![[ace 220.png]] ## Chapter 1 — An Unexpectedly Long Vacation Wednesday morning, Night City Elisa had spent the better part of forty minutes staring at her calendar. This was ridiculous. She knew it was ridiculous. The calendar was open. Not metaphorically open. Not technically available while six executive assistants attempted to insert urgent meetings into every visible gap. Actually open. Wednesday afternoon through Tuesday evening. Almost an entire week. Six glorious days during which nobody would expect her to attend a board meeting, approve a quarterly acquisition, listen to somebody explain why their department deserved another seventeen million eddies, or pretend to be fascinated by a presentation whose entire substance could have been summarized in three sentences. She had earned this. She had negotiated for it. And when negotiations had become tiresome, she had calmly informed the relevant people that anyone attempting to interrupt her leave for something less than a genuine emergency would find their departmental expenses subjected to an extremely personal review. The resulting silence had been magnificent. Now she was sitting in her apartment, looking at her phone. Because calling Mai apparently required more courage than confronting a room full of hostile corporate executives. Elisa sighed. "You're being ridiculous." The apartment offered no opinion. She picked up the phone. Put it down. Picked it up again. Then, before she could invent another excuse, selected Mai's contact. The connection established almost immediately. "Elisa." That was all. One word. Warm, amused, familiar. And somehow Elisa felt better already. "Hi." A pause. "Good morning." "Morning." "You're being suspicious." Elisa closed her eyes. "I said two words." "You said them suspiciously." "How does someone say good morning suspiciously?" "Apparently you have a talent." "Mai." "Elisa." She could hear the smile. The infuriating, affectionate smile. Elisa leaned back against the couch. "Are you busy?" "Not particularly." "Good." "Why?" "No reason." "Of course." Elisa looked toward the ceiling. This was going exceptionally well. "I have some time off." "Wonderful." "Quite a lot, actually." "How much?" "From this afternoon through Tuesday evening." There was a short silence. Then Mai said, "Elisa, did you finally purchase your own corporation?" "No." "Kidnap your board of directors?" "Tempting, but no." "Develop a sudden allergy to executive meetings?" "That one might be medically plausible." Mai laughed. "So. Nearly a week." "Yes." "And you called me." "Yes." "Interesting." Elisa narrowed her eyes at the phone. "You're doing it again." "Doing what?" "That thing where you know perfectly well why I'm calling, but insist on making me say it." "Elisa, I genuinely don't know why you're calling." "You're lying." "Only a little." "Terrible woman." "So I've been told." Elisa laughed despite herself. Then she took a breath. "I was wondering whether I could come over." Mai's voice softened immediately. "To the safehouse?" "Yes." "For the whole visit?" "If that's all right." "Of course it is." Elisa blinked. "Just like that?" "Just like that." "No complicated scheduling?" "We'll arrange the security handoff." "No inconvenient questions?" "Several, probably, but none that would prevent you from visiting." "No formal invitation?" Mai laughed. "Darling, you're asking whether you can spend a few days with people who love having you around." Elisa looked down at her hands. Something warm settled behind her ribs. "Well." "Well?" "When you put it that way." "That's generally why I put things that way." Elisa smiled. "I've missed you." "I know." "And Ace." "Naturally." "And Shammy." "She's going to be delighted." A small pause. Then Mai added, far too casually, "And?" Elisa closed her eyes. There it was. The trap. She should have known. "Don't." "I haven't said anything." "You've made a silence." "I'm very good at those." "That was a smug silence." "Was it?" "Mai." "Elisa." Elisa exhaled. Then surrendered. "And Bea." Mai laughed. Not cruelly. Not even particularly triumphantly. Just with the warm delight of somebody who had watched a friend discover an unexpected part of herself and was pleased to see her embrace it. "I wondered when you'd mention her." "You're unbearable." "I know." "I miss working at Lizzie's." "Then perhaps you should." Elisa sat up. "What?" "Come work." "Really?" "Really." "Just like that?" "Why not?" Elisa hesitated. "I don't know. Schedules. Arrangements. Suzy might not have space. The others might already have plans." "Those are all questions we can ask." "Yes, but..." "But?" Elisa glanced at the calendar again. "I don't want anyone rearranging everything just because I suddenly have time off." Mai was quiet for a moment. Then she said, "Elisa, you know perfectly well that Suzy would tell you if she couldn't accommodate you." "Yes." "And that nobody at Lizzie's is obligated to make themselves available simply because someone wishes to work." "Yes." "Then we can ask. And if it works, wonderful." Elisa smiled. "You make things sound very simple." "Some things are." "Others?" "Others involve Ace." Elisa burst out laughing. From somewhere in the background came an indignant voice. "I HEARD THAT!" Elisa sat upright. "Ace?" "No!" Mai laughed. Elisa grinned. "Good morning, Ace." There was a brief rustling sound. Then Ace's voice came closer. "Good morning, corporate menace." "You're listening." "I'm making coffee." "While listening." "Multitasking is a valuable skill." Mai said, "You're standing directly behind me." "Coffee machine's over here." "It's on the other side of the kitchen." "Sound carries." Elisa laughed. She had missed this. God, she had missed this. Not merely the people. The rhythm. The complete absence of corporate performance. Nobody carefully choosing words to avoid offending someone with enough money to make their careers disappear. Nobody calculating which version of the truth would be most profitable. Just Mai. And Ace. And the comforting certainty that whatever ridiculous thing somebody said next, it would be met with affection rather than strategy. Ace's voice brightened. "Wait. Are you coming over?" Elisa smiled. "If that's okay." "IF THAT'S OKAY?" Mai made a small sound of warning. "Ace." "What?" "Volume." "Oh." A pause. Then, considerably quieter: "Elisa, darling, you are absolutely coming over." Elisa laughed again. "Good." "When?" "This afternoon." "THIS AFTERNOON?" "Ace." "Sorry!" Elisa could almost see Mai shaking her head. "What time?" Ace asked, more quietly. "I was hoping to leave around two. I haven't arranged the handoff yet." "Leave it to us," Mai said. "Are you sure?" "Absolutely. I'll contact Reyes." Elisa smiled. "Thank you." "How long are you staying?" "Until Tuesday evening." Another pause. Then Ace said, "Oh, we're going to have fun." Mai sighed. "That sentence worries me." "It should." "Ace." "What?" "Behave." "She's been away for ages!" "That doesn't mean you need to start planning disasters before breakfast." "I'm planning hospitality." "Your hospitality has a remarkable history of becoming an incident report." Elisa covered her mouth. Then Mai spoke again. "Elisa?" "Yes?" "There's something else." Elisa immediately became suspicious. "That tone." "What tone?" "The tone that means I'm about to learn something expensive." Ace laughed in the background. Mai continued. "Suzy is organizing a special long-weekend event at Lizzie's." Elisa went still. "What kind?" "Something resembling the Wild Muses event, but extended from Thursday through Monday." Elisa slowly sat forward. "Oh." "Indeed." "Is Bea invited?" "She can certainly ask." Elisa considered that. Then smiled. "Mai?" "Yes?" "I think my vacation just became considerably more interesting." Ace's delighted laughter came through the connection. "THAT'S OUR GIRL!" The security arrangements took considerably less time than Elisa had feared. Which was fortunate. Because the last thing she wanted was to spend her first afternoon of freedom trapped in a conversation between two security departments, neither of which wanted to admit that the other was competent. Her own protection team was professional. Excellent, in fact. Expensive, discreet, thoroughly trained, and utterly incapable of understanding why their principal occasionally preferred to spend time in a relatively unremarkable Watson safehouse instead of one of the heavily secured luxury properties available to her. They did not need to understand. They needed to know she would be safe. That was their job. Reyes understood this perfectly. She had handled the arrangements before. And, unlike many people who worked in personal security, Reyes had no particular interest in establishing dominance over another professional team. She simply wanted the transfer done correctly. At eleven forty-three, Elisa received a secure message. REYES: Wednesday, 14:30. Same transfer location. Your team will receive confirmation through the established channel. Elisa smiled. ELISA: Thank you. REYES: Bring whatever you need until Tuesday evening. ELISA: Already packing. REYES: Sensible luggage, please. Elisa stared at the message. ELISA: Define sensible. The answer came immediately. REYES: Less than you're currently considering. Elisa laughed. ELISA: You're all impossible. REYES: Occupational hazard. Then another message appeared. REYES: And Elisa? ELISA: Yes? REYES: Looking forward to seeing you. Elisa's expression softened. ELISA: Likewise. ❤️ She put down the phone. Then looked at the three open suitcases on her bedroom floor. Reyes had a point. Possibly. Elisa considered the matter seriously. Then removed one pair of shoes. Progress. At the Watson safehouse, Mai finished the call and set her phone on the kitchen table. Ace was looking at her with an expression of almost unbearable satisfaction. "What?" "Nothing." "Ace." "Just thinking." "That's usually dangerous." Ace grinned. "Elisa's coming home." Mai smiled. "For a visit." "Still counts." Shammy entered from the living room, carrying her coffee. "Who is coming?" "Elisa!" Shammy's face immediately brightened. "Oh, wonderful." "This afternoon." "Today?" "Today." "And she's staying until Tuesday." Shammy smiled. "I'm glad." Ace moved closer and kissed her. "Me too." Mai picked up her tablet. "And there's something else." Ace glanced at her. "Oh?" "Lizzie's." Shammy raised an eyebrow. "Suzy?" "Long-weekend special." Ace froze. Then slowly turned. "Darling." Mai smiled. "Yes?" "Are you telling me Elisa is coming for almost a week, Bea wants to work again, and Suzy has decided to hold another special event?" "That appears to be the situation." Ace stared at her. Then looked toward the ceiling. "Thank you." Shammy laughed. "Who are you thanking?" "Whoever arranged this magnificent series of coincidences." Mai leaned back in her chair. "Do you want to see the advertisement?" Ace looked offended. "Do you really need to ask?" The promotional material was unmistakably Suzy Q. Bold. Colorful. Just provocative enough to attract the right kind of attention without promising anything the performers had not actually agreed to provide. LIZZIE'S LONG WEEKEND WILD MUSES. WILDER NIGHTS. THURSDAY THROUGH MONDAY Five nights. Endless possibilities. Consent is not optional. Ace examined the display. Then grinned. "That woman knows how to advertise." Mai scrolled down. The announcement described performances, conversations, social encounters, and individually negotiated private invitations. No advance bookings. No automatic entitlements. No guaranteed access to any performer. Every arrangement discussed in person. Every acceptance entirely voluntary. Ace nodded approvingly. "Good." Shammy looked over her shoulder. "Very." "And Suzy's bringing back the cards," Mai said. Ace's grin widened. "The cards!" "The cards." "Oh, I loved those." Shammy laughed. "Some of the suggestions were rather imaginative." "Imaginative? Love, one of them required three separate conversations just to establish what the customer was actually asking." "And everyone involved was perfectly happy with the result." "Exactly!" Mai continued scrolling. "The featured Wild Muses are the same six." She turned the display. Mandi. Dalia. Sera. Nadia. Nova. Vega. Ace nodded. "Excellent." Shammy smiled. "Nadia will be pleased." "Have you spoken to her?" Mai asked. "Not yet." "We should." Shammy nodded. "I'll call her." Ace was still studying the announcement. "Bea isn't listed." "No," Mai said. "Good." Mai looked at her. "Good?" "She doesn't need to be part of the featured group to enjoy working." "Exactly." "And Deja?" "Independent, as usual. She and Dalia can make whatever arrangements suit them." Ace smiled. "Good." She looked at the six featured names again. "Suzy has absolutely no idea what she's inviting." Mai raised an eyebrow. "Suzy knows exactly what she's inviting." Ace considered. Then grinned. "That's what worries me." At fourteen twenty-three, Elisa's security convoy arrived at the designated transfer location. It was a private vehicle facility with controlled access, discreet cameras, and enough room for a professional security exchange without attracting unnecessary attention. Reyes was already waiting. She wore civilian clothes suitable for moving through Night City without announcing her profession to every person within fifty meters. Her red hair was tied back. Her expression was relaxed. Her attention was not. She had reviewed the access controls, checked the surrounding approaches, and confirmed the agreed transfer procedures before Elisa's vehicles arrived. The lead security officer stepped out first. He recognized Reyes immediately. "Good afternoon." "Good afternoon." They shook hands. No theatrical assessment. No attempts