enough work there to occupy several weeks. She looked at the list. Then smiled. Finally, she opened a third page. **UPPER LEVEL — RESIDENTIAL FEASIBILITY** Beneath it, she wrote: _Await reinforcement cost comparison._ _Review legal and planning requirements._ _Preserve studio functionality._ _Do not rush._ Nadia considered the last instruction. Then underlined it. Twice. Her holo chimed. **PANAM:** Morning, gorgeous. Nadia smiled. **NADIA:** Good morning, darling. **PANAM:** Working? **NADIA:** Very. **PANAM:** How's the palace? Nadia looked around the unfinished studio. **NADIA:** Still determined to consume money. **PANAM:** Sounds like a building. Nadia laughed. **NADIA:** You're terribly reassuring. **PANAM:** It's a gift. Another message appeared. **PANAM:** Dinner again this week? Nadia’s smile widened. **NADIA:** Absolutely. **PANAM:** Your choice this time. **NADIA:** I remember. A pause. Then Nadia typed: **NADIA:** And darling? **PANAM:** Yeah? **NADIA:** I intend to kiss you before we get to the restaurant this time. Panam's reply arrived almost immediately. **PANAM:** Good plan. Nadia laughed. Set the holo down. And returned to her work. --- By noon, she had completed the first formal project schedule for Vivienne's design phase. Not a vague collection of ambitions. A sequence of defined tasks. Material tests. Alignment measurements. Conservation review. Structural interface studies. Prototype development. Documentation. Decision points. And a final design-stage presentation that would establish whether the proposed installation deserved to proceed to fabrication. It was work she knew how to do. Serious, difficult, rewarding work. And it was hers. Nadia stood for a moment, looking across the enormous unfinished studio. She imagined the day the construction barriers would come down. The day her equipment would be installed and commissioned. The day the first materials arrived for a project undertaken entirely within these walls. The day she would invite colleagues and clients into a working Night City studio. Not as a guest. Not as somebody passing through. As the artist whose name was on the door. She smiled. Then looked toward the mezzanine windows. Perhaps there would be an apartment up there someday. A warm sitting room. A kitchen. A place to rest. A bed large enough for three people who wanted to share it. Perhaps there wouldn't. The building still had a great deal to say about that. And Nadia had finally learned to listen. But downstairs, the studio was becoming real. In the city beyond its doors, her life was becoming real. And somewhere between a signed contract, a difficult structural report, and a wonderful first date, Nadia had realized something important. She wasn't waiting for her Night City life to begin when the construction finished. **It had already begun.** She simply hadn't noticed the exact moment it happened. Nadia smiled. Picked up her measuring tools. And went back to work. --- ## Chapter 24 — What the Light Leaves Behind The first thing Nadia discovered about having a signed contract was that people stopped asking whether she intended to do the work. They started asking when she would deliver it. She found this deeply reassuring. She also found it rather inconvenient at eight forty-three in the morning, when the structural engineer's office sent the first formal request for technical information while she was still trying to finish her coffee. Nadia looked at the message. Then at the coffee. Then at the message again. "Good morning to you too." The engineer needed preliminary dimensions for the optical cassette assembly. Not final dimensions. Not construction-ready drawings. Just enough information to establish realistic loading assumptions for the support study. Perfectly reasonable. Unfortunately, Brenda's latest prototype was sitting on a bench at the safehouse. And its dimensions were about to change. Nadia opened her holo. **NADIA:** Good morning, darling. Please tell me you haven't dismantled yesterday's prototype. Brenda answered almost immediately. **BRENDA:** Depends. Nadia closed her eyes. **NADIA:** On what? **BRENDA:** Your definition of dismantled. Nadia stared at the screen. Then began laughing. --- The prototype had, in fact, been dismantled. Thoroughly. By the time Nadia arrived at the safehouse, Brenda had spread its components across her workshop bench in a neat arrangement that suggested she had been thinking about this problem for considerably longer than she had been sleeping. Iris stood beside the workbench holding two mugs of coffee. She looked up when Nadia entered. "Good morning." "Hello, darling." Nadia glanced at Brenda. Then at the collection of mechanical parts. "Oh, dear." Brenda grinned. "Morning!" Nadia approached the bench. "Darling, I asked you to improve the alignment repeatability." "I did." "And?" "And I found out why the third insertion was drifting." Nadia leaned forward. Brenda pointed toward the locking assembly. "The guide surfaces were fine. The problem was the locking preload." Nadia examined the part. "Uneven?" "Not exactly. It was changing slightly depending on how the cassette seated." Iris handed Nadia a mug. Nadia accepted it gratefully. "You're an angel." "I've been told." Brenda held up a replacement component. "So I changed the way the lock applies pressure." Nadia looked at it. "And that resolves the variation?" "That's what we're going to find out." Nadia smiled. "Excellent." Iris glanced toward Brenda. "She's been awake since six." Brenda looked offended. "Seven." Iris raised an eyebrow. "Darling." "Six twenty." Iris smiled sweetly. "Thank you." Nadia laughed. Brenda gestured toward the new assembly. "Anyway. Watch." She fitted the cassette into the guide. Closed the locking mechanism. Measured its position. Released it. Removed the cassette. Then repeated the process. Five times. The readings appeared on the bench display. Nadia leaned closer. "Oh." Brenda smiled. "Yeah." The spread was substantially smaller. Not zero. Not yet within every tolerance they hoped to achieve. But considerably better than the previous prototype. Nadia studied the measurements. "Can we run twenty cycles?" "Absolutely." "And reverse the insertion orientation for a second set?" Brenda's grin widened. "Oh, I like that." Iris took one look at their expressions. Then set down her coffee. "Wonderful." Nadia looked up. "What?" Iris smiled. "I'll leave you two to your increasingly romantic relationship with dimensional metrology." Brenda burst out laughing. Nadia covered her mouth. Iris approached her wife. Kissed her. Then paused. "And darling?" Brenda smiled. "Yeah?" "Please remember to eat lunch." "I will." Iris looked unconvinced. Brenda sighed. "I promise." "Good." She kissed her again. Brenda caught her hand before she could leave and drew her back for one more. Iris smiled against her lips. Then finally escaped. Nadia watched her go. "She's very good for you." Brenda looked entirely pleased with herself. "Yeah." A moment passed. Then she picked up the prototype. "Now. Twenty cycles?" Nadia smiled. "Twenty." --- They completed forty. The additional twenty were Brenda's idea. Nadia didn't object. By the end of the session, they had identified two useful findings. The revised locking arrangement was markedly more repeatable. And the cassette's edge material was beginning to show minor wear at the point of contact. Neither woman found this discouraging. Quite the opposite. It meant the test was doing its job. Brenda examined the worn edge beneath a magnifier. "Huh." Nadia leaned beside her. "That will need attention." "Yep." "Replaceable sacrificial surface?" "That's what I'm thinking." "One that doesn't affect optical alignment when changed." Brenda nodded. "And can be serviced without taking the whole mechanism apart." Nadia smiled. "Now that would be useful." Brenda reached for her notebook. Nadia caught her wrist gently. "First, darling, may we document the measurements we already have?" Brenda blinked. Then laughed. "Right." They recorded the results. Photographed the components. And agreed on a preliminary envelope for the engineer. The mounting arrangement remained provisional. Its final geometry would be determined by the conservation and structural reviews. But they now had something much more useful than an attractive sketch. A measured, repeatable concept. With identified weaknesses. Nadia considered that an excellent morning. --- The studio's main workshop was quieter when she returned. Not silent. Never silent. But the concrete cutting was finished, and the contractors had begun installing the revised ventilation ductwork. The replacement electrical cabinet had passed its inspection. The loading route was nearly complete. And a temporary partition separated the dusty construction zone from the area reserved for future clean assembly work. Nadia stood in the center of the room, studying the layout. She had spent weeks imagining this space finished. Today she found herself imagining something else. Working in it. A normal Tuesday. Materials arriving. Equipment running. A client calling. Somebody making coffee. An idea being tested and rejected before lunch. Another being tested after lunch. She looked around. The building was becoming less of a project. More of a workplace. Her workplace. That distinction made her smile. Then her holo rang. Elisa. Nadia answered. "Hello, darling." "Nadia!" "Good morning." "Afternoon." Nadia glanced at the time. "Oh. Good heavens." Elisa laughed. "Productive day?" "Very." "Wonderful. I wanted to check something about the studio." Nadia looked toward the ceiling. "Please tell me you haven't bought another chandelier." Elisa groaned. "Oh, come on!" Nadia burst out laughing. "Darling, you really must expect that joke to survive for some time." "Apparently." "What did you want to discuss?" Elisa's expression became more serious. "The mezzanine." Nadia listened. "I heard from the project coordinator that the engineering comparison is underway." "Yes." "And you might be able to make an apartment up there." "Possibly." Elisa smiled. "That's exciting." "It is." "Would you want to live there?" Nadia considered. "Part of the time, certainly. I still have my original studio and my life outside Night City." "Of course." "But I like the idea of having somewhere genuinely my own here." Elisa nodded. "Then let's see whether it's possible." Nadia smiled. "That's the plan." Elisa hesitated. Then asked, "Are you comfortable with how the funding arrangement would work if the residential conversion goes ahead?" Nadia's expression sharpened with professional interest. "That depends on what you mean." "The current agreement covers the professional studio. A residential addition would need to be addressed separately." "Yes." "I don't want you discovering later that your living space is legally tangled up in the studio financing." Nadia looked at her for a moment. Then smiled. "Elisa." "Yes?" "That is an exceptionally sensible concern." Elisa looked delighted. "Really?" "Yes." Nadia settled against the temporary table. "If we proceed, I'd want the residential arrangements documented separately. Ownership or occupancy rights, access, ongoing operating responsibilities, and what happens if the studio's business structure changes." Elisa nodded. "Exactly." "And I want my own legal adviser reviewing it." "Absolutely." Nadia smiled. "Wonderful." Elisa paused. Then grinned. "I was going to offer to have my people draw up a proposal." "You may." "Really?" "As a proposal, darling. Not a decision." Elisa laughed. "Understood." "And certainly not before the architect establishes whether an apartment can actually be built." "Fair." They smiled at each other. Then Elisa added, "I'm glad you're making this place yours." Nadia's expression softened. "So am I." --- The problem with the optical sample appeared shortly after three. Shammy had arrived with the latest material sheets and a portable measuring instrument. They set up the test assembly in the clean temporary work area. The objective was straightforward. Measure the fourth optical variation under several controlled illumination angles, then compare the results with the daylight observations from Vivienne's atrium. The first tests were excellent. The second set was encouraging. The third was not. Nadia stared at the display. "That's peculiar." Shammy leaned closer. "What?" Nadia adjusted the instrument. The reflected band weakened. She changed the angle again. It nearly vanished. Shammy frowned. "Oh." They reset the geometry. Repeated the measurement. Same result. Nadia looked at the sample. Then toward the ceiling. "Well." Shammy was quiet. Nadia smiled faintly. "I think our beautiful fourth variation has just acquired an unpleasant complication." Shammy studied the material. "Maybe." "Darling." "Yes?" "That's a very hopeful _maybe_." Shammy laughed softly. "I know." They tried the sample under diffuse illumination. The effect was weaker than their earlier tests had suggested. Not absent. But weak enough that it might fail to deliver the intended experience during certain overcast conditions. Which mattered. Vivienne's atrium was not a controlled lighting environment. The changing daylight was the entire point. Nadia sat down. For a moment, she said nothing. Then she picked up the atrium's recorded illumination data. Shammy watched her. "Disappointed?" "Yes." "Me too." Nadia glanced up. Shammy smiled ruefully. "It was so beautiful yesterday." Nadia looked toward the sample. "Still is." Shammy nodded. "Yes." "But only when the light cooperates." "Yes." Nadia considered. Then smiled. "Well, darling. Perhaps that's the question we should be asking." Shammy tilted her head. "What?" "How much cooperation do we actually need?" --- They spread Vivienne's photographs across the display. Sunny mornings. Bright afternoons. Overcast days. Rain. The atrium's light changed throughout each day. The difference between direct illumination and diffuse sky light was substantial. Nadia enlarged one of the rain photographs. Vivienne had taken it from the far end of the room. The stone was pale. The ceiling nearly disappeared into soft grey. There was no strong beam of light. Nothing dramatic. And yet the room was beautiful. Nadia studied it. Then looked at the optical sample. "Shammy?" "Yes?" "What if we've been trying to make the material do too much?" Shammy considered. "How?" "We've been treating the reflected band as the thing that must always appear." "Yes." "But it doesn't need to." Shammy looked at the photograph. "More like the room itself." "Yes." They looked at the photograph together. Then Shammy smiled. "Oh." Nadia laughed softly. "I know." "But we'd have to make sure the quiet state is intentional." "Precisely." "Not just something that looks broken." "Yes." Shammy's eyes brightened. "And we'd still need to establish whether the actual material ages consistently." Nadia smiled. "There's my girl." Shammy laughed. They returned to the measurements. Not to rescue the fourth sample from failure. To understand whether its limits might form part of the design. It was a different question. And Nadia liked it much better. --- Panam arrived at five twenty. She was carrying coffee. Three cups. Nadia looked up from the instrument. "Oh, darling." Panam grinned. "Hey, gorgeous." Shammy practically bounced. "PANAM!" Panam set down the carrier just in time. Shammy swept her into an embrace. Panam laughed. "Hey, sweetheart!" Shammy kissed her. Then leaned back. Panam glanced toward her hair. "Yep. There it is." Shammy beamed. Nadia approached. Panam smiled. "Hey." "Hello, beautiful." Nadia kissed her. Panam returned it. Then handed her a coffee. Nadia took it. "You're developing a remarkably effective way of making yourself welcome." "Coffee?" "Among other things." Panam grinned. Shammy laughed. Then Panam looked toward the optical samples. "How's the science?" Nadia sighed theatrically. "Disobedient." Panam nodded. "Sounds like your kind of science." Shammy burst out laughing. Nadia gave her a look. "Darling." "What?" "Don't encourage her." Panam smiled. "Too late." --- Panam listened while they explained the problem. She didn't pretend to understand every optical measurement. She understood the important part. The effect was beautiful under some light conditions. Much weaker under others. And Nadia was reconsidering what that meant for the artwork. Panam studied the rain photograph. "So what happens if it doesn't show up?" Nadia smiled. "That's exactly the question." "No, I mean for the person in the room." Shammy looked at her. Panam continued. "Let's say somebody walks in on a rainy day. Nothing obvious happens. Are they supposed to think there's something wrong?" Nadia considered. "Not if the room itself still feels complete." Panam nodded. "Okay." She looked at the photograph again. "Then maybe the trick is making sure it doesn't look like there's supposed to be something missing." Nadia went quiet. Shammy looked toward the prototype. For several seconds, neither artist spoke. Panam glanced between them. "What?" Nadia slowly smiled. "Oh." Shammy laughed softly. "Oh!" Panam narrowed her eyes. "Seriously. What?" Nadia stepped closer and kissed her cheek. "Darling, that was useful." Panam looked suspicious. "Was it?" "Very." Shammy nodded enthusiastically. "We need to test the inactive state as carefully as the active one!" Panam considered. Then grinned. "Well, there you go." Nadia looked delighted. "Exactly." Panam picked up her coffee. "Glad I could help." --- They worked for another hour. Not because Panam had somehow solved the artwork. She hadn't. But her question had changed how Nadia wanted to evaluate it. The next test series would no longer measure only the strength and visibility of the reflected effect. It would also assess the material's appearance when the effect was absent. Surface neutrality. Unwanted glints. Visual consistency. Whether the installation would feel like a quiet architectural detail rather than a failed lighting trick. Nadia wrote the revised criteria into the project notes. Shammy added the corresponding test methods. Panam watched them for a few minutes. Then shook her head. "You two are terrifying." Nadia looked up. "Why?" "Because I asked one question and now you've invented three days of work." Shammy laughed. Nadia smiled sweetly. "Darling, that's what artists do." Panam grinned. "Yeah. Starting to notice." --- The call from the architect arrived the following morning. Nadia answered from her temporary office. The first preliminary cost comparison was ready. Two reinforcement approaches. Both technically plausible. Neither simple. One would interfere with the planned workshop layout below. The other would require a more extensive modification to the upper structure. Both could potentially support the proposed residential conversion, subject to detailed engineering and the separate planning and building approvals. The architect described the implications carefully. Nadia listened. Asked questions. Took notes. Then requested the drawings. When the call ended, she sat back. Money wasn't the obstacle. That had become clear. She could afford the work if she chose to undertake it. The harder question was whether the intervention would damage the very qualities that had made her choose the building. The great open space. The light. The flexible workshop floor. She opened the drawings. And frowned. The first option placed additional structural elements in an area she had intended for moving large pieces of artwork. The second preserved that area but changed part of the mezzanine's relationship to the windows. Neither was ideal. Nadia looked at the screen. Then laughed softly. "Well, darling. You do enjoy making yourself difficult." --- She called the architect back. "I've reviewed the options." "Good." "I don't want the first one." A pause. "Because of the workshop?" "Yes. It compromises the circulation route and the usable fabrication area." "Understood." "And the second option needs more study." "Certainly." Nadia leaned forward. "Could we investigate whether the residential layout can be reduced or repositioned to avoid some of the structural intervention?" "Possibly. We'd need to revisit the space planning." "Then let's do that before committing to a reinforcement design." "All right." "And I'd like a third option studied." "Which is?" Nadia smiled. "An apartment somewhere else." The architect was quiet for a moment. Then laughed. "Outside the building?" "Potentially. Or elsewhere within the property, if there's a sensible way to create independent residential space without harming the studio." "That may involve a different approval process." "Of course." "We'd need to establish what's permitted." "Naturally." Nadia glanced toward the workshop. "But I want to know what the building can accommodate, not merely how much steel we can persuade it to accept." The architect considered. Then said, "That's a good distinction." Nadia smiled. "I thought so." --- That afternoon, Panam found Nadia standing outside the studio. She was looking up at the facade. Not at her holo. Not at a drawing. At the building itself. Panam parked and walked over. "Hey." Nadia turned. "Hello, darling." Panam kissed her. Then looked up. "What's it done now?" Nadia laughed. "Nothing." "Sure?" "Quite." Panam studied her expression. "You're thinking." "Terribly." "About the apartment?" Nadia smiled. "Yes." Panam leaned beside her against the vehicle. "What's the verdict?" "No verdict yet." "Okay." "The reinforcement options are feasible, but neither is particularly elegant." Panam nodded. "Bad for the workshop?" "One of them is." "Then don't do that one." Nadia laughed softly. "I've already told the architect as much." "Good." "The other may work. But I've asked them to explore whether there's a better arrangement." Panam looked at the building. Then toward Nadia. "You really want a place here." Nadia considered. "Yes." Panam smiled. "Yeah. I can tell." Nadia looked at her. "But I don't want it at the expense of everything else." "Then don't." Nadia laughed. "Darling, you make these things sound wonderfully simple." Panam shrugged. "Decision's simple. Engineering isn't." Nadia went quiet. Then smiled. "That's rather good." Panam grinned. "I have moments." "Quite a number of them." Panam took her hand. Nadia squeezed it. They stood together in the afternoon light. Then Nadia said, "I've been thinking about the windows." Panam laughed. "Of course you have." "They're beautiful." "Yeah." "I don't want to lose them." Panam looked up again. "Then tell the architect." "I have." "Good." A pause. Then Panam smiled. "And if you do get your apartment up there, I'm calling dibs on the window seat." Nadia turned toward her. "Oh?" "Yeah." "Darling, I hadn't realized you intended to furnish my hypothetical home." "Just the important parts." Nadia laughed. "And which part is that?" Panam stepped closer. "Somewhere I can sit with you." Nadia's expression softened. "Oh, sweetheart." Panam smiled. Then kissed her. --- That evening, Nadia went to the safehouse. Not for a meeting. Not for a prototype. Not because something had gone wrong. She simply wanted to see the people she loved. Mai was in the kitchen. Ace sat on the counter nearby, despite Mai having told her several times that countertops were not chairs. Shammy stood beside the table, talking animatedly about the next material tests. Iris was reading. Brenda was doing something suspiciously mechanical with a small component. Nadia entered. Ace looked up. "Hey!" Nadia smiled. "Hello, darlings." Shammy turned. "NADIA!" A silver-white halo began forming before she had crossed half the room. Ace sighed theatrically. "Every single time." Nadia laughed as Shammy hugged her. "Hello, beautiful." They kissed. Then Nadia looked around. "What a lovely sight." Brenda raised an eyebrow. "Me?" "All of you." Ace grinned. "Correct answer." Mai approached. "Coffee?" Nadia smiled. "Please." --- The evening unfolded without a plan. Nadia told Mai about the structural options. Mai listened. Then agreed that protecting the workshop's functionality was more important than forcing the apartment into a particular footprint. Brenda asked to see the drawings. Nadia showed her. Brenda considered them. Then said, "You know what I like?" Nadia raised an eyebrow. "What?" "That you said no to the first option." Nadia smiled. "Why?" "Because it would've been easy to pay for it and call the problem solved." "Yes." "But the workshop would've been worse." Nadia nodded. "Exactly." Brenda looked pleased. "Good call." Across the table, Iris smiled. "She does make those occasionally." Brenda turned. "Occasionally?" Iris raised an eyebrow. "Frequently, darling." Brenda grinned. "Better." Iris leaned over and kissed her. Ace looked toward Mai. "We should do that." Mai glanced at her. "What?" "Agree on something." Mai smiled. "We agree on many things." "Then we should celebrate." Mai laughed. Ace kissed her before she could answer. Nadia watched them. Then glanced toward Shammy. Shammy was smiling too. Not a distracted smile. Not the smile of someone wishing she were somewhere else. She was home. Among people she loved. Nadia understood that. And found it beautiful. --- Later, the conversation turned to the studio's future. Not its unfinished wiring or ventilation. Its future as a place where art would happen. Nadia described the kind of opening she imagined. Not an extravagant spectacle. An opportunity for the people who had helped make the place possible to see what it had become. Some professional colleagues. Selected clients. Friends. A few artists whose work she admired. A chance to show how the building would function. Brenda liked the idea of demonstrating the fabrication equipment. Mai suggested that operational demonstrations should be scheduled separately from the social opening. Reyes, joining the conversation briefly by holo, agreed. Kiro added that the finished network and client-storage systems should undergo acceptance testing before any visitors were admitted. Ace listened. Then grinned. "So you're all saying Nadia needs a party." Mai looked at her. "After commissioning and safety sign-off." Ace sighed. "You take the fun out of everything." Mai kissed her. "Someone has to keep you alive long enough to enjoy it." Nadia laughed. "A party, perhaps." Shammy brightened. "With art!" "Yes, darling." "And food!" "Certainly." "And—" Mai raised an eyebrow. "Shammy." Shammy stopped. Then smiled innocently. "Yes?" "Let Nadia decide what she wants." Shammy nodded. "Of course!" Nadia leaned closer and kissed her cheek. "Thank you, sweetheart." Shammy beamed. --- A little later, Nadia stepped onto the balcony. The air was cool. Watson's lights stretched away beneath the night sky. She stood at the railing with a glass in her hand. For a while, she simply watched the city. Then Shammy appeared beside her. "Hello." Nadia smiled. "Hello, beautiful." Shammy joined her at the railing. They stood together. After a while, Nadia said, "I've been thinking about something." Shammy tilted her head. "What?" "The new studio." Shammy smiled. "Yes?" "At first, I thought the important thing was getting it ready." "Of course." "Then I thought the apartment would make it feel like somewhere I belonged." Shammy listened. Nadia looked toward the city. "But I think I've had it backward." Shammy considered. "How?" Nadia smiled. "I already belong here." Shammy's expression softened. "Oh, Nadia." "The building is simply giving that belonging somewhere to take shape." Shammy took her hand. Nadia squeezed it. "And you know something else?" "What?" "I don't think I want the first exhibition at the studio to be a grand announcement that I've arrived in Night City." Shammy looked interested. "What do you want?" Nadia considered. "Something quieter." "Like what?" "A room full of people looking at work they genuinely care about." Shammy smiled. "That sounds lovely." "And perhaps one evening when the building is finished, the tools are put away, and I can invite everyone who made it possible." Shammy's eyes brightened. "Oh!" Nadia laughed. "But without turning it into a ridiculous production." Shammy considered. Then smiled. "I'll try." Nadia laughed harder. "Oh, darling." Shammy drew her closer. Nadia rested against her. They kissed. When they separated, Nadia looked up at her. "I love you." Shammy smiled. "I love you too." --- Inside, Ace had acquired another cup of coffee. Mai regarded this with suspicion. "Sweetie." Ace looked up. "What?" "How much coffee have you had?" Ace considered. "Define coffee." Mai closed her eyes. Iris began laughing. Brenda looked toward the cup. "Is that even yours?" Ace grinned. "Finders keepers." Mai held out her hand. Ace sighed. Then surrendered it. From the balcony, Shammy heard the exchange. She started laughing. Nadia smiled. "Your family is extraordinary." Shammy looked at her. "Our family." Nadia went quiet. Then smiled. "Yes." Shammy kissed her cheek. Nadia looked back toward the lights of Watson. Somewhere in the city, the building was waiting. Unfinished. Imperfect. Full of difficult questions. And increasingly full of possibilities. She had a contracted artwork to develop. A business to establish. An apartment to evaluate. Friends whose professional judgment she trusted. A woman in the Badlands who could make her smile with a single message. Another woman beside her who loved with her whole enormous heart. And a growing certainty that she hadn't merely found people willing to make room for her. She was learning how to make room for them too. --- In Brenda's workshop, Iris found her wife standing over a half-finished bracket with a pencil tucked behind one ear. “It's after midnight,” Iris said. Brenda glanced up. “I know.” “Do you?” “I looked at the clock.” “And decided the clock was wrong?” “Decided this could use another fifteen minutes.” Iris stepped beside her and studied the drawing. “You've already solved the part that was keeping you awake.” Brenda frowned at it, then at Iris. “How'd you know?” “You've stopped swearing at the drawing.” Brenda laughed, set down the pencil and reached for her. Iris came willingly, hands settling at Brenda's waist as they kissed. “Come to bed,” Iris murmured. Brenda kissed her again, slow enough that Iris forgot whatever precise argument she'd meant to make about the hour. “That,” Brenda said when they parted, “is a very persuasive scheduling method.” “I've had years to refine it.” Brenda switched off the task lamp and took her wife's hand. Halfway to the hallway she tugged Iris back for another kiss; Iris caught her, laughing, and refused to let her pretend she'd only been thinking about the bracket. The workshop could wait. This was their home, and the two of them were allowed to choose each other before another problem needed solving. --- The next morning, Nadia arrived at the studio carrying a new set of drawings. Not apartment drawings. Not yet. They were sketches for the inaugural studio exhibition. Small ones. Tentative ones. Ideas for how visitors might encounter work made with light, reflection, and materials that changed subtly as the day passed. She placed them beside the Vivienne project schedule. Then stopped. Two different projects. Two different purposes. One commercial commission. One artistic statement. Both hers. She smiled. And began separating them into proper plans. Outside, a delivery vehicle approached the loading bay. The newly revised access route was ready for its first supervised equipment delivery. Nadia checked the schedule. Everything appeared to be in order. She walked toward the entrance to meet the crew. Then her holo chimed. **PANAM:** Morning, gorgeous. Nadia smiled. **NADIA:** Good morning, darling. **PANAM:** Busy day? **NADIA:** Very. **PANAM:** Good. Got something for you. Nadia stopped. **NADIA:** Should I be concerned? **PANAM:** Probably. Nadia laughed. **NADIA:** What is it? A photograph appeared. Panam stood beside a beautifully restored industrial transport dolly. Compact. Heavy-duty. Precisely the sort of equipment Nadia had been trying to source for moving large material assemblies safely through the studio. Nadia stared. Then smiled. **NADIA:** Oh, sweetheart. **PANAM:** Found it through a supplier. Thought of you. **NADIA:** It's beautiful. **PANAM:** Knew you'd say that. Nadia looked at the photograph again. Then typed: **NADIA:** Darling, I think this may be the most romantic photograph of industrial equipment anyone has ever sent me. Panam replied immediately. **PANAM:** Wait until you see the load rating. Nadia burst out laughing. The delivery supervisor, approaching from the loading bay, looked mildly surprised. Nadia put away the holo. Smiled. And turned toward the day's work. What delighted Nadia most was how ordinary the surprise felt. Panam knew her work well enough to spot exactly the tool she'd been searching for, and she'd remembered it in the middle of her own busy day. One problem understood. One project advanced. One person welcomed. One kiss remembered. One future possibility left open. And, apparently, a very attractive piece of industrial transport equipment. Nadia laughed softly to herself. Then opened the studio doors. --- ## Chapter 25 — Somewhere to Stay The transport dolly arrived at nine seventeen. Nadia had not ordered it. That much was immediately obvious. The delivery crew had the correct address, the correct loading instructions, and a transfer authorization that had already been approved through the studio's receiving system. But the sender's name was not Nadia's. It was Panam's. Nadia stood beside the loading bay with her holo in one hand and an expression somewhere between delight and exasperation. The dolly was magnificent. Compact enough for the planned circulation routes, heavily built, with low-profile wheels and a lifting mechanism that would allow large material assemblies to be moved without being balanced precariously on improvised supports. Someone had taken exceptional care of it. The paint was immaculate. The mechanical assemblies had been rebuilt. And the load-rating plate looked as though someone had polished it by hand. Nadia stared. Then called Panam. Panam answered on the third ring. “Morning, gorgeous.” “Darling.” Panam's mouth twitched. “Uh-oh.” “Would you care to explain why there is a beautifully restored piece of industrial equipment standing in my loading bay?” “Because that's where it's supposed to go.” Nadia closed her eyes. Panam laughed. “Did it arrive?” “Yes.” “Good.” “Panam.” “What?” “You bought me a transport dolly.” “Technically, I had it rebuilt.” Nadia stared at the screen. “Darling.” “It's a good one.” “I can see that.” “Had the bearings replaced. Drive mechanism checked. New lift seals. Wheels are rated for the surface you've got.” Nadia looked toward the machine. “You arranged all that?” “Yeah.” “Why?” Panam gave her a look. “Because you needed one.” Nadia opened her mouth. Then closed it. Panam smiled. “Look, I know you could've bought a new one. That's not the point.” Nadia listened. “I found this one. It was worth restoring. Thought it'd be useful.” A small pause. “And I liked the idea of you using something I'd picked out.” Nadia's expression softened. “Oh, sweetheart.” Panam grinned. “There it is.” “What?” “That voice.” Nadia laughed. “Which voice?” “The one that makes me think I'm about to get kissed.” “You are.” “Excellent.” Nadia looked back at the dolly. Then at Panam. “Thank you, darling. It's a wonderful gift.” “Good.” “But I reserve the right to inspect it thoroughly.” Panam laughed. “Wouldn't expect anything else.” --- The inspection proved satisfying. Brenda arrived shortly before ten. She had been invited to check the lifting mechanism before the equipment entered service. Within thirty seconds, she was on her knees examining the underside. “Oh, that's nice.” Nadia smiled. “I thought you'd approve.” Brenda looked up. “Who rebuilt it?” “Someone Panam knows.” Brenda grinned. “Of course.” She stood and examined the hydraulic lines. “Good routing. Proper protection where it needs it.” Nadia watched her. “And the mechanism?” “Looks excellent. Still needs acceptance testing.” “Of course.” Brenda smiled. “Want to run it?” Nadia considered. “After we verify the documentation and make sure the test area is clear.” Brenda's expression became almost comically solemn. “Listen to you.” Nadia raised an eyebrow. “Darling, I'm learning.” “Terrifying.” They laughed. By lunchtime, the dolly had passed its initial unloaded functional checks. The rated-load test was scheduled for the following day, using a controlled test load and the appropriate safety procedures. Nadia entered the equipment into the studio's asset register. Then, after some consideration, added a small note to its record. _Gift from Panam._ She smiled. And went back to work. --- The more troublesome discovery came that afternoon. It wasn't a structural problem. Or an electrical one. It wasn't even particularly expensive. It was a difference of less than two millimeters. Unfortunately, two millimeters was enough. Shammy stood beside the optical test bench, staring at a measurement. Nadia looked over her shoulder. “Oh.” Shammy nodded. “Yes.” The revised cassette mount was performing well. Brenda's redesigned locking mechanism had brought the insertion repeatability much closer to their target. The replaceable wear surface was promising. But the latest optical test revealed that a small variation in the cassette's angular position produced a much larger change in the reflected light than they had anticipated. Not enough to make the design unusable. Enough to make it difficult to maintain. Nadia examined the results. “That's inconvenient.” Shammy looked at her. “Very.” Nadia considered. “Can we distinguish the mounting error from the material's own variation?” Shammy brightened. “Yes!” They began separating the measurements. One set for the cassette's mechanical position. One for the optical surface. One for the observed reflected effect. After half an hour, the problem became clearer. The mount was reasonably repeatable. The optical effect was simply more sensitive to angular variation than the earlier tests had shown. Nadia leaned back. “Then perhaps we're asking the wrong thing of the mechanism.” Shammy considered. “What do you mean?” “We've been trying to reproduce a specific reflected position every time.” “Yes.” “But Vivienne doesn't need an exact beam to strike an exact point.” Shammy looked toward the reference photographs. Nadia continued. “She wants the light to behave subtly within the architecture. We may have more artistic tolerance than the measurements suggest.” Shammy studied the data. Then smiled. “Oh.” Nadia laughed softly. “Yes.” “We need to define an acceptable range of behavior.” “Precisely.” “Not one perfect position.” “Exactly.” Shammy's hair began to lift. Nadia smiled. “Careful, darling. You're going to frighten the measuring equipment.” Shammy burst out laughing. --- They spent the next two hours defining what the installation actually needed to do. Not what would look beautiful in a single photograph. Not what produced the most dramatic effect under controlled illumination. What it needed to do across different times of day. Across different seasons. Under bright sunlight, diffuse daylight, and overcast skies. How it should behave when someone moved through the atrium. Whether the material remained visually quiet when it wasn't producing a distinct reflected band. How it could be cleaned. Removed. Reinstalled. And checked without requiring an artist, an engineer, and a conservator to assemble in Vivienne's house every time someone noticed dust. By the end of the session, Nadia had revised the design criteria. The artwork was becoming less dependent on a single perfect effect. More responsive to the room itself. She found that deeply satisfying. Shammy looked at the notes. Then at Nadia. “I think it's better.” Nadia smiled. “So do I.” “Even though we discovered another problem?” “Especially because we discovered another problem.” Shammy considered. Then laughed. “I like working with you.” Nadia looked at her. Her expression softened. “Oh, sweetheart.” Shammy smiled. “I mean it.” “So do I.” Nadia drew her closer. They kissed beside the test bench. Then Shammy rested her forehead against Nadia's. “I love you.” Nadia smiled. “I love you too.” For a moment, they remained together. Then Shammy glanced at the clock. “Oh!” Nadia raised an eyebrow. “What?” “Don't you have somewhere to be?” Nadia looked. Four forty-eight. Her eyes widened. “Oh, goodness.” Shammy grinned. “Panam?” Nadia laughed. “Panam.” --- Nadia had promised herself she wouldn't turn the second date into another elaborate exercise in wardrobe analysis. She almost succeeded. The restaurant she'd chosen was different from Panam's first-date selection. Not more expensive for the sake of being expensive. Just different. A small, beautifully designed dining room with an excellent kitchen, thoughtful service, and a view of the city that transformed as the evening lights came on. Nadia liked it because someone had clearly considered the relationship between space, sound, light, and the people using it. She suspected Panam would appreciate the food more than the design. That was perfectly fine. At six fifteen, Nadia stood before her mirror. She had selected her outfit. A fitted dark dress. Comfortable shoes. A light jacket. Nothing overly formal. She looked at her reflection. Then smiled. “Good enough.” Her holo chimed. **PANAM:** Outside. Nadia's smile widened. **NADIA:** Coming, darling. --- Panam was leaning against her vehicle when Nadia emerged. She wore the charcoal jacket again. Nadia noticed immediately. “Oh, darling.” Panam looked up. “Hey, gorgeous.” Nadia approached. “You wore the jacket.” Panam grinned. “Figured it worked last time.” “It did.” Nadia slipped her arms around Panam's shoulders. Panam drew her close. They kissed. Not a quick greeting. Not quite a farewell to the afternoon either. Something warm and familiar enough that Nadia forgot, briefly, that they were standing beside a busy street. When they separated, Panam smiled. “Hi.” Nadia laughed softly. “Hello.” Panam glanced toward the restaurant district. “Ready?” Nadia nodded. “Very.” Then she tilted her head. “And darling?” “Yeah?” “Thank you for the dolly.” Panam laughed. “Knew you'd like it.” “I adore it.” “Good.” Nadia smiled wickedly. “Though I suspect I adore the woman who sent it considerably more.” Panam's grin widened. “Yeah?” “Oh, very much.” Panam kissed her again. --- The restaurant was exactly what Nadia had promised. Excellent food. Warm light. No unnecessary spectacle. Panam approved of the menu immediately. Nadia approved of Panam's approval. They were seated beside a tall window overlooking the evening city. Traffic moved below. Neon reflected across neighboring buildings. Inside, the atmosphere was calm and comfortably intimate. Panam studied the room. Then looked at Nadia. “You picked this place because of the lighting.” Nadia gasped theatrically. “Darling!” Panam grinned. “Didn't you?” “Partly.” “Thought so.” Nadia laughed. “And because the food is excellent.” “Now you're talking.” They ordered. Panam reached across the table. Nadia took her hand. Neither seemed especially inclined to let go. --- They began with the day's work. Only briefly. Nadia told Panam the transport dolly had passed its first inspection. Panam looked delighted. “Good.” “And we're doing the rated-load test tomorrow.” “Perfect.” “Brenda was extremely impressed with the restoration.” Panam grinned. “Tell her thanks.” “I will.” Then Nadia leaned forward. “Darling?” “Yeah?” “May I ask you something?” “Sure.” “Why did you choose that particular machine?” Panam considered. “Because it was the right size for your loading route.” “Yes.” “And it had the capacity you needed.” “Yes.” “And the frame was worth rebuilding.” Nadia smiled. “All excellent reasons.” Panam looked at her. Then sighed theatrically. “Fine.” Nadia laughed. Panam's expression softened. “I saw it and thought about you.” Nadia went quiet. Panam continued. “Not your building. You.” Nadia listened. “I could picture you standing there, moving some ridiculous piece of beautiful glass or metal around, telling everyone to be careful with it.” Nadia laughed softly. “And?” “And I wanted to give you something that'd make the work easier.” A small pause. “Something you'd use.” Nadia looked at her for a long moment. Then smiled. “That may be the most romantic industrial equipment story I've ever heard.” Panam burst out laughing. “Jesus.” “It's true.” “Glad I can set new standards.” Nadia squeezed her hand. “You certainly can.” --- After dinner arrived, they moved on to subjects that had nothing to do with engineering. Panam spoke about a recent disagreement among the Aldecaldos over how to organize several overlapping transport assignments. Nadia listened with increasing amusement. “So the problem wasn't the cargo.” “No.” “Or the routes.” “No.” “It was that nobody wanted to admit the other person had a better plan.” Panam grinned. “Pretty much.” Nadia laughed. “Darling, that sounds remarkably familiar.” “Artists?” “Artists.” Panam laughed. Nadia told her about an exhibition years earlier in which two accomplished sculptors had nearly stopped speaking to each other over the positioning of a single pedestal. Panam stared. “One pedestal?” “Yes.” “What was on it?” “Nothing.” Panam blinked. Nadia smiled. “The pedestal was intended to remain empty.” Panam put down her fork. Then began laughing so hard that Nadia joined her. For several minutes, neither managed to say anything useful. Eventually, Panam wiped at one eye. “Fuck. I love your stories.” Nadia smiled. “I rather enjoy yours too.” --- Dessert came with a quiet change in the evening. Not awkwardness. Not uncertainty. Something gentler. They had already established that they liked each other. They had already kissed. They had already spent hours talking. Now there was a growing awareness that neither particularly wanted to go home alone. Nadia noticed it first in the way Panam's thumb moved slowly across the back of her hand. Then in the longer silences. The way their eyes met and remained together. The way Panam smiled when Nadia laughed. It was a good feeling. A little dangerous to her concentration. But very good. Panam studied her across the table. “What?” Nadia smiled. “Nothing.” “That's my line.” “I know.” Panam raised an eyebrow. Nadia leaned slightly closer. “I was wondering what happens after dinner.” Panam's expression changed. Only a little. But Nadia saw it. “What would you like to happen?” Panam asked. Nadia considered the question seriously. Then smiled. “I would like to spend more time with you.” Panam nodded. “Okay.” “And I'd rather not spend it in another restaurant.” Panam laughed softly. “Fair.” Nadia watched her. Panam watched back. Then Panam asked, “Want to come to my place?” Nadia's smile softened. “Yes.” A moment passed. “Very much.” --- They didn't leave immediately. Nadia insisted on finishing dessert. Panam accused her of having unusually disciplined priorities. Nadia replied that excellent pastry deserved respect. Panam conceded the point. Eventually, they stepped outside together. The evening air was cool. Nadia slipped her hand into Panam's. Panam squeezed it. They walked toward the vehicle without any particular hurry. At one point, Nadia stopped. Panam turned. “What?” Nadia smiled. “I'd like to kiss you.” Panam laughed softly. “Then come here.” Nadia did. The kiss lasted longer than either had intended. When they separated, Panam rested her forehead against Nadia's. “Still want to come over?” Nadia laughed softly. “Oh, darling.” “Yeah?” “More than ever.” --- Panam's city apartment was familiar territory to Panam. It was new territory to Nadia. She stepped inside and paused just beyond the door. Not because anything surprised her dramatically. Because the place felt so unmistakably like the woman who lived there. Practical furniture. Comfortable rather than decorative. A few carefully chosen personal things. Evidence of a life divided between the city and the Badlands. Nothing arranged to impress visitors. Nothing apologizing for itself. Nadia looked around. Then smiled. “Oh, sweetheart.” Panam closed the door. “What?” “I like it.” Panam looked mildly surprised. “Yeah?” “Very much.” “It's nothing fancy.” Nadia turned toward her. “Darling, I didn't ask whether it was fancy.” Panam laughed. “Fair.” Nadia approached. “This is your home.” “Yeah.” Nadia smiled. “Then I'm delighted you've invited me into it.” Panam's expression softened. She reached for Nadia's hand. “Come here.” Nadia stepped closer. Panam kissed her. Warmly. Then again. When they separated, Nadia glanced around the room. “Would you mind showing me around?” Panam laughed. “Sure.” --- The tour did not take long. A living room. Kitchen. Bathroom. Bedroom. A storage area with considerably more practical equipment than Nadia had expected. Panam opened the door to the storage area. Nadia looked inside. Then raised an eyebrow. “Darling.” “What?” “Is that an entire spare suspension assembly?” Panam grinned. “Part of one.” “In your apartment?” “Cleaned it first.” Nadia stared. Then began laughing. “Oh, Panam.” “What?” “You're wonderful.” “Because I've got suspension parts in a closet?” “Because I somehow expected exactly this.” Panam laughed. They returned to the living room. Panam offered a drink. Nadia accepted. They sat on the sofa. Close. Then closer. Eventually, Nadia leaned against her. Panam settled an arm around her shoulders. For a while, they said nothing. The city hummed beyond the windows. Nadia could hear the faint movement of traffic below. She looked toward Panam. “May I tell you something?” “Sure.” “I've been thinking about tonight since our first date.” Panam smiled. “Yeah?” “Yes.” “Me too.” Nadia considered. “Really?” “Yeah.” Panam laughed softly. “Kept finding myself thinking about that walk.” Nadia smiled. “So did I.” Panam looked at her. “And the kissing.” Nadia's smile widened. “Especially the kissing.” Panam drew her closer. Nadia met her halfway. --- Time moved differently on the sofa. They kissed. Talked. Laughed. Kissed again. At one point, Nadia found herself tracing the seam of Panam's shirt with her fingertips while Panam talked about an old journey through the Badlands. The story had something to do with a broken navigation system and a driver who refused to admit he'd taken the wrong road. Nadia was trying to listen. She really was. But Panam's warmth beside her was making the task increasingly difficult. Panam noticed. “You hearing any of this?” Nadia looked up. “Of course.” Panam raised an eyebrow. “Where'd we end up?” Nadia considered. Then smiled. “Darling, I'm afraid I became distracted somewhere after the second wrong turn.” Panam burst out laughing. “Thought so.” Nadia leaned closer. “Terribly sorry.” “No, you're not.” “Not even a little.” Panam kissed her. Nadia returned it. When they separated, the laughter had softened into something quieter. Panam brushed a strand of hair away from Nadia's face. “Hey.” Nadia smiled. “Hello.” “You okay?” “Wonderful.” Panam studied her. Then nodded. “Good.” Nadia rested her hand against Panam's cheek. “Are you?” Panam smiled. “Yeah.” Nadia kissed her again. Slowly. Then rested against her. For a while, they remained like that. Two women in a comfortable apartment. With no one expecting them anywhere else. --- It was Nadia who eventually spoke. “Panam?” “Yeah?” “May I stay tonight?” Panam turned toward her. Her expression softened immediately. “Yeah.” Nadia smiled. “I'd like that.” “So would I.” A small silence followed. Then Panam added, “And just so we're clear, you don't have to do anything you don't want to.” Nadia looked at her. For a moment, she seemed almost touched. Then she smiled. “Neither do you, darling.” Panam laughed softly. “Fair.” Nadia moved closer. “I want to be here.” Panam nodded. “Good.” “And I want you.” Panam's expression changed. Not surprise. Not hesitation. Something deeply affectionate. “Yeah,” she said quietly. “I want you too.” Nadia kissed her. This time there was no hurry at all. --- Panam took Nadia's hand and led her toward the bedroom, then stopped at the threshold. Not quite hesitating. Giving her a moment to choose. Nadia looked into the room and back at Panam. The bedside lamp was on; a discarded book lay facedown on the nightstand. It was unmistakably a room someone lived in, not one prepared for a visitor. “This is a very lovely place to end our second date,” Nadia said. Panam's smile turned a little unsteady. “You sure?” “Quite. I'd like to stay with you tonight.” “Yeah,” Panam said, and some of the tension left her shoulders. “I'd like that.” Nadia stepped into the room first. At the foot of the bed she turned and offered Panam her hand again, an invitation so simple that it brought a surprised laugh out of her. “What?” Nadia asked. “You're making me nervous.” “Darling, I thought I was being exceptionally clear.” “You are. That's the problem.” Nadia drew her close. Panam's laugh ended against Nadia's mouth, and the next kiss was nothing like the ones they'd stolen between conversations at dinner. Neither was trying to remember what to say afterward. Panam slid her jacket off and dropped it over a chair. Nadia reached to loosen the fastening at her own collar, then stopped when Panam caught her wrist—not to prevent her, but to kiss her fingers. “Hey,” Panam said quietly. “We don't have to rush.” “I know.” Nadia's voice softened. “I don't intend to.” They sat together on the edge of the bed. Nadia drew one knee up beside her, turned fully toward Panam, and touched her cheek. Panam leaned into the contact before she could think better of it. “There you are,” Nadia whispered. “Where else would I be?” “Somewhere behind that magnificent bravado of yours.” Panam huffed a laugh. “That's not fair.” “No,” Nadia agreed. “But I like finding you.” When Nadia kissed her again, Panam answered by pulling her closer. The movement surprised a breath out of Nadia; Panam felt it and paused, watching her face. Nadia smiled, caught the front of Panam's shirt and drew her back with complete certainty. “Don't mistake surprise for objection, darling.” “Wasn't going to.” “Good.” The last of Panam's careful self-consciousness gave way to a grin. They made love that night—not to prove anything about where this new relationship belonged, but because they wanted each other and had finally stopped pretending that a long dinner and a few kisses could contain it all. At first Panam kept searching Nadia's face for a sign that she was moving too quickly. Nadia noticed, touched her cheek, and answered by drawing her near. Panam's answering smile came slowly, followed by a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. They stayed close enough to notice every small change in the other: a moment of stillness, a surprised laugh, the way a hand tightened and then relaxed when its owner felt understood. “You're thinking again,” Nadia whispered at one point. “Bad habit.” “Not tonight, darling.” Panam looked at her. Then she laughed, gave up on finding a clever reply, and kissed her instead. Nadia's composure broke into delighted laughter more than once; Panam, who could talk her way through a vehicle breakdown with a string of magnificent curses, found herself unusually short of words. Each noticed, and each took an almost outrageous pleasure in the other's unguarded responses. Neither hurried past the quiet that followed. Later, when they were quiet enough to hear the passing traffic again, Panam lay with her hand resting against Nadia's back. Nadia touched the side of her face, studying her with an expression that made Panam stop trying to invent another joke. “You're looking at me,” Panam murmured. “Very attentively.” “Find anything?” “Yes.” Nadia kissed her once. “Someone I'm rather glad I came home with.” Panam closed her eyes for a moment and held her closer. Much later, with the apartment dark and the city lights touching the curtains, Nadia lay against Panam and listened to the steady rhythm of her breathing. She smiled. Then whispered, “Panam?” A sleepy sound answered. “Mm?” “Thank you.” Panam shifted slightly. “For what?” Nadia considered. “For being exactly who you are.” Panam opened her eyes. Looked at her. Then laughed softly. “That's a dangerous thing to encourage.” Nadia smiled. “I know.” Panam kissed her forehead. “Go to sleep, gorgeous.” Nadia settled closer. “With pleasure.” --- Morning arrived slowly. Nadia woke first. For several seconds, she didn't recognize the ceiling. Then she felt the warmth beside her. Remembered. And smiled. Panam was still asleep. One arm lay around Nadia's waist. Her hair was thoroughly disordered. She looked considerably less like the formidable woman who could command a transport crew through a difficult job and considerably more like someone who had absolutely no intention of getting out of bed. Nadia found the sight enchanting. She remained still. Watched the morning light touch the room. Listened to the distant city noise. And enjoyed the unfamiliar pleasure of waking somewhere she had chosen to be. Eventually, Panam stirred. Opened one eye. Found Nadia watching her. “Morning.” Nadia smiled. “Good morning, darling.” Panam blinked. Then smiled too. “Hey.” Nadia laughed softly. “Hello.” Panam drew her closer. They kissed. Sleepily. Warmly. Without any particular urgency. Then Panam looked at her. “Sleep okay?” “Wonderfully.” “Good.” Nadia studied her. “And you?” Panam grinned. “Pretty fucking great.” Nadia burst out laughing. “Oh, sweetheart.” Panam kissed her again. --- Breakfast became a small adventure. Not because anything went wrong. Because Nadia discovered that Panam had a surprisingly firm opinion about coffee preparation. This was not something Nadia had expected. Panam stood in the kitchen, wearing comfortable clothes, examining the coffee machine with the concentration of someone preparing for a technical inspection. Nadia leaned against the counter. “Darling?” “Yeah?” “Is there a reason you're looking at the machine as though it has personally offended you?” Panam glanced up. “It did.” Nadia laughed. “Oh?” “Last batch came out wrong.” “Wrong?” “Bitter.” Nadia smiled. “Perhaps it was having a difficult morning.” Panam gave her a look. Nadia laughed harder. Panam adjusted the settings. Started the machine. Then turned toward her. “Coffee takes work.” Nadia raised an eyebrow. “Does it?” “Good coffee does.” Nadia smiled. “I shall remember that.” Panam stepped closer. “Want to help?” “With coffee?” “Yeah.” Nadia considered. Then slipped her arms around Panam. “I had something else in mind.” Panam laughed. “Figured.” Nadia kissed her. The coffee machine beeped several seconds later. Neither paid much attention. --- They eventually managed breakfast. And coffee. Good coffee. Panam seemed extremely pleased about that. Nadia sat at the small kitchen table, holding her cup and looking toward the window. Panam watched her. “What?” Nadia looked back. “Nothing.” Panam grinned. “You keep doing that.” “Doing what?” “Smiling at nothing.” Nadia considered. Then smiled wider. “Perhaps I'm happy.” Panam's expression softened. “Yeah?” “Yes.” Panam reached across the table. Nadia took her hand. For a while, they sat quietly. Then Nadia said, “I have work this afternoon.” Panam nodded. “Figured.” “An optical test series.” “Sounds glamorous.” “Oh, terribly.” Panam laughed. Nadia looked at her. “And you?” “Heading out toward camp later. Couple things to deal with.” Nadia nodded. “Of course.” There was no disappointment in the exchange. No expectation that an excellent night should somehow erase the rest of their lives. They each had work. Responsibilities. Other people they loved. Places they belonged. And now they had this too. Panam looked at her. “Want to do this again?” Nadia smiled. “The breakfast?” Panam laughed. “Smartass.” “The coffee?” “Nadia.” “The kissing?” Panam's grin widened. “That one, definitely.” Nadia laughed softly. “Then yes.” She squeezed Panam's hand. “Very much.” --- Nadia didn't immediately tell everyone about the night. Not because it was a secret. Because it was hers. And Panam's. Something warm and personal that deserved to remain between them for a little while. She drove to the studio in a remarkably good mood. At a traffic light, she caught herself smiling. Then laughed. “Oh, ridiculous woman.” The light changed. She continued toward Watson. --- At the studio, the rated-load test for the transport dolly was underway. Brenda stood beside the supervised test area. The lifting mechanism raised the approved test load. Held it. Lowered it. The equipment remained stable. The controls responded correctly. The inspection record was completed. Brenda looked up when Nadia approached. “Morning!” Nadia smiled. “Good morning, darling.” Brenda studied her. Then raised an eyebrow. Nadia noticed immediately. “What?” “Nothing.” “Brenda.” Brenda grinned. “You look happy.” Nadia smiled. “I am.” “Good.” A pause. Then Brenda's grin widened. “Very happy.” Nadia laughed. “Darling, if you have a question, I suggest you reconsider it.” Brenda raised both hands. “Didn't say anything.” “Quite.” Brenda glanced toward the dolly. “Want to see the test results?” Nadia smiled. “Very much.” And, to Brenda's credit, the conversation returned immediately to engineering. --- The good news continued. The dolly passed its operational acceptance checks. The revised loading route worked. The clean assembly partition was nearly complete. Kiro had confirmed the network installation schedule. Reyes had approved the latest access-control layout for installation, pending final testing. And the residential feasibility study had entered its next stage. Nadia reviewed the architect's preliminary findings. The mezzanine remained potentially usable. But the reduced residential footprint was beginning to look considerably more practical than the original arrangement. Less structural intervention. Better separation from the workshop. A clearer path toward independent access and services. Still subject to planning and detailed design. But promising. Nadia looked at the drawings. Then smiled. Perhaps the apartment would be smaller than she'd first imagined. Perhaps that was perfectly fine. A home didn't need to occupy every available square meter. It needed to work. And to feel right. She made a note to discuss the revised layout with the architect. Then returned to Vivienne's project. --- Shammy arrived shortly after lunch. She came through the entrance carrying a materials case and a thermos. Nadia looked up. “Hello, beautiful.” Shammy smiled. “Hello!” She crossed the room. Nadia met her halfway. They kissed. Then Shammy stepped back. Looked at her. And smiled even wider. Nadia raised an eyebrow. “What?” Shammy's hair began to lift. “Oh, nothing.” Nadia stared. Then laughed. “Darling.” “Yes?” “Don't you dare.” Shammy clasped her hands together. “I haven't said anything!” Nadia laughed harder. “Your hair has.” Shammy looked delighted. Nadia caught her around the waist. Drew her closer. And kissed her again. For a moment, Shammy forgot entirely about teasing. When they separated, Nadia smiled. “Yes, sweetheart. I'm very happy.” Shammy's expression softened. “Oh.” Nadia brushed a strand of silver hair away from her face. “And so is Panam.” Shammy smiled. “Good.” Nadia looked at her. “That's all?” Shammy nodded. “That's all.” A moment passed. Then her hair rose another inch. Nadia burst out laughing. “Oh, darling!” Shammy laughed too. They embraced. And the moment needed nothing more. --- The afternoon's optical tests were productive. With the revised acceptance criteria, the fourth material variation performed more consistently than Nadia had expected. Not because the measurements had changed. Because they were finally measuring the qualities that mattered to the artwork. The active reflected effect remained delicate. The inactive state remained visually unobtrusive. The mounting assembly still needed refinement. The conservation implications still required review. But the artistic direction was becoming clearer. Nadia stood beside the test assembly. Shammy joined her. They watched a faint reflected band appear across the sample. Then disappear as the illumination changed. The material settled back into quietness. Nadia smiled. “Beautiful.” Shammy nodded. “Yes.” A moment passed. Then Shammy looked at her. “You know what I like?” “What, darling?” “That it doesn't always have to do something.” Nadia considered. Then smiled. “Yes.” “It can just be there.” Nadia looked toward the sample. “Exactly.” Shammy slipped her hand into Nadia's. They watched the light change. And for a while, neither felt the need to improve anything. --- That evening, Nadia sent Vivienne the first formal design-phase progress note. It described the revised optical criteria. The prototype testing. The remaining material questions. The planned engineering and conservation reviews. Nothing exaggerated. Nothing prematurely promised. A careful account of work genuinely completed. Then Nadia opened her personal calendar. There was a new entry to make. She considered the possibilities. Smiled. And wrote: _Another evening with Panam._ She looked at the words. Then added, beneath them: _No urgent return scheduled._ Nadia laughed softly to herself. Closed the calendar. And headed back to her guest room at the Watson safehouse. Not because she was finished building her new life. Because she was beginning to enjoy living it along the way. --- ## Chapter 26 — The Room That Wasn't There The message from Vivienne arrived at seven fourteen. Nadia read it in bed. Then sat upright. “Oh.” She read it again. The message was short. Polite. And rather more interesting than she had expected. **VIVIENNE:** Good morning, Nadia. I believe we've discovered something you should see before developing the installation further. The building team opened a section of the old service wall yesterday. There appears to be another space behind it. Nobody seems entirely certain what it was used for. I've asked them not to disturb anything else until we've spoken. Would you be available to visit? Nadia stared at the screen. Then smiled. “Oh, my.” She called Shammy. Shammy answered looking magnificently asleep. Silver-white hair spilled across a pillow. One vivid blue eye regarded Nadia with profound suspicion. “Nadia?” “Good morning, sweetheart.” “Mmm.” “I may have something interesting.” Shammy blinked. “How interesting?” “Possibly hidden-room interesting.” Both eyes opened. The halo began rising immediately. “Oh!” Nadia laughed. “Yes, darling. Oh indeed.” --- By eight thirty, Nadia had spoken with Vivienne, Helena Whitcomb, and the structural engineer's office. The situation was becoming clearer. During preliminary building-services investigations at Vivienne's coastal house, a contractor had removed a modern access panel from an old service wall. Behind it, instead of the expected shallow utility void, there was an opening. Not large. Not particularly dramatic. But unmistakably an opening into another space. The contractor had stopped work. Quite correctly. Vivienne had instructed everyone to leave it alone. Also correctly. Helena wanted to inspect the exposed surfaces before anyone enlarged the opening or attempted to enter. Nadia agreed. The optical installation was intended to respond delicately to the existing architecture. If the architecture turned out to contain an undocumented space, they needed to understand it. Not because every architectural discovery was necessarily important. But because some were. And because destroying evidence was considerably easier than recovering it. By nine, the visit was arranged. Helena would inspect the opening. The structural engineer would assess whether any further investigation could proceed safely. Nadia and Shammy would attend as the installation's designers. Vivienne would be there. The contractor would make the site safe and remain available. Nobody was going exploring. Yet. Nadia considered the distinction important. --- Panam called while Nadia was preparing her materials. “Morning, gorgeous.” Nadia smiled. “Hello, darling.” “Busy?” “Unexpectedly.” “Uh-oh.” Nadia laughed. “Oh, nothing terrible. Vivienne's house has apparently developed an architectural secret.” Panam raised an eyebrow. “What kind?” “A concealed space.” “Behind a wall?” “Apparently.” Panam grinned. “Of course it has.” Nadia looked amused. “Why do you say that?” “Because you were having a perfectly normal art project.” “And?” “And you people can't leave perfectly normal things alone.” Nadia laughed. “Darling, I assure you I did not personally conceal a room in Vivienne's house.” “Sure.” “Panam!” “I'm just saying.” Nadia shook her head. “I'm visiting this morning with the conservation consultant and engineer.” “Good.” “Shammy's coming too.” “Of course she is.” Nadia smiled. “She was very excited.” “Hair?” “Immediately.” Panam laughed. “Thought so.” A small silence followed. Then Panam's expression softened. “How are you?” Nadia knew what she meant. Not the project. Not the unexpected discovery. The two of them. Nadia smiled. “Very happy, darling.” Panam's answering smile came slowly. “Yeah.” “And you?” “Same.” Nadia leaned against her desk. “I've been thinking about breakfast.” Panam laughed. “Oh, have you?” “Quite a lot.” “Coffee or company?” Nadia pretended to consider. “Both were excellent.” “Diplomatic answer.” “Though the company was rather distracting.” Panam grinned. “Good.” Nadia laughed softly. “Very.” --- Vivienne's house looked different under the morning sky. The sea was grey. Wind moved through the coastal vegetation. The building stood quiet behind its carefully maintained grounds. Nadia had admired the place from her first visit. Today she was looking at it differently. Not as an artist imagining light. As someone trying to understand what the building had once been. Helena met them near the service corridor. The conservator had already examined the accessible documentation. She was not particularly impressed by what she'd found. “Three sets of alteration drawings,” Helena explained, “and not one of them agrees entirely with the building.” Vivienne sighed. “Wonderful.” Helena smiled faintly. “Quite common, unfortunately.” Nadia studied the corridor. The wall was plastered. Part of it had been opened around a modern utility access panel. Behind that lay an older construction line. Stone. Mortar. And a dark rectangular opening extending beyond the reach of the corridor lighting. Shammy leaned forward. Nadia caught her hand. “Darling.” Shammy stopped. “I know.” “We are looking.” “Yes.” “Not exploring.” Shammy sighed. Helena laughed softly. “I appreciate your restraint.” Nadia smiled. “It's a relatively new accomplishment.” Shammy looked at her. “Nadia!” “Darling, you called me before you'd even brushed your hair to ask whether we might need rope.” Vivienne