to impress each other. Just two professionals handling a familiar arrangement. "Principal is ready for transfer," he said. "Excellent." He checked his secured display. "Receiving party confirmation?" Reyes supplied the established authentication. The officer verified it. Then nodded. "Confirmed." A second member of the team opened the rear passenger door. Elisa emerged. She was wearing comfortable clothes, an expensive coat, and the expression of a woman who had just escaped several extremely tedious obligations. "Reyes!" The redhead smiled. "Elisa." They embraced. Warmly. Briefly. Then Elisa stepped back. "You're looking well." "So are you." "I've been trapped in meetings." "My condolences." "Some of them were nearly fatal." "Did anyone survive?" "Unfortunately." Reyes laughed. The security officer waited patiently. Elisa glanced toward him. "Sorry. Professional business." "Of course, ma'am." Reyes reviewed the transfer record. The outgoing team confirmed Elisa's planned period away, emergency contact procedures, and Tuesday evening return arrangement. Reyes acknowledged the responsibility. There were no gaps. No ambiguous intervals during which both teams might assume the other was responsible. When the exchange was complete, the officer formally transferred protective responsibility. Reyes confirmed acceptance. Only then did Elisa's original team prepare to depart. "Tuesday evening," the officer said. "Confirmed," Reyes replied. Elisa smiled at him. "Thank you." "Enjoy your time off, ma'am." "I intend to." He almost smiled. Then returned to the vehicle. The convoy departed. Reyes watched until it cleared the facility. Then turned toward Elisa. "All right." Elisa grinned. "All right?" "You're officially my responsibility." "How terrifying." "Extremely." "Does this mean you're going to tell me what to do?" "Only when necessary." "And if I misbehave?" Reyes opened the passenger door of her waiting vehicle. "Then I'll tell Mai." Elisa stared. "That is deeply unfair." "Effective, though." Elisa laughed and climbed inside. Reyes secured the luggage, took the driver's seat, and confirmed their departure through the appropriate channel. Then she glanced across at her passenger. "Ready?" Elisa settled back. "Very." "Good." Reyes smiled. "Let's get you home." The journey to Watson was pleasant. Reyes knew the city well enough to avoid the most irritating traffic, and Elisa was in no hurry. For once, there was no board meeting waiting at the end of the drive. No assistant reminding her of a conference call. No expectation that she would spend the next hour pretending to care about somebody's carefully rehearsed financial optimism. She looked out at the passing streets. Then turned toward Reyes. "Can I ask something?" "Of course." "How is everyone?" "Good." "Really?" "Really." "Ace?" "Still Ace." Elisa laughed. "That answers several questions." "Mai?" "Still doing an admirable job of keeping Ace from becoming a public nuisance." "Unsuccessfully?" "Naturally." "Shammy?" Reyes smiled. "Happy." Elisa relaxed a little. "Good." "She'll be pleased to see you." "I've missed her." "I know." Elisa looked at the traffic again. "And Lizzie's?" Reyes glanced toward her. "Ah." Elisa narrowed her eyes. "What?" "Nothing." "That was an 'ah.'" "Was it?" "Reyes." The redhead smiled. "I hear Suzy has plans." Elisa groaned. "Does everyone know about this except me?" "Probably not everyone." "Wonderful." "You're arriving at an interesting time." "That's what Mai said." "Then I suggest you believe her." Elisa considered. Then smiled. "I think I do." A pause. "Reyes?" "Yes?" "Thank you for coming personally." Reyes glanced at her. "You're welcome." "I know you have other things to do." "Nothing that couldn't wait." Elisa smiled. For a while, neither spoke. There was no need. The Watson safehouse received its visitor without incident. Reyes brought the vehicle into the secured lower access area, completed the arrival check, and accompanied Elisa and her luggage toward the interior entrance. The upper door remained locked. As always, it could only be opened from inside. Ace appeared on the security display. Then the intercom activated. "STATE YOUR BUSINESS." Elisa froze. Reyes closed her eyes. "Oh, for God's sake." Ace continued in an exaggeratedly official voice. "THIS IS A HIGHLY SECURE PRIVATE RESIDENCE." Elisa began laughing. "ACE!" "IDENTIFY YOURSELF." "Elisa!" "PURPOSE OF VISIT?" "Vacation!" "ARE YOU CARRYING ANY DANGEROUS ITEMS?" Elisa looked at her luggage. "Three suitcases!" A pause. Then Ace said: "THREE?" Reyes folded her arms. "She reduced it from four." There was another pause. "ACCEPTABLE." The door unlocked. Ace stood on the other side. For approximately half a second, she attempted to maintain her stern security-officer expression. Then Elisa dropped her handbag and stepped forward. Ace opened her arms. They collided in a delighted embrace. "Elisa!" "Ace!" "Oh, I missed you!" "I missed you too!" Ace squeezed her. Elisa laughed. "Can't breathe!" "Sorry!" Ace loosened her hold slightly. Then hugged her again. "Not sorry." Reyes shook her head. "Professional." Ace looked over Elisa's shoulder. "Extremely." "Impressive security procedure." "Thank you." "Your threat assessment involved counting suitcases." "Critical information." Elisa drew Ace close and kissed her. Not hurriedly. Not as a social formality. She kissed her with all the delight of finally being close enough to do something about the weeks they had spent apart. Ace responded immediately, her hands settling warmly at Elisa's waist. When they separated, both were smiling. "You're impossible," Elisa whispered. "I know." Mai appeared behind her. "Darling, let her inside before you interrogate her luggage." Ace stepped aside. Elisa looked up. Then her expression softened. "Mai." Mai smiled. "Welcome home." Elisa crossed the remaining distance. The embrace was quieter. Longer. And when Elisa kissed Mai, there was nothing tentative about it. Mai welcomed her with equal warmth, one hand resting gently against the back of Elisa's neck. For several moments, the rest of the safehouse might as well have disappeared. When they finally parted, Mai smiled. "It's good to see you." Elisa rested her forehead against hers. "You too." From the living room came another familiar voice. "Is she here?" Shammy appeared. Elisa's face lit up. "Shammy!" The elemental smiled. "Elisa." There was no hesitation. Elisa embraced her with the unguarded affection of somebody who had been waiting far too long for the opportunity. Shammy held her gently. "Welcome back." "Thank you." "Did you have a pleasant journey?" "Very." "Good." Shammy kissed her warmly. "We've missed you." Elisa closed her eyes for just a moment. Then smiled. "I've missed you too." Behind them, Ace looked at Mai. Mai looked at Ace. Both smiled. Reyes quietly picked up the abandoned handbag. "Well," she said. "At least somebody remembered the luggage." Half an hour later, Elisa was sitting at the kitchen table with coffee, pastries, and the comfortable feeling that the entire world had finally stopped demanding things from her. Her suitcases had been taken to the guest room. Reyes had stayed long enough to make sure the arrival was complete and the household knew the return arrangements. Then she had departed, promising to coordinate Tuesday's transfer with Elisa's security team. Everything had been handled correctly. Nothing had been rushed. And nobody had treated Elisa like a package being delivered between competing corporate departments. She appreciated that. More than she could easily explain. Ace sat opposite her. Mai occupied the chair beside her. Shammy was pouring more coffee. Yukari had appeared in human form and greeted Elisa warmly, and Iris and Brenda had both come downstairs to welcome their visitor. Brenda, naturally, had lasted approximately forty seconds before asking an inappropriate question. "So." Elisa looked up. "So?" Brenda smiled. "Bea?" Elisa stared. Iris sighed. "Brenda." "What?" "She's been here less than an hour." "And?" "Let her finish her coffee." Brenda looked offended. "I was simply asking whether she intended to work." Elisa laughed. "Yes." Brenda's smile widened. "Excellent." "Probably." "Even better." Mai raised an eyebrow. "Why is 'probably' better?" "Because it suggests possibilities." Ace groaned. "Oh, God." Brenda looked delighted. "Exactly." Iris covered her face. "Darling." "What?" "You're impossible." Brenda leaned over and kissed her wife. "And yet you married me." Iris smiled despite herself. "An error in judgment." "Several times, apparently." Ace pointed at them. "Can we please remember that Elisa is on vacation?" Elisa laughed. "Actually, I don't mind." Brenda looked triumphant. "See?" Mai took a sip of coffee. "That doesn't mean you're entitled to interrogate her." "Fine." A pause. Then Brenda leaned forward. "One question." Iris closed her eyes. "Brenda." "Just one!" Elisa smiled. "Go ahead." Brenda's expression became theatrically serious. "Did you bring the ice-blue hair?" Elisa burst out laughing. Ace nearly fell out of her chair. Mai covered her mouth. Shammy smiled into her coffee. And Brenda looked immensely satisfied. Once the laughter subsided, Mai brought up Suzy's announcement. Elisa leaned forward. The promotional card appeared. She examined it carefully. "Five nights." "Yes," Mai said. "Wild Muses again?" "An expanded event." Elisa read the details. Then the featured names. Mandi. Dalia. Sera. Nadia. Nova. Vega. She nodded. "The original six." "Exactly." "And Bea isn't part of the featured programme." "No." "Good." Ace raised an eyebrow. Elisa noticed. "What?" "Nothing." "That was a look." Ace smiled. "Just curious." Elisa considered the advertisement again. "I liked working independently." Mai nodded. "Then you should continue doing that." "I don't want to become part of someone else's arrangements just because I'm friends with everyone." "Nobody expects that." "Good." Shammy smiled. "And you can still enjoy the event." Elisa looked toward her. "That's what I want." She paused. Then grinned. "Well. One of the things." Ace leaned forward. "Oh?" Elisa returned the grin. "I also want to have fun." Ace placed a hand over her heart. "Darling." Mai sighed. "Here we go." "That's the most sensible thing you've said all morning." Elisa laughed. Brenda leaned back in her chair. "I approve of this vacation." Iris looked at her. "Of course you do." "Entirely." Yukari smiled. "I suspect it will be memorable." Ace glanced toward her. "Why do you say that?" Yukari looked innocent. "No particular reason." Ace narrowed her eyes. "Oh, I know that expression." "What expression?" "That one." Yukari smiled. "I have many expressions, beloved." "And at least half of them mean trouble." "Only half?" Mai laughed. Elisa looked between them. Then shook her head. "I really have missed this place." The conversation gradually shifted toward practical arrangements. Elisa wanted to work as Bea during part of the weekend. That was entirely possible, provided Suzy agreed and the necessary preparations could be made. Nothing was assumed. Nothing was guaranteed. Mai contacted Suzy directly. The club owner answered with the background noise of Lizzie's preparations audible behind her. "Mai!" "Good afternoon, Suzy." "Please tell me you're calling with good news." "Elisa is visiting." A pause. Then Suzy laughed. "Bea?" "Possibly." "Well, that's interesting." "She'd like to participate independently." "Of course." "Not as part of the Wild Muses programme." "Naturally. That's already set." Mai nodded. "She'll come by and discuss her availability with you." "Perfect." "And the usual rules." "Mai." "Yes?" "This is my club." Mai smiled. "I know." "Everyone negotiates their own arrangements." "Exactly." "No advance bookings." "Of course." "And Lisa will personally remove anybody who forgets that." Mai laughed. "Wonderful." Suzy paused. Then her voice changed slightly. "Actually, there's something you should know." Mai raised an eyebrow. "Oh?" "We've had a couple of interesting confirmations." "How interesting?" "Very." Mai glanced toward the kitchen table. Ace was listening with an expression of intense curiosity. Shammy was trying not to laugh. Elisa was pretending not to listen. Brenda wasn't even pretending. Suzy continued. "Some rather distinguished guests." Mai smiled. "Distinguished?" "Let's just say Night City's social hierarchy is about to become considerably more entertaining." Mai considered. "Suzy." "Yes?" "Who?" A short pause. Then Suzy said: "Seras Victoria." Mai went still. Ace's eyebrows rose. Shammy looked up. Yukari merely smiled. "And Helena," Suzy added. Mai slowly leaned back. "Well." Suzy laughed. "Exactly." Across the table, Ace mouthed a single word. Seras? Mai nodded. Ace's eyes widened. Then she began to grin. Shammy saw the expression. "Oh, dear." Elisa looked between them. "What?" Mai held up one finger. Suzy was still speaking. "Apparently they're interested in attending as guests." "That sounds lovely." "Doesn't it?" "And you've discussed the club's rules?" "Naturally." "Good." Suzy laughed again. "Mai, I know how to run my own business." "I know you do." "And frankly, I think they'll fit right in." Mai smiled. "I suspect you're correct." "Anyway, bring everyone tomorrow night. We'll sort out the details as people arrive." "Of course." "And tell Ace..." Mai waited. Suzy paused. Then said, with immense satisfaction: "Tell her I expect Mandi to behave." Mai closed her eyes. "Suzy." "What?" "You know better." "That's why I said it." The call ended. Mai set down the tablet. Ace was staring at her. "Well?" Mai looked at her. "Well what?" "Seras?" "Yes." "Helena?" "Yes." "At Lizzie's?" "Apparently." Ace slowly turned toward Yukari. The kitsune smiled serenely. Ace pointed at her. "YOU KNEW." Yukari tilted her head. "Did I?" "YES." "How interesting." "Yukari!" The kitsune laughed. Shammy shook her head. Mai smiled. And Elisa, who had not yet met the Vampire Queen or her companion, looked thoroughly intrigued. "Should I be worried?" Ace turned toward her. Then grinned. "Elisa, darling." "Yes?" "No." Elisa relaxed. For approximately two seconds. Then Ace added: "But I think we're going to have a very interesting weekend." Across Night City, Seras Victoria stood beside a window overlooking the city. Helena sat nearby, reading the invitation. The older vampire had been examining it for some time. Not because she was uncertain. Because she was curious. "Five nights," Helena observed. "Yes." "Rather ambitious." "Night City has a talent for ambition." "So I've noticed." Helena continued reading. "Wild Muses." Seras smiled. "A rather charming name." "Do you know them?" "Not under those names." Helena looked up. Seras continued. "I understand they're established performers at Lizzie's. Several people in our circle have spoken very highly of the establishment." "Professionally?" "And personally." Helena nodded. "Interesting." Seras watched her. "You're curious." "Of course." "About the club?" "About the people." "Ah." Helena set the invitation aside. "After everything we've experienced recently, I rather like the idea of spending an evening somewhere without ancient graves, lost relics, or matters of supernatural consequence." Seras laughed softly. "That would be refreshing." "Wouldn't it?" "And you trust the establishment?" "From what I've heard, yes." "Good." Helena looked toward the invitation again. "One thing intrigues me." "What?" "The performers appear to use stage identities." Seras nodded. "Quite common in their profession." "And disguises?" "Also common." Helena considered. "That could make for an interesting evening." Seras smiled. "Perhaps." Neither woman needed to elaborate. Their senses were not human. A face could be changed. Hair could be recolored. A voice could be reshaped. But the individual beneath those alterations was another matter entirely. For Seras, the marks she had bestowed upon Ace, Mai, Iris, and Brenda were unmistakable. They carried a signature no ordinary disguise could conceal from her. Helena, too, could recognize that distinctive vampiric presence. And for others, there were scents. Subtle distinctions invisible to ordinary human perception. Enough to recognize familiar people even when everything about their public appearance suggested someone else. But recognition was not disclosure. Neither Seras nor Helena would dream of exposing someone's carefully maintained identity. Such behavior would have been unforgivably rude. And Helena, in particular, had very little patience for rudeness. "Well," she said at last. Seras looked toward her. "Well?" "I believe I'd like to see this Lizzie's." Seras smiled. "So would I." Helena rose. Then approached her lover. "Shall we?" Seras slipped her arms around her. "Gladly." They kissed. For once, the Vampire Queen of Night City had no immediate crisis to resolve. No enemy to destroy. No ancient burden demanding her attention. Just an invitation. A beautiful woman in her arms. And the possibility of an enjoyable weekend. It was a pleasant change. Back at the safehouse, the afternoon had become considerably busier. Lena had been contacted. Victor's availability had been checked. Professional arrangements were being coordinated. And Ace had announced that she wanted to do something different with Mandi's hair. Mai looked up from her tablet. "Different how?" Ace grinned. "Flames." Mai paused. "Flames?" "Styled flames." "Not actual flames?" Ace stared. "Why does everyone always ask that?" Shammy laughed. "Because you occasionally have ambitious ideas." "I have artistic vision." "Naturally." Ace displayed a rough styling concept. Brilliant neon-orange hair rising in carefully shaped waves. A dramatic, flame-like silhouette. Bold enough to complement Mandi's deep-red cyber-oni face mesh and orange ornamental patterns. Mai studied it. Then smiled. "Actually..." Ace leaned forward. "Yes?" "That could be spectacular." Ace beamed. "THANK YOU!" Shammy looked at the design. "Beautiful." Elisa leaned closer. "Oh, I love that." Brenda grinned. "Now that's a look." Iris smiled. "Very Mandi." Ace folded her arms. "Finally. A household of people who appreciate art." Mai laughed. "We appreciate the art." "And?" "We remain concerned about the artist." Ace placed a hand over her heart. "Wounded." "Survivable." "Deeply wounded." "Still survivable." Shammy kissed her. Ace immediately brightened. "Better." By late afternoon, Elisa had settled into her guest room. Her luggage was unpacked. Her schedule was gloriously empty of corporate obligations. And the familiar sound of laughter drifted through the safehouse. She stood before the mirror for a moment. Elisa. Just Elisa. No executive performance. No carefully calibrated corporate image. No endless stream of people wanting something from her. She smiled. Then looked toward the wardrobe where her clothing had been arranged. Somewhere in the next few days, Bea would return. The ice-blue hair. The different face. The freedom of walking through Lizzie's without being Elisa. But not yet. For now, she was simply visiting friends. And that was enough. A knock came at the door. "Come in." Ace appeared. "Settling in?" "Very." "Good." She leaned against the doorway. Then smiled. "Seriously, Elisa." Elisa looked up. "What?" "I'm glad you're here." Elisa's expression softened. "Me too." Ace crossed the room. They embraced. No jokes. No teasing. Just warmth. When they separated, Elisa kissed her again. Ace smiled against her lips. "You're getting very good at that." Elisa laughed. "I've had excellent teachers." "Naturally." Ace took her hand. "Come on." "Where?" "Coffee." Elisa laughed. "Again?" "We have a whole evening ahead of us. We need fuel." "You're ridiculous." "I know." Elisa squeezed her hand. "Lead the way." In the living room, Mai was reviewing the following day's arrangements. Shammy sat beside her. Yukari had curled into her fox form, nine tails spread comfortably across the couch. Iris and Brenda were discussing whether to attend Lizzie's opening evening or save their energy for later in the weekend. Nadia had confirmed her arrival plans. Panam was coordinating the featured performers. And Suzy Q was preparing for a long and potentially unforgettable weekend. Outside, Night City was beginning to glow. Neon signs awakened. Traffic thickened. Music spread through the streets. The city prepared for another night of extravagant choices. Ace entered with Elisa. Mai looked up. "Everything all right?" Ace grinned. "Perfect." Elisa smiled. "Better than perfect." Mai raised an eyebrow. "Oh?" Elisa crossed the room. She leaned down and kissed Mai. When she straightened, Mai was smiling. "Well." Ace looked delighted. "Exactly." Shammy laughed. Yukari opened one golden eye. Her tails moved lazily. And for a brief, wonderful moment, there was nothing else in the world that required anyone's attention. Tomorrow would belong to Lizzie's. To the Wild Muses. To Suzy Q and Lisa. To the extraordinary guests who would arrive beneath its neon lights. But Wednesday evening belonged to the people gathered in this room. And Elisa intended to enjoy every minute. --- Later, when the first stars struggled to become visible through Night City's perpetual haze, Shammy glanced toward Yukari. The kitsune returned her look. Neither spoke. Neither needed to. Across the living room, Elisa was laughing at something Ace had said. Mai sat beside them, watching with the unmistakable tenderness of somebody who had been waiting a long time for exactly this moment. Shammy smiled. Yukari's expression softened. There were some gifts that required no wrapping. Some kindnesses that needed no elaborate explanation. And some evenings that deserved a little extra room. Shammy reached for her phone. Nadia answered almost immediately. "Love?" Shammy smiled. "Hello, darling." "Everything all right?" "Perfectly." "Good." Shammy glanced toward the three women on the couch. Then lowered her voice. "Would you mind some company tonight?" Nadia's expression brightened. "Of course not." "Yukari too?" "Both of you?" "If that's all right." "Shammy, darling, you're asking whether two women I adore can come spend the night with me." Shammy laughed. "Well, yes." "Then yes." Beside her, Yukari smiled. "Please tell Nadia I shall endeavor to behave." Nadia heard her. "Oh, absolutely not." Yukari blinked. Shammy laughed. Nadia grinned. "I expect you to be yourself." "How extraordinarily generous." "Besides, I've had a long day." Shammy tilted her head. "Would you rather rest?" "I would rather have two beautiful women keeping me company." Yukari looked pleased. "A compelling argument." Nadia laughed. "Come over whenever you're ready." "We will." "And Shammy?" "Yes?" "Is everything really all right?" Shammy's expression softened. "Perfectly." She glanced once more toward the couch. "We're simply giving three people who have missed one another a little room." There was a pause. Then Nadia smiled with immediate understanding. "Oh." "Yes." "That's lovely." "I thought so." "Then come here, love. I'll put the kettle on." Shammy laughed. "We'll be there soon." Elisa noticed the overnight bags before Ace did. She looked up from the couch. "Are you going somewhere?" Yukari smiled. "Yes." "Where?" "Nadia's." Elisa blinked. "Tonight?" "Tonight." Shammy appeared beside her. Ace looked between them. Then at Mai. Then at Elisa. Understanding arrived. "Oh." Shammy smiled. "Exactly." Elisa sat upright. "Wait. You don't have to leave because I'm here." Shammy crossed the room. "Darling." Elisa looked at her. "We know." "Then..." Shammy sat beside her and took her hand. "We're not leaving because you arrived." Yukari came closer. "We're going to spend a lovely evening with Nadia." "And," Shammy added gently, "we thought the three of you might appreciate some uninterrupted time together." Elisa's expression changed. "Oh." Ace reached for Shammy's other hand. "Love..." Shammy leaned forward and kissed her. Then kissed Mai. Both kisses were warm and unhurried. She turned back toward Elisa. "You have been away too long." Elisa smiled. "I have." "And they have missed you terribly." Ace opened her mouth. Shammy looked at her. "Don't even try to deny it." Ace closed her mouth. Mai laughed. Shammy smiled. "So have a wonderful evening." Elisa reached out and embraced her. "Thank you." Shammy held her. "You're welcome, darling." Yukari approached next. She embraced Elisa with affectionate elegance. Then stepped back and regarded her thoughtfully. "One small suggestion." Elisa narrowed her eyes. "Oh?" "Try to get some sleep eventually." Ace burst out laughing. Mai covered her mouth. Elisa turned bright red. "Yukari!" The kitsune smiled with complete innocence. "What? Tomorrow is Thursday." Shammy laughed. Ace pointed at her. "You are absolutely impossible." Yukari inclined her head. "So I've been told." She kissed Ace and Mai goodbye. Then took Shammy's hand. "We shall see you tomorrow." Shammy nodded. "Yukari will be back in the morning. Nadia and I will join everyone at Lizzie's later, when preparations begin." Ace smiled. "Enjoy your night." "You too, loves." Yukari looked toward Elisa one final time. Her smile became positively angelic. "Do remember to drink water." "OUT!" The room erupted in laughter. A few minutes later, the two women departed. The upper safehouse door closed securely behind them. And the house became noticeably quieter. --- Elisa stared at the closed door. Then turned toward Ace and Mai. "They really did that." Mai smiled. "Yes." "Just like that." "Just like that." Elisa looked thoughtful. "They didn't have to." "No," Ace said. "They didn't." A pause. Then Ace's expression softened. "That's Shammy." Mai nodded. "And Yukari." Elisa looked toward the doorway again. There was something extraordinary about such simple generosity. No jealousy. No performance. No elaborate discussion about who was entitled to what. Just affection. Trust. And the understanding that love did not become smaller when somebody else was given room to enjoy it. Elisa swallowed. Then smiled. "I really do love this family." Ace moved closer. "We love you too." Mai reached for her hand. "Very much." Elisa looked between them. Then laughed softly. "Well." Ace raised an eyebrow. "Well?" "It seems I have two beautiful women all to myself." Mai smiled. "That does appear to be the situation." Ace grinned. "Terrible burden." "Absolutely dreadful." "However will you cope?" Elisa considered. Then leaned forward and kissed her. "I have some ideas." --- ## Chapter 2 — The Luxury of Being Wanted *Wednesday evening, Watson Safehouse, Night City* For several seconds after Shammy and Yukari departed, Elisa remained where she was. She could still hear Yukari's laughter in her imagination. Do remember to drink water. The woman had delivered that line with the serene innocence of someone who had spent centuries perfecting the art of saying outrageous things while appearing entirely blameless. Elisa shook her head. "She knew exactly what she was doing." Ace grinned. "Yukari? Never." Mai gave her a look. Ace reconsidered. "All right. Always." Elisa laughed. Then she glanced at the two women sitting beside her. The absence of Shammy and Yukari had not made the safehouse empty. Iris and Brenda were still upstairs, and the familiar sounds of the building continued around them. Somewhere, ventilation hummed softly. The kitchen lights had dimmed to their evening setting. But something had changed. There