began laughing. Helena raised an eyebrow. “Rope?” Shammy considered. Then smiled sheepishly. “Possibly.” --- The structural engineer arrived with the contractor's site supervisor. They reviewed the exposed masonry, checked the accessible drawings, and examined the relationship between the old wall and the ceiling above. The discovery wasn't obviously dangerous. It also wasn't something anyone wanted to treat casually. The engineer pointed toward the upper edge of the opening. “This may have been part of a former service passage. We need to establish whether any of the surrounding masonry was altered when it was closed.” Helena nodded. “And I want the mortar and surface finishes documented before anything else is removed.” Vivienne looked into the darkness. “How large is it?” “We don't know yet,” Helena said. Shammy studied the wall. “Could it be a room?” “Possibly.” “Or a passage?” “Also possible.” Shammy's eyes brightened. “Or—” Nadia squeezed her hand. Shammy stopped. Then grinned. “I'm being good.” “Exceedingly.” --- The first inspection used a small camera passed through the existing opening. No person entered. No wall was enlarged. The feed appeared on a portable display. For several seconds, they saw only rough masonry and dust. Then the camera moved farther. The space widened. A floor appeared. An opposite wall. And something standing against it. Shammy leaned closer. “Oh.” Nadia stared. It wasn't machinery. Not exactly. It looked like a series of narrow vertical frames. Some were empty. Others held damaged panels. Helena asked the operator to stop. “Can you give me a closer view of the left-hand section?” The camera adjusted. A pale surface appeared. Weathered. Cracked in places. And marked by a faint decorative pattern. Helena went very still. Nadia noticed. “Helena?” The conservator didn't answer immediately. Then she said, “That's interesting.” Vivienne looked between them. “What is it?” “I don't know yet.” Helena leaned closer. “But I don't think this space was originally intended for services.” The camera moved again. Farther along the wall, they found another panel. Then a third. And above them, a narrow opening that appeared to admit daylight from somewhere beyond the exterior stonework. Nadia felt Shammy's hand tighten around hers. She understood why. The room wasn't entirely dark. It had once been designed to receive light. --- By lunchtime, Helena had reached a preliminary conclusion. Not a final identification. Not a declaration of historical significance. A working hypothesis. The space might have formed part of an earlier architectural arrangement that had been concealed during subsequent renovations. The vertical frames appeared to have held decorative or translucent panels. Possibly glass. Possibly another material. The narrow opening might have been intended to illuminate them. Helena emphasized that none of this was yet confirmed. Nadia listened carefully. Vivienne looked thoughtful. “So someone may have built a room for light.” “Possibly,” Helena replied. Shammy looked toward Nadia. Nadia was already smiling. “Oh, sweetheart,” she murmured. Shammy nodded. “I know.” Vivienne noticed. “What?” Nadia turned toward her. “Nothing we've established yet, darling.” Vivienne raised an eyebrow. Nadia laughed. “But the coincidence is extraordinary.” Vivienne smiled slowly. “Isn't it?” --- They broke for lunch in a small dining room overlooking the water. Helena continued reviewing photographs. The engineer had returned to his office to compare the new observations with the structural drawings. The contractor had secured the opening and suspended work in the affected area. For the moment, nothing more would be disturbed. Vivienne poured tea. “I confess I rather want to know what's in there.” Shammy looked delighted. “Me too.” Nadia smiled. “We all do.” Vivienne looked toward Helena. “How soon can we find out?” “That depends on what the engineer concludes and what the initial examination tells us,” Helena replied. “I'd prefer a controlled opening rather than an enthusiastic demolition.” Shammy looked personally wounded. Nadia burst out laughing. “Darling!” “I didn't say anything!” “You didn't have to.” Helena smiled. “It's an admirable quality, enthusiasm. It simply requires supervision around old masonry.” Vivienne laughed. Shammy sighed theatrically. “Everyone is against me.” Nadia kissed her cheek. “Only in matters of structural conservation, sweetheart.” --- After lunch, Nadia asked Vivienne for a few minutes alone in the atrium. They stood beneath the high windows. The day had remained overcast. Light filled the space softly. No sharp shadows. No dramatic beams. Just a gentle brightness that seemed to belong to the stone itself. Nadia studied it. Then looked toward the service corridor. Vivienne watched her. “Does this change the commission?” Nadia considered. “It may.” Vivienne nodded. “Do you want to stop?” “No.” The answer came easily. Nadia smiled. “But I do want to understand what we've found before deciding whether our current proposal is still the best one.” Vivienne looked pleased. “Good.” Nadia turned toward her. “You hired me to create something appropriate for this house. Not to force a predetermined idea into it.” “Yes.” “If the original building already contains an architectural treatment of light, that matters.” Vivienne looked toward the windows. “Even if it's hidden?” “Especially if it's hidden.” A pause. Then Nadia added, “But I don't want to romanticize it before we know what it is.” Vivienne laughed. “A sensible precaution.” “We might discover a beautiful historical feature.” “Or?” “Or a rather unremarkable former storage room containing three damaged partitions.” Vivienne smiled. “Would you be disappointed?” Nadia considered. “Curious, certainly. Disappointed? No.” She looked around the atrium. “Even ordinary buildings deserve to be understood accurately.” --- Shammy found Nadia near the windows. Vivienne had stepped away to take a call. Shammy approached quietly. “Thinking?” “Terribly.” Shammy slipped her arms around Nadia. Nadia leaned against her. “What if it really was designed for light?” Shammy asked. Nadia considered. “Then I think we have a responsibility to listen.” Shammy smiled. “Listen to a room?” “Why not?” Shammy laughed softly. Nadia turned. “Darling, how often do we begin designing something before we understand what the space already does?” Shammy thought about it. “Too often.” “Exactly.” Nadia looked toward the windows. “Perhaps our installation should make people notice the architecture rather than notice itself.” Shammy's expression softened. “Oh.” “Yes.” They stood together for a while. Then Shammy smiled. “I have an idea.” Nadia laughed. “Of course you do.” “What if we make a study of the existing light paths before we decide anything else?” Nadia looked at her. Shammy continued. “Not just the atrium. The whole connected section of the house.” Nadia considered. “That would be useful.” “We could map where the light actually enters. How it changes through the day.” “And compare it with the original architectural arrangement, if Helena can establish one.” Shammy nodded enthusiastically. Nadia smiled. “Darling, that's an excellent idea.” Shammy beamed. The halo rose another inch. Nadia kissed her. --- The drive back to Night City was quieter than the journey out. Shammy sat beside Nadia, reviewing photographs. Nadia kept her attention on the road. They talked intermittently. About the hidden space. The altered building. The possibility that the installation would need a different artistic direction. And the importance of not letting an exciting discovery turn into a premature conclusion. Eventually, Shammy lowered her holo. “Nadia?” “Yes, sweetheart?” “What if Vivienne decides she wants the old space restored instead of commissioning our piece?” Nadia considered. “Then we help her understand her options.” Shammy looked at her. “Even if the project changes completely?” “Yes.” A pause. Then Nadia smiled. “Darling, we have a signed design-phase agreement. We're being paid to investigate a responsible artistic solution. That includes finding out when an earlier assumption no longer holds.” Shammy nodded slowly. “And if the final artwork never happens?” “Then the design phase will still have done exactly what it was supposed to do.” Shammy looked thoughtful. Nadia glanced toward her. “Would you feel differently?” Shammy considered. “Maybe a little.” “Why?” “Because I really liked the idea.” Nadia smiled. “So did I.” Shammy laughed softly. Nadia reached across the console and squeezed her hand. “But I think we might like the next idea even more.” Shammy smiled. “Maybe.” --- At the studio, Nadia called a short project meeting. Mai attended remotely. Brenda joined from the safehouse workshop. Helena had agreed to provide a preliminary written assessment once the structural review was complete. Nadia summarized the discovery. Then the consequences. The optical design work would continue, but fabrication decisions remained on hold. No permanent mounting concept would be finalized until they understood the historical wall and the possible original daylight arrangement. The existing material tests were still valuable. The removable cassette mechanism remained a promising technology. But its application could change. Brenda listened. Then nodded. “Good.” Nadia smiled. “I thought you'd say that.” “You'd be surprised how often people keep building something just because they've already built half of it.” Mai raised an eyebrow. “No, she wouldn't.” Brenda laughed. “Fair.” Nadia looked toward the drawings. “I want a revised study schedule prepared by tomorrow.” Mai nodded. “And an updated scope note for Vivienne?” “Yes. I'll draft it.” “Good.” Brenda leaned forward. “One question.” “Darling?” “Are we still going to test the replaceable wear surface?” “Absolutely.” Brenda grinned. “Excellent.” Nadia smiled. “Just because an artwork may change doesn't mean good engineering has become useless.” Brenda looked delighted. “Exactly!” --- The meeting ended. Nadia remained at her desk. She opened the original concept presentation. Looked through it. The diagrams were elegant. The material studies were promising. The mockups were beautiful. She liked the work. Very much. But something about the discovery had shifted her perspective. She had approached Vivienne's atrium as an existing space into which an artwork might be introduced. Now she wondered whether the building already contained an artistic intention that had simply been forgotten. Not necessarily one that needed restoring. Not necessarily one that deserved to dominate the new commission. But one that deserved investigation. Nadia opened a fresh document. At the top, she wrote: **VIVIENNE — ARCHITECTURAL LIGHT STUDY** Then, beneath it: **Primary question: What does the building already know about light?** She smiled. Perhaps that was a little poetic. She liked it anyway. --- Panam called that evening. Nadia answered from her desk. “Hello, beautiful.” “Hey, gorgeous.” Panam studied her expression. “How'd the secret room go?” Nadia laughed. “Oh, darling.” “That good?” “Very interesting.” “Find treasure?” “Possibly something much better.” Panam raised an eyebrow. “Better than treasure?” “Architectural history.” Panam stared. Nadia burst out laughing. “Oh, sweetheart, your face!” Panam grinned. “Had to ask.” Nadia told her about the vertical frames. The possible daylight opening. The provisional historical interpretation. The suspended work. And the new study. Panam listened. Then nodded. “So you went looking at a wall and came back with more work.” Nadia smiled. “Precisely.” Panam laughed. “Artists.” “Terrible creatures.” “Absolutely.” A quiet moment followed. Then Panam asked, “You okay with the project changing?” Nadia considered. “Yes.” “Really?” “Yes.” Panam studied her. Nadia smiled. “I think it might become something better.” Panam nodded. “Then good.” Nadia looked at her. “Darling?” “Yeah?” “I'd like to see you.” Panam's expression softened. “Yeah?” “Yes.” “I'm in the city tomorrow.” Nadia smiled. “How fortunate.” “Very.” “And are you terribly busy?” “Depends.” Nadia laughed softly. “On what?” “What you've got in mind.” Nadia considered. “Dinner.” Panam grinned. “Okay.” “And perhaps a little time together afterward.” Panam's smile widened. “Yeah?” Nadia leaned closer to the holo. “Quite a lot of time, if we're being precise.” Panam laughed. “Think I can make room for that.” “Wonderful.” --- Later, Nadia visited the safehouse. Ace was curled up against Mai on the couch. Shammy sat on the floor nearby, sketching. Brenda and Iris occupied the other end of the room. The atmosphere was comfortably domestic. Nadia entered. Shammy looked up. “Nadia!” Nadia smiled. “Hello, darlings.” Ace grinned. “Find anything exciting?” Nadia raised an eyebrow. “Word travels quickly.” Mai smiled. “Shammy has been talking about the room all afternoon.” Shammy looked innocent. “It was interesting!” “It certainly was,” Nadia agreed. Ace considered. “So. Secret room.” “Yes.” “Old house.” “Yes.” “Mysterious panels.” “Yes.” Ace smiled slowly. “Clearly haunted.” Mai closed her eyes. Brenda burst out laughing. Iris looked up from her tablet. “Please don't encourage her.” Ace grinned. “What?” Nadia laughed. “Oh, darling, if the conservation report identifies a ghost, I promise you'll be the first to know.” Ace looked delighted. “Excellent.” Mai kissed the top of her head. “No ghost hunts.” Ace sighed. “You take all the fun out of everything.” Shammy raised her hand. “I'd go.” Mai looked at her. “Of course you would.” Everyone laughed. --- Later, Nadia and Shammy sat together on the balcony. The evening air was cool. City lights stretched into the distance. Shammy had brought her sketchbook. Nadia looked through the drawings. Several explored the relationship between narrow openings and reflected daylight. One depicted the newly discovered room as Shammy imagined it might have looked. Nadia studied that drawing. Then smiled. “Beautiful.” Shammy leaned closer. “It's only a guess.” “I know.” “I don't want Helena to think I'm making things up.” Nadia laughed. “Sweetheart, you're an artist. Making things up is part of the profession.” Shammy smiled. “But not part of the historical report.” “Exactly.” They laughed. Nadia turned another page. Then stopped. This sketch was different. No hidden room. No old masonry. No mysterious panels. It showed the atrium as Nadia remembered it. Almost empty. Soft daylight falling across pale stone. And one small, nearly invisible optical surface positioned where it might catch the changing light. Nothing dramatic. Nothing demanding attention. Just a delicate intervention. Nadia looked at it for a long time. Shammy watched her. “Too simple?” Nadia shook her head. “No.” “Really?” Nadia smiled. “I think it's lovely.” Shammy leaned against her. Nadia rested her cheek against Shammy's hair. They remained together for a while. Then Nadia closed the sketchbook. “Darling?” “Yes?” “Whatever Helena finds, I think we've learned something important.” Shammy looked up. “What?” Nadia smiled. “That the most interesting thing an artist can bring into a room isn't always another object.” Shammy considered. “Sometimes it's a way of seeing what's already there.” Nadia's expression softened. “Yes.” She kissed Shammy. And Shammy kissed her back. --- Back in her guest room at the Watson safehouse that night, Nadia found another message waiting. Vivienne. **VIVIENNE:** Thank you for today. Helena has already sent a preliminary note. Nothing conclusive yet, but I'm relieved we stopped work when we did. I wanted to tell you that I'm very happy with how you're approaching this. Nadia smiled. She typed a reply. **NADIA:** Thank you, darling. The discovery may change our direction, but I think the project will be better for understanding the building properly. I'll send the revised study schedule tomorrow. She sent it. Then opened her sketchbook. For a moment, she considered the hidden room. The unusual frames. The possibility of an old architectural treatment of daylight. And the exquisite temptation of imagining a forgotten masterpiece behind the wall. She smiled. Then drew something entirely different. A single line. A faint reflected shape. A patch of light on stone. Something quiet enough to be missed. Something beautiful enough to reward attention. When she finished, she looked at the drawing. Then wrote beneath it: **Not every discovery needs to become the artwork.** She considered the sentence. Nodded. And closed the book. Tomorrow would bring drawings, questions, and probably a considerable number of emails. There would be engineers to consult. Conservation findings to review. A design-phase schedule to revise. And somewhere in Night City, a woman in a charcoal jacket who had promised her dinner. Nadia smiled to herself. The hidden room could keep its secrets for one more night. She had other things to look forward to. --- ## Chapter 27 — The Shape of an Answer Nadia had expected Helena's report to contain answers. Instead, it contained seventeen questions. She considered that an encouraging beginning. The document arrived shortly after eight, accompanied by a set of annotated photographs and a short message. **HELENA:** Preliminary observations attached. Please don't let Shammy enter the room. Nadia laughed aloud. Then forwarded the message. Shammy called within thirty seconds. "NADIA!" "Good morning, sweetheart." "She thinks I'm going to climb into it!" Nadia smiled. "Darling, you asked whether the opening could accommodate your shoulders." "That was a perfectly reasonable question!" "Of course." "I was establishing dimensions!" "Naturally." Shammy went quiet. Then laughed. "You're enjoying this." "Immensely." --- The report was fascinating. The exposed surfaces suggested that the concealed space predated at least one major alteration to Vivienne's house. Several masonry joints differed from those in the adjacent corridor. The vertical frames visible through the inspection camera appeared to be fixed into the original floor rather than standing loose. And the narrow daylight opening was not, as everyone had initially assumed, an accidental gap in the external stonework. It had been deliberately constructed. That was the strongest finding. Everything else remained uncertain. The surviving panels might be decorative. They might have been functional. They might have been installed decades after the space itself was built. And the entire arrangement might have been concealed for reasons having nothing whatsoever to do with its original purpose. Helena recommended a carefully documented investigation. The engineer would first determine whether controlled access was safe. Then the conservation team could inspect the interior. No one would remove panels. No one would clean them. No one would attempt to activate any old electrical equipment, if such equipment existed. Nadia approved wholeheartedly. She made notes. Then opened the last page. A preliminary sketch showed the relationship between the concealed space and the atrium. Nadia stared. The two were much closer than she had realized. Not directly connected. Not visibly. But close. And the daylight opening appeared to face a direction that might allow sunlight to reach the concealed panels during certain hours. Nadia leaned forward. "Oh." She reached for her holo. Then stopped. Smiled. And set it down again. "First," she told herself, "we finish reading." --- At the studio, the morning coordination meeting began at nine thirty. Mai joined remotely. Kiro sat beside the network installation schedule. Brenda had come to review equipment commissioning. Reyes attended to resolve the remaining physical access-control questions. Nadia chaired. Nobody mentioned the hidden room. Not initially. They had work to do. The loading bay was operational. The transport dolly had passed its acceptance checks. The electrical installation was substantially complete. The ventilation system was approaching its first balancing test. And the clean assembly area was now physically separated from the remaining construction work. Nadia reviewed each item carefully. Then turned to Kiro. "How are we doing with the studio network?" Kiro glanced at her display. "The backbone is installed. The external connection is stable. Internal segmentation is configured." Nadia nodded. "And the client project storage?" "Provisioned. Not released for production." "Why?" "Because I haven't finished trying to break it." Reyes smiled faintly. Nadia laughed. "An excellent reason." Kiro continued. "Tomorrow we're running the full recovery test. After that, I'll be comfortable signing off on the first phase." "And the workshop equipment?" "Isolated from the client archive and office systems. Physical controls remain local where they need to." Reyes leaned forward. "The access-control installation is nearly complete too. But I want the emergency procedures tested with the actual staff and contractors, not merely demonstrated by the installer." Mai nodded. "Agreed." Nadia made a note. "Then we'll schedule a practical walkthrough." Reyes looked pleased. "Good." Brenda raised her hand. Nadia smiled. "Darling?" "The clean assembly area." "Yes?" "Do we have a decision on the vibration-isolation pads?" Nadia opened the relevant drawing. "Yes. The revised arrangement has been approved." Brenda grinned. "Excellent." "And before you ask, the lifting points have been reviewed as well." Brenda looked disappointed. "I was going to ask." Nadia laughed. "I know." --- After the meeting, Mai remained on the call. "Nadia?" "Yes, darling?" "One thing." Nadia sat back. "Go on." "You're handling the project well." Nadia smiled. "Thank you." "But you're still doing too much of the day-to-day coordination yourself." Nadia considered. "Possibly." Mai raised an eyebrow. "Nadia." Nadia laughed. "All right. Certainly." "You hired people to manage the construction." "Yes." "Then let them manage it." Nadia nodded. "I know." Mai's expression softened. "It's your studio. Your decisions matter. But you don't personally need to verify every delivery or supervise every contractor." Nadia looked thoughtful. "You're right." "I know." Nadia burst out laughing. "Oh, you are impossible." Mai smiled. "Occasionally." Nadia considered the schedule. Then opened her task list. "Very well. I'll formally hand routine receiving and commissioning coordination back to the project team. I want the exceptions and approvals brought to me." "Good." "And that should give me more time for the work I'm supposed to be doing." Mai nodded. "Exactly." Nadia smiled. "Thank you, sweetheart." "Anytime." --- By noon, Nadia had cleared three recurring meetings from her calendar. It felt glorious. She was still responsible for the studio. Still the person making the important decisions. But she no longer intended to spend every morning acting as her own construction administrator. She had an art practice to build. And, increasingly, clients who expected her to practice it. She returned to the optical bench. Shammy was already there. Silver-white hair tied back. Sketchbook open. Several material samples arranged in a careful sequence. Nadia approached quietly. For a few moments, she watched. Shammy adjusted a piece of translucent material against the test illumination. Moved it a fraction. Watched the reflected light shift. Then frowned. Nadia smiled. "Good morning, beautiful." Shammy turned. "Nadia!" The halo immediately began escaping its restraint. Nadia laughed. "Darling, your hair." Shammy reached up. "Oh!" She tried to flatten it. Failed. Nadia stepped closer. Caught her around the waist. And kissed her. Shammy smiled against her lips. When they separated, Nadia looked toward the samples. "What are we investigating?" "Something Helena said." Nadia raised an eyebrow. "Oh?" "About the daylight opening." Shammy pointed toward her sketches. "If the old space really used sunlight, I wanted to understand what kinds of effects you could get without modern optical coatings." Nadia studied the drawings. Simple arrangements. Polished metal. Translucent panels. Oblique openings. Not reconstructions. Explorations. "What have you found?" Shammy smiled. "Mostly that people were very clever long before us." Nadia laughed. "An important discovery." --- They worked through the afternoon. Instead of attempting to reproduce the hidden room, they examined a selection of historical lighting principles. How narrow openings controlled illumination. How different surface finishes scattered it. How thin translucent panels changed the appearance of a space even when no distinct image formed. Nadia found herself increasingly drawn to the simplest examples. Not because she wanted her installation to imitate an earlier century. Because she was beginning to question how visible the work needed to be. Shammy looked toward one of the samples. "What if the final installation isn't in the middle of the atrium at all?" Nadia considered. "Where would you put it?" Shammy gestured toward the wall. "Near the existing daylight path." Nadia studied the photographs. "That would depend on whether Helena finds the concealed arrangement significant." "Of course." "And whether anything can be mounted safely." "Yes." Nadia smiled. "But it's worth studying." Shammy nodded. For a while, they examined the atrium's geometry. Then Nadia said, "I want to prepare two design approaches." Shammy looked up. "Two?" "Yes." Nadia opened a new file. "One that works entirely within the atrium as we've documented it. No reliance on the hidden space." Shammy nodded. "And the other?" "One that acknowledges whatever historical lighting arrangement Helena eventually identifies." Shammy smiled. "Without pretending we know what it is yet." "Exactly." Nadia began outlining the options. Both would remain within the contracted preliminary design phase. Any substantial change to the commission would require Vivienne's approval and an appropriate amendment to the scope. But this was precisely why the design phase existed. To explore. To test. To discover. And, when necessary, to change direction before anyone started cutting permanent holes in irreplaceable stone. --- Helena called at four fifteen. Nadia answered immediately. "Hello, darling." "Nadia. Good afternoon." "Any news?" "Yes. The engineer has completed the initial safety assessment." Nadia sat upright. "And?" "Controlled entry appears feasible, provided the temporary support arrangement is installed first." Nadia smiled. "Wonderful." "But the opening cannot simply be enlarged at the contractor's discretion." "Of course." "We'll need a conservation method statement, photographic recording, and a defined access procedure." "Understood." Helena paused. "There's something else." Nadia waited. "I've found an older property survey." "Oh?" "It doesn't show the room." Nadia frowned. "Then how does it help?" "It shows a wall thickness that cannot be reconciled with the current floor plan." Nadia considered. "So whoever prepared the survey knew there was an unusual structural arrangement." "Possibly. Or simply recorded what they could measure without understanding it." "Either way, interesting." "Very." Helena's voice softened. "And Nadia?" "Yes?" "Thank you for not pushing Vivienne toward an immediate artistic interpretation." Nadia smiled. "Darling, we don't know enough yet." "Exactly." A pause. Then Helena added, "You'd be surprised how often that fails to stop people." Nadia laughed. "Oh, I wouldn't." --- The next inspection was scheduled for two days later. Not tomorrow. The temporary works needed preparation. The documentation had to be completed. And Helena had no intention of allowing anyone's excitement to substitute for a safe investigation. Nadia found that perfectly reasonable. Shammy found it agonizing. "Two days?" Nadia smiled. "Yes, darling." "But—" "Two days." Shammy sighed. Nadia laughed. "Sweetheart, you've waited considerably longer than that for a paint layer to dry." "Paint isn't a mysterious room!" "No." Shammy looked at her. Then smiled. "You're enjoying this again." "Immensely." --- At five thirty, Nadia closed her work files. On purpose. She checked the next day's schedule. Confirmed that nothing required her immediate attention. Then left the studio in the capable hands of the people she'd hired to manage it. She drove back to the Watson safehouse. Showered in the shared bathroom. Changed. And spent precisely six minutes considering her clothes. An improvement, she thought. Panam had sent a message twenty minutes earlier. **PANAM:** Still on for dinner? Nadia smiled. **NADIA:** Of course, darling. **PANAM:** Good. I'm bringing the truck. Nadia laughed. **NADIA:** Should I be concerned? **PANAM:** Not unless you're afraid of a little dirt. Nadia considered. Then typed: **NADIA:** Darling, I'm an artist. Dirt and I have a long and complicated relationship. Panam replied with a laughing face. Then: **PANAM:** See you soon, gorgeous. --- Panam was waiting outside when Nadia emerged. No charcoal jacket this time. She wore comfortable clothes that looked entirely at home in the Badlands. The vehicle beside her was clean enough for city streets. Not clean enough to convince anyone it had spent its life there. Nadia smiled. "Hello, beautiful." Panam turned. "Hey." They kissed. Panam rested her hands at Nadia's waist. Nadia looked toward the truck. "Oh, darling." Panam grinned. "What?" "You're taking me somewhere." "Yep." "Somewhere dusty?" "Probably." Nadia laughed. "And is dinner involved?" "Absolutely." Nadia considered. "Wonderful." Panam raised an eyebrow. "You're not asking where?" "No." "Really?" Nadia smiled. "I trust you." Panam's expression softened. "Yeah?" "Yes." A moment passed. Then Nadia added, "But if we're eating beside a broken-down vehicle in the middle of nowhere, I expect an excellent explanation." Panam burst out laughing. "Deal." --- They drove out of the crowded streets as evening settled over Night City. Panam didn't take Nadia deep into the Badlands. Not tonight. Instead, she followed a route toward the edge of the city, where the buildings thinned and the lights spread out across a broad industrial horizon. Nadia watched the scenery change. Warehouses. Transport yards. Old infrastructure. Then stretches of open land between clusters of development. Panam glanced toward her. "Okay?" Nadia smiled. "Very." "Good." A pause. Then Nadia asked, "Darling, do you bring many people out here?" Panam considered. "Not many." Nadia looked at her. "Why?" Panam shrugged. "It's one of my places." Nadia smiled. "One of your places?" "Yeah." "Then I'm honored." Panam glanced at her. The smile that followed was small. And very genuine. --- The place turned out to be a ridge overlooking the city's western approaches. Not a dramatic cliff. Not a tourist attraction. A quiet stretch of elevated ground accessible by an old service road. Panam parked. Cut the engine. And looked toward Nadia. "Well?" Nadia stepped out. The wind was gentle. The air smelled of dry earth and distant machinery. Night City stretched across the horizon. At this distance, its lights looked almost peaceful. Nadia stood beside the truck. Then smiled. "Oh." Panam joined her. "Yeah?" "Darling." Panam watched her. "This is beautiful." Panam grinned. "Thought you'd like it." Nadia looked toward the city. Then toward the open land. The sky was changing color. The last daylight remained near the horizon. Above it, the first stars were becoming visible. Nadia took Panam's hand. "Thank you." Panam squeezed it. "You're welcome." --- Dinner was packed in the back of the truck. Properly packed. With a small portable table. Comfortable chairs. A carefully prepared selection of food. And enough thoughtful detail that Nadia immediately understood Panam had planned the evening. She looked at the arrangement. Then at Panam. "Oh, sweetheart." Panam smiled. "What?" "You've done all this?" "Yeah." Nadia looked around. "For me?" Panam paused. Then smiled. "For us." Nadia's expression softened. "Oh." Panam watched her. "Too much?" Nadia shook her head. "No." She stepped closer. Kissed her. Then rested her forehead against Panam's. "It's wonderful." --- They ate while the city lights came on. The food was excellent. Panam had chosen it carefully. Nadia enjoyed every bite. They talked about the studio. The hidden room. The Aldecaldos. And the strange experience of becoming attached to someone whose life was already full of people, obligations, and places that mattered. Neither found that frightening. They had both lived long enough to understand that affection did not require possession. Nadia looked toward Panam. "May I tell you something?" "Sure." "I like that you have this." Panam followed her gaze. "The ridge?" "All of it." Panam considered. "The Badlands?" "Your life outside the city. The people you belong to. The places that matter to you." Panam looked at her. Nadia smiled. "I wouldn't want you to give any of it up for me." Panam was quiet for a moment. Then she nodded. "Good." Nadia raised an eyebrow. "Good?" "Because I wouldn't." Nadia laughed. "Oh, darling." Panam smiled. "But that doesn't mean I don't want you in it." Nadia's expression softened. "I know." Panam reached across the table. Nadia took her hand. A moment passed. Then Nadia said, "And I don't intend to abandon my work, my friends, or the life I'm building here." Panam grinned. "Good." Nadia smiled. "Good?" "Because I wouldn't want you to." They laughed. Then sat quietly together. The agreement needed no further negotiation. --- Later, Panam showed Nadia a place a short walk from the truck. A broad, flat rock overlooking the road. They sat beside each other. The evening had cooled. Nadia leaned against Panam. Panam wrapped an arm around her. For a while, they watched distant headlights moving across the desert approaches. Then Nadia said, "I think I understand something." Panam looked at her. "What?" "Why you wanted to bring me here." Panam smiled. "Yeah?" Nadia nodded. "This is somewhere you can be quiet." Panam considered. "Pretty much." "Without anyone needing you." "Yeah." Nadia looked toward the city. "That's precious." Panam squeezed her shoulder. "It is." A moment passed. Then Panam said, "Didn't used to think I'd want to share it." Nadia turned. "Oh?" Panam shrugged. "Sometimes you find a place because you need somewhere to get away from people." Nadia listened. "Then one day you realize there's somebody you wouldn't mind having there." Nadia's expression softened. "Oh, sweetheart." Panam looked at her. Nadia kissed her. The kiss was gentle. Then longer. When they separated, Nadia remained close. "I'm very glad I'm here." Panam smiled. "Me too." --- They stayed until the night had settled completely. Then returned to the truck. Panam packed the table and chairs. Nadia helped. Not because Panam needed assistance. Because doing ordinary things together was becoming one of Nadia's favorite parts of their relationship. When they finished, Panam closed the rear compartment. Nadia leaned against the vehicle. "Darling?" "Yeah?" "Where are we going now?" Panam smiled. "Back to the city." Nadia considered. "And after that?" Panam's grin widened. "Depends." Nadia laughed softly. "On what?" "What you've got in mind." Nadia stepped closer. "Well." Panam watched her. "I was rather hoping we might spend another evening at your apartment." Panam smiled. "Yeah?" "Yes." A pause. Then Nadia added, "And perhaps another morning." Panam laughed softly. "I think