was no longer any need to divide their attention between an entire household. For the first time since arriving, Elisa had the peculiar, wonderful sensation that nobody expected anything from her except her company. Ace watched her for a moment. "You're thinking." "Apparently." "Should we be worried?" "Possibly." Mai smiled. "About what?" Elisa considered. Then leaned back against the couch. "I keep thinking I should check my messages." Ace's smile disappeared. Not dramatically. Just enough to show that she understood. "Work?" Elisa nodded. "I haven't actually done it. But every few minutes I get this little feeling that I've forgotten something." Mai reached for her hand. "You haven't." "I know." "Your leave is approved. Your team has the emergency contact arrangements. Reyes completed the security transfer." "I know." "And you are not responsible for supervising your entire corporation from our couch." Elisa laughed. "When you say it like that..." "Darling, you have almost a week." "Six days." "Then enjoy six days." Ace leaned closer. "And if anybody from your office calls about something stupid, I'll answer." Elisa stared at her. "No." "Why not?" "Absolutely not." "I can be professional." Mai made a thoughtful sound. Ace turned. "Don't." "I didn't say anything." "You were about to." Mai smiled. "I was merely remembering your conversation with that procurement director." Elisa looked interested. "What conversation?" Ace waved a hand. "Nothing important." Mai continued pleasantly. "The one where Ace asked whether the man had suffered a catastrophic head injury before approving his department's operating budget." Elisa burst out laughing. Ace folded her arms. "It was a legitimate question." "He was rather offended." "He should have been offended by the budget." Elisa laughed harder. "Please never answer my corporate calls." Ace considered. "Fine." "Thank you." "But if they interrupt your vacation, I reserve the right to be rude." Mai squeezed Elisa's hand. "That seems reasonable." Elisa looked between them. "You're both terrible influences." Ace smiled. "That's why you love us." Elisa leaned forward and kissed her. "One of several reasons." The safehouse's upper floor had its own evening rhythm. Brenda was standing in the doorway of the living room, holding a glass of wine and watching the three women on the couch with an expression of considerable satisfaction. Iris appeared behind her. "Brenda." "Hmm?" "Darling." "Yes?" "Are you spying?" Brenda looked offended. "Observing." "There's a difference?" "Of course." Iris glanced past her. Ace had one arm around Elisa. Mai sat close on the other side, her fingers linked with Elisa's. All three were smiling. Iris's own expression softened. "Come on." Brenda looked over her shoulder. "Where?" "Our room." "Already?" Iris raised an eyebrow. "Would you prefer to spend the entire evening standing in a doorway?" Brenda considered. "Depends what I'm observing." Iris gave her a very patient look. "Brenda." "What?" "Leave them alone." "I wasn't bothering them." "You were about to." Brenda sighed theatrically. "Nobody appreciates my dedication to the happiness of others." Iris laughed. "I appreciate it." "Really?" "Very much." Brenda brightened. "Good." "Especially when you remember that other people occasionally deserve some privacy." Brenda glanced toward the couch again. Then smiled. "All right." She raised her voice just enough to be heard. "Well, you three!" Ace looked up. "Oh, God." Brenda grinned. "Iris and I are retiring for the evening." Mai smiled. "Good night, Brenda." Elisa waved. "Good night!" Ace narrowed her eyes. "Behave yourselves." Brenda looked scandalized. "Excuse me?" "You heard me." "From you, Ace?" Iris started laughing. Brenda placed a hand over her heart. "The hypocrisy." Ace grinned. "I learned from the best." "Naturally." Iris slipped an arm around Brenda's waist. "Good night, everyone." Then she turned her wife toward the corridor. Brenda allowed herself to be guided away, though not before calling over her shoulder: "Elisa, darling, welcome back!" "Thank you!" "And do try to survive the night!" "BRENDA!" Mai's laughter interrupted Ace's attempt at indignation. Brenda disappeared around the corner, thoroughly pleased with herself. A moment later, Iris's voice floated back. "Darling, if you don't stop teasing them, I'll make you sleep on your own side of the bed." A scandalized gasp. Then Brenda: "That's barbaric." Their bedroom door closed. Elisa buried her face against Mai's shoulder. "I love those two." Ace sighed. "Unfortunately, so do I." --- Behind their own bedroom door, Iris took Brenda's wineglass and placed it safely on the dresser. Brenda watched her. "That was unnecessary." "What was?" "Threatening me with separate sleeping arrangements." Iris smiled. "Did it work?" "Eventually." "Then it was entirely necessary." Brenda moved closer. "You know, I was only teasing." "I know." "And they are adorable together." "I know that too." Iris reached up and brushed a strand of hair away from Brenda's face. "Elisa has missed them." "Terribly." "And they've missed her." Brenda nodded. There was a moment of comfortable silence. Then her expression softened. "I'm glad she came." "So am I." "She's always so careful about asking whether she's welcome." Iris considered. "Some people spend so much of their lives being valued for what they represent that they forget how it feels to be wanted simply for themselves." Brenda looked at her. Then smiled. "That's rather beautiful." Iris shrugged lightly. "Just an observation." "One of your better ones." "I have several." "Naturally." Brenda reached for her. Iris came willingly. Their kiss was familiar, affectionate, and entirely unhurried. When they separated, Brenda rested her forehead against her wife's. "Speaking of people being wanted..." Iris laughed. "Oh?" "Well, I find myself in the company of an exceptionally attractive woman." "How fortunate." "Very." "And what do you intend to do about it?" Brenda's grin returned. "Invite her to bed." Iris kissed her again. "An excellent idea." Brenda caught the hem of Iris's blouse, then stopped with her fingers resting there. "Still inviting me?" Iris's smile turned warmer. "Very much." That was enough. They undressed each other with the unhurried familiarity of wives who had done this often enough to know where the jokes belonged and where attention mattered more. Brenda lost patience with one fastening and swore at it; Iris laughed, fixed it for her, and was rewarded with a kiss that left both of them smiling. On the bed, Brenda reached for Iris again. Her hand moved between Iris's thighs only after Iris answered the question in her expression with a clear nod. The first intimate touch broke Iris's composure for half a second: her breath caught, her eyes closed, and her fingers tightened around Brenda's wrist before relaxing into an unmistakable invitation to continue. "That good?" Brenda murmured. Iris opened her eyes. "Don't become smug." "Too late." Iris laughed, then the laugh softened into a quiet sound when Brenda continued. She let herself receive without directing every moment, and Brenda, who usually filled silence with profanity or engineering commentary, became unexpectedly attentive. When Iris's first climax reached her, it arrived as a sudden stillness followed by a trembling breath against Brenda's shoulder. Brenda stayed close through it, kissing her temple until Iris opened her eyes again. "Still smug?" Iris asked. "Immensely." "Good." Iris rolled them gently, kissed Brenda until the grin became a softer expression, and returned the attention with the same deliberate care. Brenda's usual commentary survived for perhaps another minute. Then Iris moved lower with Brenda's eager permission, and the first oral contact erased the next clever sentence in favor of a startled curse and laughter. "Elegant," Iris murmured. "Fuck elegance." Iris smiled and continued. Brenda's climax was louder than Iris's, sharp enough to make her clutch at the bedding and then laugh breathlessly at herself. Iris stayed with her until the laughter faded into a long exhale. Afterward they lay tangled together, Brenda's head against Iris's shoulder and Iris's fingers moving lazily through her hair. "Separate sides of the bed?" Brenda asked eventually. Iris kissed her forehead. "Absolutely barbaric." Brenda grinned. The bedroom lights dimmed around them. The rest of Night City could manage without them for one evening. Downstairs, Elisa had finally stopped thinking about her messages. This was partly because Mai had taken her phone and placed it on the coffee table. Not confiscated. Not hidden. Simply moved out of her hands after Elisa had agreed that keeping it within reach was making relaxation unnecessarily difficult. And partly because Ace had decided that the entire situation called for a more useful subject. "All right." Elisa looked toward her. "All right what?" "Tell us something." "Such as?" "What did you miss most?" Elisa blinked. "About what?" "Us." Mai raised an eyebrow. "Subtle, darling." "I'm genuinely curious." Elisa considered. There were obvious answers. The laughter. The affection. The absence of corporate politics. The food. The way nobody expected her to be impressive. But Ace was watching her with open curiosity, and Mai had turned slightly toward her, waiting. Elisa smiled. "Do you want the polite answer?" Ace shook her head. "Absolutely not." "Good." She leaned back. "I missed being allowed to be ridiculous." Mai laughed softly. Ace looked delighted. "Oh, that's a good answer." "At work, if I make a joke, people have to decide whether it's actually funny or whether they should laugh because I'm the one telling it." "Sounds exhausting," Ace said. "It is." "And here?" Elisa smiled. "Here, if I make a terrible joke, Brenda makes a worse one, you make an even worse one, and Mai tells all of us exactly how bad we are." Mai nodded. "A public service." "Exactly." Ace looked offended. "My jokes are excellent." Elisa gave her a long look. "Darling." "What?" "Your security intercom performance this afternoon." Ace grinned. "Magnificent." "Your threat assessment consisted of counting my suitcases." "Three suitcases. Significant threat potential." Mai laughed. Elisa shook her head. "And I loved every second." Ace's grin softened. "Good." Elisa looked at them. "That's what I missed." Mai reached for her hand. "Being yourself?" Elisa nodded. "Without having to decide which version is appropriate." For a moment, Mai said nothing. Then she moved closer and kissed Elisa. Warmly. Unhurriedly. When she drew back, she smiled. "Then don't decide." Elisa looked at her. "Just be Elisa." Ace leaned against her other shoulder. "And sometimes Bea." Elisa laughed. "Sometimes Bea." "But tonight," Ace added, "you're definitely Elisa." Elisa turned toward her. "Definitely?" Ace smiled. "The woman we've been waiting to see." The words were simple. Almost casual. But Elisa felt them settle somewhere deep inside her. She reached for Ace. And kissed her. It was close to ten when they finally decided that the couch had served its purpose. Not because anyone was tired. Quite the opposite. They had talked through another pot of tea, laughed over several stories Elisa had missed, and exchanged enough affection that the space between them had become more theoretical than physical. Eventually, Mai glanced toward the clock. "Should we go to bedroom?" Elisa looked at her. Then at Ace. "Yes." Ace smiled. "Excellent." Mai stood first. Elisa followed. Ace rose from the couch, stretched, and looked toward the kitchen. "Water." Elisa laughed. "What?" "Water." Mai looked amused. "Darling." "Yukari made a valid point." Elisa covered her face. "Please don't." Ace grinned. "I'm being responsible." Mai nodded. "An admirable development." Ace retrieved three glasses, filled them, and carried them toward Triad's bedroom. Elisa watched her. Then leaned closer to Mai. "Is she always like this?" Mai smiled. "Usually worse." "Wonderful." "One of the reasons I love her." Elisa laughed. "One of mine too." The bedroom was familiar. That was what struck Elisa first. Not its size. Not its comfort. Not even the enormous bed. It was the unmistakable feeling of stepping into a room that belonged to people who lived there, loved there, argued there, and occasionally spent an entire afternoon doing absolutely nothing important. There were small personal belongings on the dresser. A book beside the bed. A folded shirt that someone had apparently intended to put away and then forgotten. The lighting was soft. The room smelled faintly of familiar perfume, clean bedding, and home. Elisa stood just inside the doorway. For a moment, she said nothing. Mai noticed. "Elisa?" She smiled. "I remembered this room." Ace placed the water glasses on the bedside table. "Hopefully fondly." Elisa laughed. "Very." Mai came closer. "You all right?" "Perfect." "Good." Elisa looked between them. Then shook her head slightly. "What?" Ace raised an eyebrow. "Nothing." "That's suspicious." Elisa laughed. "I was just thinking that I've spent several weeks looking forward to seeing you, and now that I'm finally here, I don't quite know what to say." Mai smiled. "You don't have to say anything." Ace nodded. "Although I reserve the right to keep talking." "Naturally." Elisa stepped forward. She took Mai's hand. Then Ace's. For a moment, she simply stood between them. "I love you." Mai's expression softened. "We love you too." Ace smiled. "Very much." Elisa looked at one woman. Then the other. And kissed them both. The first few minutes were almost shy. Not because the three women were strangers. They were anything but. But absence had its own peculiar weight. Weeks of missed