that can be arranged." --- Back in Night City, the apartment welcomed them with its familiar warmth. Nadia stepped inside. Panam closed the door. For a moment, neither moved. Then Nadia turned. Smiled. And opened her arms. Panam crossed the distance. They kissed. Nadia laughed softly against her mouth. "What?" Panam smiled. "Nothing." Nadia raised an eyebrow. "Darling." Panam rested her forehead against Nadia's. "Just happy." Nadia's expression softened. "So am I." They stood together in the quiet apartment. The evening had given them something new. Not a declaration. Not a promise neither was ready to make. A place. A piece of Panam's world that Nadia had been invited to share. And the simple knowledge that both wanted to keep making room for the other. --- Later, they sat on the sofa with drinks. Nadia had her shoes off. Panam's arm rested around her. Neither had much interest in turning on the entertainment screen. Nadia looked toward the windows. Then said, "I've been thinking about my studio apartment again." Panam smiled. "Yeah?" "Yes." "Any progress?" "A little." Nadia turned toward her. "The architect is investigating a smaller layout. It may be much less disruptive to the workshop." "Good." "And I've been wondering whether I was imagining the wrong sort of home." Panam raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?" Nadia considered. "I think I was trying to create an entire life inside one building." Panam listened. "A workshop. A home. A place for friends. Somewhere everyone could stay whenever they wanted." "Sounds nice." "It does." Nadia smiled. "But it doesn't all have to happen in the same room." Panam laughed softly. "No." Nadia leaned against her. "Perhaps I simply need somewhere that feels like mine. Somewhere I can work late, sleep comfortably, and welcome the people I love." Panam kissed her hair. "Sounds about right." Nadia looked up. "And perhaps a very good window seat." Panam grinned. "Now you're talking." Nadia laughed. --- The following morning, Nadia woke to the smell of coffee. She opened her eyes. Panam was no longer beside her. A moment later, she heard movement in the kitchen. Nadia smiled. She got up, found her clothes, and walked toward the sound. Panam looked up. "Morning, gorgeous." Nadia approached. "Good morning, darling." They kissed. Panam handed her a cup. Nadia tasted it. Then smiled. "Excellent." Panam looked pleased. "Knew you'd say that." Nadia leaned against the counter. For a moment, they simply looked at each other. Then Panam asked, "What?" Nadia smiled. "I was thinking." "Uh-oh." Nadia laughed. "That I like waking up here." Panam's expression softened. "Yeah?" "Very much." Panam stepped closer. "Good." Nadia slipped her free arm around her. "And I think I'd like to make a habit of it." Panam smiled. "I'd like that." --- At ten thirty, Nadia returned to the studio. The construction team had completed the morning coordination without her. Nobody had needed an emergency decision. The building had not collapsed. No shipment had vanished. And the project administrator had already sent her a concise report identifying exactly three matters that required her attention. Nadia stared at the message. Then laughed. "Oh, this is magnificent." She reviewed the issues. Resolved two. Scheduled the third for discussion with the architect. Then opened the Vivienne project files. Helena's controlled-access inspection was planned for the following day. The revised optical study was ready for internal review. And two distinct artistic directions were beginning to emerge. Nadia considered them. Then opened her sketchbook. On one page, the atrium. On another, the hidden space. Between them, an empty area she had deliberately left untouched. She looked at it for a long moment. Then smiled. Perhaps the answer wasn't in either room. Perhaps it was in the relationship between them. She picked up her pencil. And began to draw. --- At the safehouse, Shammy was examining a new material sample when her holo chimed. A message from Nadia. **NADIA:** Good morning, sweetheart. I think I've found our next question. Shammy smiled. **SHAMMY:** Tell me! Nadia sent a sketch. Two spaces. A narrow line of daylight. A faint optical connection. Nothing finalized. Just an idea. Shammy stared. Then leaned closer. "Oh." Ace looked up from the couch. "What?" Shammy's hair began rising. Mai glanced over. "Oh dear." Shammy turned toward them. "NADIA HAS AN IDEA!" Ace grinned. "Of course she does." Mai smiled. "What sort?" Shammy held up the sketch. Ace studied it. Then tilted her head. "Looks like two rooms having a conversation." Shammy went still. Mai looked toward Ace. Ace blinked. "What?" Shammy stared at the drawing. Then at Ace. Then back at the drawing. "Oh!" Mai began laughing. Ace looked suspicious. "What did I do?" Shammy was already typing. **SHAMMY:** ACE SAYS IT LOOKS LIKE TWO ROOMS HAVING A CONVERSATION. A few seconds passed. Nadia's reply appeared. **NADIA:** Oh, darling. Tell Ace I love her. Shammy grinned. Ace raised an eyebrow. "What?" Shammy looked delighted. "She loves you!" Ace considered. Then smiled smugly. "Obviously." Mai kissed her cheek. "Obviously." And somewhere across Night City, in a studio that was finally beginning to feel like her own, Nadia looked at the drawing again. Two rooms. A line of light. A conversation. She smiled. Perhaps, she thought, that was exactly what she'd been trying to find. Not an object to put in a room. Not a forgotten secret to uncover. But a way for the old house to speak to its present occupants. And perhaps, if she was very fortunate, to say something they hadn't known they needed to hear. --- ## Chapter 28 — The Other Side of the Wall The first person to enter the concealed room was not Shammy. This was a source of considerable disappointment to Shammy. It was also, as Helena Whitcomb pointed out with admirable patience, the only sensible arrangement. “I'm not questioning your enthusiasm,” Helena said. Shammy stood beside Nadia in the service corridor, wearing a borrowed protective jacket that looked rather small on her. “I'm being very patient.” Nadia smiled. “You are, sweetheart.” “I've been patient for two whole days.” Helena looked at her. “An extraordinary achievement.” Nadia burst out laughing. Shammy gave them both a wounded look. Then grinned. The temporary support arrangement had been installed the previous afternoon. The engineer had inspected it that morning. The conservation team had documented the exposed masonry, identified the safest access route, and established procedures for examining the interior without disturbing its contents. The opening was now large enough for controlled entry. A temporary platform protected the threshold. Portable lighting had been positioned outside the room. Environmental readings had been taken. Nobody was about to charge into a mysterious chamber with a flashlight and a heroic disregard for old buildings. Nadia found that reassuring. Shammy found it almost unbearable. --- Helena entered first with the conservation technician. Nadia and Shammy remained outside. A live camera feed showed the interior. The room was narrower than Nadia had imagined. Perhaps four meters long. Less than three wide. Its ceiling was low compared with the atrium. The floor was stone. One wall contained the series of vertical frames they had seen through the inspection camera. The opposite wall was almost bare. And above the frames, a narrow horizontal opening admitted a pale strip of daylight. Helena moved slowly. She examined the floor. Then the frames. Then the wall beneath the daylight opening. For several minutes, nobody spoke. Finally, Helena said, “Well.” Nadia leaned toward the monitor. “What do you think?” “I think someone went to a great deal of trouble.” Shammy's eyes brightened. Helena continued. “And I think they wanted this room to be seen under very particular lighting conditions.” Nadia felt a small thrill. Not because the mystery was solved. Because it had become more interesting. --- The frames were not identical. That was the first surprise. Each had a slightly different depth. Their spacing was irregular. And the surviving panels had different surface treatments. One appeared almost opaque. Another had a faint translucent quality. A third was fractured and partially missing. Helena photographed them without touching anything. The technician recorded dimensions. Then Helena turned toward the daylight opening. “Could we reduce the portable lighting for a moment?” The technician complied. The room dimmed. The narrow opening became its primary light source. A faint band of illumination appeared across the upper section of the first panel. Nothing happened. Shammy leaned forward. Then the technician moved slightly, no longer blocking part of the incoming daylight. The band shifted. And something changed. Not dramatically. Not like a hidden machine switching on. A pale reflection appeared on the opposite wall. Thin. Soft. Almost invisible. Then another. Nadia stopped breathing for a moment. Shammy whispered, “Oh.” Helena remained still. The reflections were irregular. Broken by damaged surfaces. But unmistakably arranged. Three pale shapes. Separated by darkness. The room was not merely illuminated. It was responding to light. --- Nobody spoke for almost a minute. Then Helena said, very quietly, “Please record the current conditions.” The technician noted the illumination level, camera position, and time. Nadia watched the screen. She was already thinking about geometry. The angle of the opening. The depth of the frames. The different surfaces. The position of the opposite wall. But another part of her was simply delighted. Someone had made this. Long before she arrived. Someone had considered the movement of daylight and decided that a room could do something beautiful with it. The effect was modest. The workmanship imperfect in places. And the surviving installation damaged. But the intention was there. At least, Nadia thought, it certainly looked like intention. She reminded herself that appearances were not proof. Then smiled. She could wait for proof. --- Helena completed the initial examination without incident. No panels were removed. No surfaces cleaned. No hidden mechanisms activated. The room was photographed and measured. The conservation team withdrew. The temporary opening remained secured. Then Helena removed her protective equipment and joined Nadia, Shammy, and Vivienne in the atrium. Vivienne looked almost overwhelmed. “Was that really what it appeared to be?” Helena considered. “We can say the surviving arrangement produces a structured light effect under the conditions we observed.” Vivienne smiled. “That sounds very cautious.” “It is.” Nadia laughed softly. Helena continued. “We cannot yet say when the panels were installed, whether all of them belong to the same period, or whether the present effect accurately represents the original design.” Shammy nodded. “But someone arranged the frames.” “Yes.” “And the opening.” “Yes.” “And the surfaces.” “Apparently.” Shammy looked delighted. Helena smiled. “I think we have good reason to investigate the possibility that this was an intentional architectural light installation.” Nadia looked toward Vivienne. Vivienne was staring at the service corridor. “Good heavens.” --- They spent the next hour reviewing the observations. The conservation team would arrange noninvasive material analysis. Helena would investigate the property's older records. The engineer would determine whether the concealed space could safely remain accessible during further examination. And Nadia would reconsider her design proposals. Not immediately. Not without proper documentation. But seriously. Vivienne looked toward her. “Does this make your work unnecessary?” Nadia considered the question. “No.” Vivienne looked relieved. Then Nadia added, “But it may make the work we originally imagined unnecessary.” Vivienne tilted her head. “What's the difference?” Nadia smiled. “Your house has just shown us something extraordinary. It would be rather arrogant of me to ignore it because I arrived with a different idea.” Vivienne nodded slowly. “So what would you do?” “I'd like to study how the concealed room relates to the atrium.” Shammy brightened. “And whether the daylight arrangement can be understood without disturbing it.” Nadia nodded. “Yes.” Vivienne looked between them. “And then?” Nadia smiled. “Then we decide whether a new artwork can make that relationship visible.” --- They walked into the atrium together. The afternoon sky had cleared. Sunlight touched the high windows. Nadia stood near the center of the room. Shammy moved toward the wall closest to the concealed space. Helena remained beside Vivienne. Nadia looked around. The atrium was beautiful. It had always been beautiful. But now she was conscious of another room only a short distance away. A room most people had never known existed. A room in which someone had once shaped daylight into a quiet pattern. She closed her eyes. For a moment, she imagined the building without its later alterations. Not as a reconstruction. As a question. What had the original designer wanted people to experience? And why had the arrangement eventually disappeared? She opened her eyes. Shammy was watching her. Nadia smiled. “Darling?” “Yes?” “Come here.” Shammy approached. Nadia took her hand. Then pointed toward the wall. “What if we don't try to bring the old room back?” Shammy considered. “What do you mean?” “What if we simply allow people in the atrium to become aware of it?” Shammy looked toward the wall. Nadia continued. “Not by exposing everything. Not by opening a grand doorway. Not by turning it into a spectacle.” Shammy smiled slowly. “By letting the light tell them.” Nadia looked at her. “Yes.” --- The idea was still too fragile to describe as a design. But it had begun. A new intervention might be placed entirely within the modern atrium. Reversible. Conservative. Independent of the historic surfaces. It could respond to the same daylight conditions that animated the concealed room. Not reproduce the old reflections. Not imitate them. Simply acknowledge them. A contemporary response to an earlier architectural gesture. Two spaces. Two different periods. One changing source of light. Nadia felt something settle into place. Not certainty. Direction. She smiled. Then looked toward Vivienne. “I think I may have an idea.” Vivienne laughed softly. “Of course you do.” --- On the drive back to Watson, Shammy was unusually quiet. Nadia glanced toward her. “Thinking, sweetheart?” Shammy nodded. “Yes.” “About the room?” “Yes.” Nadia smiled. “What are you thinking?” Shammy looked toward the passing landscape. “That it was beautiful.” “It was.” “And someone made it.” “Yes.” “And then someone covered it up.” Nadia considered. “Apparently.” Shammy frowned. “I wonder why.” Nadia nodded. “So do I.” A moment passed. Then Shammy said, “Maybe they didn't like it anymore.” “Possibly.” “Or maybe the building changed.” “Also possible.” Shammy looked at her. “Or maybe nobody remembered what it was.” Nadia smiled sadly. “Yes.” They drove in silence for a while. Then Shammy said, “I don't want that to happen to your work.” Nadia glanced toward her. “Oh, darling.” “I mean it.” Nadia reached across and squeezed her hand. “I know.” Shammy looked thoughtful. Then Nadia smiled. “Perhaps the best thing we can do is make work that people can understand, maintain, and choose to preserve.” Shammy nodded. “And document it properly.” “Absolutely.” Shammy smiled. “Brenda would approve.” Nadia laughed. “Brenda would demand it.” --- Back at the studio, Nadia had three messages waiting. The first was from the architect. The reduced mezzanine residential layout appeared promising. Preliminary structural review suggested it might avoid the most intrusive reinforcement option. Further analysis was still required. The second was from Kiro. The network recovery test had passed. The client archive could proceed toward controlled production use, subject to the remaining security sign-off. The third was from Panam. **PANAM:** How'd the mystery room go? Nadia smiled. She answered Panam first. **NADIA:** Darling, it was extraordinary. Someone appears to have designed an entire room around daylight. Panam replied almost immediately. **PANAM:** Of course they did. Nadia laughed. **NADIA:** You sound remarkably unsurprised. **PANAM:** I'm dating an artist. My standards for weird buildings have changed. Nadia smiled. **NADIA:** I adore you. A pause. Then: **PANAM:** Adore you too, gorgeous. Nadia looked at the message for a moment. Then put the holo down. She had work to do. --- The revised design meeting took place the following morning. Mai attended remotely. Brenda joined from her workshop. Shammy sat beside Nadia. Helena participated for the conservation portion. Vivienne had asked to receive the outcome afterward rather than attend the technical discussion. Nadia began with a clear distinction. “The historical installation is not ours.” Everyone nodded. “We don't know enough to interpret it fully, and we certainly don't have authority to alter it.” Helena smiled faintly. “Thank you.” Nadia continued. “Our proposed artwork must remain independent of the historic fabric.” Brenda leaned forward. “So freestanding or attached only to approved modern elements?” “Precisely.” “And removable.” “Yes.” Mai nodded. “Good.” Nadia opened the first concept drawing. It showed the atrium. One slender contemporary element. A surface positioned to receive changing daylight. No attempt to reproduce the concealed room's reflections. Instead, the installation would produce a quiet secondary effect under similar conditions. A visual relationship. Not a reconstruction. Shammy looked delighted. Helena studied the drawing. Then said, “This is much more interesting.” Nadia smiled. “I hoped you might think so.” --- The discussion lasted nearly two hours. They identified questions about material stability. Maintenance. Glare. The relationship between the new work and the historic room. Whether the proposed effect would remain appropriate under different seasonal lighting conditions. And how the installation could be removed without leaving permanent damage. Brenda proposed a revised mounting concept. Mai identified the approvals required before fabrication. Helena recommended that the historic-light study remain a separate documented workstream. Nadia agreed. The artwork would not depend on restoration of the concealed room. If conservation work later changed the interpretation, the new installation should still function independently. By the end of the meeting, the direction was clearer. Not final. Not ready for construction. But coherent. Nadia looked around the table. Then smiled. “Thank you, everyone.” Shammy beamed. Brenda grinned. Mai nodded. Helena looked pleased. And Nadia felt the familiar satisfaction of an idea becoming something that other people could examine, challenge, and improve. --- That afternoon, Nadia visited the safehouse. Not because she needed a meeting. Not because anything had gone wrong. Because she wanted to be there. The building welcomed her with familiar sounds. Voices from the kitchen. Movement in the workshop. Someone laughing in the living room. Nadia stepped inside. Ace looked up. “Hey!” Nadia smiled. “Hello, darling.” Mai turned from the kitchen. “Coffee?” “Please.” Shammy appeared from the hallway. “NADIA!” Nadia laughed. “Oh, sweetheart.” Shammy crossed the room. They embraced. Then kissed. Ace watched them. Then looked toward Mai. “See?” Mai raised an eyebrow. “What?” “That's how you greet someone.” Mai smiled. “I greeted you this morning.” Ace considered. “Could've been more enthusiastic.” Mai laughed. Then approached. Caught Ace around the waist. And kissed her. Ace looked extremely pleased. Shammy grinned. Nadia watched them. Then smiled. There was something deeply comforting about the safehouse. Not because it was quiet. It rarely was. Not because everyone agreed. They certainly didn't. But because affection was allowed to be ordinary here. Unremarkable in the best possible way. A kiss in the kitchen. A hand on someone's shoulder. A shared cup of coffee. A room full of people who had chosen one another. Nadia was beginning to understand how much that mattered. --- Later, she found Brenda in the workshop. Brenda was examining a revised cassette component. Nadia leaned against the doorway. “Hello, darling.” Brenda looked up. “Hey!” Nadia smiled. “How's our mechanical problem?” “Less annoying.” “High praise.” Brenda laughed. She showed Nadia the revised wear surface. Replaceable. Accessible. Designed to avoid disturbing the primary alignment reference. Nadia examined it. “Oh, that's elegant.” Brenda grinned. “Thought you'd like it.” “And the repeatability?” “Better. Still testing.” “Wonderful.” Brenda set the component down. Then looked at Nadia. “Can I ask you something?” “Of course.” “Are you disappointed?” Nadia tilted her head. “About what?” “That the original optical design might not get built.” Nadia considered. Then smiled. “A little.” Brenda nodded. “Yeah.” “It was a beautiful idea.” “It was.” Nadia looked toward the component. “But the work wasn't wasted.” Brenda smiled. “No.” “We learned a great deal.” “Yep.” “And some of that engineering may still be useful.” “Definitely.” Nadia laughed softly. “Then I think we're doing rather well.” Brenda grinned. “Good.” --- That evening, Nadia sat on the safehouse balcony with Shammy. Watson stretched below them. The city was loud. Alive. Unapologetically itself. Shammy leaned against Nadia. Nadia rested her cheek against Shammy's hair. For a while, they said nothing. Then Shammy asked, “Do you think Vivienne will like the new idea?” Nadia considered. “I hope so.” “And if she doesn't?” “Then we'll listen.” Shammy smiled. “And try again?” “Perhaps.” A pause. Then Nadia added, “Or perhaps she'll tell us something about the house we haven't understood yet.” Shammy nodded. Nadia looked toward the city. “I think that's what I've enjoyed most about this project.” “What?” “That it keeps asking me to pay attention.” Shammy smiled. “To the light?” “To everything.” They sat together. Then Shammy turned. “Nadia?” “Yes, sweetheart?” “I'm glad you came here.” Nadia looked at her. “To Night City?” “Yes.” Nadia smiled. “So am I.” Shammy kissed her. Nadia returned it. Then they settled together again. --- Inside, Ace had apparently decided that the evening required music. Mai disagreed with her selection. Iris offered a compromise. Brenda suggested something louder. Ace immediately supported Brenda. Mai looked betrayed. Shammy heard the argument through the balcony door. She started laughing. Nadia smiled. “Your family is having a disagreement.” Shammy looked at her. “Our family.” Nadia's expression softened. “Yes.” Shammy kissed her cheek. Then stood. “Come on.” Nadia raised an eyebrow. “Where?” “Inside.” “Why?” Shammy grinned. “Because I have opinions about the music.” Nadia burst out laughing. “Oh, darling.” Shammy offered her hand. Nadia took it. Together, they went back inside. --- Later that night, Nadia returned to her guest room at the safehouse. She closed the door. Set her holo on the bedside table. And sat for a moment in the quiet. The room was familiar now. Her clothes were in the wardrobe. Her books stood on the shelf. A few sketches lay beside the window. Not a permanent home. Not yet. But somewhere she could rest. Somewhere she belonged. She opened her messages. Panam had written. **PANAM:** You still awake? Nadia smiled. **NADIA:** Just about, darling. **PANAM:** Good day? Nadia considered. Then typed: **NADIA:** A very good one. The hidden room has changed the project, but I think we're finding something better. **PANAM:** Glad to hear it. A moment passed. **PANAM:** Miss you. Nadia's smile softened. **NADIA:** I miss you too. She looked at the screen. Then added: **NADIA:** When are you coming back to the city? Panam's reply arrived quickly. **PANAM:** Soon. Nadia laughed softly. **NADIA:** That's a terribly imprecise answer. **PANAM:** You like surprises. Nadia considered. Then smiled. **NADIA:** I like you rather more. A pause. Then: **PANAM:** Good. Because I'm planning on kissing you senseless when I get there. Nadia laughed. **NADIA:** Darling, I shall make every effort to cooperate. She set the holo down. Then looked toward the window. Night City glowed beyond the glass. Somewhere in the Badlands, Panam was smiling at her own screen. Somewhere in the safehouse, Shammy was laughing with Ace and Mai. And somewhere beside the sea, an old room was catching the last of the evening light. Nadia smiled. Then turned off the lamp. Tomorrow would bring new questions. But tonight, she was exactly where she wanted to be. --- ## Chapter 29 — An Open Door The first thing Nadia noticed was the silence. Not complete silence. There was still machinery somewhere beyond the studio walls, and traffic passed on the street outside. A ventilation unit hummed overhead. From the clean assembly area came the faint click of a tool being put away. But the construction noise had stopped. No drilling. No shouted instructions. No carts rattling across unfinished flooring. For the first time since Nadia had acquired the building, the main studio felt less like a place being built and more like a place in which something might actually happen. She stood near the entrance, holding her coffee, and listened. Then she smiled. “Well.” Shammy appeared beside her. “Well what?” Nadia gestured toward the room. “Listen.” Shammy listened. Her expression changed. “Oh.” “Exactly.” For several moments, they stood together. Then Shammy whispered, “It's quiet.” Nadia nodded. “Almost suspiciously.” Shammy laughed. “Maybe the building is waiting.” Nadia looked at the empty floor. “Perhaps it is.” The commissioning report was excellent. Not perfect. But excellent. The ventilation system had passed its initial balancing tests. The main electrical installation had been accepted, with a short list of finishing items. The loading route was operational. The studio network had passed Kiro's recovery testing, although she was still insisting on a final review of the administrative access arrangements. Reyes had completed the first practical security walkthrough. The emergency exits worked. The alarms worked. The access-control system worked. And, according to Reyes, three people had demonstrated an impressive ability to misunderstand a perfectly straightforward evacuation instruction. Nadia looked at the report. Then at Reyes. “Three?” Reyes nodded. “Yes.” “Was anyone in danger?” “No.” “Good.” “But we're repeating the exercise.” Nadia smiled. “Of course we are.” Reyes leaned back. “One contractor went back for his jacket.” “Oh dear.” “One tried to use the loading entrance after being explicitly told not to.” Nadia closed her eyes. “And the third?” Reyes's expression remained perfectly composed. “Asked whether it was a real alarm.” Nadia stared at her. Then burst out laughing. “Oh, darling.” Reyes smiled. “Exactly.” By eleven, the meeting had ended. Nadia reviewed the remaining tasks. They were manageable. The studio would not be fully operational tomorrow. There were still final equipment checks, storage procedures, environmental monitoring arrangements, and the considerable business of learning how the new space behaved in everyday use. But the critical infrastructure was nearly ready. And that presented Nadia with a problem. She had spent weeks making decisions. She had approved drawings, negotiated technical requirements, reviewed equipment schedules, and discussed everything from door clearances to humidity control. She had worked with Shammy on optical samples and the Vivienne commission. She had drawn sketches. Dozens of sketches. But she had not yet made anything in this studio that belonged entirely to her. Not a commission. Not an engineering demonstration. Not a material test intended to answer someone else's question. Something of her own. She looked toward the open floor. Then toward the windows. And realized she was becoming slightly afraid of it. Shammy found her sitting on a packing crate. The crate was empty. Its presence was temporary. Nadia had apparently decided it made a useful chair. Shammy approached with two coffees. “You look thoughtful.” Nadia accepted one. “Thank you, sweetheart.” Shammy sat beside her. “What are you thinking about?” Nadia considered. “This place.” Shammy looked around. “It's coming along beautifully.” “It is.” “Are you worried?” “A little.” Shammy turned toward her. “About what?” Nadia smiled faintly. “That I might have become very good at building a studio and forgotten how to be an artist inside one.” Shammy stared at her. Then laughed. Nadia raised an eyebrow. “Darling!” “Sorry!” Shammy caught her hand. “No, I just—Nadia.” “What?” “You've spent the last several days thinking about how two rooms can talk to each other through daylight.” Nadia smiled. “Yes.” “You've produced enough sketches to cover an entire wall.” “Possibly.” “And yesterday you nearly made me miss lunch because you wanted to compare three different surface finishes.” Nadia laughed. “Oh, sweetheart.” Shammy squeezed her hand. “I don't think you've forgotten.” Nadia looked around the room. “Perhaps not.” Shammy considered. “Maybe you're waiting for permission.” Nadia turned. The words landed more deeply than Shammy had intended. “Permission?” Shammy nodded. “To start.” Nadia was quiet. Then she looked toward the empty floor again. “Oh.” At half past twelve, Nadia sent a message to the project administrator. She asked whether the main studio floor could be released for a small, temporary artistic experiment. Nothing fixed to the building. No disruption to commissioning. No changes to approved work. Just several movable objects and some temporary floor protection. The answer arrived twenty minutes later. Yes. The designated central area was available. The contractor requested that the protected access route remain clear. Nadia agreed. Then she opened one of the storage cabinets. Inside were materials she had brought from her previous studio. Some were valuable. Some were unfinished. Some had been kept for years simply because she liked them. She examined a length of translucent resin. A collection of thin metal strips. Two polished fragments with imperfect surfaces. Several pieces of cast material. And a small object she had never quite found a use for. It was an irregular translucent form, no larger than her hand. A failed experiment from several years earlier. The shape was awkward. The surface wasn't consistent. Under direct light, it looked almost disappointingly ordinary. But when held near a window, faint internal structures appeared. Nadia turned it in her hand. Then smiled. “Oh, hello.” She spent the afternoon alone. Not entirely alone, of course. The building remained occupied. But she closed the door to the working area, put her holo on quiet, and asked not to be disturbed unless something genuinely required her attention. Then she began arranging objects. At first, she worked cautiously. A metal strip near one window. The resin form suspended from a temporary stand. A polished fragment positioned to catch the late afternoon light. She moved them. Moved them again. Changed their relationships. Nothing pleased her. She stepped back. Looked. Frowned. Then laughed. “This is ridiculous.” She picked up the little translucent object. For a moment, she considered returning everything to storage. Instead, she placed it on the floor. Not on the stand. On the floor. Near the edge of a broad band of daylight. Then she sat down beside it. And waited. At four twenty-three, the light changed. Only slightly. The sun had moved far enough for the upper window frame to cast a narrow shadow across the floor. The shadow reached the translucent object. For a moment, half of it remained illuminated. The other half darkened. Inside the material, its irregular structures became visible. Nadia leaned forward. “Oh.” She moved closer. The effect was small. A pale complexity appearing inside something that had previously looked nearly featureless. She watched it for several minutes. Then took a photograph. Made a note. And sat back. The little failed experiment had finally found something to say. Not much. But enough to make her smile. When Shammy returned at five, Nadia was still sitting on the floor. The materials lay scattered around her. Nothing resembled a finished artwork. Shammy looked through the open doorway. Then stopped. Nadia looked up. “Hello, darling.” Shammy glanced at the objects. “May I come in?” Nadia smiled. “Of course.” Shammy entered carefully. She didn't touch anything. She simply stood and looked. After a while, she crouched beside the translucent object. “Oh.” Nadia watched her. Shammy tilted her head. Then moved a little to one side. “Oh!” Nadia laughed softly. “Yes.” Shammy looked up. “That's beautiful.” Nadia smiled. “It wasn't supposed to be.” Shammy glanced at the object. “What do you mean?” “It was a failed material experiment.” Shammy considered. “Failed at what?” Nadia paused. Then laughed. “Oh, that's a very good question.” She looked at the object again. “I suppose it failed at becoming what I'd intended.” Shammy smiled. “But not at becoming something.” Nadia stared at her. Then reached out. Caught her hand. And kissed it. “Darling, you are occasionally infuriatingly perceptive.” Shammy beamed. They spent another hour together. Not trying to turn the arrangement into a finished piece. Just exploring. Shammy noticed that one metal strip reflected light into the resin differently depending on where she stood. Nadia discovered that the polished fragment was more interesting when it faced away from the window. They changed positions. Made notes. Laughed at two spectacularly unsuccessful arrangements. And, eventually, stopped attempting to make the objects behave. By six, Nadia had a modest collection of observations. And something she hadn't had that morning. A beginning. Panam arrived just after six thirty. She was not expected. Nadia heard her voice from the main entrance. “Hey. Is the artist around?” Shammy looked up. Nadia smiled. “Oh.” A moment later, Panam appeared in the doorway. She took in the scene. Nadia sitting on the floor. Shammy beside her. Several strange objects scattered across a protected section of concrete. Panam raised an eyebrow. “Should I ask?” Nadia laughed. “Hello, darling.” Panam grinned. “Hey, gorgeous.” She crossed the room. Bent to kiss Nadia. Then kissed Shammy. Shammy smiled. “Hello, Panam.” Panam looked around again. “So what's going on?” Nadia gestured toward the materials. “I'm making something.” Panam considered the arrangement. “Okay.” Nadia laughed. “You don't sound convinced.” “No, no. Just trying to work out what I'm looking at.” Shammy pointed toward the small translucent object. “Look at that.” Panam crouched. Studied it. Then tilted her head. “Huh.” Nadia watched her. Panam moved slightly. The internal structures changed. She leaned closer. “Oh.” Shammy grinned. Nadia smiled. Panam looked at them both. “What?” “Nothing,” Nadia said. Panam narrowed her eyes. “You two.” Shammy began laughing. Panam stayed for nearly an hour. She didn't pretend to understand every experiment. She asked practical questions. Some were useful. Some made Nadia laugh. One made her stop and reconsider the entire arrangement. “Why's that one over there?” Panam asked, pointing toward the polished fragment. Nadia looked at it. “Because it catches the light.” “Doesn't seem to.” “Not from where you're standing.” Panam moved. “Oh.” Then she looked back. “So the person has to move around to see it?” Nadia nodded. “Yes.” Panam considered. “Is that the point?” Nadia opened her mouth. Then closed it. Shammy looked delighted. Nadia stared at the arrangement. “Possibly.” Panam grinned. “Glad I could help.” Nadia laughed. “Oh, darling.” They ordered dinner. Not because anyone had forgotten to cook. Because none of them wanted to stop. Panam brought the food in from the delivery vehicle. Shammy cleared a suitable table. Nadia made sure nothing was placed near the materials. They ate together in the studio's small office area. The room was still sparsely furnished. A table. Comfortable chairs. A few shelves. And the beginnings of a collection of mugs that Nadia suspected would eventually become unmanageable. Panam looked around. “Place is starting to feel real.” Nadia smiled. “It is.” Shammy nodded. “And she made something today.” Nadia laughed. “Sweetheart, I arranged a few pieces of material on the floor.” Shammy looked at her. “And?” Nadia considered. Then smiled. “And I made something today.” Panam lifted her drink. “To that.” Shammy followed. Nadia looked at them. Her expression softened. “To that.” After dinner, Shammy received a call from Mai. She stepped into the corridor to answer it. Panam remained at the table with Nadia. For a moment, they sat quietly. Then Panam asked, “How are you doing?” Nadia smiled. “Very well.” Panam watched her. “Better than this morning?” Nadia looked surprised. “How did you know?” Panam shrugged. “You had that look when I got here.” “What look?” “The one where you're thinking about six things and arguing with yourself about a seventh.” Nadia burst out laughing. “Oh, sweetheart.” Panam smiled. “Am I wrong?” “No.” Nadia looked through the office window toward the working area. “I think I was frightened of beginning.” Panam nodded. “Yeah.” Nadia turned. “Does that sound silly?” “No.” Panam considered. “Starting something that's yours can be harder than doing work for someone else.” Nadia studied her. “Have you felt that?” Panam laughed softly. “More than once.” A pause. Then Nadia reached across the table. Panam took her hand. “Thank you for coming,” Nadia said. Panam smiled. “Wasn't gonna miss seeing your place.” Nadia's expression softened. “It's becoming something special.” “Yeah.” Panam looked around. “It is.” Shammy returned. “Mai says hello.” Panam smiled. “Tell her hi.” Shammy sat beside Nadia. “And Ace wants to know whether we have plans tonight.” Nadia raised an eyebrow. “Oh?” Shammy grinned. “She says there's food at the safehouse.” Panam looked toward the empty containers on the table. Nadia followed her gaze. Then laughed. “Darling, we've just eaten.” Shammy nodded. “I told her.” “And?” Shammy smiled. “She said that wasn't the question.” Panam burst out laughing. “Sounds like Ace.” Nadia shook her head. “Oh, that woman.” Shammy looked pleased. “Are we going?” Nadia glanced toward Panam. Panam shrugged. “I'm free.” Nadia smiled. “Then yes.” They arrived at the Watson safehouse shortly after eight. Ace opened the upper door. She looked at Nadia. Then Shammy. Then Panam. Her grin widened. “Well, look what we found.” Nadia laughed. “Hello, darling.” Ace stepped aside. “Come in.” Panam entered. Shammy followed. The safehouse was already full of familiar voices. Mai stood near the kitchen. Iris and Brenda were talking on the couch. Reyes occupied an armchair, looking comfortably unimpressed by something Ace had apparently said a moment earlier. Kiro sat nearby. There was food on the table. Quite a lot of food. Panam looked at it. Then at Ace. “You planning to feed an army?” Ace grinned. “Depends. You bring one?” Panam laughed. “Not tonight.” “Shame.” Nadia shook her head. “Oh, darling.” The evening unfolded without much structure. People talked. Moved between rooms. Argued cheerfully over music. Shared news. And occasionally interrupted one another to offer affection. Nadia told them about her first experiment in the studio. Brenda wanted to know whether the materials were mounted securely. Nadia assured her they weren't mounted at all. Brenda looked relieved. Kiro asked about the environmental conditions. Nadia explained that they were recorded. Kiro nodded approvingly. Ace asked whether the experiment had exploded. Nadia laughed. “No.” Ace sighed. “Still early.” Mai nudged her. Shammy looked delighted. Panam leaned back beside Nadia. “I saw it.” Ace looked at her. “And?” Panam considered. “Pretty cool.” Nadia smiled. Ace narrowed her eyes. “That sounds suspiciously reasonable.” Panam grinned. “Sorry.” Later, Nadia found herself sitting between Shammy and Panam on the couch. Shammy leaned against one shoulder. Panam occupied the other side. Neither arrangement had required discussion. It had simply happened. Across the room, Ace was telling Brenda a story. Mai kept interrupting to correct details. Iris looked thoroughly entertained. Reyes occasionally contributed a remark that made everyone laugh. Kiro seemed to be enjoying the spectacle more quietly. Nadia looked around. Then smiled. Panam noticed. “What?” “Nothing.” Panam raised an eyebrow. “Nadia.” Nadia laughed softly. “I was just thinking.” “Uh-oh.” Shammy giggled. Nadia kissed the top of her head. “About how strange life can be.” Panam smiled. “Yeah?” “Yes.” Nadia looked toward the others. “A little while ago, I was trying to decide whether moving to Night City would make sense.” Shammy listened. “And now?” Nadia smiled. “Now I'm sitting in a room full of people I love, with a studio that is almost ready, and far more interesting work than I know what to do with.” Panam squeezed her hand. “Sounds pretty good.” Nadia nodded. “It does.” Later still, Panam stepped onto the balcony. Nadia followed her. The night air was cool. Traffic moved beneath them. Panam leaned against the railing. Nadia stood beside her. For a while, neither spoke. Then Panam said, “You know, I like seeing you here.” Nadia looked at her. “At the safehouse?” “Yeah.” Nadia smiled. “Why?” Panam considered. “Because you look comfortable.” Nadia looked toward the city. “I am.” Panam nodded. “Good.” A pause. Then Nadia slipped an arm around her. Panam turned. They kissed. Slowly. Without hurry. When they separated, Nadia rested close. “I like seeing you here too.” Panam smiled. “Yeah?” “Very much.” Panam touched her cheek. “Good.” They returned inside together. Shammy was laughing at something Ace had said. Nadia didn't catch the joke. She didn't need to. She crossed the room. Shammy looked up. Nadia held out her hand. Shammy took it. Panam settled beside them. And for another hour, the three of them remained close, talking with the others and enjoying the rare luxury of an evening that did not demand anything extraordinary from anyone. The following morning, Nadia returned to the studio. Alone. She unlocked the door. Entered the main room. And looked toward the protected floor area. Her little arrangement was still there. The translucent object. The metal strips. The polished fragment. Nothing had moved. She approached. Then stopped. The morning light was different. The arrangement looked entirely unlike it had the previous afternoon. The translucent form was almost opaque. The polished fragment caught a narrow reflection from somewhere Nadia hadn't anticipated. The metal strip cast a sharp shadow across the floor. She stared. Then smiled. “Oh, you are interesting.” She set down her bag. Removed her jacket. And took out her sketchbook. At the top of a fresh page, she wrote: STUDIO STUDY 001 — DIFFERENT LIGHT, SAME OBJECTS Then she looked toward the windows. The room was quiet again. But no longer empty. It had begun to answer her. And Nadia, smiling to herself, began asking more questions. --- ## Chapter 30 — The First Visitor The woman at the door was holding a sculpture. Not a large sculpture. Not a particularly expensive-looking sculpture. But unmistakably a sculpture. Nadia noticed it before she noticed the woman herself. A small bronze figure, perhaps twenty centimeters tall, wrapped carefully in a faded blue cloth. One arm was missing. The base had been repaired badly. And the woman's expression suggested that she was not entirely certain whether coming here had been a good idea. Nadia set down her pencil. “Good morning.” The woman looked up. “Oh. Hello.” “Can I help you?” “I hope so.” Nadia smiled. “Would you like to come in?” The woman hesitated. “I don't have an appointment.” “That's quite all right. We're not officially open yet, but perhaps you can tell me what you need.” The woman glanced toward the large windows. Then at the sculpture in her hands. “I was told there was an artist here.” Nadia laughed softly. “There is.” “Are you her?” “One of them, yes.” The woman looked relieved. “Good.” Then she carefully unwrapped the bronze. “I think someone broke my mother's favorite thing.” *** Nadia invited her into the small meeting room. The visitor placed the sculpture on the table. It depicted a dancer. Or perhaps a woman turning to look over her shoulder. The figure was stylized enough that the distinction wasn't entirely clear. Its missing arm had once extended outward, creating a graceful curve through the composition. Without it, the sculpture looked strangely unbalanced. Nadia examined the break. “May I?” The woman nodded. Nadia turned the piece carefully. The bronze was old enough to have acquired a beautiful patina. Not ancient. Not particularly rare, as far as she could tell. But clearly made by someone who understood movement. The missing arm had broken at a narrow point near the shoulder. Nadia could see evidence of an earlier repair. And the base— Oh dear. Someone had apparently attempted to stabilize it with an adhesive entirely unsuited to the material. Nadia looked up. “Do you have the missing piece?” The woman shook her head. “No.” “I see.” “It disappeared years ago. My mother always said she would have it repaired, but she never did.” Nadia nodded. “And the base?” The woman's expression became embarrassed. “That was me.” Nadia smiled. “Ah.” “It fell off a shelf.” “Accidents happen.” “I tried to fix it.” “I can see that.” The woman laughed nervously. “Not very successfully.” “Not quite.” Nadia smiled to soften the words. Then she asked, “What would you like me to do?” The woman stared. “Repair it?” “Of course. But what kind of repair?” The woman looked confused. Nadia gently turned the sculpture. “Would you like it stabilized so it can be displayed safely? Would you like the earlier appearance reconstructed? Or would you prefer that the damage remain visible?” The woman considered. “I hadn't thought about that.” “Most people haven't.” Nadia leaned back. “And I should explain that I'm not a conservator. I work with sculpture and materials, but an object with age, history, and previous repairs deserves a proper assessment before anyone begins changing it.” The visitor looked disappointed. “Oh.” Nadia smiled. “That doesn't mean I can't help you find the right person.” *** The woman's name was not particularly important to Nadia. What mattered was the way she looked at the little figure. Every time Nadia moved it, the visitor's eyes followed. Not with suspicion. With affection. Nadia recognized that expression. She had seen people look at photographs that way. Old furniture. Books with damaged covers. A cup someone had used every morning for decades. The object itself was only part of what they were seeing. “May I ask something?” Nadia said. “Of course.” “Why is it important to you?” The woman looked down. “My mother used to keep it beside the window.” Nadia listened. “She said it reminded her that people were supposed to dance.” Nadia smiled. “What a lovely thought.” “She wasn't a dancer.” “No?” “Terrible dancer, actually.” They both laughed. “But she loved music.” The woman touched the edge of the blue cloth. “She died last year. We were sorting her things, and my brother wanted to throw this away.” “Oh.” “He said it was broken.” Nadia looked at the bronze figure. “And you didn't agree.” “No.” The woman's voice was very quiet. “I thought it was still beautiful.” Nadia smiled. “So do I.” *** After the visitor left, Nadia stood in the meeting room for a long time. The sculpture had gone with its owner. Nadia had not accepted it for repair. Instead, she had offered to put the woman in touch with Helena Whitcomb, who could determine the appropriate next steps or recommend a qualified object conservator. The woman had seemed grateful. But Nadia found herself thinking about the encounter. Not because it promised a commission. It probably wouldn't. Not because the bronze was valuable. She had no idea what it was worth. But because of the simple certainty with which the woman had said: *I thought it was still beautiful.* Nadia looked toward the main studio. Then smiled. “Well,” she murmured. “That was interesting.” *** Shammy arrived half an hour later. She found Nadia standing beside the little translucent object from the previous day's experiment. “Good morning, sweetheart!” Nadia turned. “Hello, beautiful.” They embraced. Shammy kissed her. Then glanced toward the arrangement on the floor. “Oh! You kept it.” “Of course.” “Has it changed?” “Quite a lot, actually.” Shammy looked delighted. Nadia took her hand. “Before we start, though, I want to tell you something.” Shammy listened as Nadia described the visitor. The bronze dancer. The missing arm. The damaged base. The woman's mother. And the curious question of what it meant to repair something that carried both physical damage and emotional history. Shammy grew thoughtful. “She didn't want a new sculpture,” she said. “No.” “She wanted *that* sculpture.” “Exactly.” Shammy considered. “Even without the arm.” Nadia nodded. “Especially because it was the one her mother loved.” For a moment, Shammy said nothing. Then she looked toward Nadia's unfinished material study. “Is that why you've kept this?” Nadia glanced at the translucent object. “Oh?” “Because it was yours.” Nadia smiled. “In a way.” Shammy looked at her. “Even when you thought it had failed.” “Yes.” Shammy considered. Then grinned. “So you're keeping all your mistakes.” Nadia burst out laughing. “Darling!” Shammy laughed too. Nadia caught her around the waist. “You impossible woman.” Shammy kissed her. “Am I wrong?” Nadia looked toward the studio. “No, sweetheart.” She smiled. “I don't think you are.” *** The afternoon brought a less philosophical problem. A delivery had arrived. A very large delivery. Nadia had been expecting it. What she hadn't expected was the expression on the driver's face when he examined the loading entrance. “You're sure this is the right place?” Nadia looked at the shipping manifest. “Yes.” The driver regarded the enormous crate. Then the doorway. Then Nadia. “That's going to be tight.” Brenda, who had come to inspect the arrival, stepped forward. “How tight?” The driver measured the opening again. Brenda examined the crate dimensions. Then looked at the pallet configuration. Nadia watched her expression change. “Oh, don't tell me,” Nadia said. Brenda sighed. “The crate fits.” Nadia smiled. “Wonderful.” “The transport pallet doesn't.” Nadia closed her eyes. “Oh, marvelous.” Brenda grinned. “Not a disaster.” The driver looked relieved. “You got a plan?” Brenda nodded toward the handling equipment. “We do.” *** They did not attempt to force the pallet through the doorway. They did not remove structural elements. They did not improvise a spectacularly unsafe maneuver in the middle of the loading area. Instead, they transferred the secured crate to an appropriately rated transport arrangement using the available equipment and the delivery crew's approved handling procedure. Brenda supervised the operation. Nadia observed. The driver offered useful suggestions. Nobody shouted. Nothing fell over. And twenty minutes later, the crate stood safely inside the studio. Nadia looked at it. Then at Brenda. “Darling.” Brenda grinned. “Yes?” “Have I told you recently how much I adore you?” Brenda laughed. “Not since yesterday.” “An appalling oversight.” Nadia embraced her. Brenda hugged her back. Then glanced at the crate. “So.” Nadia smiled. “So.” “What's in it?” Nadia looked toward the shipping label. For the first time that afternoon, she hesitated. “Something I haven't seen in a while.” *** The crate contained a sculpture from Nadia's earlier studio. Not a finished work. Not quite. A tall, irregular assembly of metal and translucent cast material. Its elements curved around one another without actually touching. The piece stood on a heavy base. Even partly disassembled for transport, it occupied a considerable amount of space. Brenda watched as the protective packing was removed. “Oh.” Nadia smiled faintly. “Yes.” Shammy approached. Then stopped. For once, she said nothing. Nadia looked at the components laid out before them. She remembered making them. Remembered the long afternoons. The arguments she'd had with herself over their proportions. The first time she'd assembled the structure and realized that it wasn't doing what she wanted. She had put the work aside. Then returned to it. Then put it aside again. Eventually, she'd packed it away. Not because she hated it. Because she no longer knew what it was trying to become. Shammy stepped closer. “Nadia?” “Yes, sweetheart?” “Is this yours?” Nadia laughed softly. “Very much so.” Shammy looked at the sculpture. “It's beautiful.” Nadia considered. “Parts of it are.” Brenda studied the base. “Structurally, it looks serious.” Nadia smiled. “It needed to be.” Brenda nodded. Then glanced toward the assembly instructions. “Want me to help put it together?” Nadia looked at her. Then at Shammy. Then back at the sculpture. She took a breath. “Yes.” *** They assembled it in the main studio. Slowly. Methodically. Using the original handling points and documented connections. Brenda checked every mechanical joint. Shammy helped position the translucent elements. Nadia directed the arrangement. When the final component was secured, they stepped back. The sculpture stood nearly three meters tall. A twisting structure of metal and pale material, open enough to allow light through its center. It looked unfinished. Not damaged. Not broken. Unresolved. Brenda folded her arms. “Huh.” Shammy stood perfectly still. Nadia looked at the work. For several minutes, nobody spoke. Then Brenda said, “Something's missing.” Nadia smiled faintly. “Yes.” Shammy moved around it. “Not necessarily.” Nadia turned. Shammy continued walking. From one angle, the work appeared dense. From another, almost transparent. The curved metal elements created a shifting sequence of frames through which the translucent material could be seen. Shammy stopped near the window. “Oh.” Nadia watched her. “What?” Shammy pointed. “Look from here.” Nadia approached. The sculpture framed a narrow band of daylight from the upper window. The effect wasn't particularly dramatic. But it changed the composition. The unfinished structure suddenly appeared to possess a center. Not a physical center. A space. An absence around which the other elements seemed to move. Nadia stared. Then slowly smiled. “Oh, my.” *** Brenda looked between them. “What?” Nadia laughed. “Darling, I think I've been trying to finish the wrong part.” Brenda raised an eyebrow. “Which part?” Nadia gestured toward the open center. “I kept trying to put something there.” Shammy smiled. “And?” “And perhaps it doesn't need anything.” Brenda looked at the sculpture again. Then walked toward Shammy's position. She studied the composition. A slow grin appeared. “Oh.” Nadia laughed. “Yes.” Brenda nodded. “I get it.” Then she looked toward the base. “Still want me to check the loading under the current arrangement?” Nadia burst out laughing. “Oh, sweetheart, absolutely.” *** By five, Nadia had made a decision. She would not finish the sculpture. Not today. Not this week. Not merely because she'd rediscovered it. She would live with it for a while. Study how the studio's light changed around it. Consider whether it needed any alteration at all. And, most importantly, stop treating its unfinished state as an accusation. She stood beside the sculpture with Shammy. “Do you know what's funny?” Shammy smiled. “What?” “I spent years thinking this piece was waiting for me to find the missing element.” Shammy looked at the open center. “And now?” Nadia smiled. “Now I think it was waiting for me to stop looking for one.” Shammy laughed softly. Then kissed her cheek. “Sometimes you're very clever.” Nadia turned. “Sometimes?” Shammy grinned. “Frequently.” Nadia caught her around the waist. “Frequently?” “Almost constantly!” They both laughed. *** At six, Elisa called. Nadia answered from beside the sculpture. “Hello, darling.” Elisa smiled. “Hello, Nadia. Am I interrupting?” “Not at all.” Elisa glanced at the room behind her. “Oh.” Nadia smiled. “Something caught your eye?” “Quite a lot, actually.” Nadia turned her holo slightly. Elisa studied the tall structure. “That's new.” “Old, actually.” “Oh?” “An unfinished piece from my previous studio.” Elisa looked intrigued. “I don't remember seeing it.” “You wouldn't have. It was in storage.” “Why?” Nadia laughed. “Because I couldn't decide what to do with it.” Elisa considered the sculpture. “And now?” “I've decided not to decide quite yet.” Elisa smiled. “Very wise.” Nadia raised an eyebrow. “You sound unusually approving.” “Because I know you.” “Oh, darling.” Elisa laughed. Then leaned closer to her camera. “Actually, this is rather why I called.” Nadia tilted her head. “Go on.” *** Elisa had a suggestion. Not a commission. Not a formal opening. Not a public event. A small private gathering. A handful of people who cared about art, architecture, and the process of making things. People who might enjoy seeing a working studio before it became a polished professional environment. Nadia listened. Then hesitated. “Darling, the building isn't finished.” “I know.” “And I haven't prepared an exhibition.” “I know.” “And most of the things here aren't meant for public viewing.” Elisa smiled. “Then don't show them publicly.” Nadia looked at her. Elisa continued. “I'm not suggesting we invite half of Night City to wander through your unfinished workshop.” Nadia laughed. “Thank goodness.” “I'm suggesting something much smaller.” “How small?” “Perhaps six or eight guests. People you approve. No publicity. No photography without permission. No expectation that anything is for sale.” Nadia considered. Elisa smiled. “Let them see the place where you work.” Nadia looked toward the tall sculpture. Then toward the little collection of material experiments. A private studio visit. Not an exhibition. Not a launch. Not an obligation to produce finished masterpieces on demand. Just a conversation. Perhaps it was worth considering. “Let me think about it,” Nadia said. Elisa nodded. “Of course.” “And I want to choose the guests.” “Absolutely.” “And the studio team must confirm which areas are safe to enter.” “Naturally.” Nadia smiled. “Darling, you're making this surprisingly difficult to refuse.” Elisa laughed. “I do have some experience with invitations.” *** That evening, Nadia returned to the Watson safehouse. She found Ace and Mai in the kitchen. Ace was examining a container of leftovers with profound suspicion. Mai watched her. Nadia approached. “Hello, darlings.” Ace looked up. “Nadia!” Mai smiled. “Hi, sweetheart.” Nadia kissed them both on the cheek. Ace held up the container. “Question.” Nadia raised an eyebrow. “Yes?” “Is this mine?” Mai closed her eyes. Nadia looked at the food. “I have absolutely no idea.” Ace frowned. “Somebody put it in the fridge.” Mai sighed. “Yes, Ace. That's generally how refrigerators work.” Nadia burst out laughing. Ace looked offended. “I'm asking whose it is!” Shammy appeared in the doorway. “Mine.” Ace turned. “Oh.” Shammy smiled sweetly. Ace considered. “Want to share?” Shammy laughed. “Of course.” Mai shook her head. Nadia was still laughing. *** Dinner became an impromptu family gathering. Iris and Brenda arrived from the workshop. Reyes joined them. Kiro appeared a little later. Panam called to say she would be in the city the following morning. Nadia told everyone about the strange day. The woman with the bronze dancer. The arriving sculpture. The discovery that its empty center might be precisely what made it work. And Elisa's suggestion of a private studio gathering. Ace listened. Then grinned. “Do it.” Nadia laughed. “Darling, you haven't even asked what it involves.” “People come over.” “Yes.” “They look at art.” “Presumably.” “They eat something.” “Possibly.” Ace spread her hands. “What's the problem?” Mai laughed. Nadia smiled. “Thank you for that rigorous analysis.” Ace looked pleased. “Anytime.” Brenda considered the proposal more seriously. “Is the studio ready for visitors?” “Not all of it.” “Then define the accessible area.” “I intend to.” “Good.” Kiro looked toward Nadia. “And don't connect guest devices to the production network.” Nadia smiled. “I'll leave that to you.” Reyes nodded. “Guest route. Arrival procedure. A clear limit on where people can go.” Ace groaned. “Oh, come on.” Reyes looked at her. “It's a working facility.” Ace sighed. “Fine.” Then she grinned. “Can we at least have drinks?” Reyes smiled. “Of course.” Ace brightened immediately. *** Later, Nadia found Shammy on the balcony. The city air was cool. Shammy was looking toward the lights beyond Watson. Nadia stepped beside her. “Hello, sweetheart.” Shammy smiled. “Hello.” They kissed. Then Nadia leaned against the railing. “What do you think?” “About the gathering?” “Yes.” Shammy considered. “I think you should do it.” Nadia smiled. “Why?” “Because you keep talking about wanting people to see what art looks like while it's being made.” Nadia nodded. “I do.” “And you have a studio now.” “Yes.” “And people who want to visit.” Nadia laughed softly. “Apparently.” Shammy turned toward her. “Maybe you don't need to wait until everything is perfect.” Nadia considered. Then smiled. “That's becoming a theme, isn't it?” Shammy laughed. “A little.” Nadia looked toward the city. “Perhaps I'm still getting used to the idea that this place is actually mine.” Shammy slipped an arm around her. “It is.” Nadia rested against her. “Yes.” “And it's going to be wonderful.” Nadia smiled. “It already is.” *** When Nadia entered her guest room later that night, there were two messages waiting. One from Panam. **PANAM:** Back in the city tomorrow afternoon. Got time for me? Nadia smiled. **NADIA:** Always time for you, darling. Though I may have some studio visitors to plan for. **PANAM:** Visitors? **NADIA:** Elisa has suggested a small private gathering. Nothing formal. Just people looking at works in progress. **PANAM:** Sounds good. **NADIA:** Would you come? There was a short pause. **PANAM:** You asking me as a guest or putting me to work? Nadia laughed. **NADIA:** Darling, I was hoping you'd allow me to have the pleasure of your company. **PANAM:** Then absolutely. Nadia smiled. The second message was from Helena. **HELENA:** Preliminary material observations from the concealed room are encouraging. We have identified at least two distinct surface treatments. No conclusions about dating yet. Vivienne would like to discuss the implications with you next week. Nadia read it twice. Then set the holo down. Two different projects. Two different kinds of uncertainty. One old room that had waited patiently behind a wall. One unfinished sculpture that had waited just as patiently inside a crate. And a studio that was finally becoming more than a collection of carefully approved systems. Nadia opened her sketchbook. She turned to a blank page. At the top, she wrote: **FIRST PRIVATE STUDIO VISIT — WORK IN PROGRESS** Below it, she added three questions. *What do I want people to see?* *What do I want them to understand?* *And what am I not yet ready to show?* She looked at the questions. Then smiled. For once, she didn't feel any urgency to answer them. She had time. She had space. And she was beginning to understand that making something new didn't always require starting from nothing. Sometimes it meant opening a crate. Sometimes it meant looking at an old mistake from a different angle. And sometimes it meant letting someone walk through the door carrying a broken dancer. --- ## Chapter 31 — Nothing for Sale The first disagreement concerned the sculpture. Not whether it should be displayed. Whether it should be finished. Elisa stood in Nadia's studio, studying the tall structure of metal and translucent material. Nadia watched her. Shammy sat on a nearby stool, swinging one foot slowly. For nearly a minute, Elisa said nothing. Then she walked around the sculpture. Stopped. Looked through its open center toward the windows. And smiled. “Oh, Nadia.” Nadia raised an eyebrow. “Yes, darling?” “You really mustn't finish this.” Shammy burst out laughing. Nadia stared. “Oh, for heaven's sake!” Elisa turned. “What?” “Brenda wants to know whether it's structurally complete. Shammy thinks its unfinished state is beautiful. Panam asked whether people have to walk around it. And now you're telling me not to finish it!” Elisa considered. “An impressive collection of opinions.” “Quite.” “And what do you think?” Nadia opened her mouth. Then stopped. Elisa smiled. “Ah.” Nadia narrowed her eyes. “Don't.” “I haven't said anything.” “You're about to.” Elisa laughed. “Darling, perhaps that's the first thing your visitors should discover. The artist doesn't know whether the work is finished.” Shammy grinned. Nadia looked between them. Then began laughing. “Oh, you two are dreadful.” *** The invitation list remained small. Elisa had initially suggested eight guests. Nadia reduced it to six. Not because she disliked people. Because she wanted conversations rather than a reception. The studio would be open for three hours. The central working area and meeting room would be accessible. The clean assembly area would remain closed. No unrestricted photography. No publishing images without Nadia's permission. No press. No public announcement. And no expectation that any work on display was available for purchase. That last condition prompted an interesting exchange. Elisa looked at Nadia over her coffee. “Nothing?” “Nothing.” “Not even if someone makes a very flattering offer?” Nadia smiled. “Darling, I'm inviting them to see how I work. Not to negotiate over unfinished sculpture.” “Of course.” Nadia studied her. “Elisa.” “Yes?” “You're smiling.” “Am I?” “Dangerously.” Elisa laughed. “I'm simply delighted that you know what you want.” Nadia considered. Then smiled. “So am I.” *** Panam arrived while they were reviewing the room layout. She entered carrying a paper bag. “Food.” Nadia looked up. “Oh, darling.” Panam grinned. “That's my name.” Elisa turned. “Hi Panam.” “Elisa.” They exchanged a warm greeting. Panam placed the bag on the table. “Figured you people would forget lunch.” Shammy looked toward the clock. Then blinked. “Oh.” Panam pointed at her. “Exactly.” Nadia laughed. “Sweetheart, it's only—” She checked the time. “Oh, good heavens.” Elisa smiled. “Artists.” “Don't start,” Nadia said. *** Over lunch, Panam examined the proposed guest route. Not with the intensity of Reyes's security assessment. More with the practical interest of someone accustomed to moving people and equipment through places that weren't always designed for either. She looked toward the tall sculpture. “That thing staying there?” Nadia nodded. “Yes.” “Then people are gonna walk around it.” “Almost certainly.” Panam pointed toward a narrow space between the sculpture and a temporary display stand. “Move that.” Nadia looked. “Why?” “Because somebody's gonna walk backward while looking up and hit it.” Shammy considered. Then nodded. “She's right.” Elisa smiled. Nadia sighed theatrically. “Everyone is right today. It's becoming intolerable.” Panam laughed. “Want me to be wrong about something?” Nadia considered. “Can you manage it?” Panam grinned. “Your coffee tastes terrible.” Nadia looked scandalized. “Out!” Everyone burst out laughing. *** The next two days passed quickly. Nadia selected the works she wanted to show. There were surprisingly few. The tall unfinished sculpture. The small translucent form. A group of material studies. Several sketches illustrating how her ideas evolved. And one older work she had brought from her previous studio: a series of cast panels that changed character depending on the angle from which they were viewed. She arranged them along a temporary wall, deliberately leaving the mounting brackets visible. The pieces were not part of a finished exhibition. Their presence had another purpose: to show how many apparently simple decisions stood between an observation and an artwork. Shammy studied the arrangement. “You've left the unsuccessful ones in.” “Of course.” “Even that one?” Nadia followed her gaze to a dull, yellowed sample with an ugly mark trapped beneath its surface. “Especially that one.” Shammy smiled. “Why?” “Because I spent four days learning what not to do, and I'd rather not pretend I arrived at the right answer by divine inspiration.” Shammy laughed. “Fair.” Nadia adjusted the label beneath it. It read: **Study rejected — material instability under prolonged illumination.** Below that, in her own handwriting, she added: **Beautiful for seventeen minutes.