conversations. Missed mornings. Missed evenings. The little things that made affection feel ordinary and extraordinary at the same time. Elisa found herself touching Mai's face simply because she could. Running her fingers through Ace's hair. Laughing when Ace made a ridiculous remark and then immediately forgetting what it had been because Mai kissed her again. There was no need to rush. No schedule. No client arrangement. No negotiation. Only three women who had chosen one another long before this evening. At one point, Ace drew back slightly. "Elisa?" "Yes?" "You're smiling." Elisa laughed. "I know." "A lot." "I know." "Just checking." Mai rested a hand against Elisa's cheek. "Happy?" Elisa looked at them. Then nodded. "More than I can tell you." Ace smiled. "Then don't." She kissed her. Mai watched Elisa turn back toward Ace, then moved close enough to rest a hand against both their shoulders. The three of them stood together for a moment, smiling at the simple fact that they were in the same room again. "Come sit with us," Mai said. They settled on the edge of the bed. Ace took Elisa's hand and kissed her knuckles. Elisa touched Mai's cheek, then glanced at the still-neat clothes she'd arrived in that afternoon. "I feel absurdly overdressed," she admitted. Ace looked her over. "Darling, you look gorgeous. But I'm not opposed to a change." Mai smiled. "Neither am I. Do you want a little help?" Elisa nodded. "Please. And no rushing. I've waited weeks to be here." They gave her exactly that. Elisa slipped off her jacket while Ace placed it neatly over a chair. Mai released the clasp at her back after asking, and Elisa leaned into a kiss before the next piece of clothing came away. When Ace became entangled in a sleeve of her own shirt, Elisa laughed so hard that Mai had to stop helping and join her. "This is the legendary competence I've heard about?" Elisa asked. "Operationally flawless," Ace insisted, finally freeing herself. Mai kissed Ace's shoulder. "Eventually." Their laughter softened as they returned to the bed. Elisa drew Mai beside her and reached for Ace too. Nobody had to choose between being tender and being delighted. With every step toward greater closeness, the women exchanged looks and quiet answers, rediscovering the familiar certainty that each was wanted. When Elisa's confidence faltered for one brief moment, Mai noticed. She touched her face and waited. "Sorry," Elisa whispered. "I think I just missed you more than I realized." Ace came closer. "Then we'll make up for some of the missing time." "If you're both willing," Elisa said, smiling again. "Darling," Mai answered, kissing her, "we've been waiting for you." Mai's first intimate caress made Elisa catch her breath and hold still for a moment. Mai met her eyes, waited for the small smile and the nod that followed, and only then let her hand settle between Elisa's thighs. The clarity of it mattered. Elisa knew exactly what she had chosen and exactly who was touching her. She leaned back against Ace, who kissed the side of her neck and held her without trying to steal Mai's moment. When Mai found the pace Elisa wanted, Elisa stopped trying to say anything clever. Her hand found Ace's and held on. "Still with us?" Ace murmured. Elisa laughed once, breathlessly. "Very much." Mai's smile was almost unfairly calm. She kept her attention on Elisa's face, adjusting whenever Elisa shifted or drew her closer. The pleasure built slowly enough for Elisa to feel every change. When her first climax finally caught her, she went rigid for an instant, then shuddered against Ace with a broken little laugh that turned unexpectedly emotional. Ace wrapped both arms around her. Mai stayed close, one hand resting against Elisa's hip until her breathing settled. Elisa opened her eyes and looked from one woman to the other. "Oh," she whispered. Ace kissed her cheek. "Good oh?" Elisa laughed again. "Extremely." She did not remain the center of attention by default. When she was ready, Elisa turned toward Ace and kissed her with renewed confidence. Her hand moved between Ace's thighs after a quiet question and an immediate yes. Ace's first response was pure Ace: a sharp intake of breath, a delighted grin, and a muttered, "Well, fuck," that made Elisa laugh into her shoulder. Mai kissed Ace while Elisa continued. The combination stripped the grin down to something more vulnerable. Ace held Elisa's gaze until the pleasure became too strong for teasing, then closed her eyes and clutched at Mai's hand. Her climax arrived with a startled laugh that broke into a low sound against Mai's mouth. For once, nobody used the moment to make fun of her. "Don't you dare," Ace warned weakly when she could speak again. Mai smiled. "I said nothing." "Your face did." Elisa kissed Ace's forehead. "She's right." Ace groaned, and all three laughed. Mai was the last to receive their full attention. Elisa asked before moving lower, and Mai's answer was immediate. Ace stayed beside her, stroking her hair and kissing her whenever she reached up. Elisa's oral attention made Mai's carefully controlled breathing falter sooner than she expected. She tried to comment on this as a matter of analytical interest and lost the sentence halfway through. Ace looked delighted. "There she is." Mai opened one eye. "Do not become insufferable." "Too late." Elisa laughed softly and continued until Mai's composure finally gave way. Mai's climax was quieter than Ace's, but no less obvious: her whole body tightened, her fingers closed around Ace's hand, and she released a long, shaking breath before pulling Elisa back up into her arms. For several moments the three simply held one another. Elisa's eyes became wet again, not from sadness but from the sudden force of being here, wanted, and entirely free to want them back. Ace saw it first and did not make a joke. She kissed Elisa slowly. Mai drew both women close. No one had to earn the right to be included. Each woman had been active, each had been allowed to receive, and each had been given time for her own pleasure to matter. By the time they finally settled together, Elisa had stopped reaching for words to explain how happy she was. Later, when the lights were low and the three had settled beneath the soft bedding, Elisa lay between Ace and Mai, feeling the warmth of both. Their clothes were folded or resting on the nearby chair, and the water Ace had carried in stood within reach. Now there was no reason to do anything except enjoy the quiet. Elisa rested her head against Mai's shoulder. Ace lay beside her, one arm draped comfortably across her waist. For a while, nobody spoke. Then Elisa sighed. Not sadly. With complete contentment. Ace lifted her head. "What?" "Nothing." "That was a sigh." "A happy sigh." "Ah." Mai smiled. "Those are allowed." "Excellent," Elisa murmured. Ace settled back. Another minute passed. Then Elisa spoke again. "I really thought I wouldn't be able to get away." Mai turned toward her. "From work?" "Yes." "What changed?" Elisa considered. "I stopped asking." Ace opened one eye. "Oh?" "I told them." Mai smiled. "Good." Elisa laughed softly. "It was surprisingly effective." Ace grinned. "See? Sometimes you have to be unreasonable." Mai looked at her. "That is not the lesson." "It's a lesson." "Not necessarily a good one." Elisa laughed. Then settled closer. A few minutes passed. "Mai?" "Yes, darling?" "Thank you." "For what?" "For making this easy." Mai kissed her. "You don't have to earn a place here." Elisa was quiet. Then she whispered: "I know." Ace moved closer from the other side. "Good." Elisa smiled. "I love you both." Mai held her more tightly. "We love you too." Ace kissed her. "Very much." --- Across Night City, Nadia was discovering that having both Shammy and Yukari as overnight guests presented a rather pleasant logistical problem. Namely, neither woman showed the slightest interest in allowing her to perform hostess duties alone. "I can make tea," Nadia protested. Shammy smiled. "I know, darling." "Then why are you doing it?" "Because I enjoy making tea for you." Nadia considered that. Then smiled. "Unfairly charming answer." "Thank you." Yukari, meanwhile, had taken over the task of arranging snacks. Her approach involved opening three cupboards, examining their contents with scholarly interest, and selecting ingredients for a combination Nadia had never considered. Nadia watched her. "What are you making?" "Something delicious." "That wasn't the question." "It was an accurate answer." Shammy laughed. Nadia shook her head. "You're both impossible." Yukari smiled. "So I've been told." A little later, all three women settled on the couch. Tea appeared. Food disappeared. Conversation flowed easily. There was no particular plan for the evening. No need for one. Eventually, Nadia leaned against Shammy. "How was Elisa?" Shammy smiled. "Wonderful." "She looked happy?" "Very." Nadia nodded. "Good." Yukari took another sip of tea. "She seemed almost surprised by how happy she was." Nadia considered. "That sounds like her." Shammy stroked Nadia's hair. "She works too hard." "She does." "And she carries a great deal." Yukari nodded. "Which makes moments of simple affection rather precious." Nadia smiled. "Then I'm glad you gave them tonight." Shammy looked toward her. "So am I." There was a pause. Then Yukari added, with perfect seriousness: "I did remind them to drink water." Nadia burst out laughing. Shammy closed her eyes. "Of course you did." "I am a responsible guest." "Naturally." "And sleep." Nadia laughed harder. Shammy shook her head. "Yukari." "What?" "You're terrible." The kitsune smiled. "I've heard." --- Back at the safehouse, the night had grown quiet. Iris and Brenda were asleep in their room. The city continued beyond the windows, restless and luminous, but the building itself had settled into peace. Elisa lay awake for a little while. Mai was sleeping beside her. Ace had curled closer, one hand resting against Elisa's waist. For several minutes, Elisa listened to their breathing. Then she smiled. No meetings. No deadlines. No corporate obligations. Just the women she loved. She closed her eyes. Tomorrow would bring Lizzie's. Five nights of music, laughter, extravagant clothing, extraordinary guests, and the peculiar social chaos that followed this family wherever it went. But that was tomorrow. Tonight belonged to them. And Elisa intended to remember every wonderful moment. Much later, in the darkness, Ace stirred. "Elisa?" A sleepy whisper. "Yes?" "You awake?" "Apparently." Ace moved closer. "Good." Elisa smiled. "Why?" A pause. Then Ace murmured: "Missed you." Elisa felt her throat tighten. She turned toward Ace and kissed her softly. "I missed you too." Mai shifted beside them. Without opening her eyes, she reached across Elisa and rested a hand against Ace's shoulder. "Both of you," she murmured. Ace smiled. "Sorry, darling." "Don't be." Mai drew closer. For a moment, the three women settled together again. Then Elisa whispered: "I'm glad I came." Ace kissed her forehead. "So are we." And finally, with the comfortable certainty that morning would find them together, they fell asleep. --- ## Chapter 3 — The Morning After, Before the Madness Thursday morning, Watson Safehouse, Night City Elisa woke to the sound of someone laughing. Not loudly. Not even particularly deliberately. Just a soft, helpless little laugh from somewhere very close to her left ear. She kept her eyes closed. There was a pause. Then another laugh. A second voice murmured something. The laughter became considerably less restrained. Elisa smiled. She knew those voices. And for the first time in weeks, she did not have to reach for her phone to hear them. "Darling," Mai whispered. "What?" Ace replied. "You're going to wake her." "I'm not doing anything." "You're laughing." "Quietly." "Not particularly." "I'm a naturally joyful person." "You're a naturally impossible person." "That too." Elisa opened one eye. Ace was lying on her side beside her, wearing an expression of complete innocence. Mai was propped against her pillow, watching Ace with unmistakable affection. Neither had noticed that Elisa was awake. Elisa considered her options. Then closed her eye again. This was too good to interrupt. "What were you going to do?" Mai asked. "Nothing." "Ace." "Just thinking." "About?" "Breakfast." Mai was silent for a moment. Then: "Breakfast?" "Yes." "At seven in the morning?" "A perfectly reasonable time for breakfast." "You were asleep thirty seconds ago." "I have excellent priorities." Mai laughed. Elisa decided she had heard enough. "Does breakfast include coffee?" Both women froze. Ace slowly turned her head. Mai looked down. Elisa opened her eyes. "Good morning." Ace broke into a delighted smile. "She's awake!" "Apparently." Mai leaned down and kissed her. "Good morning, darling." Elisa returned the kiss, lingering for a moment before smiling up at her. "Morning." Ace moved closer. "My turn." Elisa laughed. "Demanding." "Very." She drew Ace close and kissed her too. When they separated, Ace looked thoroughly pleased with the arrangement. "There." Elisa smiled. "Better?" "Much." Mai shook her head. "Both of you." Elisa turned toward her. "What?" "You're encouraging her." "Absolutely." "Wonderful." Ace grinned. "Democracy." Mai raised an eyebrow. "That's not democracy." "Two votes against one." "That's arithmetic." "Still counts." Elisa laughed so hard that Ace had to catch her when she nearly rolled off the edge of the enormous bed. For a while, nobody got up. There was no reason to. Elisa's corporate schedule had been cleared. Ace had no urgent contract waiting. Mai had already arranged the morning's essentials the previous day, and Lizzie's preparations would not