** Shammy looked at the note. Then laughed so hard that Nadia had to catch her by the elbow. *** The day of the visit arrived with rain. Not heavy rain. The sort Night City seemed to produce whenever someone had carefully cleaned a window. By four, the drops had thinned to a silver mist. The studio windows held the grey daylight without glare, and Nadia found herself unexpectedly pleased with the weather. The tall sculpture looked different again. Its pale elements were quieter. The open center seemed larger. She moved one small study toward the window and left the rest alone. The visitors would see what the light chose to show them. At five, Reyes arrived to check the agreed guest route with the project administrator. Kiro confirmed that the guest connection remained separate from the working systems. Brenda made one final inspection of the tall sculpture's base, pronounced it secure, and extracted a promise that nobody would let a guest lean on it. Ace, who had come to help with refreshments, looked wounded. “I wasn't going to.” Brenda turned slowly. “I didn't say you were.” “You looked at me.” “Because you were standing next to it.” Mai, arranging glasses on the table, said without looking up, “Ace, you leaned on the mock-up last week.” “That was different.” “How?” “It looked leanable.” Brenda closed her eyes. Nadia laughed. “Darling, please tell me that's not an engineering category.” “It is now,” Brenda muttered. *** Nadia had asked most of the family to enjoy their evening elsewhere once the guests arrived. Not because she wanted to keep them away. Quite the opposite. She wanted the studio's first independent visitors to meet *her*, rather than find themselves absorbed into a lively family gathering before they'd had time to look at the work. Elisa understood immediately. Ace complained for approximately twenty seconds, then accepted a kiss on the cheek and the promise of a private viewing another day. Shammy remained, as Nadia's artistic collaborator. Panam stayed because Nadia had invited her, and because Panam had no intention of missing the evening. Elisa would welcome the guests and then step back. Everyone else made an orderly departure, although Ace managed to call, “Don't sell anything!” from the doorway. Nadia called back, “That's the entire point!” Ace grinned. “Just checking!” *** The six guests arrived within twenty minutes of one another. They were not a delegation and certainly not an audience selected for their purchasing power. Elisa had invited people with different ways of looking: a designer who worked with public spaces, an architect interested in adaptation, a collector known for visiting artists long before their exhibitions, an educator, a curator, and a maker whose materials were very different from Nadia's own. Nadia greeted each personally. Coats went into the meeting room. Drinks stayed away from the working pieces. Photography rules were explained without embarrassment. Then Nadia brought everyone into the central studio. Nobody spoke at first. That pleased her. They spread out at their own pace. One visitor went straight toward the tall sculpture. Another stopped at the rejected resin sample. The architect looked up at the windows before looking at anything else. Panam stood near the refreshment table with Shammy. “Going okay?” she murmured. Shammy smiled. “Nadia hasn't tried to explain everything yet.” “Good sign?” “Very.” *** The first question came from the educator. “Are these finished works?” “Some are,” Nadia said. “Some are studies. One has spent years arguing with me.” She pointed to the tall sculpture. The visitors laughed. “Which argument is it winning?” the educator asked. Nadia considered. “Whether an empty space can be the most important part of a sculpture.” The architect moved to one side and looked through the open center. “Does it always frame that window?” “No. Only from certain positions.” “Was that deliberate?” Nadia smiled. “Not when I first made it.” The architect looked at her. Nadia continued. “I built the structure elsewhere, in a room with different proportions. When we assembled it here, Sera noticed a relationship I'd never seen. Now I have to decide whether it's a discovery or merely a coincidence I'm particularly fond of.” The collector laughed softly. “Most artists would tell us it had been planned from the beginning.” “Then you'd be having a much less interesting visit,” Nadia said. *** The conversation became lively after that. The maker wanted to know how the cast panels were produced. Nadia explained the material process, including the disappointing behavior of one formulation after repeated exposure to light. The curator asked how much of a work's identity depended on the room where it was first installed. Nadia answered with a question. “How much of a conversation belongs to the people, and how much belongs to the place where they have it?” The curator considered this seriously. Shammy smiled into her glass. The architect returned to the sculpture and walked its perimeter again, slower this time. The educator remained near the small translucent object on the floor. “I almost didn't notice this,” she said. Nadia joined her. “That happens quite often.” “Would you mind if I moved?” “Please do.” The woman stepped to one side. A faint inner pattern appeared. “Oh!” Nadia laughed. “Yes. That's usually the reaction.” The educator crouched, then rose and looked at the object from a different angle. “It's asking something of me.” Nadia smiled. “I hope so.” *** Halfway through the visit, the collector approached Elisa. Nadia was nearby, discussing the cast panels with the maker. “Do you think she'd consider selling the tall piece?” the collector asked quietly. Elisa didn't lower her voice. “No.” The collector blinked. “Not even an expression of interest?” “You may express as much interest as you please,” Elisa replied pleasantly. “But Nadia has been very clear. Nothing here is for sale tonight.” The collector smiled. “Fair enough.” Nadia turned. “Thank you for asking, though.” The collector looked momentarily embarrassed. Nadia crossed toward them. “Really. I'm flattered.” She gestured toward the sculpture. “But I brought you here while I'm still deciding what it is. Selling it now would rather defeat my purpose.” The collector studied her. Then nodded. “I understand.” “Would you like to see the early drawings?” “Very much.” Nadia brought out a folder. They spent fifteen minutes discussing decisions she had made years earlier and no longer entirely agreed with. By the end, the collector had stopped asking about ownership. Instead, they were arguing cheerfully over whether a particular curve had been too cautious. Nadia enjoyed that enormously. *** At six forty, the rain stopped. A narrow line of late sunlight slipped beneath the clouds. It reached the upper windows and moved across the studio floor. Nadia noticed first. Then Shammy. Neither said anything. The light advanced until it touched the little translucent form. Its interior brightened. The subtle structures appeared as if they had been waiting there all evening. One of the visitors stopped speaking. Another turned. The educator moved closer, then stepped sideways to find the angle she'd discovered earlier. For nearly a minute, the conversation dissolved into quiet movement. People changed positions. Looked. Changed positions again. The work offered no single perfect viewpoint. Then the sunlight faded. The little form became ordinary once more. The curator exhaled. “That was lovely.” Nadia smiled. “It was.” “Did you arrange for that?” “Darling, if I could arrange Night City's weather, I'd be a much more powerful woman.” Everyone laughed. Panam grinned from beside the doorway. “Don't give her ideas.” *** As the visit drew toward its end, the architect returned to Nadia. “I'd like to ask you something that may be terribly rude.” Nadia raised an eyebrow. “Oh, now I'm curious.” “Why Night City?” Nadia considered. The obvious answers lined themselves up in her mind. The availability of a suitable building. The practical opportunities. The clients. The collaborators. All true. None quite sufficient. She glanced across the room. Shammy was explaining a material study with both hands, her silver-white hair beginning to rise in familiar enthusiasm. Panam watched with an affectionate grin. Elisa was laughing at something the educator had said. Nadia smiled. “Because I found people here who make me want to work,” she said. The architect nodded. “And a building worth working in?” “That too.” “Do you think the city itself will enter your work?” Nadia looked toward the windows. Beyond them, Night City continued being noisy, imperfect, and thoroughly uninterested in anyone's artistic timetable. “I rather suspect it already has.” *** The final guest left shortly after eight. The door closed. Silence returned. Not quite the same silence as before. Six people had moved through the room, asked questions Nadia hadn't expected, and seen details she'd grown accustomed to overlooking. Nothing had been sold. Nobody had asked for a discount. Nobody had tried to turn the visit into a fashionable opening or a spectacle. And, most importantly, Nadia had enjoyed herself. Elisa placed the empty guest book on the table. “Well?” Nadia looked at her. “Elisa.” “Yes, darling?” “I think that was wonderful.” Elisa smiled. “I rather thought so.” Nadia approached and embraced her. “Thank you.” Elisa hugged her back. “You're welcome. Though you did all the interesting work.” Nadia laughed softly. “Not all of it.” *** Elisa left after helping straighten the meeting room. Shammy returned a few glasses to the kitchen area. Panam checked that the guest door had latched properly, then found Nadia standing in front of the tall sculpture. “Hey.” Nadia turned. “Hello, darling.” “How'd it feel?” Nadia smiled. “Strange.” “Bad strange?” “No. Rather lovely strange.” Panam approached. “They liked your stuff.” “Yes.” “And you didn't sell any of it.” “Not a thing.” Panam grinned. “Sounds like a success.” Nadia laughed. “An unconventional business strategy, perhaps.” “You're not short of money.” “No,” Nadia agreed. “But that isn't really the point.” Panam nodded. “Yeah. I know.” Nadia looked at her. “What did you think?” “About tonight?” “Yes.” Panam considered. “I liked watching you.” Nadia's expression softened. “Oh?” “You stopped trying to convince anyone halfway through. You just talked about what you were making.” Nadia thought back. Panam smiled. “You looked happy.” Nadia stepped closer and kissed her. “I was.” *** Shammy returned to find them standing together. She smiled. “All finished?” “Nearly,” Nadia said. Shammy looked around. “I liked them.” “So did I.” “They asked interesting questions.” “Yes.” “And nobody leaned on the sculpture.” Panam burst out laughing. Nadia smiled. “A triumph on every front.” Shammy came closer, and Nadia drew her into the embrace without letting go of Panam. For a while the three simply stood together, surrounded by unfinished work and the quiet aftermath of a good evening. Then Panam asked, “You heading back to the safehouse?” Nadia nodded. “Yes. Unless either of you intends to make a compelling alternative proposal.” Shammy giggled. Panam grinned. “Tempting.” Nadia kissed Panam once more. “Another evening, sweetheart. I want to sleep in my own bed tonight.” “At the safehouse,” Panam said, smiling. “At the safehouse,” Nadia confirmed. Shammy laughed. “And tomorrow?” “Tomorrow,” Nadia said, “I am doing absolutely nothing related to hosting visitors.” Panam raised an eyebrow. “Nothing?” “Not one thing.” Shammy looked suspicious. “What about the sketches?” Nadia paused. Then sighed. “Oh, you dreadful woman.” *** The safehouse was comfortably lively when Nadia returned. Ace looked up from the couch as she entered. “Well?” Nadia smiled. “Hello to you too, darling.” Ace grinned. “Did you sell the building?” “No.” “The sculptures?” “No.” “Your soul?” “Not tonight.” Mai laughed from the kitchen. “Then apparently everything went according to plan.” Nadia dropped onto the couch beside Ace. “More or less.” Ace studied her. Then smiled. “You look pleased.” “I am.” Ace leaned against her for a moment. “Good.” Nadia kissed the top of her head. “Thank you, sweetheart.” Later, in her guest room, Nadia opened her sketchbook. She had promised herself a quiet evening. She wasn't going to redesign the sculpture. Or make an exhibition plan. Or turn a private visit into a business opportunity simply because it had gone well. She wrote down three things the guests had noticed that she hadn't expected. The window framed through the tall sculpture. The different positions required to see the small resin object. And the damaged sample that had fascinated the maker more than any flawless one. Beneath them, she added a fourth observation. **I liked letting people see the questions.** She closed the sketchbook. Her holo chimed. A message from Panam. **PANAM:** Proud of you, gorgeous. Nadia smiled. **NADIA:** Thank you, darling. It was a lovely evening. Another message arrived. **PANAM:** So what's next? Nadia looked toward the window. Beyond it, Night City glittered through the remaining mist. She thought of Vivienne's concealed room, the unfinished sculpture, the small object whose inner life appeared only when the light was right, and the people who had looked at her work without needing to own it. Then she answered. **NADIA:** Tomorrow? Coffee. After that, I think I'd like to make something. Panam replied almost immediately. **PANAM:** Sounds like a plan. Nadia set the holo down. For once, she didn't feel as though the next step needed to be larger than the last. The studio had opened its door. Six people had come inside. They had looked carefully. Asked questions. And left her with more to think about than she'd had before. Nothing had been sold. Something had begun. --- ## Chapter 32 — The Right Kind of Room On the morning after the private visit, Nadia found a note taped to the studio's main door. It had been written on a piece of packing paper, in thick black marker. **DO NOT SELL THE BUILDING. I LIKE IT. — ACE** Nadia stared at it. Then she laughed so hard that she had to set her coffee down. She took a photograph and sent it to Mai. Mai's reply arrived almost immediately. **MAI:** She was unsupervised for eight minutes. **NADIA:** I shall treasure the evidence. **MAI:** Please don't encourage her. Nadia was still smiling when she unlocked the door. Inside, the studio smelled faintly of coffee, clean wood, and the materials she'd unpacked over the last few days. The tall sculpture stood where it had stood during the visit. A shaft of morning light fell beyond its open center, missing the cast panels by several centimeters. Nothing remarkable happened. And for once, Nadia didn't feel compelled to make something happen. She took off her jacket, hung Ace's note on the small board beside her desk, and opened a fresh page in her sketchbook. **What comes next?** She stared at the words for a moment. Then crossed them out. That was the wrong question. She tried again. **What is ready to move forward?** Much better. *** At ten, she met the architect at the studio. The architect arrived carrying two updated plans, an annotated structural assessment, and the weary expression of someone who had spent several evenings persuading an old industrial building to reveal what was actually inside its walls. Nadia supplied coffee. It seemed only fair. They spread the drawings across the meeting table. The first plan was the reduced mezzanine apartment. It had become much more compact than the original concept: a living area with a proper kitchen, a bedroom, a bathroom, storage, and a window seat along the outer wall. The second was a structural diagram. Nadia studied it before speaking. “The workshop floor?” “Unaffected under this arrangement,” the architect said. “The revised structure takes its loads through the existing support line and the proposed new supports at the perimeter. We won't need the intrusive reinforcement we discussed earlier.” Nadia looked again. “And the windows?” “We preserve the ones you were determined not to lose.” Nadia smiled. “I was rather determined.” “I noticed.” They both laughed. The architect turned the second sheet around. “Now, this isn't permission to build. The detailed structural design, fire provisions, accessibility decisions, building-services coordination, and the change-of-use approvals still have to be completed. But the feasibility problem that was holding us up has a workable solution.” Nadia sat back. For several seconds, she said nothing. Then she looked at the little rectangle marked **RESIDENTIAL — PROPOSED**. Her future home. Not an imaginary one. Not a collection of ideas scribbled over a workshop drawing. A proposal with dimensions, loads, doors, and a plausible route through the approvals process. “Oh,” she said quietly. The architect smiled. “Good oh, I hope?” “Very good.” *** She asked questions for another forty minutes. Not about how much money could be shaved off the project. That had never been the point. She wanted to know whether the apartment would be comfortable, whether the separation from the working studio would be adequate, and how people would enter without walking through an active fabrication area. She wanted proper sound isolation. She wanted access to the exterior windows without compromising the studio below. She wanted a place to cook, somewhere to read, and enough space that guests wouldn't feel they were sleeping inside a storage cupboard. Most of all, she wanted the residential work to coexist with the studio rather than consume it. The architect listened, made notes, and occasionally challenged an assumption. When Nadia suggested adding a second small room, they examined what it would cost in daylight and circulation space. Not money. Actual space. Nadia looked at the plan and shook her head. “No. That would make every room worse merely so I could say there were more of them.” “That's my assessment too.” “Then let's keep the simpler layout.” At the end, Nadia authorized the next design stage and the preparation of the necessary submissions. She signed the instruction. Watched the architect file it. Then looked back at the drawing. “It's really happening,” she murmured. “It's proceeding,” the architect corrected gently. Nadia laughed. “Yes. Quite right. It's proceeding.” But she smiled all the same. *** She called Shammy first. Shammy answered from the safehouse with a pencil tucked behind one ear. “Nadia!” “Darling. I have news.” “Good news?” “Very.” Nadia held up the plan. Shammy moved closer to the holo. For a moment, she simply stared. Then her halo began to rise. “Oh!” Nadia laughed. “The reduced layout works. Or, more accurately, it looks viable enough to proceed into detailed design and approvals.” Shammy was beaming. “And the window?” “Still there.” “The studio floor?” “Protected.” “And the seat?” Nadia smiled. “Darling, the window seat was apparently considered a non-negotiable requirement.” Shammy laughed. “By whom?” “By me, naturally.” “Good!” Nadia watched her for a moment. Then said, more softly, “I want you to see the plans in person.” “I'd love to.” “And Panam.” Shammy smiled. “Of course.” Nadia glanced back at the proposed living room. “I'm not trying to build a home large enough to swallow everyone else's life,” she said. “I simply want a place where the people I love are welcome.” Shammy's expression warmed. “That's a very good home to build.” *** The second piece of news came from Vivienne. Her call arrived just after lunch, with Helena Whitcomb beside her. They had completed another stage of investigation into the concealed room. The surviving surface treatments were not identical. The evidence suggested more than one period of intervention, although the precise sequence remained uncertain. A later repair had altered one frame, and the faint reflective effect observed during the first inspection could not yet be treated as an exact recreation of the original arrangement. But the daylight opening itself belonged to the older construction. It had been deliberately formed. That was now supported by the fabric evidence, not merely by the beautiful accident of what the camera had shown. Nadia listened, taking notes. “Will the room be accessible?” she asked. “Not to visitors at present,” Helena replied. “Vivienne has agreed that the priority is conservation and documentation, not access.” Vivienne nodded. “And I don't want your work to become a reason to hurry that process.” Nadia smiled. “Thank you, darling.” Vivienne leaned closer to the screen. “I've also been thinking about your revised concept.” “Oh?” “The one that allows the atrium to respond to the same daylight without recreating whatever happened in the concealed room.” “Yes.” “I like it.” Nadia's pencil stopped. Vivienne smiled. “Very much, actually.” *** They discussed the concept carefully. Nadia showed two drawings: one describing the position of the new element within the atrium, and another illustrating how its response might vary through the day. Helena questioned the proposed maintenance access. Vivienne wanted to understand how visible the work would be when no direct daylight reached it. Nadia was pleased by both questions. The inactive state, she explained, was not a failure. It was part of the work's rhythm. Some visitors might encounter only a quiet surface and notice nothing extraordinary. Others would arrive at the right moment and see the room change. “That seems rather unfair to the first group,” Vivienne said, smiling. “Perhaps,” Nadia admitted. “Or perhaps it gives them a reason to return.” Helena considered the drawing. “And it won't require interference with the concealed chamber?” “No. Its entire support system remains in the approved modern part of the atrium, subject to your review and the engineer's confirmation. The old room provides historical context, not infrastructure.” Vivienne nodded. “That's what I want.” Nadia sat very still. Vivienne continued. “I'd like you to take this into the developed-design stage. Prepare what you need for a formal fabrication decision.” Nadia smiled slowly. “Then I'll prepare a revised scope and fee proposal for that stage, and an approvals schedule. We won't order permanent components before everything is agreed.” “Of course.” There was a small pause. Then Vivienne smiled more broadly. “And Nadia?” “Yes, darling?” “I liked your first proposal. I think I love this one.” Nadia's eyes softened. “Oh. Thank you.” *** When the call ended, Nadia did not celebrate by scheduling another meeting. She stood up. Went into the main studio. And found Shammy examining the unfinished sculpture. “Hello, sweetheart.” Shammy turned. “You're smiling.” “I am.” “Why?” “Vivienne wants to proceed with the new direction.” Shammy stared. Then gave a delighted shout that echoed across the room. “NADIA!” Nadia laughed as Shammy swept her into an embrace. For a moment, the new drawings, the old room, the structural reports, and the entire professional apparatus of making an artwork disappeared behind the simple pleasure of having made something another person wanted to see exist. Shammy kissed her. Then again. Nadia cupped her face. “Oh, darling.” “It's happening!” “Proceeding,” Nadia said, with an exaggeratedly solemn expression. Shammy blinked. “What?” “Apparently that is the correct professional term.” Shammy burst out laughing. *** They took the afternoon for art. Not administration disguised as art. Not revising a contractor's drawing. Actual work. The tall sculpture had begun to trouble Nadia in a different way now. During the private visit, one of the guests had stopped at an angle Nadia had never considered and looked through the open center toward the windows. The sculpture seemed to change entirely from that position. Nadia had spent the intervening evening wondering whether the piece was not missing a central element at all. Perhaps the center was the person looking. Shammy listened as Nadia explained. Then walked slowly around the work. “Show me.” Nadia placed a temporary floor marker where the visitor had stood. Shammy stepped onto it. Looked up. Waited. The late afternoon light struck the upper translucent panel and passed through its imperfect surface. A pale band crossed the empty center. Shammy moved half a step. It vanished. She stepped back. It returned. “Oh.” Nadia watched her, smiling. “Exactly.” Shammy looked at the sculpture again. “You aren't making people watch the artwork.” Nadia tilted her head. “What am I making them do?” “Find their place inside it.” Nadia went very quiet. Then she looked at the open center. “Yes,” she said. The word surprised her with its certainty. “Yes. I think that's it.” *** Brenda arrived an hour later and found both artists crouched beside the sculpture, arguing amiably about whether a tiny alteration to the angle of one cast panel improved the composition. Brenda watched for a while. Then said, “You realize neither of you is touching that until I've checked the support, right?” Nadia looked up. “Hello, darling.” “Nice try.” Shammy laughed. Brenda approached the base and studied the revised sketch. “That's a small adjustment.” “Yes,” Nadia said. “Which means you're going to want it accurate.” “Very.” “And reversible.” “Absolutely.” Brenda smiled. “Well, now you're speaking my language.” She looked at the sculpture, then at Nadia. “You seem happy.” Nadia considered. “I am.” Brenda raised an eyebrow. “Anything in particular?” “The apartment can move forward. Vivienne likes the revised work. And I think this old beast might finally be telling me what it wants.” Brenda looked at the tall sculpture. “That's a busy day.” “Rather.” Brenda smiled. “Good.” *** Panam arrived shortly before sunset. Nadia had asked her to stop by, without explaining why. That omission had apparently awakened Panam's suspicions. “Okay,” Panam said as she entered. “What did you break?” Nadia stared at her. “Darling!” Panam grinned. “Just checking.” Shammy, sitting at the meeting table, began laughing. Nadia caught Panam's hand and drew her toward the plans. “Sit.” Panam raised an eyebrow. “Yes, ma'am.” Nadia spread out the new mezzanine drawing. Panam leaned forward. For a moment, she said nothing. Then her eyes found the living area. The bedroom. The kitchen. And the long seat beneath the windows. “Well, I'll be damned.” Nadia smiled. “It's still a proposal.” “Sure.” “We have detailed design and approvals ahead.” “Got it.” “But the difficult structural problem appears to have a sensible solution.” Panam looked up at her. Then smiled. “That's fantastic, Nadia.” Nadia's expression softened. “Thank you, sweetheart.” Panam touched the window-seat drawing. “You kept it.” “Of course.” Panam grinned. “I was kidding when I demanded one.” Nadia laughed. “I wasn't.” *** They talked through the plan together. Panam immediately asked where guests would park, whether deliveries would interfere with residential access, and what would happen if Nadia wanted to work late while someone else was trying to sleep upstairs. Nadia had answers to some of those questions. Others went straight onto the list for the architect. Shammy pointed toward the living room. “There's enough space for a really comfortable sofa.” Panam studied it. “Yeah.” Nadia watched them. “I had something else in mind,” she said. Both looked up. Nadia smiled. “I want the place to feel like a home, not a showroom. I don't want every object chosen because it photographs beautifully.” Panam laughed. “Good, because I was gonna ask where you planned to put your actual stuff.” Nadia raised an eyebrow. “My actual stuff?” “You know. The things you use. The things you keep. The ugly mug somebody gave you that you can't throw away.” Shammy grinned. “Or the sculpture that doesn't fit through the door.” Nadia burst out laughing. “Neither of you is allowed to decorate unsupervised.” Panam leaned back. “Too late. I've already claimed the window.” Shammy looked scandalized. “Panam!” Panam grinned. “Come visit. I'll share.” Nadia laughed until her eyes watered. *** When Shammy went to make coffee, Panam remained beside Nadia at the table. She studied the drawings again. Then asked, “You sure about living above your work?” Nadia took the question seriously. “Not entirely,” she admitted. “That's why we're investigating the separation so carefully. If the approvals or practical arrangements make it unsuitable, I'll choose somewhere else.” Panam nodded. “Good.” Nadia looked at her. “But if it works, I'd like to try.” Panam smiled. “Then I hope it works.” Nadia slipped her fingers between Panam's. “Darling, there's something I want you to understand.” “Okay.” “I'm not building this because I expect you to move into it.” Panam looked at her. Nadia continued. “And I'm not asking Shammy to leave the safehouse. I wouldn't dream of it.” Panam nodded slowly. “This will be my home,” Nadia said. “A place where both of you can come because you want to. Not because I'm trying to rearrange everyone else's life.” Panam squeezed her hand. “Yeah.” Nadia smiled. “Does that make sense?” “Perfect sense.” A pause. Then Panam grinned. “Still want the window seat.” Nadia leaned over and kissed her. “You are incorrigible.” “Been told.” *** That night, Nadia returned to the Watson safehouse with Shammy and Panam. It was only supposed to be a quick visit. That was the first mistake. The second was mentioning that there were architectural drawings to look at. Within ten minutes, the dining table had been commandeered. Ace had a mug of something in one hand and a pencil in the other. Mai stood behind her chair, looking suspicious. Iris and Brenda had abandoned an entirely different conversation to examine the plans. Kiro leaned against the counter. Reyes had taken one look at the circulation route and asked whether it had been reviewed for emergency access. Nadia sighed. “Oh, my goodness.” Panam laughed. “Told you.” Ace pointed at the drawing. “What's this?” “Storage.” “And this?” “The bathroom.” “And this?” “Darling, that's a wall.” Ace considered. “Could be improved.” Mai plucked the pencil out of her hand. “No.” Everyone laughed. *** The chaos was affectionate, but beneath it Nadia found something she hadn't expected. No one treated the proposed apartment as a departure. Nobody asked whether she would stop coming to the safehouse. Nobody worried aloud that a new address might weaken what they had built together. Instead, Iris wanted to know which bookshelves Nadia planned to keep. Brenda asked about the floor loading. Kiro offered to review the residential network design when it was ready. Reyes wanted the entrance properly separated from workshop traffic. Mai advised Nadia not to let the building project consume the creative work the building was supposed to support. Ace suggested a grill on the balcony. Nadia looked up. “There isn't a balcony.” Ace frowned at the plan. “Then that's your problem.” Panam nearly choked laughing. Shammy's hair rose so abruptly that Nadia gave up trying to keep a straight face. *** Later, after the drawings had been rescued from Ace's architectural ambitions, Nadia stood in the kitchen beside Mai. The others were still talking in the living room. Mai poured her tea. “You've had quite a day.” Nadia smiled. “I have.” Mai handed her the cup. “Are you happy?” Nadia looked toward the room beyond. Ace was curled against Shammy on the couch, talking animatedly. Panam sat nearby with a hand resting on Nadia's abandoned sketchbook. Brenda was telling Iris something that made her laugh. Nadia looked back at Mai. “Very.” Mai smiled. “Good.” Nadia hesitated. “Do you think it'll feel strange? When I have my own place?” Mai considered the question. “For you, perhaps. At first.” Nadia nodded. Mai continued. “But having your own home doesn't make this one disappear.” Nadia's expression softened. “No.” “And you'll still be welcome here.” “Always?” Mai gave her a look. “Nadia.” Nadia laughed quietly. “Yes. I know.” Mai touched her arm. “You're family. A floor plan doesn't change that.” Nadia set down her cup and hugged her. For a moment, Mai held her close. Then Ace called from the living room. “MAI! SHAMMY SAYS NADIA CAN PUT A GRILL IN THE LOADING BAY!” Mai closed her eyes. Nadia burst out laughing against her shoulder. “Apparently,” Mai said, “we have another problem.” *** Much later, Nadia settled into her guest room. The plans were safely saved. Her notes were organized. The next stage of Vivienne's commission was taking shape, and the studio's own first body of work had finally begun to emerge. She thought about the day's conversations. Shammy's delight. Panam's quiet pleasure in the plans. Mai's certainty. Ace's proposed grill. Nadia laughed to herself. Then she opened her sketchbook and turned to the page on which she'd written her question that morning. **What is ready to move forward?** She considered the answer. The studio. The commission. Her own sculpture. The apartment. And, perhaps most importantly, the life she was making around them. She added a sentence beneath the question. **I don't need to finish one life before beginning another.** For a moment, she looked at it. Then she smiled and closed the book. From the living room came the distant sound of laughter. Ace, most likely. Shammy, almost certainly. The safehouse was still awake. Nadia could have joined them again. She could have stayed up talking until someone remembered they had work in the morning. Instead, she turned out the light. There would be other evenings. That was the lovely thing about belonging somewhere. You didn't have to make every one of them last forever. You could simply come back. --- ## Chapter 33 — The First Ordinary Day On Monday morning, Nadia walked into her studio and discovered that someone had moved her sculpture. Six centimeters. She knew because she had marked the feet with removable tape on Friday, and the tape was now six centimeters away from the base. She stood in the doorway, coffee in hand, and considered the possibilities. The sculpture had not walked by itself. The floor had not shifted. And the building had not, to her knowledge, developed another concealed room beneath it. She took out her holo. Then she saw the note. **MOVED 60 MM FOR FLOOR CLEANING. ORIGINAL POSITION MARKED. PLEASE CONFIRM BEFORE FINAL FLOOR RELEASE. — SITE TEAM** Nadia read it twice. And laughed. “Good morning to you too.” *** The main studio was ready for handover. Not everything in the building was finished. There were still small defects to close out, equipment familiarization sessions to complete, and the usual mountain of records that followed any serious construction project. The proposed apartment remained entirely separate: drawings, reviews, and applications, nothing more. But the working studio itself had reached a milestone. The construction manager had booked a walk-through for ten. Nadia had intended to spend the morning reviewing the completion file. Instead, she spent fifteen minutes restoring the tall sculpture to its marked position, studying it from three angles, and wondering why the six-centimeter change had made the upper curve look better. By the time Shammy arrived, Nadia had moved it back again. Shammy stopped at the entrance. “Did you change something?” Nadia turned slowly. “Darling.” Shammy's eyes lit up. “You did!” “Six centimeters.” Shammy came closer and looked. Then she considered the piece from the position Nadia indicated. “Oh.” “Precisely.” “Which position do you like?” Nadia sighed. “That is becoming an unexpectedly complicated question.” Shammy laughed, leaned down, and kissed her. “Good morning.” Nadia smiled. “Good morning, sweetheart.” *** At ten, they walked the building with the construction manager, the project administrator, and the relevant technical leads. Nadia did not personally retest every alarm or inspect the wiring behind each panel. That work had already been performed, witnessed, and documented by people qualified to do it. Today she wanted to know something simpler. Could the place be used? Could her staff move materials without borrowing a corridor from the next trade? Could they secure confidential client work? Could they maintain the equipment without dismantling half the studio? Could someone arrive for a meeting without wandering into a workshop? And could the artist actually make art? The answers were reassuring. The loading route was clear. The clean assembly room met its current environmental requirements. The office and meeting spaces were usable. Security procedures had been issued. The operating manuals and maintenance schedules were in hand. Two finishing items remained open, neither preventing ordinary studio work. One concerned a door closer. The other concerned a lighting control in a storage area. Nadia studied the list. “That's all?” The construction manager smiled. “That's all we're carrying into handover.” “And the residential works?” “Not part of this handover. Entirely separate project, separate approvals, separate construction planning when you're ready.” “Excellent.” They finished at the main entrance. The manager held out the acceptance paperwork. Nadia read it carefully. Then signed. There was no applause. No fanfare. No ribbon. Just a signature, an exchange of documents, and the oddly profound fact that the studio was now hers to operate. The manager shook her hand. “Congratulations.” Nadia looked back through the open doorway. “Thank you.” She sounded quieter than she expected. *** Shammy had apparently anticipated the problem. She was waiting in the main room with two small paper cups and a bottle that had no business appearing on a construction handover schedule. Nadia stared. “Oh, sweetheart.” “Just a little.” “It's not even lunchtime.” “It's a special occasion.” Nadia considered that. Then smiled. “Very well.” Shammy poured a modest amount into each cup. They stood beside the sculpture, careful not to spill anything on it. “To your studio,” Shammy said. Nadia looked around. The windows. The cleared floor. The benches waiting for work. Her old sculpture and her new experiment occupying the same space without apology. Then she lifted her cup. “To the people who helped me get here.” Shammy's expression softened. They drank. And Nadia kissed her thoroughly enough that Shammy forgot to put her empty cup down. *** Nadia had deliberately left the afternoon unbooked. It was the first day on which that decision meant something. No contractors needed instruction. No visitor route needed negotiating. No delivery schedule was waiting for her approval. She opened the doors to the main working area and invited Shammy to choose a bench. Shammy looked around. “For what?” “Anything you like.” “Anything?” “Within the usual limitations of physics and local regulations.” Shammy grinned. “You're no fun.” “Darling, I have seen your definition of fun.” “That was one time.” Nadia raised an eyebrow. Shammy considered. “Several times.” They laughed. Shammy settled at a workbench with a set of small samples, and Nadia returned to the tall sculpture. For nearly two hours they worked in companionable silence. Not complete silence. There was the scrape of a pencil, the quiet sound of materials being moved, an occasional question, and once a delighted little laugh from Shammy when something worked better than expected. But it was working silence. The sort Nadia had wanted when she first stood in the empty former factory and imagined what it might become. At half past three, she stepped back from the sculpture. “Shammy?” “Yes?” “Come and look.” Shammy put down her sample. Nadia pointed toward the floor. She had placed two removable markers where viewers naturally stopped when approaching the piece. From the first, the open center framed a portion of the window. From the second, the metal curves closed around a patch of empty wall. The sculpture appeared to be two different objects. Shammy examined both views. “Neither is wrong,” she said. “No.” “And neither is the whole thing.” Nadia smiled. “No.” Shammy turned toward her. “Is that what you want?” Nadia looked at the tall, imperfect piece that had followed her from her previous studio. She had tried to give it a center. Now she was inviting someone else to find one. “Yes,” she said. “I think it is.” *** The first unexpected problem of Nadia's operational studio arrived at four twenty. It was not structural. It was not electrical. It was not even mechanical. It was an email. A prospective client, introduced through someone who had attended Elisa's private visit, wanted a monumental piece for a corporate reception area. The description was detailed. The proposed commission was substantial. The budget was generous. And the brief included one sentence that made Nadia stop reading. *The artwork should communicate institutional permanence, unquestioned authority, and a unified corporate identity.* She read it twice. Then leaned back. Shammy glanced over. “What?” Nadia turned the screen toward her. Shammy read the brief. Her eyebrows rose. “That's quite a lot to ask from a sculpture.” Nadia laughed. “Yes.” “Do you want to do it?” Nadia was quiet. It would have been easy to say yes. The commission could be technically interesting. The proposed site had impressive dimensions. There would be room to work with substantial materials and difficult geometry. But she could already feel the problem. The client had described the message before describing the experience. They knew exactly what the work was meant to say. They had left almost no space for what it might discover. “I don't think I want to make a monument to unquestioned authority,” Nadia said at last. Shammy burst out laughing. “That's rather specific.” “Darling, so is the brief.” She looked at the screen again. “I may offer a conversation. Perhaps they really want something more complicated than they've written. But if this is the entire artistic ambition, I don't think I'm their person.” Shammy nodded. “Then tell them.” Nadia smiled. “I shall.” *** She drafted a courteous reply. She thanked them for their interest, acknowledged the proposed scale and technical possibilities, and explained that she would only consider the commission if there was genuine room for an artistic investigation rather than a predetermined institutional statement. She offered an introductory conversation, with no commitment from either side. Then she sent it. The action was smaller than the morning's handover signature. It felt just as important. A studio wasn't truly hers if she couldn't decide what belonged in it. *** Panam arrived as Nadia was putting away her notes. She wore a jacket still marked with the dust of a long day's work and carried a small cardboard box. Nadia looked up. “Darling!” Panam smiled. “Hey, gorgeous.” She put the box down just in time to catch Nadia when she crossed the room and threw her arms around her. The kiss was warm and unhurried. When Nadia drew back, Panam looked around. “Looks different.” “It is different.” “Good different?” Nadia smiled. “Officially handed over.” Panam stared. Then her face broke into a grin. “No kidding?” “No kidding.” “Damn, Nadia.” She pulled her close again. “Congratulations.” Nadia rested her forehead against hers. “Thank you, sweetheart.” From the workbench, Shammy called, “We already celebrated!” Panam glanced over. “With what?” “Tiny paper cups.” Panam nodded gravely. “Classy.” Nadia laughed. “What have you brought?” Panam opened the box. Inside were three mismatched mugs. One was a plain dark ceramic cup with a sturdy handle. One had a ridiculous cartoon vehicle on the side. The third was an enormous, rather ugly mug bearing the words **I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING**. Shammy stared. Then began laughing so hard she had to sit down. Nadia lifted the third mug. “Oh, Panam.” Panam looked delighted. “Thought the place needed some professional equipment.” Nadia kissed her again. “It's hideous.” “Yep.” “I adore it.” “Knew you would.” *** They made coffee in their new mugs. Shammy claimed the cartoon vehicle. Panam took the plain one. Nadia kept the enormous declaration of competence. It looked absurd on her desk. Exactly right. As they drank, Nadia told Panam about the proposed corporate commission. Panam listened. “Big job?” “Potentially.” “You want it?” “I don't know yet.” Panam considered. “Then you don't have to say yes.” Nadia smiled. “That's what Shammy said.” “Smart woman.” Shammy beamed. Panam examined the sculpture. “And this thing?” Nadia looked toward it. “Closer.” “To done?” “Perhaps.” Panam walked around the structure. Stopped in front of one of the new floor markers. Then moved to the other. “Huh.” Nadia watched her. Panam looked back. “You're making me do the work again.” Nadia laughed. “Am I?” “Yeah. It's different depending on where I stand.” “Precisely.” Panam grinned. “So the missing bit is me.” Nadia stared at her. Shammy turned slowly. Then both artists burst out laughing. Panam narrowed her eyes. “What?” “Oh, darling,” Nadia said, wiping at one eye. “You have the most wonderful way of cutting through things.” Panam shrugged. “Somebody's gotta.” *** At six, Nadia received a message from Helena. The developed-design work for Vivienne's commission could proceed on the agreed basis. The conservation study would remain separate, and the next review would examine the proposed reversible mounting in detail. Nadia added the review to her calendar. Then closed the file. She had promised herself that this day would not disappear into administration. It hadn't. The building was operational. She had made progress on her own sculpture. She had answered a client on her own terms. And two women she loved were standing in her studio, arguing cheerfully about whether the cartoon vehicle on Shammy's mug was physically capable of turning. Nadia looked at them. “Sweethearts?” Both turned. “I would very much like to go home.” Panam smiled. “Safehouse?” “Please.” Shammy grinned. “Mai said they're making dinner.” Panam reached for her jacket. “Then what are we waiting for?” *** At Watson, Ace opened the upper door, took one look at Nadia's face, and stepped aside with exaggerated ceremony. “THE ARTISTS HAS ARRIVED.” Nadia burst out laughing. “Darling!” Mai appeared from the kitchen. “Ace. Inside voice.” “It's a celebration.” “Inside. Voice.” Ace lowered her volume by approximately five percent. “The artists has arrived.” Shammy collapsed against Panam, laughing. Nadia embraced Mai. “Hello, sweetheart.” Mai kissed her cheek. “Congratulations. Shammy told us.” “Of course she did.” Mai looked toward Shammy. “She called twice.” Shammy smiled brightly. “It was important!” “It was,” Mai agreed. *** Dinner took longer than it had any right to. That was normal. The food was good, the company even better, and every attempt at an orderly account of the day's events was interrupted by another question. Brenda wanted the final handover list. Kiro wanted confirmation that the studio's production access procedures were in use. Reyes asked whether the guest route remained marked now that construction was ending. Iris wanted to know whether Nadia would finally take a day off. Ace wanted to know if the studio was available for parties. Nadia looked at her. “No.” Ace sighed. “Had to try.” Mai laughed into her glass. Then Nadia told them about the corporate commission. The sentence about unquestioned authority received precisely the reaction she expected. Ace stared. “Seriously?” “Seriously.” Brenda whistled softly. Iris raised an eyebrow. “That's a remarkably revealing brief.” “Isn't it?” Nadia said. Reyes smiled. “Did you accept?” “No. I offered to discuss whether there's any actual room for an artwork.” Mai nodded. “Good.” Ace considered. “Could make them a giant mirror.” Nadia paused. “Darling.” “So they can admire their unquestioned authority.” The table dissolved into laughter. Even Reyes lost her composure. *** Later, while the others were clearing the table, Nadia stood with Iris beside the kitchen counter. Iris regarded her with a small smile. “Feels real now?” Nadia considered. “Yes.” “And terrifying?” “A little.” Iris laughed softly. “Good.” Nadia looked at her. “Good?” “Means there's something at stake.” Nadia smiled. “I suppose so.” Iris watched Brenda trying to wrest a serving dish away from Ace, who insisted there was still enough left for another helping. Then Iris said, “You know, a place doesn't become a home because every room is finished.” Nadia followed her gaze. “No.” “It becomes one because people keep coming back.” Nadia was quiet for a moment. Then she smiled. “I hope they keep coming back to the studio too.” Iris touched her arm. “They will. For different reasons.” *** Before bed, Nadia returned to her guest room. Her proposed apartment drawings were still on her holo. The residential applications had not been approved. Construction had not begun. The window seat existed only in a drawing. She wasn't troubled by that tonight. At the studio, she had somewhere to work. Here, at the safehouse, she had somewhere to sleep, laugh, argue, and be loved. And Panam had her own apartment, her own life, and a place in Nadia's heart that didn't have to compete with either. She opened her notebook. On a clean page, she wrote: **STUDIO — OPERATIONAL** Underneath: **RESIDENCE — DESIGN AND APPROVALS IN PROGRESS** Then: **VIVIENNE — DEVELOPED DESIGN UNDERWAY** And finally: **MY WORK — BEGINNING AGAIN** She looked at the last line. Crossed out *again*. Wrote *continuing*. That was more accurate. Her life as an artist had not stopped while she built the studio. It had simply been changing shape. A knock came at the door. “Nadia?” Shammy. “Come in, darling.” Shammy appeared in the doorway, still wearing the pleased expression she'd carried all evening. “Everyone's going to bed.” Nadia smiled. “Eventually, I imagine.” Shammy laughed. Then came closer and kissed her. “Proud of you.” Nadia drew her into an embrace. “Oh, sweetheart.” They stood together for a moment, neither in a hurry. Then Shammy stepped back. “See you in the morning?” “Of course.” Shammy grinned and disappeared toward the Triad's bedroom. Nadia set her notebook aside. From farther down the hall came Ace's laughter and Mai's unmistakable voice telling her to stop encouraging something. Nadia shook her head, smiling. The studio had its first ordinary day. And tomorrow, there would be another. That, she thought as she turned out the light, was worth celebrating. --- ## Chapter 34 — What She Chose On Tuesday morning, Nadia found a reply to the corporate commission inquiry waiting in her inbox. It was courteous, professionally written, and impressively efficient at avoiding the question she had asked. The proposed fee had increased. The dimensions of the reception area had not changed. Neither had the demand that the finished work represent unquestioned corporate authority. Nadia read it once. Then again, just to make certain she hadn't overlooked something interesting. She hadn't. “Oh, darling,” she murmured to the empty office. “You really aren't listening, are you?” She put the message aside and went to make coffee. Panam's enormous **I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING** mug stood beside the machine. Nadia picked it up. Looked at the words. And laughed. “An ambitious claim for this hour of the morning.” *** Shammy arrived while Nadia was checking the day's appointments. Her silver-white hair was gathered into a loose braid that had already begun abandoning the arrangement. She carried a portfolio under one arm and a paper bag in the other. “Breakfast!” Nadia turned. “Oh, sweetheart.” Shammy kissed her, then deposited the bag on the table. “Mai said you left before eating enough.” “Mai is a terrible gossip.” “She counted your toast.” Nadia stared. Then burst out laughing. “She did not.” “She absolutely did.” “How many pieces did I have?” “One.” “Traitor.” Shammy grinned and started unpacking food. Nadia took another look at her schedule. “Do you have time before your own work?” “An hour. Possibly two.” “Good. I could use your opinion.” “About the sculpture?” “Among other things.” Shammy smiled. “Excellent.” *** They ate at the office table while Nadia showed her the revised corporate correspondence. Shammy read it carefully. “They've offered more money.” “Yes.” “But not more freedom.” “No.” Shammy returned the holo. “Then there's your answer.” Nadia smiled. “I think so.” She opened a new message and drafted a polite refusal. The proposed project was not a suitable match for her practice; she appreciated the inquiry and wished the prospective client success in finding an artist whose approach aligned with its objectives. She reread it. No lecture. No accusation. No attempt to explain why she found the brief artistically deadening. Simply no. She sent it. Shammy watched her. “How does that feel?” Nadia considered. “Remarkably good.” Then she looked toward the main studio. “Now, darling. There's something I want to show you.” *** The tall sculpture stood where they'd left it. Almost. Nadia had changed one thing before returning to the safehouse the previous evening. She had removed the temporary marker that designated its preferred viewing position. Shammy noticed immediately. “Oh.” Nadia smiled. “What?” “You've taken the mark away.” “Yes.” Shammy walked around the piece. The morning light entered from high windows and settled into the spaces between the curved metal elements. The translucent material carried a faint glow, brighter at its edges than at its center. She stopped in a place Nadia had never marked. Stayed there for a moment. Then moved again. Nadia watched her rather than the sculpture. “Well?” Shammy considered. “You're letting me choose where to stand.” “Exactly.” Shammy moved to the other side. From there, the metal curves formed a dense cluster. Almost a knot. Another step revealed a narrow view through its center. “It's much better.” Nadia nodded. “I think so too.” Shammy turned. “Is it finished?” Nadia looked at the work. She had been waiting for someone to ask that for years. Today, the question no longer irritated her. “No,” she said. “But I know what remains to be done.” *** She brought out the original fabrication notebook. The drawings were older than her move to Night City. Many pages contained measurements she'd subsequently changed. Others showed component after component intended to occupy the center of the structure. Nadia turned past them. Then stopped at a page near the back. A small note, written during the project's first month. *I want the viewer to discover that the space is the subject.* She held the notebook toward Shammy. Shammy read the line. Then looked up. “You knew.” Nadia laughed softly. “Apparently I did.” “What happened?” “I became so busy trying to make it impressive that I forgot what I wanted it to do.” Shammy glanced at the structure. “It's still impressive.” “Thank you, sweetheart. But that's no longer the question.” Nadia pointed to two joints in the upper assembly. “Those need a final engineering review. One edge requires finishing, and I want to replace a temporary fastener before the piece is shown outside a controlled workspace.” “Brenda?” “Already asked her.” Shammy grinned. “Of course.” “After that, I think I can stop.” Shammy came closer. Nadia opened her arms. They embraced beside the sculpture. “I'm glad,” Shammy whispered. “So am I, darling.” *** At eleven, Vivienne called. Nadia settled into the office with her drawings ready. Vivienne appeared against the bright background of the coastal house. “Good morning, Nadia.” “Hello, darling. How are you?” “Fascinated by my own walls, which is becoming an inconvenient habit.” Nadia laughed. “I'm afraid I may have encouraged that.” “Thoroughly.” Vivienne's expression grew more serious. “I've spoken with Helena and the engineering team. I want to proceed with the contemporary intervention, assuming the mounting review is satisfactory.” Nadia sat a little straighter. “Wonderful.” “But I want the concealed room handled as a separate conservation project.” “Absolutely.” “Even if its investigation takes considerably longer.” “Then it takes longer.” Vivienne smiled. “Good.” They reviewed the current design. The proposed contemporary work would stand within the atrium, completely separate from the old concealed space. Its optical effect would change with the daylight, drawing attention to the way the building itself admitted and shaped illumination. It would not reproduce the historic panels. It would not require them to function. And it would be removable without damage to protected surfaces, provided the final fixing details received approval. Vivienne studied the drawings. “There's something I like about this.” Nadia waited. “It doesn't tell people they've missed a secret.” “No.” “It asks them to notice the place they're already standing.” Nadia smiled. “Yes.” Vivienne nodded. “Then I think we're finding our answer.” *** When the call ended, Nadia leaned back and looked through the office window. It was tempting to declare the commission solved. But the work wasn't fabricated. The mounting details weren't approved. There were still physical tests and conservation reviews ahead. She knew the difference between a good artistic decision and a completed project. Both mattered. Neither could replace the other. Still, she allowed herself a smile. The commission had found its direction. And she had found a client willing to follow an idea somewhere neither of them had expected. She opened the project file and wrote a brief note for the team. **DESIGN DIRECTION CONFIRMED BY CLIENT. TECHNICAL REVIEW AND FORMAL APPROVALS REMAIN OPEN.** Then she reached for her coffee. Cold. Of course. *** Brenda arrived that afternoon with Iris. Brenda had come to inspect the sculpture's upper connections. Iris had come because, in her words, she'd been hearing about this mysterious object for days and wanted to see what the fuss was about. Nadia greeted them with kisses and coffee. Iris entered the main studio and stopped. “Oh.” Nadia watched her expression carefully. Iris approached the sculpture. Walked around it. Then moved several paces back. She stood quietly for a moment. Brenda opened her case of inspection tools. “Don't fall in love with it before I've checked the bolts.” Iris turned. “Too late.” Brenda looked up. Her expression softened immediately. “Well. That's inconvenient.” Nadia laughed. Iris came back to Brenda and kissed her cheek. “Do your bolts, sweetheart.” Brenda grinned. “Yes, ma'am.” *** The inspection took nearly an hour. Brenda checked the accessible connections, compared the assembled condition with Nadia's fabrication records, and noted two matters for further verification. Neither required a change to the artistic composition. Nadia considered that excellent news. “Can you arrange the independent check?” she asked. “Already preparing the details.” “Darling, you're a treasure.” “I know.” Iris laughed. Nadia looked toward her. “And you? What do you think?” Iris studied the sculpture again. “I think it changes when I'm not looking directly at it.” Nadia smiled. “How so?” “When I move, the gaps seem to rearrange themselves. Then I stop and realize nothing has moved except me.” Nadia considered. “That's exactly what I've been hoping for.” Iris looked pleased. Then she glanced toward Brenda. “It reminds me of her.” Brenda stopped writing. “Me?” “Always different depending on what I'm trying to understand.” Brenda stared at her. Nadia looked away, smiling. Iris stepped closer to her wife and touched her face. “And always worth looking at again.” Brenda put down her pen. “Oh, you are not getting away with that.” She kissed Iris, and Iris laughed against her mouth. Nadia quietly carried the inspection folder to the office. The sculpture could survive a few minutes without its engineer. *** By late afternoon, Nadia had arranged a meeting with the residential architect for the following week. The proposed smaller apartment had cleared another preliminary coordination step, but planning and building approvals were still ahead. There would be no construction until the required permissions and technical reviews were complete. She was pleased. Not impatient. The design had a window seat. It had room for visitors. It had a kitchen she could actually imagine cooking in, though she suspected her lovers might have opinions about how often that happened. And most importantly, it didn't consume the working studio beneath it. She looked at the drawings for a moment. Then closed them. Tonight, she was going home to the safehouse. That was not a temporary inconvenience. It was simply where she lived. The future apartment could become something else without taking that away. *** Panam was waiting by the truck when Nadia stepped outside. She'd apparently made herself comfortable leaning against the front fender. Nadia smiled. “Oh, darling.” Panam looked up. “Hey, gorgeous.” Nadia crossed the distance and kissed her. Panam drew her closer, one hand resting at her waist, the other brushing a loose strand of hair away from her face. The kiss lingered. When they separated, Panam was smiling. “Good day?” “Very.” “Want to tell me about it?” Nadia looked toward the truck. “On the way?” “Sure.” “And where are we going?” “Thought I'd take you home.” Nadia laughed softly. “To safehouse?” “Unless you've secretly moved again.” “Darling, don't even joke about that. I only just convinced everyone where I live.” Panam laughed and opened the passenger door. *** They took the slower route through the city. Panam was in no hurry. Nadia told her about the commission she'd declined, Vivienne's decision, and Brenda's inspection. Panam listened, occasionally asking a question that made Nadia explain something she'd taken for granted. When she reached the part about the sculpture, Panam grinned. “So you finally know what the missing piece is.” Nadia looked at her. “Do I?” “Yeah.” “What?” “Nothing.” Nadia burst out laughing. “Oh, sweetheart.” Panam smiled at the road. “I'm learning.” “You are indeed.” They were quiet for a while. Then Panam said, “You've been making a lot of choices lately.” Nadia considered. “Yes.” “Your place. Your work. Which jobs you want.” “Yes.” Panam glanced toward her. “Good ones, too.” Nadia's expression softened. “Thank you, darling.” “Don't thank me. You're the one doing it.” Nadia reached over and took her hand for a moment. “I'm glad you're here to see it.” Panam squeezed her fingers. “Me too.” *** They stopped outside the safehouse. For a little while, neither got out. The truck's cabin held the last warmth of the afternoon. Beyond the windshield, Watson continued its noisy evening business. Panam turned toward Nadia. “Can I ask you something?” “Of course.” “Does it bother you that I don't always know what you're talking about when you get into the art stuff?” Nadia stared. Then laughed softly. “Oh, darling. No.” Panam smiled. “Good.” “Do you know what you do understand?” “What?” “When something matters to me.” Panam was quiet. “And you don't pretend. You ask. You look. Sometimes you say the one thing nobody else thought to ask.” Panam grinned. “Like whether the viewer's the missing piece.” “Precisely.” Nadia leaned closer. “That's worth rather more to me than someone reciting an exhibition catalogue.” Panam kissed her. This time Nadia was the one who drew her back when she tried to retreat. Panam laughed softly against her lips. “Missed me?” “Quite dreadfully.” “It's been a day.” “An outrageously long time.” Panam laughed again and kissed her once more. *** Upstairs, the safehouse was in the middle of dinner preparations. Ace had been assigned a simple task. By the sound of it, she was disputing the definition of simple. “I am chopping them!” Mai's voice came from the kitchen. “Unevenly!” “It's called character!” Nadia closed her eyes, smiling. Panam looked delighted. “Home sweet home.” “Exactly.” Shammy appeared from the living room and immediately brightened. “Nadia! Panam!” She hugged them both. Nadia kissed her warmly. Panam kissed her cheek. Shammy looked between them. “Come on. Dinner's almost ready.” From the kitchen, Ace shouted, “IT WOULD BE IF PEOPLE APPRECIATED ARTISTIC VEGETABLES!” Mai replied, “ACE!” Panam began laughing. Nadia caught Shammy's hand. “Well,” she said, “at least I know where I get my artistic temperament.” *** Dinner was loud, affectionate, and largely unremarkable. Exactly what Nadia needed. Later, Ace cornered her beside the kitchen counter. “So. Studio's running.” “Yes.” “Your giant sculpture's almost finished.” “Nearly.” “Your fancy coastal project is moving.” “Yes.” Ace considered. “Then when are you throwing a proper opening?” Nadia laughed. “Darling, Elisa already organized a private visit.” “That's not what I asked.” Nadia raised an eyebrow. Ace smiled with infuriating innocence. “You've got your own studio. People ought to know.” Nadia thought about it. A proper opening. Not a crowded party devised to impress strangers. Not a corporate event. An evening in which people could encounter her work, meet the artists, and understand that something new had begun here. She hadn't been ready for that when Elisa first suggested visitors. Now she might be. “Perhaps,” she said. Ace grinned. “That's a yes.” “It's a perhaps.” “Strong yes.” Nadia burst out laughing. *** Later, in her guest room, Nadia opened a clean page in her notebook. She wrote: **STUDIO OPENING — PROPOSE A DATE** Underneath, she added: **One finished work. A few studies. Room for questions. No performance of certainty.** She looked at the words. Then at the sketches beside her bed. The studio was operational. The first private visit had happened. Vivienne's commission was advancing for the right reasons. Her own sculpture was no longer waiting for a miraculous missing component. And the future apartment remained a possibility she could develop carefully, without pretending she needed it in order to belong. Nadia smiled. There was still work to do. Real work. A great deal of it. But the life she'd come to Night City to build was no longer merely a plan. It was happening. She sent a short message to Elisa. **NADIA:** Darling, I think I'm ready to discuss a proper studio opening. On my terms, naturally. The reply came before she could set down her holo. **ELISA:** Naturally. I've been waiting for you to say that. Nadia laughed. “Oh, you dreadful woman.” Then she switched off the light. From somewhere down the hallway came the unmistakable sound of Ace laughing, followed by Mai asking why there was a vegetable on the floor. Nadia pulled the covers around herself, smiling. Tomorrow she would choose a date. Tonight, she was home. --- ## Chapter 35 — The Doors Are Open Nadia had made three decisions about the opening. It would not be a sales event. It would not be a grand announcement of a completed artistic vision. And under absolutely no circumstances would Ace be permitted to choose the music without supervision. The third decision had produced the most resistance. “Censorship,” Ace declared. Mai glanced up from her coffee. “Quality control.” “Artistic oppression.” “Volume control.” Nadia, seated at the safehouse kitchen table with the draft event plan open before her, laughed so hard she nearly spilled her tea. “Darling, you may submit a playlist.” Ace narrowed her violet eyes. “Submit?” “For review.” Shammy was already laughing. Ace turned to her. “You're supposed to be on my side.” “I am!” “Then why are you laughing?” “Because Mai's going to reject half of it.” “Two-thirds,” Mai said. Nadia put down her cup. “Perhaps the opening should be entirely silent.” All three looked at her. Then Ace grinned. “Now *that's* artistic oppression.” *** The actual planning was considerably less contentious. Elisa helped Nadia put together a guest list, but made no attempt to take control of it. The earlier private visit had taught them what worked: enough people for genuine conversation, not so many that Nadia spent the whole evening shaking hands instead of looking at art. This time the event would be a real opening. A modest announcement to selected local arts contacts and people Nadia knew. A defined visiting window. A short welcome from the artist. A chance to see the studio's first completed presentation. No price tags. No velvet ropes around things that weren't dangerous. And no suggestion that every object had to be finished to deserve attention. There was one distinction Nadia insisted on. The large sculpture would be presented as a work whose composition was resolved, pending completion of its final technical documentation and installation checks. Brenda's inspection observations were being closed properly; Nadia would not call something safe merely because it looked beautiful. The small translucent study would remain openly labeled as an experiment. Visitors could see the difference. They could also see why both belonged in a working studio. “Are you sure you want the study beside the finished piece?” Elisa asked during the layout review. “Yes.” “Some people will think it's strange.” “Darling, some people will think almost anything is strange.” Elisa smiled. “True.” Nadia looked toward the two objects. “I don't want to pretend art only exists after the interesting part is over.” Elisa studied her. Then nodded. “Good. That's the line you should say when someone asks.” Nadia laughed. “I was rather hoping to avoid rehearsed lines.” “Then don't rehearse it.” *** Two days before the opening, Vivienne visited the studio. She had come to review the latest drawings for the atrium installation, not to inspect the event preparations. The two purposes nevertheless collided when she entered the main room and saw the sculpture. She stopped. Nadia waited. Vivienne moved around the work once. Then again, more slowly. She approached the open center and looked through it toward the far windows. “It's interesting,” she said at last. “I keep expecting something to happen.” Nadia smiled. “Something does.” “When?” “When you move.” Vivienne took three steps to the side. The overlapping metal curves shifted against the pale cast elements. A narrow view of the windows appeared, then disappeared. The work hadn't moved at all. “Oh.” Nadia nodded. “Exactly.” Vivienne laughed softly. “I'm beginning to suspect that word is becoming central to your practice.” “Which one?” “‘Oh.’” Nadia burst out laughing. *** They sat together at a table beside the material library. Vivienne examined the revised light study and the separate conservation notes. The hidden room remained under investigation. Helena's preliminary analysis supported deliberate variation among the surviving surfaces, but the different materials could not yet be assigned confidently to a single building campaign. There would be more documentation before anyone spoke of restoration. Nadia's proposed contemporary work needed none of that investigation to be complete. It would stand independently in the atrium, using approved modern elements and removable fittings. Its changing effect would respond to daylight, allowing visitors to notice the space differently without claiming to reconstruct the past. Vivienne looked through the drawings. “I think we can move into the detailed design stage.” Nadia nodded. “Once the revised scope and technical responsibilities are signed.” “Of course.” “And Helena will still need to approve the conservation interface.” “Absolutely.” Vivienne set down the drawings. “I'm pleased, Nadia.” Nadia smiled. “So am I.” A pause followed. Then Vivienne looked toward the sculpture. “Will I see that at the opening?” “Yes.” “Good. I want to bring someone who has spent years insisting that sculpture must be viewed from one correct position.” Nadia raised an eyebrow. “Oh, darling.” Vivienne smiled with dangerous sweetness. “I thought you might enjoy the conversation.” *** On the morning of the opening, Nadia woke before her alarm. For several moments she lay still in her guest room at the Watson safehouse, listening to the muted noises of the building. Someone was already moving around in the kitchen. A door closed farther along the hall. There was a soft burst of laughter. Home. She smiled at the ceiling. Then sat up and reached for her holo. The overnight operations report was quiet. The studio's environmental conditions were normal. The event arrangements had been confirmed. The large sculpture's independent installation check had been completed and signed off, and the limited access zone around its base had been marked discreetly for the evening. No surprises. None that mattered, anyway. A message from Panam was waiting. **PANAM:** You awake? Nadia answered. **NADIA:** Disgracefully early, darling. **PANAM:** Nervous? Nadia considered. **NADIA:** A little. **PANAM:** Good. Means you care. Nadia smiled. **NADIA:** An outrageous simplification. **PANAM:** Yeah. I'm good at those. A moment later another message arrived. **PANAM:** I'll see you there. And Nadia? **NADIA:** Yes, sweetheart? **PANAM:** It's your place. Don't let anyone make you forget that. Nadia stared at the