require their presence until later. The world could survive without them for another hour. Elisa lay between her lovers, enjoying the extraordinary luxury of doing nothing. Eventually, she sighed. Mai brushed her hair away from her face. "Happy?" Elisa smiled. "Very." "Good." Ace rested her chin on Elisa's shoulder. "How's the vacation?" Elisa considered. "So far?" "Yes." "Excellent." "Rating?" "Ten." "Out of?" "Ten." Ace looked triumphant. "Outstanding." Mai smiled. "Any complaints?" Elisa pretended to think. "Well..." Ace lifted her head. "What?" "Someone keeps stealing the blankets." Mai immediately looked at Ace. Ace looked offended. "Why are you looking at me?" "Because you do." "I do not." "Darling, you wrapped yourself in half the duvet sometime after three." "Strategic insulation." Elisa laughed. Mai continued. "And then you tried to take Elisa's pillow." Ace stared. "That was an accident." "You were asleep." "Exactly." Elisa turned toward her. "You tried to steal my pillow?" Ace considered. "Allegedly." Mai smiled. "I was there." "Unreliable witness." Elisa shook her head. Then kissed Ace. "You're forgiven." Ace looked pleased. "Excellent." Mai sighed. "This is why she never learns." Elisa grinned. "I don't particularly want her to." --- Eventually, practical necessities won. Coffee. Breakfast. And the realization that if they stayed in bed much longer, Ace would inevitably begin inventing increasingly creative reasons why nobody needed to get up at all. Mai was the first to move. "Come on." Ace groaned. "No." "Darling." "Five more minutes." "You said that twenty minutes ago." "Still valid." Elisa laughed. Mai leaned down and kissed her wife. "Breakfast." Ace opened one eye. "Coffee?" "Yes." "Food?" "Yes." "More kisses?" Mai smiled. "If you behave." Ace immediately sat up. "Well, why didn't you say so?" Elisa collapsed into laughter. --- The safehouse kitchen was peaceful. Unusually peaceful. No Yukari lounging beneath the table in fox form. No Shammy quietly enjoying the household's morning arguments. No Brenda delivering an entirely inappropriate observation before her first cup of coffee. For a few minutes, the three women had the kitchen entirely to themselves. Elisa stood near the coffee machine, watching Mai prepare breakfast. Ace was handling the toast. Or, more precisely, Ace had been assigned the toast after Mai decided that putting her in charge of anything more complicated would delay breakfast unnecessarily. "This is discrimination," Ace announced. Mai didn't look up. "Against whom?" "Talented cooks." "You're making toast." "Artisanal toast." Elisa smiled into her coffee. "What's artisanal about it?" Ace held up a slice. "Handcrafted." "By the toaster?" "Under my supervision." Mai laughed. "An invaluable contribution." "Thank you." Elisa took another sip. Then looked around. "It's quiet." Mai nodded. "Shammy's still with Nadia." "And Yukari?" "She'll be back this morning." Ace inspected her toast. "Provided Nadia hasn't decided to keep her." Elisa raised an eyebrow. "Can she do that?" Ace considered. "Probably not legally." Mai laughed. "Yukari goes wherever she wishes, darling." "Exactly. Terrible security arrangement." Elisa smiled. "And Iris and Brenda?" "Sleeping, presumably," Mai said. Ace grinned. "Or pretending." Elisa laughed. "Behave." "I am behaving." "Your expression says otherwise." "My expression is naturally expressive." Mai looked over. "That's certainly true." Iris emerged a little later. Her expression suggested a woman who had slept extremely well. "Good morning." Elisa smiled. "Morning!" Iris came over and gave her a warm embrace. "Sleep well?" Elisa smiled. "Beautifully." "Good." Ace looked at Iris. "Where's Brenda?" "Still getting dressed." "Should we be worried?" "About Brenda getting dressed?" "About the delay." Iris considered. "Not unless you think twenty minutes spent arguing with a wardrobe constitutes an emergency." Elisa laughed. Mai raised an eyebrow. "What's the problem?" Iris sighed fondly. "She can't decide whether she wants to attend Lizzie's tonight." Ace blinked. "That's a wardrobe problem?" "Apparently." "Impressive." Iris poured herself coffee. "She says that if we're going, she needs something appropriate." Elisa smiled. "For Lizzie's?" "Yes." Ace grinned. "Oh, I have ideas." Mai pointed at her. "No." Ace looked offended. "I haven't said anything!" "Exactly." Iris laughed. "Thank you, Mai." Elisa leaned closer. "Do I want to know?" Iris smiled. "Probably not." Brenda arrived ten minutes later. She stopped at the kitchen entrance. Looked at Elisa. Then Ace. Then Mai. And smiled. "Oh, good." Ace closed her eyes. "Here we go." Brenda approached the table. "I see everyone survived." Elisa laughed. "Good morning, Brenda." "Good morning, darling." Iris held out a mug of coffee. Brenda accepted it. Then leaned over and kissed her wife. "Thank you, love." "You're welcome." Brenda took a sip. Then looked at Ace. "Well?" Ace stared. "Well what?" "Breakfast." "What about it?" "Is there any left?" There was a moment of silence. Then Elisa burst out laughing. Ace pointed at Brenda. "THAT WAS DELIBERATE." Brenda looked innocent. "What?" "You made me think you were going to say something else!" "Did I?" "YES." Brenda smiled. "How fascinating." Iris shook her head. "Darling, you really are terrible." "Thank you." Ace narrowed her eyes. "You're learning from Yukari." Brenda considered. "An excellent teacher." Mai smiled into her coffee. --- By nine, breakfast had turned into a long, comfortable conversation. Elisa had no intention of checking her messages. She had briefly considered it. Then remembered that her corporate team had survived entire weekends without her and could presumably manage another few hours. Instead, she listened as Iris described a recent O'Sullivan corporate meeting that had apparently involved three executives, two contradictory presentations, and a considerable amount of creative accounting. Brenda provided commentary. Frequently. And with enthusiasm. "The man's entire argument," Iris explained, "was that the department had exceeded its budget because its performance had exceeded expectations." Elisa frowned. "That doesn't necessarily follow." "Exactly." Brenda leaned forward. "Especially when the department's performance was down eleven percent." Ace stared. "Wait." Mai looked amused. "Yes?" "He spent more money to accomplish less?" "Correct," Iris said. Ace considered. "That's impressive." Elisa nodded. "In the worst possible sense." Brenda smiled. "And then he requested an increase for next quarter." Ace slowly put down her coffee. "Please tell me you laughed." Iris smiled. "Professionally." Ace turned toward Brenda. "Translation?" Brenda looked delighted. "She asked him to explain his reasoning." Elisa winced. "Oh, dear." Mai raised an eyebrow. "That bad?" Elisa laughed. "Coming from Iris? Probably devastating." Iris took a sip of coffee. "I was perfectly polite." Brenda smiled. "Of course you were." A pause. "That's what made it beautiful." -- The morning's next arrival announced herself through the safehouse security system. A familiar notification sounded. Ace glanced toward the display. Then smiled. "Yukari." Mai looked up. "Already?" "Apparently." Ace checked the camera feed. A woman stood at the secured entrance, looking entirely composed and carrying a small overnight bag. Yukari waved at the camera. Then smiled. Ace activated the intercom. "STATE YOUR BUSINESS." Yukari looked directly into the camera. "Good morning, beloved." "IDENTIFY YOURSELF." "Someone who knows where you keep the good coffee." Ace paused. Then grinned. "THREAT LEVEL: EXTREME." Yukari laughed. "How very perceptive." Mai shook her head. "Darling, open the door." "Yes, ma'am." Ace completed the required security checks and went to the upper entrance. A moment later, Yukari stepped inside. She was wearing a beautiful casual outfit and an expression of almost suspicious serenity. "Good morning." Elisa smiled. "Yukari!" The kitsune embraced her warmly. "Good morning, darling." "Did you have a lovely evening?" "Very." "Good." Yukari looked toward Mai. Then Ace. Then back at Elisa. Her smile grew. "And you?" Ace folded her arms. "Don't." Yukari blinked. "Don't what?" "Whatever you're about to say." "I was merely asking whether everyone had a pleasant evening." Mai laughed. Elisa shook her head. "You're impossible." Yukari smiled. "So I've been told." --- Yukari settled at the kitchen table with coffee. Ace watched her. Suspiciously. Yukari noticed. "Beloved?" "Yes?" "Is something wrong?" "No." "Then why are you staring?" "Because you're being too quiet." Yukari considered. "I can speak more, if you prefer." "No." "How disappointing." Elisa laughed. Mai placed a plate of breakfast in front of Yukari. "Here." "Thank you, darling." "How's Nadia?" "Wonderful." "And Shammy?" "Equally wonderful." Ace relaxed slightly. "Good." Yukari smiled. "They're still enjoying a leisurely morning together." Mai nodded. "There's no hurry." "Exactly." Yukari took a sip of coffee. Then added, quite casually: "Nadia did ask whether everyone here was well rested." Ace groaned. Elisa covered her face. Mai laughed. Yukari looked entirely innocent. "I assured her that I would inquire." Ace pointed at her. "YUKARI." "What?" "You're enjoying this." "Immensely." Iris began laughing. Brenda looked delighted. "Oh, I adore you." Yukari inclined her head. "The feeling is mutual." --- By late morning, the conversation shifted toward Lizzie's. The event officially opened that evening. Five nights. Thursday through Monday. A special programme featuring the Wild Muses, additional independent professionals, and several distinguished guests. Suzy had been preparing for days. Lisa had reviewed security. Panam was coordinating the Stable. And the participating women were finalizing their individual arrangements. Elisa listened with growing interest. "So when do we go?" Mai checked her tablet. "Later this afternoon." "All of us?" "Not necessarily. Some will arrive earlier for preparations." Ace nodded. "Lena first." Elisa smiled. "The flame hairstyle?" Ace grinned. "Yes." "I'm looking forward to seeing it." "So am I." Mai looked at her. "Have you decided how you want to wear your own hair?" Elisa considered. "Bea's ice blue." "Of course." "But I might change the styling a little." Ace leaned forward. "Oh?" "Nothing too dramatic." Mai smiled. "Define dramatic." Elisa laughed. "Less dramatic than setting my head on fire." Ace looked offended. "MY HAIR IS NOT ACTUALLY ON FIRE." Yukari smiled. "An important distinction." Brenda nodded gravely. "Especially indoors." Ace pointed at both of them. "I hate this family." Shammy wasn't present to correct her. Mai did it instead. "No, you don't." Ace smiled. "No, I don't." --- At Lizzie's, Suzy Q was already dealing with the first operational complication of the day. Not a serious one. Merely an irritating one. A supplier had delivered the wrong lighting control module. The replacement was compatible. Technically. But it required a firmware adjustment that would delay the final lighting check. Suzy stood behind the bar, staring at the equipment report. Lisa watched her. "Problem?" "Apparently." "Security?" "No." "Then survivable." Suzy looked at her. "You're enjoying this." "A little." "Wonderful." Lisa examined the report. "How long?" "An hour." "Fine." "Fine?" "We don't open for hours." Suzy sighed. "You're annoyingly reasonable." "Occupational hazard." The club was already alive with preparations. Mox staff moved through the public floor. Sound engineers tested the music system. Lighting technicians checked the neon installations. The bar team prepared stock. And the soundproof back room was being inspected for the private conversations that would inevitably become necessary. Lisa walked through the venue. No imaginary executive booths. No special hidden VIP lounges. No spaces where wealthy customers could assume the normal rules stopped applying. Lizzie's was Lizzie's. Mox territory. And every person entering would be expected to remember that. Lisa returned to the bar. "Entrance staffing confirmed." "Good." "Extra Mox on rotation." "Excellent." "Back room secured." "Perfect." "Booking procedures unchanged." Suzy smiled. "Naturally." Lisa looked at her. "And the vampire guests?" Suzy's smile widened. "Still confirmed." Lisa sighed. "Of course." "Something wrong?" "No." "Then?" Lisa glanced around the club. "Just wondering what kind of evening we're about to have." Suzy laughed. "An expensive one." --- Elsewhere in Night City, Seras Victoria was considering a matter of etiquette. Helena stood before a mirror, examining two dresses. One was black. Elegant. Understated. The other was a deep burgundy that caught the light in a way that made its fabric appear almost alive. Seras sat nearby, watching with amusement. "The burgundy." Helena looked at her. "You haven't even considered the black." "I have." "For approximately half a second." "An entirely sufficient period." Helena smiled. "You're biased." "Hopelessly." "At least you admit it." Seras rose and approached her. The burgundy dress remained in Helena's hands. "You're thinking about something," Seras observed. "Yes." "What?" "The performers." Seras raised an eyebrow. "Oh?" "Specifically, their stage identities." Seras smiled. "Go on." "We may recognize people beneath their disguises." "Quite possibly." "And some may not expect that." "No." Helena considered. "Then we should be careful." Seras's expression warmed. "Of course." "Recognition does not entitle us to reveal anything." "Naturally." "Nor does familiarity with someone in private mean we can disregard the identity they have chosen for public work." Seras nodded. "Exactly." Helena smiled. "Good." She turned back toward the mirror. "Then I shall treat everyone as they present themselves." Seras approached from behind and rested her hands gently against Helena's waist. "One of the many reasons I love you." Helena laughed softly. "Good manners?" "Among other things." "How reassuring." Seras kissed her cheek. Helena turned within her embrace. Their lips met. For a moment, the dresses were forgotten. Then Helena drew back. "Black or burgundy?" Seras smiled. "Burgundy." "Still?" "Absolutely." Helena considered. Then nodded. "Very well." She set the black dress aside. "And you?" Seras glanced toward her wardrobe. "I haven't decided." Helena smiled. "Then perhaps I should help." Seras raised an eyebrow. "Would you?" "Gladly." --- Back at the safehouse, Elisa was beginning to discover that preparing for a night at Lizzie's could be an event in itself. Ace had commandeered the living room display. Several hairstyle concepts were visible. Mai stood beside her. Yukari watched with scholarly interest. Iris and Brenda had settled nearby. Elisa leaned forward. "That one." Ace turned. "Which?" "The third." Ace looked at the image. A dramatic arrangement of neon-orange hair rose in carefully structured waves above the deep-red cyber-oni face mesh. The shape suggested living fire. Not actual flame. Not even an artificial holographic effect. Just brilliant color, skillful styling, and the kind of bold visual design that would make Mandi impossible to ignore. Ace grinned. "YES." Mai examined it. "That's the one." Iris nodded. "Definitely." Brenda smiled. "Utterly outrageous." Ace beamed. "Thank you." "That was a compliment." "I know." Yukari tilted her head. "Very striking." Elisa smiled. "And very Mandi." Ace looked delighted. "Exactly." Mai checked the appointment confirmation. "Lena can finish it this afternoon." "Perfect." "And Victor?" "Confirmed." Mai nodded. "Good." Elisa looked between them. "So the voice changes are handled separately again?" "Yes," Mai said. "Victor's multi-day biosculpts." "And the hair?" "ChromeLock v2." Elisa nodded. She understood the distinction. Hair color and styling persisted through ordinary daily activities. The voice changes were medical procedures with their own duration. And the face meshes provided the visual separation that allowed their cover identities to exist convincingly in public. Bea had her own arrangements. Which meant Elisa would need to finalize her styling and cover preparations before working. She smiled. "Feels strange." Mai looked toward her. "What does?" "Getting ready to be Bea again." "Good strange?" Elisa considered. Then nodded. "Very good strange." Ace smiled. "Welcome back." --- Around noon, Elisa finally asked a question that had been bothering her. "Can I ask something?" Mai looked up. "Of course." "Seras Victoria." Ace grinned. "Yes?" "What's she actually like?" Mai considered. Then smiled. "Kind." Elisa blinked. "Kind?" "Very." Ace nodded. "Also terrifyingly powerful." "Naturally." "And surprisingly funny." Elisa looked interested. "Really?" Ace grinned. "Very." Yukari smiled. "Seras has a delightful sense of humor." Elisa considered. "And Helena?" Mai's expression softened. "Wonderful woman." Yukari nodded. "Thoughtful. Warm. Very intelligent." "And older than Seras?" "Considerably," Yukari said. Elisa raised an eyebrow. "Does that matter?" "Not particularly." Ace leaned back. "Helena has this way of looking at you when you've said something ridiculous." Elisa smiled. "Like Mai?" Ace considered. "No." Mai raised an eyebrow. "Oh?" "Mai looks at me like she's deciding whether to kiss me or throw something at me." Elisa burst out laughing. "And Helena?" Ace grinned. "Like she's considering whether civilization was a mistake." Yukari laughed. Mai shook her head. "Darling." "What?" "That's not entirely fair." "Fine. Occasionally she smiles first." Elisa laughed again. Then looked thoughtful. "I'm looking forward to meeting them." Mai nodded. "I think you'll like them." --- By early afternoon, the safehouse was settling into the practical business of getting ready. The arrangements were clear. Yukari had returned home. Shammy remained with Nadia, and both would join the Lizzie's preparations later. Iris and Brenda had decided to attend the opening evening. Elisa would speak with Suzy about Bea's independent participation. Ace and Mai had their styling appointments. And the club itself would open that evening. For once, everything appeared reasonably organized. Ace looked around the room. Then smiled. "This is suspicious." Mai glanced up. "What is?" "Everything." "Everything?" "Nobody's shooting at us." "Good." "No cultists." "Excellent." "No ancient artifact trying to destroy reality." "Wonderful." "No mysterious voice calling us from another dimension." Yukari raised an eyebrow. "Beloved." Ace looked at her. "What?" "Please don't tempt fate." Elisa laughed. Brenda nodded gravely. "Yes. We have a party to attend." Iris smiled. "And I'd rather not spend the evening dealing with a supernatural emergency." Mai folded her arms. "Then perhaps we should all agree not to mention such things again." Ace considered. Then raised both hands. "Fine." A pause. "Just saying." Mai gave her a look. Ace grinned. "No promises." --- At Nadia's apartment, Shammy was helping prepare for the afternoon. Nadia stood before a mirror, adjusting her outfit. Shammy watched with affection. "You look beautiful." Nadia smiled. "So do you." Shammy laughed softly. "Thank you." Nadia turned. "Ready?" "Almost." "Anything missing?" Shammy considered. Then smiled. "A kiss." Nadia laughed. "That can be arranged." She approached. They kissed warmly. When they separated, Nadia rested her forehead against Shammy's. "Looking forward to tonight?" "Very." "Good." Shammy glanced toward the window. "And I'm glad we stayed here." Nadia smiled. "So am I." A pause. Then Nadia asked: "Think Elisa enjoyed her evening?" Shammy's expression softened. "I imagine she did." Nadia laughed. "Yukari seemed quite confident." Shammy shook her head. "Yukari is often confident." "Usually correctly." "Unfortunately." They both laughed. Then Nadia reached for her bag. "Come on, love." Shammy took her hand. "Let's go." --- By midafternoon, Lizzie's preparations were entering their final stage. Suzy stood behind the bar, examining the updated schedule. Lisa approached. "Everything ready?" "Almost." "Lighting?" "Fixed." "Sound?" "Perfect." "Entrance?" "Ready." "Security?" "Ready." "Performers?" "Arriving." Lisa nodded. "Good." Suzy smiled. "Five nights." Lisa sighed. "Five nights." "Excited?" "Professionally." Suzy laughed. Then her agent chimed. A message. She read it. Paused. Then smiled. Lisa noticed immediately. "What?" Suzy looked up. "Rogue confirmed Friday." Lisa raised an eyebrow. "Here?" "Here." "Not her usual evening?" "Apparently not." Lisa considered. Then nodded. "Interesting." Suzy's grin widened. "Very." Lisa looked at her. "You are enjoying this." "Immensely." A pause. Then Suzy glanced back at the guest list. Seras Victoria. Helena. Rogue. A remarkable collection of familiar professionals. And enough wealthy clients to make the evening's financial projections look thoroughly ridiculous. She set down the tablet. Then smiled. "Well." Lisa raised an eyebrow. "Well?" Suzy looked toward the entrance. "Let's make some money." Lisa sighed. "And keep everyone alive." "That too." --- At the safehouse, Ace finally stood before the mirror. Her brilliant neon-orange hair had been transformed into a spectacular flame-like arrangement. The styling rose above her head in carefully shaped waves, with subtle variations in texture that suggested motion even when she stood still. She turned her head. The shape moved naturally. Then settled back into place. ChromeLock v2 preserved the design. Ace grinned. "Oh, I love this." Mai stood beside her, examining the result. "It's beautiful." Ace looked toward her. "Really?" "Really." Elisa leaned closer. "Spectacular." Iris nodded. "Very dramatic." Brenda grinned. "Utterly shameless." Ace beamed. "Perfect." Yukari smiled. "Very fitting." Ace turned toward her. "Thank you." Mai looked at the clock. "We should get moving." Ace nodded. "Right." She glanced at Elisa. "Ready?" Elisa smiled. "Almost." "Almost?" "One more thing." Ace raised an eyebrow. "What?" Elisa stepped closer. Then kissed her. Ace responded with immediate enthusiasm. When they separated, Elisa smiled. "Now I'm ready." Mai laughed. "Both of you." Elisa turned toward her. "Oh, don't worry." She kissed Mai too. Then stepped back. "Wouldn't want anyone feeling neglected." Ace grinned. "Excellent policy." --- Outside, Night City was beginning to prepare for another evening. Traffic thickened. Neon signs flickered awake. The city's relentless noise gathered strength as the working day gave way to its more interesting hours. At Lizzie's, Suzy Q stood behind the bar. Lisa had taken her position. Mox security controlled the entrance. The public floor was ready. The soundproof back room waited for conversations that would require privacy. And the first guests were beginning to arrive. Some came for music. Some for conversation. Some for the possibility of meeting someone extraordinary. Some for reasons they had not yet decided. And somewhere across the city, two ancient vampires were preparing for an evening that would introduce them to a very modern form of entertainment. The first night of Lizzie's Long Weekend was about to begin. --- ## Chapter 4 — On Mox Ground Thursday evening, Lizzie's Bar, Night City Suzy Q had three rules for an evening like this. Make sure the music was good. Make sure the staff were happy. And make absolutely certain that anybody with more money than common sense understood whose fucking club they were standing in. The third rule was particularly important tonight. She stood behind the bar, examining the final preparations for Lizzie's Long Weekend. Five nights. Thursday through Monday. Six featured Wild Muses. Three kinds of invitation cards. A substantial number of wealthy guests. And, somewhere on the evening's attendance list, the names of two women who had probably seen more history than most of Night City's museums contained. Suzy looked at the names. Then shook her head. "Well, fuck." Lisa appeared beside her. "That bad?" "Quite the opposite." "Then why are you swearing?" "Because I'm trying to decide whether inviting the Vampire Queen to Lizzie's was inspired or completely fucking insane." Lisa considered. "Did you invite her?" "Of course." "Did she accept?" "Yes." "Then I don't see the problem." Suzy turned. "Lisa." "What?" "Seras Victoria." "Yes." "The Vampire Queen." "That's generally what people call her." Suzy stared. Lisa smiled. "She knows where she's coming?" "Yes." "She knows what kind of place this is?" "Yes." "She understands that our people make their own decisions?" "Yes." "Then she'll probably have a lovely evening." Suzy watched her for a moment. Then laughed. "Goddammit." Lisa grinned. "You're welcome." Suzy glanced toward the entrance. "And Helena's coming with her." "Excellent." "Excellent?" "Two satisfied customers are better than one." Suzy burst out laughing. "You're a terrible influence." Lisa folded her arms. "I learned from the best." --- Lizzie's was already alive. Not crowded yet, but ready. The bar was prepared, the music was running, and the familiar neon washed over the public floor in shifting violet and pink. Mox staff moved through their preparations with the easy confidence of people who knew their own territory. A bartender checked the glassware. A technician finished adjusting a lighting sequence. Two Mox women exchanged amused insults while reviewing the evening's staffing arrangements. Nobody was preparing a royal reception. There would be no special announcement when Seras arrived. No ceremonial procession. No room cleared for her convenience. She was coming to Lizzie's. She would be welcomed. And the club would remain itself. Suzy liked that. The Wild Muses cards were arranged near the bar. Three sets. Conversation. Performance. Private Invitation. The wording was deliberately provocative. The limitations were equally deliberate. A card was an idea. A suggestion. An opportunity to approach somebody with a proposal. It wasn't an appointment. It wasn't consent. And it certainly wasn't a receipt for another human being. Suzy had explained that distinction so many times during the first Wild Muses event that she could probably recite it while unconscious. She hoped the new guests would prove reasonably intelligent. Lisa glanced at the cards. "Expecting trouble?" "Not particularly." "That's unusually optimistic." Suzy smiled. "I'm expecting people." Lisa nodded. "Ah. Trouble, then." The first unmistakable sign that the evening was beginning came from the entrance. "SUZY!" Suzy closed her eyes. There was only one woman in Night City capable of fitting that much enthusiastic profanity into a single syllable. Lisa turned. Then stopped. "Oh, fuck." Suzy opened her eyes. And stared. Mandi had arrived. Her neon-orange hair had been transformed into an extraordinary crown of sculpted flames. The brilliant waves rose above her head, curling and dividing into shapes that seemed almost alive beneath the club's lighting. ChromeLock v2 maintained every carefully arranged contour. Beneath it, Mandi's expressive cyber-oni face was a magnificent contrast of deep red and ornamental orange. Her black eyes glittered. The little fangs at the corners of her grin were clearly visible. At 145 centimeters, she was still the smallest woman in the immediate vicinity. Somehow, she was also the most visually outrageous. Mandi spread her arms. "Well?" Suzy stared. Then laughed. "Holy fucking shit." Mandi beamed. "THANK