screen for a moment. Then she typed: **NADIA:** I won't. Thank you, darling. *** By noon the studio looked almost unnervingly ready. Temporary construction notices had disappeared from the visitor route. The office and meeting area were tidy. The clean assembly room was closed to guests, its work continuing behind a perfectly ordinary door rather than an elaborate security performance. A handful of carefully positioned displays showed studies, sketches, and material experiments. Nothing was staged to resemble a museum. The worktables remained worktables. Tools were put away where they belonged. The place smelled faintly of clean metal, resin, coffee, and freshly washed floors. Shammy stood in the middle of the main room and turned slowly. “What do you think?” Nadia looked around. “I'm trying not to think.” Shammy smiled. “That's not going very well.” “No.” Nadia laughed, then reached for her hand. Shammy squeezed it. “You're allowed to enjoy this.” “I know.” “Before it starts.” Nadia looked at her. That was the difficult part, wasn't it? She had spent so much time making the studio possible that she kept imagining the next thing that might need fixing. Shammy stepped closer and kissed her. Not a hurried little reassurance, but a kiss long enough to interrupt the machinery of Nadia's thoughts. When they separated, Nadia was smiling. “Very effective, darling.” Shammy grinned. “I have other methods.” “Oh?” “Yes. Lunch.” Nadia burst out laughing. *** The first guests arrived at six. Reyes checked the entrance arrangements with the event coordinator and then, satisfied, stopped hovering. Kiro had ensured the guest connection was isolated from the studio systems. The presence of a working network ceased being anyone's concern, which was precisely how she liked it. Brenda stood near the large sculpture when Iris approached. “Are you guarding it?” Iris asked. “Looking at it.” “You've been looking at it for ten minutes.” Brenda glanced toward the base. “I helped make sure it stays upright.” Iris slipped an arm through hers. “And now you're allowed to look at it.” Brenda smiled. “Now I'm allowed to look at it.” Iris kissed her cheek. “Good.” Across the room, Ace and Mai were having another quiet argument. Nadia caught only the end. “It's not loud,” Ace insisted. “Not here,” Mai replied. “That's because it's turned off.” “Exactly.” Nadia shook her head. It was going to be a lovely evening. *** Panam appeared just as Nadia was greeting Elisa. She wasn't dressed for an Aldecaldo transport run, nor had she tried to imitate the formal clothes of the wealthier guests. Dark trousers, clean boots, a beautifully fitted jacket. Comfortable. Confident. Entirely herself. Nadia caught sight of her and smiled so broadly that Elisa followed her gaze. “Ah,” Elisa said. Nadia laughed. “Don't.” “I haven't said anything.” “You never need to.” Panam crossed the room. “Hey, gorgeous.” Nadia took her hands. “Hello, beautiful.” They kissed. Panam looked toward the sculpture, then around the room. “Wow.” Nadia raised an eyebrow. “Wow?” “Yeah.” “An appropriately scholarly assessment.” Panam grinned. “Give me a minute. I'll come up with something longer.” Nadia laughed and pulled her into another kiss. *** When the guests had gathered, Nadia stood near the center of the room. Elisa had offered to introduce her. Nadia had declined. Not because she disliked Elisa's introductions. Because she wanted the first words spoken at her studio's opening to be her own. Shammy stood with Panam near the windows. Ace and Mai had found a place beside Iris and Brenda. Kiro and Reyes were farther back. Vivienne stood beside Helena, discussing something in low voices. Nadia looked at them. At the friends who had helped her build this place. At the people who had come to see what she might do with it. And at the open space between the works. She drew a breath. “Thank you all for coming.” The room quieted. “This building has been a factory, a construction site, a series of difficult drawings, and, occasionally, a convincing argument for giving up coffee.” A few people laughed. Nadia smiled. “For a long time, I spoke about this place as something I was going to have. A studio I was going to build. A room in which I was going to work.” She glanced toward the sculpture. “Eventually I realized that I was in danger of preparing forever.” That earned a louder laugh. “So what you see tonight isn't an announcement that everything is finished. It's a working studio. Some of the things in it are complete enough to stand on their own. Others are questions I haven't answered yet.” Nadia lifted a hand toward the smaller material study. “And some began as failures, which I am becoming increasingly reluctant to call failures.” Shammy smiled. “I hope you'll move around. Look from different places. Ask what interests you. You needn't like everything. And you certainly don't need to pretend you understand something if you don't.” She paused. Then added, “I would much rather hear an honest question than an impressive sentence.” Panam grinned. Nadia caught the expression. “And on that note, welcome. I'm very glad you're here.” The applause was warm. Not thunderous. Not theatrical. Exactly right. *** For the first hour, Nadia scarcely stopped talking. But the conversations were different from what she'd feared. Nobody demanded a grand manifesto. A visitor spent ten minutes studying the translucent material and asked whether its internal structures were deliberate. Nadia explained which features she'd intended and which had emerged during casting. Another wanted to know why the large sculpture had such a pronounced opening at its center. Nadia asked them to walk around it before she answered. A third had noticed that the work looked different from the side nearest the office. Nadia smiled. “Yes. That's one of the reasons it stands where it does.” There were disagreements. One guest believed the sculpture would be stronger if the empty center were filled. Another thought the material study was more compelling than the large work. Nadia listened. Asked questions. Occasionally disagreed. And discovered that she was enjoying herself. Not every response confirmed what she believed. That was the interesting part. *** At one point, Panam found herself beside Vivienne. They had met before, briefly. Vivienne looked toward the tall sculpture. “Nadia tells me you helped her see something important in her earlier experiment.” Panam blinked. “Me?” “The way the viewer's movement changed the work.” Panam laughed. “Oh. Yeah. I asked a dumb question.” Vivienne smiled. “Was it dumb?” Panam studied the sculpture. “Didn't feel especially clever.” “Perhaps that's a quality of good questions. They don't always announce themselves.” Panam considered. “Maybe.” A pause. Then Panam grinned. “For the record, I still don't know much about sculpture.” Vivienne looked around the studio. “Neither do I, apparently. Nadia keeps proving it.” They laughed. From across the room, Nadia caught sight of them and wondered what mischief was underway. *** Shammy was explaining a material sample when Ace wandered over. “Can I ask something?” Shammy smiled. “Of course.” Ace pointed toward a translucent panel. “If somebody wanted to make it glow purple, could they?” Shammy considered. “Yes, but—” “Excellent.” “—it would change the entire optical behavior.” Ace shrugged. “Purple.” Mai appeared behind her. “No.” Ace turned. “You don't even know what I asked!” “I heard purple.” “That's not sufficient evidence.” “In your case, it usually is.” Shammy began laughing. A nearby guest looked between them, uncertain whether this was part of the exhibition. Nadia arrived just in time to hear Ace declare, “I am being artistically persecuted.” She smiled at the guest. “Welcome to the studio.” *** The moment Nadia remembered most clearly came later. She was standing near the large sculpture when Iris approached with Brenda. Iris took one more look through the opening. Then turned to Nadia. “There's something I didn't notice before.” Nadia smiled. “What?” “When I stand here, I can see the little study through the sculpture.” Nadia followed her gaze. The translucent object stood on its low display several meters away. From this angle, the tall sculpture's curves framed it almost perfectly. Nadia had not designed that relationship. She looked. Moved slightly. Looked again. “Oh.” Brenda grinned. “There it is.” Nadia laughed. “What?” “That word.” Iris slipped her hand into Brenda's. Nadia stood quietly for a moment. Then she smiled. “Well. Thank you.” Iris looked pleased. “For what?” “For showing me something I didn't know was there.” *** The event ended at nine. Not because people had stopped enjoying themselves. Because Nadia had set a closing time and intended to respect it. Guests departed gradually. Elisa remained to help with the last conversations. Vivienne took Nadia aside before leaving. “I'll send the signed scope amendment tomorrow,” she said. “And I have a much better understanding now of what you've been trying to achieve.” Nadia smiled. “I'm glad.” Vivienne glanced toward the sculpture. “I also think this place suits you.” Nadia looked around. “Yes,” she said. A small, surprised smile appeared. “I think it does.” *** When the last outside guest had gone, Nadia discovered the rest of the family still occupying the studio. Ace had found a chair. Mai was beside her. Iris and Brenda were looking at the material displays. Kiro was talking with Reyes. Elisa had stayed. Panam stood with Shammy near the windows. Nadia folded her arms. “Darlings.” Ace looked up. “Yes?” “The event is over.” “Great,” Ace said. Nadia raised an eyebrow. “Great?” Ace smiled. “Now we can celebrate.” Mai closed her eyes. Nadia burst out laughing. “Oh, of course.” *** They did not turn the studio into a nightclub. Nobody moved delicate work. Nobody opened the restricted rooms. They simply brought food into the meeting area, found places to sit, and let the evening become something looser. Nadia was astonished at how hungry she felt. Panam placed a plate in front of her. “Eat.” Nadia smiled. “Darling, you sound exactly like Shammy.” Panam glanced toward her. “Good. Means somebody's paying attention.” Shammy grinned. Nadia took a bite. Then another. And finally stopped trying to speak while eating. Ace regarded this as a major achievement. *** Later, Nadia stood beside her sculpture with Elisa. The others were occupied at the table. Elisa looked toward the empty center. “So,” she said. “So,” Nadia replied. “How does it feel?” Nadia considered. “Odd.” “Odd?” “People have seen it now.” Elisa nodded. “And?” “And it remains mine, but it isn't only mine anymore. They brought things to it I hadn't imagined.” Elisa smiled. “That happens.” “I know.” Nadia looked toward Iris, who was laughing at something Brenda had said. “But knowing it and experiencing it are rather different.” Elisa followed her gaze. “Yes. They are.” Nadia let the silence settle. Then she said, “Thank you.” Elisa looked at her. “For what?” “For helping me get here without trying to turn this into something else.” Elisa's expression softened. “Darling, I wanted you to have room to become more yourself. Not less.” Nadia embraced her. For a moment, neither spoke. *** It was late when they finally prepared to leave. The lights in the main studio were reduced to their normal overnight settings. The artworks remained in their places. The building systems continued their quiet work. Nadia checked the final closure report on her holo. Then put it away. Reyes watched her. “Everything all right?” Nadia nodded. “Yes.” “Good.” Reyes glanced toward the door. “Then go home.” Nadia laughed. “Yes, ma'am.” *** Outside, the night air had cooled. Panam stood beside Nadia while the others gathered their things. Shammy came over and slipped an arm around her. Nadia leaned into both of them. For a while, they looked at the studio's windows. The building was not impressive in the way a grand gallery might be impressive. No famous frontage. No monumental entrance. No extravagant architectural gesture. An old industrial building, carefully adapted. A place built for work. Now it held Nadia's work. And the beginning of whatever came next. Panam looked toward the entrance. “Good night, gorgeous.” Nadia smiled. “Very.” Shammy kissed her cheek. “You did it.” Nadia shook her head gently. “We did a great deal of it together.” Shammy smiled. “Yes.” Panam slipped her hand into Nadia's. “And the rest?” Nadia looked back at the windows. “The rest,” she said, “is what I get to do here tomorrow.” *** They returned to the safehouse together. The lower armored door recognized their arrival; upstairs, after the bell, Mai opened the second one from inside. The welcome wasn't the machinery. It was the warm noise of people who had apparently decided that nine o'clock was far too early for a celebration to end. Nadia hung up her jacket. Ace called from the kitchen, “Hey, artist!” Nadia smiled. “Yes, darling?” “Opening successful?” Nadia looked at the faces around her. Mai beside Ace. Iris leaning against Brenda. Kiro and Reyes exchanging amused glances. Shammy radiant. Panam grinning in the doorway. And the ordinary, astonishing affection of a home that had made room for her long before her own studio was ready. “Yes,” Nadia said. Then she laughed softly. “Yes, I think it was.” Later, in her guest room, she opened her notebook. On the page headed **STUDIO OPENING**, she drew a single line through the remaining preparations. Underneath she wrote: **Doors open. Work continues.** She looked at it for a moment. Then closed the book. There would be clients and contracts, sketches and mistakes, difficult decisions, and long mornings when the light refused to cooperate. The coastal commission would require months of careful work. The apartment would take time to approve and build. Her own artistic practice would change in ways she couldn't yet imagine. None of that frightened her tonight. She had not come to Night City to arrive at a perfect, finished life. She had come to make one. And now she knew where to begin. Every morning, she could open the door. --- ## Epilogue — The Things They Wouldn't Tell Her Eleven days after moving into her new apartment, Nadia discovered that owning a window seat was not the same thing as having the right to sit in it. Panam had arrived first, claiming the broad recess with the confidence of someone who considered prior occupation a perfectly respectable property law. Shammy had arrived twenty minutes later and somehow made room for herself without asking Panam to move. Nadia, the woman who owned the apartment and had personally insisted that the architect include that particular window seat, had ended up sitting on the floor beside them. She regarded the arrangement with theatrical disapproval. “I should like to remind you both that this is my home.” Panam stretched her legs. “Nice place.” “Thank you, darling. I paid particular attention to the seating.” “Yeah. Great seat.” Shammy nodded enthusiastically. “Very comfortable.” Nadia stared at them. Neither moved. Then Panam reached down, caught Nadia's hand, and pulled her gently upward. Shammy shifted, wrapped an arm around her waist, and a moment later the three of them were crowded together in the sunlight, laughing. “Better?” Panam asked. “Marginally,” Nadia said, settling against her. Shammy kissed her cheek. Nadia turned and kissed her properly. Then Panam demanded equal treatment. Nadia found herself entirely willing to oblige. *** The apartment was finished. That fact still caught Nadia by surprise several times a day. The revised residential layout had survived the engineering review, the permits, the contractors, and a long sequence of decisions that had seemed determined to turn something as simple as a home into a technical dissertation. But it was here now, above the studio she'd built in Night City. Her books occupied their shelves. Her clothes were in a wardrobe rather than in bags. A few small works stood where she'd chosen to put them. The kitchen contained actual food, although Panam's contribution to the mug collection had caused a brief aesthetic crisis. The studio below had opened, too. People came to work in it. Nadia made art in it. Vivienne's commission had moved forward into another carefully approved phase, and the old house's concealed light room remained in Helena's competent hands rather than in Nadia's imagination. She could leave her work downstairs and come up here. She could stay late if she wanted. She could invite someone over. Or she could spend an entire evening doing absolutely nothing useful. That last possibility still felt luxurious. And yet, when Shammy suggested dinner at the safehouse, Nadia had answered before she'd even finished reading the message. Some homes didn't compete with one another. They simply gave you more places to belong. *** That evening, the three women arrived together at the Watson building. The armored street-level system recognized the familiar arrivals and admitted them into the dedicated stairwell. Nadia climbed alongside Panam and Shammy to the upper landing, then pressed the bell beside the second armored door. Somewhere inside, Ace was already arguing about dinner. “I am saying the sauce has character!” Mai answered, “It has whiskey.” “That's character!” Nadia began laughing before the upper door opened. Mai stood behind it, wearing the expression of a woman who had been defending basic culinary standards for considerably too long. “Please come in,” she said. “We need a reasonable adult.” Nadia kissed her cheek while Panam and Shammy followed her into the living room. “Darling, I fear you have chosen the wrong guest.” Ace appeared from the kitchen, spoon in hand. “Nadia! Independent opinion!” “No,” Mai said immediately. Nadia leaned forward, inspected the spoon, and sampled the sauce. Ace watched her. Mai watched her. From the couch, Brenda leaned over Iris's shoulder to watch her too. Nadia considered. “Oh, that's rather nice.” Ace threw both arms up. “THANK YOU!” Mai sighed. Nadia smiled. “Possibly a little more whiskey than strictly necessary.” Ace lowered her arms. “Traitor.” Brenda laughed so hard that Iris had to rescue the drink she'd nearly spilled. *** The safehouse was full in the way Nadia had come to love: not crowded, not organized, simply inhabited. Brenda and Iris were on the couch. Kiro occupied a chair nearby and appeared to be losing an argument with Ace's music selection. Reyes sat at the kitchen counter with a cup of coffee, regarding the entire situation with the composure of someone accustomed to far more serious emergencies. Panam, having escaped Ace's kitchen experiment with a fresh drink, came over and kissed Nadia again. Shammy immediately wrapped her arms around Nadia and lifted her just enough to make her laugh. “Hello, beautiful,” Nadia murmured. “Hello, sweetheart.” Nadia kissed her. Panam watched, smiling, until Shammy finally released her. “You two hungry?” Panam asked. “We've eaten lunch,” Nadia replied. “That wasn't the question.” From the kitchen, Ace pointed triumphantly at her. “SEE?” Mai looked toward the ceiling. *** Dinner took as long as dinners at the safehouse generally did. There was food, naturally. There was a prolonged debate about whether Ace's sauce had improved the meal or merely made it more interesting. Brenda insisted on hearing about the studio's latest equipment installation; Nadia insisted they were not discussing bolts at the table; Brenda countered that some bolts were important enough to deserve dinner conversation. Iris kissed her wife and advised everyone not to encourage her. Reyes contributed occasional dry remarks. Kiro laughed more than she spoke. Mai somehow managed to keep the plates moving while maintaining three separate conversations. And at some point Nadia realized she was no longer thinking about the studio's unfinished work, the apartment's last few boxes, or tomorrow's schedule. She was simply there. After dinner, the group separated into its usual loose constellations. Someone started the music. Someone objected. Ace announced that objections would be considered only in writing, accompanied by an explanatory diagram. Nadia took her drink onto the large balcony with Panam and Shammy. The evening air was pleasant. Watson glittered below them, restless and noisy as ever. Shammy settled into a chair. Nadia sat close to her, with Panam leaning against the railing within reach. Their conversation wandered from the new apartment to the studio's opening, then to the deeply unimportant question of whether the window seat ought to have its own blanket. “Yes,” Shammy said. “No,” Panam said. Nadia looked between them. “An interesting division of opinion.” “You'd lose the view under a blanket,” Panam explained. “It's for people, not the window,” Shammy protested. “Then the people can wear jackets.” Nadia began laughing. “Oh, my darlings. I love you both, but I cannot believe we're holding a debate about upholstery.” Shammy caught her hand. “It's important.” “Obviously.” Panam grinned. “Get two blankets. Problem solved.” Shammy looked delighted. Nadia leaned back and considered the terrible extravagance of having solved her first serious domestic dispute through the acquisition of additional blankets. Then Mai's voice came from inside. “Elisa!” Nadia glanced toward the open balcony doorway. “A call?” “Sounds like it,” Panam said. The conversation inside grew a little louder. Ace said something that made Mai laugh. Nadia couldn't make out most of it over the city's noise. She reached for Panam's hand again. Shammy was telling her about a drawing she'd made that afternoon when a phrase floated distinctly through the doorway. “...a long weekend?” That caught Nadia's attention. Elisa, apparently. How lovely. It had been a while since they'd spent an evening together. She was about to say so when another fragment reached them, this time in Ace's unmistakably delighted voice. “...Madame Panam!” Panam stopped moving. Not gradually. Her hand went still in Nadia's. Shammy stopped halfway through a sentence. Her silver-white hair, which had been behaving itself for almost ten entire minutes, lifted slightly. Nadia looked at Panam. Then at Shammy. Then toward the balcony doorway. And back again. “Well,” she said pleasantly. “That was interesting.” Neither woman answered. Nadia's eyebrows rose. “Darlings?” Panam glanced at Shammy. Shammy glanced at Panam. It lasted barely a second. Nadia found it considerably less reassuring than an answer. “Oh,” Nadia said. Panam cleared her throat. “It's nothing bad.” “How reassuring.” Shammy smiled much too brightly. “Very good, actually.” “Even more reassuring.” Nadia waited. They waited. She looked down at their joined hands. “Would either of you care to tell me what Madame Panam means?” Panam opened her mouth. Shammy looked at her. Panam closed it again. Nadia stared. Then laughed. “Oh, you are absolutely dreadful.” *** Inside, whatever Elisa had proposed was receiving an enthusiastic reception. Ace's voice rose above the music. “Thursday? Yes! Absolutely!” Mai said something Nadia couldn't hear, then laughed again. Brenda whooped. Iris said, “Oh, this is going to be fun.” Kiro laughed, and someone clapped their hands. Nadia stood. “I think,” she announced, “that I'm going to investigate.” Panam and Shammy exchanged another glance. Nadia pointed at them. “And you two are coming with me.” “Why?” Panam asked. “Because I no longer trust either of you to remain unattended with the truth.” Shammy began giggling. *** By the time they came in, Mai was still on the call, with Ace leaning close enough to contribute comments no one had requested. “Thursday through Tuesday,” Mai repeated. Ace looked ecstatic. “That's not a weekend. That's a territorial occupation.” A laugh came through the holo. Mai rolled her eyes. “Yes, Elisa. You're welcome to come.” Nadia smiled. “Oh, wonderful! Is Elisa coming to stay?” Mai looked up and nodded. “For an extra-long weekend.” “Splendid.” Nadia knew how fond Elisa had become of the safehouse, and the feeling was plainly mutual. Ace had already started making completely impractical plans involving food, drink, and the precise amount of trouble a single guest ought to be allowed to cause. Brenda wanted to know whether Thursday included dinner. Iris reminded her that Elisa would need time to arrive. Kiro was smiling at some private anticipation of her own. Ordinarily Nadia would have been delighted to join the planning. Tonight she was having trouble looking away from Panam, who seemed determined not to meet her eyes. Nadia turned toward Mai. “Darling, may I ask—” “Friday will be the interesting part,” Ace announced. Mai nudged her. Ace grinned. “What? It will!” Nadia paused. “Interesting in what sense?” Nobody answered quickly enough. “Oh, honestly.” The voice on the holo laughed again. Mai returned her attention to the call, confirmed a few ordinary details, and promised to speak with Elisa later about arrangements. Then the call ended. For perhaps three seconds, everyone behaved normally. Then Ace began grinning again. “Long weekend.” Brenda rubbed her hands together. “This is going to be excellent.” Iris smiled at her. “You haven't even heard all the plans yet.” “Don't need to.” Kiro made a small, delighted sound. Nadia surveyed the room. “Would someone care to tell me why you all look as though you've just won a particularly entertaining lottery?” Ace laughed. “Because Elisa's coming!” “Yes, darling, I understood that part.” “Then you're all caught up.” Nadia gave her a long look. Ace looked delighted with herself. *** Panam moved toward the kitchen to fetch another drink. As she passed Mai, she slowed. “Hey, Mai.” “Mm?” “You think we should ask Birgitta to come too?” Mai looked up. “Of course. Ask her.” Panam's expression softened into a smile so genuine that Nadia noticed it immediately. “Yeah. I will.” Then Panam continued toward the kitchen as though she'd said nothing remarkable whatsoever. Nadia stared after her. Birgitta. Another person involved in whatever this mysterious weekend was becoming. Someone Panam clearly wanted to see. There was nothing wrong with that. Nadia liked the warmth in Panam's voice. But it did raise one more question. “Who is Birgitta?” she asked. Panam glanced back over her shoulder. “Someone I care about.” Nadia smiled. “Oh, darling. How lovely.” Panam smiled back. “Yeah.” Nadia waited for the rest. There wasn't any. “Where does she fit into this mysterious weekend?” Panam reached for a glass. “Hopefully right in the middle of it.” Ace made an unhelpful noise that sounded very much like a suppressed laugh. Nadia turned. “Ace.” “What?” “You are enjoying this far too much.” “Correct.” *** Reyes, who had listened to the expanding plans with a look of detached amusement, set down her coffee. “Don't count me in.” Ace looked over. “Busy?” “Booked.” “All weekend?” Mai asked. “Long enough.” Reyes took another sip of coffee before elaborating. “Escort assignment. Corporate client. Expensive, tedious, and apparently incapable of attending anything without professional company.” Brenda looked at her. “Sounds thrilling.” “I'm preparing myself emotionally.” Iris laughed. “Worth your time?” “Very.” “Then enjoy the boredom,” Mai said. “That's the plan.” Nadia smiled sympathetically. “Oh, darling, what a shame. We'll miss you.” Reyes regarded her for a moment. Then her expression warmed. “Thanks. You have fun.” There was no reason for Nadia to attach any particular significance to it. Reyes had her own life, her own work, and every right to spend a weekend doing something entirely different from whatever the others were plotting. It was almost comforting to find one person in the room who wasn't vibrating with anticipation. Almost. *** Nadia returned to the balcony with Panam and Shammy ten minutes later. Not because she'd given up. Because a private interrogation seemed more promising than questioning a room full of people who had apparently made a game of being evasive. She closed the balcony door just enough to lower the noise from the living room, then turned toward her two companions. Panam was smiling already. Shammy was trying not to. Nadia folded her arms. “Right.” Panam leaned against the railing. “Right what?” “Let us review the evidence.” Shammy giggled. “Oh, no.” “Oh, yes, sweetheart. Elisa telephones. Ace and Mai become deliriously happy. Everybody starts behaving as though they've been promised the most extraordinary entertainment in Night City. I hear the words *long weekend* and *Madame Panam*—” Panam made a small sound. Nadia pointed at her. “—and my beautiful Panam here nearly swallows her tongue.” “I did not.” “Darling, I was holding your hand. Your fingers stopped functioning.” Shammy started laughing. “And you,” Nadia said, turning toward her, “forgot what you were saying halfway through a sentence.” Shammy tried to compose herself. “It was a complicated sentence.” “It was about blankets.” That ended Shammy's composure entirely. Nadia waited until she could breathe again. Then asked the question very sweetly. “What is Madame Panam?” Panam looked at Shammy. Shammy looked at Panam. Nadia closed her eyes. “Again with the silent conversation.” Panam rubbed a hand over her face. “It's hard to explain.” “Try.” Shammy shifted in her chair. “It's… a whole thing.” Nadia stared. “A whole thing.” “Yes.” “Good heavens. What astonishing clarity.” Panam laughed. “She's not wrong.” Nadia looked at her. “Oh, I feel so much better.” Panam reached for Nadia's hand. “Hey. Nothing's wrong.” “I know, darling.” “And nobody's trying to keep something from you because we don't trust you.” Nadia studied her. That mattered. She squeezed Panam's fingers. “I know that too.” “Good.” “But you are quite definitely keeping something from me.” Panam grinned. “Yeah.” Shammy covered her mouth. Nadia burst out laughing. “At least we've established that much!” *** They sat together again. For a moment, Nadia let the teasing subside. Panam was close. Shammy had drawn her chair nearer. The familiar comfort of their company hadn't changed merely because she'd stumbled into a question nobody wanted to answer. She brushed a stray lock of silver-white hair back from Shammy's forehead. “Sweetheart, I am not upset.” Shammy nodded. “I know.” “I'm curious.” “I noticed.” “Very curious.” Panam made a thoughtful noise. “Yeah, we noticed that too.” Nadia smiled. “Then perhaps one of you might take pity on me.” Silence. Shammy looked at Panam. Panam looked back. Nadia watched the exchange with mounting disbelief. “Oh, for heaven's sake.” Panam finally laughed. “Okay. Look. Some things make more sense when you see them.” “And this is one of those things?” “Definitely.” Nadia tilted her head. “Then where am I supposed to look?” Panam smiled. “Lizzie's. Friday night.” Nadia blinked. “Lizzie's?” “Yeah.” “The bar?” “The one.” Nadia looked from Panam to Shammy. “Why?” Shammy gave her a helplessly delighted smile. “Because you'll understand much more if you come.” “Understand *what*?” Panam spread her hands. “That's the part that's easier to show you.” Nadia laughed in disbelief. “Darling, that is not an explanation. It is an invitation disguised as an explanation.” Panam grinned. “Pretty much.” *** Nadia considered the proposition. She'd heard of Lizzie's, naturally. It was impossible to spend much time in Night City without hearing of places that seemed to possess lives of their own. But she had never been there. She knew the people sitting beside her. She knew they cared for her. She could hear it in how carefully Panam answered, even while refusing to explain the one thing Nadia wanted to know. And she knew, with growing certainty, that they were going to enjoy her reaction. She narrowed her eyes. “Will I be expected to do anything?” Panam's amusement softened immediately. “No. Come as my guest. Look around. Ask questions. Have drinks. Stay as long as you want.” Shammy nodded. “Exactly.” “And if I decide I've seen enough?” “Then you leave,” Panam said. “Or we find you a ride, if you want to go home before us,” Shammy added. Nadia smiled. There. A clear answer at last. “Thank you, darlings.” Panam squeezed her hand. “So? Friday?” Nadia pretended to think about it. Long enough for Shammy to begin fidgeting. Then she smiled. “Of course I'm coming.” Shammy beamed. Panam laughed. “Good.” “But do not imagine for one second that you've escaped my questions.” “Wouldn't dream of it,” Panam said. *** When they returned to the living room, Ace took one look at Nadia and began grinning. “You told her?” Panam shook her head. “Nope.” Ace looked at Shammy. Shammy shook her head too. Ace's grin widened. “Oh, this is going to be *good*.” Nadia planted her hands on her hips. “Excuse me. I am standing right here.” “We noticed,” Brenda said, laughing. Mai handed Nadia a fresh cup of coffee. “Friday, then?” Nadia accepted it. “Apparently.” Iris smiled. “You'll have fun.” “So everybody keeps telling me.” Kiro nodded with suspicious enthusiasm. “Definitely.” Nadia looked from face to face. “Not one of you intends to explain anything, do you?” Reyes lifted her coffee. “I'm working.” Nadia laughed. “Oh, at least one of you has an alibi.” Ace made a strangled noise behind her mug. Mai nudged her before she could say anything. Nadia noticed that, too. It joined the growing collection of things she couldn't explain. *** Much later, Panam accompanied Nadia back to the studio apartment. Shammy had remained at the safehouse for the night, though not before hugging Nadia hard enough to make her laugh and kissing her with unmistakable reluctance to let go. Panam stood beside Nadia at the apartment's window seat, looking out at Night City. Nadia approached from behind and slipped her arms around her. “Darling?” “Yeah?” “One last question.” Panam laughed softly. “I doubt that.” Nadia kissed her shoulder. “You're probably right.” Panam turned within her arms. Nadia studied her face. She knew this woman: her humor, her stubbornness, the way she could make something practical feel unexpectedly tender. She knew how Panam listened when something mattered, and how readily she would stand beside someone she'd chosen to care for. And yet tonight, for the first time in a while, Nadia had glimpsed a part of Panam's life she couldn't even name. That didn't frighten her. It intrigued her. “Madame Panam,” Nadia said quietly. Panam's eyes narrowed with amusement. “Still on that?” “Terribly.” Panam slid her arms around Nadia's waist. “Friday.” “Friday,” Nadia agreed. Then she smiled. “And Panam?” “Yeah?” “If this turns out to be something utterly ordinary, I shall never forgive the two of you for making it sound so mysterious.” Panam began laughing. Nadia watched her. Then sighed with elaborate resignation. “Oh, my.” “What?” “Not ordinary, then.” Panam kissed her. Nadia kissed her back, smiling against her lips. When they parted, Panam rested her forehead against Nadia's. “See you Friday, gorgeous.” Nadia considered. “Yes,” she said. “You certainly will.” Beyond the window, Night City spread out in all its familiar, impossible variety. Nadia had built a home here. She'd opened a studio. She'd found people who loved her, and whom she loved without needing to make their lives smaller to fit inside hers. Now, apparently, those same people had discovered an entirely new way to drive her mad with curiosity. She looked at Panam, whose smile remained quite unhelpfully delighted. Then Nadia laughed. Friday couldn't arrive soon enough.