YOU!" Dalia followed her through the entrance. Her vivid pink dreadlocks fell around her shoulders, striking against the carefully fitted face mesh that gave her a completely different appearance from the woman beneath. Emerald-green reflections flashed across her contacts. A menthol lollipop rested between her lips. Her thigh-high boots completed a silhouette that was every bit as deliberate as Mandi's, though considerably less interested in setting the room's visual expectations on fire. Dalia looked at Suzy. "She's been waiting all afternoon for that reaction." Mandi turned. "I have not." Dalia slowly removed the lollipop. "Darling, you practiced your entrance." Suzy started laughing again. Mandi looked offended. "That was choreography." "Of course." "Presentation matters." "Naturally." Lisa stepped closer. She examined Mandi's hair carefully. Then smiled. "Lena outdid herself." Mandi's expression softened into genuine pleasure. "She really did." "How long did it take?" "Enough time that I owe her dinner." Dalia raised an eyebrow. "Several dinners." "Fine. Several dinners." Suzy approached and embraced Mandi. "Welcome back, you ridiculous woman." Mandi hugged her. "Good to be here." Then she stepped back, caught Dalia around the waist and drew her close. Dalia kissed her with easy familiarity. Suzy watched them. "Ready for five nights?" Mandi's grin returned. "Darling, I'm ready for anything." Dalia gave her a sideways look. "Within reason." "Your definition of reason is disappointingly conservative." Dalia leaned down and whispered something into Mandi's ear. Mandi blinked. Then laughed. "Okay. Your definition of reason is fucking excellent." Lisa shook her head. "Please tell me I don't want to know." Dalia smiled sweetly. "Probably not." Deja arrived with them. Her ivory presentation was immaculate, and her leash rested comfortably in Dalia's hand. Dalia turned toward her as naturally as she had turned toward Mandi. "Come here, darling." Deja stepped close. They kissed. Then Deja looked toward Mandi. Her eyes rose to the orange crown. She stopped. Considered. And smiled. "That is spectacular." Mandi looked delighted. "See?" Dalia sighed. "Another compliment." "Recognition is important," Mandi said. Deja laughed. "Apparently." Suzy welcomed Deja with an affectionate embrace. Then she glanced at the three women. "Any changes to your arrangements tonight?" Dalia shook her head. "Nothing beyond what we discussed." Deja smiled. "I'm comfortable." Mandi nodded. "Same here." Suzy looked satisfied. "Good." She wasn't going to make a ceremony out of it. These women knew their work. And she knew them. That was enough. Nova and Vega Marlow arrived next. Their entrance was considerably more restrained than Mandi's. Which, admittedly, was not a difficult accomplishment. But it was no less striking. Nova's split chrome-and-gold hair framed her expressive face mesh, the styling perfectly maintained by ChromeLock v2. Her full-eye white-void contacts gave her gaze an arresting quality beneath the club lights. Her outfit carried the familiar gold-and-white palette of her professional identity. Vega walked beside her, the mirrored counterpart in chrome and brass-yellow. Her black-void eyes were a dramatic contrast to Nova's. Brass and black defined her clothing, the lines deliberately sharper and more provocative. They were obviously a professional pair. Not twins. Not sisters. Two women with different faces, different styles, and an extraordinarily comfortable working relationship. Vega looked toward Mandi. Then stopped. "Oh, for fuck's sake." Mandi grinned. "WHAT?" Vega gestured upward. "You've turned your head into a fucking bonfire." Nova examined the hairstyle. "An extremely expensive bonfire." Mandi folded her arms. "Art." Vega smiled. "Of course." Nova approached her. Then touched Mandi's shoulder. "It really is beautiful." Mandi's expression warmed. "Thank you, darling." Vega looked toward Dalia. "How long has she been like this?" "Since lunch." "God help us." Mandi raised a finger. "God has already helped. He sent Lena." Suzy burst out laughing. Lisa closed her eyes. And somewhere behind them, a bartender quietly decided that tonight was going to require considerably more coffee than usual. --- Bea arrived a little later. Her ice-blue hair caught the lighting as she approached the bar, her established face mesh providing the familiar visual separation from Elisa's everyday appearance. There was a confidence to her movements that hadn't existed during her earliest visits. Not because she had become someone else. Because she had discovered how much she enjoyed being Bea. Suzy spotted her immediately. "Bea!" Bea smiled. "Hello, Suzy." They embraced. "Good to have you back." "Good to be back." Suzy looked her over. "Looking beautiful." "Thank you." "Ready to work?" Bea considered. "I'd certainly like to." "Good. Let's talk." They remained at the bar. There was no reason to go anywhere else. Their conversation concerned ordinary professional arrangements. Availability. Preferred kinds of encounters. How much of the weekend Bea wanted to spend working. Whether she wanted to accept invitations directly or have particular inquiries filtered through Suzy. And, just as importantly, when she intended to stop. "I am on vacation," Bea reminded her. Suzy laughed. "Then don't work the whole fucking time." "I wasn't planning to." "Excellent." "I'd like to enjoy the event too." "That's rather the point." Bea smiled. "And if something interesting comes along?" "Then you decide whether you're interested." "Perfect." Suzy glanced at the schedule. "I can accommodate you independently. You're not part of the featured six, and nobody's going to treat you as though you are." "Exactly what I wanted." "Then we're good." Bea smiled. "Thank you." Suzy reached across the bar and squeezed her hand. "Welcome back, darling." Bea looked around the familiar club. Then smiled. It really did feel good. --- Madame Panam arrived with Sera and Nadia. The three women had spent the afternoon together, and there was something unmistakably affectionate in the way they entered. Sera's silver-white hair fell around her shoulders, faint atmospheric movement occasionally disturbing its edges. Her white couture was extraordinary. Not merely a pale dress. A deliberate artistic statement, elegant and almost impossibly graceful on her 195-centimeter frame. Her charged blue eyes moved across the club with familiar warmth. Nadia stood beside her, looking equally beautiful in her chosen presentation. Panam walked between them for a few steps before releasing their hands and approaching Suzy. "Evening." "Madame." They embraced. Panam looked around. "Everything ready?" "Close enough to perfect that I don't want anybody touching the lighting controls." Panam laughed. "That bad?" "One replacement module, two technicians, and a great deal of creative profanity." "Sounds familiar." Suzy glanced toward Sera and Nadia. "How are my artists?" Nadia smiled. "Wonderful." Sera nodded. "Very well, thank you." Panam reached back and drew them closer. She kissed Nadia. Then Sera. Both responded with easy affection. Suzy watched the three women. Then smiled. "Good." Panam looked toward the other performers. Mandi had already spotted her. Naturally. "OWNER!" Panam turned. Mandi approached with the enthusiasm of a small, extremely expensive guided missile. Panam caught her in an embrace. "Hello, sweetheart." Mandi kissed her. "Look!" Panam looked up. And laughed. "Oh, darling." Mandi waited. Panam examined the hairstyle from several angles. Then smiled. "Magnificent." Mandi absolutely glowed. "THANK YOU, OWNER!" Panam shook her head, laughing. "You are going to be insufferable tonight." Mandi kissed her again. "Only because you love me." Panam touched her cheek. "Yes, pet. I do." Nova and Vega joined them. "Evening, Owner," Nova said. Panam welcomed her with a kiss. "Hello, beautiful." Vega grinned. "Owner." Panam turned toward her. "Hello, trouble." Vega looked offended. "Me?" "Especially you." "An outrageous accusation." Panam kissed her. "An accurate one." Nadia laughed. Sera smiled. The five women of Panam's Stable were together. Mandi. Sera. Nadia. Nova. Vega. Each wore her own collar. Each had chosen this relationship. And each remained fully responsible for her own professional decisions. Panam accepted their leash handles as they offered them, making room for her pets around her instead of arranging them into some ridiculous inspection line. Mandi settled close to her side. Nadia leaned against her shoulder. Sera bent to kiss her hair. Nova and Vega exchanged a private smile. For a moment, the arrangement was simply affectionate. Panam looked at each of them. "Comfortable?" Five affirmative answers. "Anything anyone wants changed before we start?" Nova shook her head. "No, Owner." Vega smiled. "All good, Owner." Nadia nodded. "Yes, Owner." Sera smiled. "Perfectly, Owner." Mandi raised a finger. Panam sighed. "Darling." "What?" "Actual question?" "Of course." "Go on." "Do compliments count as a performance fee?" Vega burst out laughing. Panam closed her eyes. "No, pet." Mandi looked disappointed. "Terrible business model." Dalia called from nearby: "Darling, if they did, you'd be a billionaire before opening." Mandi turned. "Exactly!" Panam laughed. Then her tone became a little more practical. "Breaks stay where we agreed them. Nobody skips food because an offer looks attractive. If someone makes you uncomfortable, you tell me or Lisa. And nobody accepts anything just because a customer thinks a collar is a purchasing opportunity." Nova nodded. "Understood, Owner." Vega smiled. "Always, Owner." Panam turned to Sera and Nadia. "And my artists?" Nadia looked at her. "Yes, Owner?" "The conversation arrangements haven't changed." Sera nodded. "Five million per person." "For the agreed private conversation," Panam said. "Nothing else," Nadia added. "Exactly." Mandi grinned. "And if someone thinks it buys something else?" Panam smiled. "Then they haven't listened." Lisa, passing nearby, added: "And they'll find that I have." The women laughed. Panam drew Sera and Nadia close and kissed them both. "Have a wonderful evening, my loves." Sera smiled. "We intend to, Owner." The distinction between the groups remained perfectly clear. The six featured Wild Muses were Mandi, Dalia, Sera, Nadia, Nova, and Vega. Panam's Stable consisted of her own five participating pets. Dalia was an independent professional. Deja was Dalia's established companion and professional partner. Bea was participating independently. Everyone knew what she had agreed to. Everyone knew who handled her arrangements. And Suzy had no intention of allowing an enthusiastic advertising campaign to blur any of it. That was how Lizzie's worked. --- The doors opened. And the first proper wave of customers arrived. The public floor filled gradually. Music gathered strength. Glasses clinked. Conversations began. The three invitation-card displays attracted immediate attention. Some guests studied them carefully. Others appeared to be treating the cards as a particularly entertaining challenge. One man picked up a Private Invitation card, read it, and approached Suzy. "Excuse me." Suzy looked up. "Yes?" "I'd like to reserve Mandi." "No." He blinked. "Excuse me?" "You can't reserve her from a card." He looked at it. Then back at Suzy. "But..." "Read the bottom." He did. His expression changed. "Oh." Suzy waited. "So I can make a proposal?" "Exactly." "And she decides?" "Exactly." "Through Madame Panam?" "Correct." He considered. Then smiled. "Fair enough." Suzy smiled back. "Good." He glanced toward Mandi. The small cyber-oni was laughing at something Dalia had whispered, her orange hair impossible to miss. The man looked at Suzy again. "She's rather extraordinary." Suzy's expression warmed. "Yes, she is." "Thank you." "You're welcome." He returned the card to its display and walked toward the bar to order a drink. Lisa, who had observed the exchange, approached. "Reasonable customer." Suzy nodded. "Lovely change." "Don't get used to it." Suzy laughed. Mandi, meanwhile, was doing what Mandi did best. Enjoying herself. She had already attracted a small collection of admirers. Not merely because of her appearance. Although that helped. Her living cyber-oni face was extraordinarily expressive. She could turn a smile from wicked to affectionate with the smallest movement. Her black eyes followed a speaker attentively. The orange decorations across her face moved naturally with her expressions. And beneath the spectacular presentation was a professional who knew how to make someone feel interesting without pretending to be impressed by everything they said. A woman approached her with a Conversation card. "May I?" Mandi smiled. "Of course." The woman held up the card. "I've been trying to decide whether to ask you something." "That sounds promising." "It's about your appearance." Mandi raised an eyebrow. "Go on." "How much of it is you?" Dalia, standing nearby, smiled into her drink. Mandi considered the question. Then her fanged smile softened. "All of it." The woman blinked. "But..." "The face is artificial," Mandi said. "The hair is professionally styled." "Right." "But the woman talking to you?" Mandi smiled. "Entirely me." The guest considered that. Then smiled. "I like that answer." "Good." "And the hair?" Mandi laughed. "Also entirely my terrible judgment." Dalia nearly choked on her lollipop. The woman laughed. Mandi leaned closer. "And worth every fucking minute." --- By eight o'clock, Lizzie's was properly alive. Suzy moved behind the bar with the easy confidence of somebody who had done this for years. Lisa watched the room without making a spectacle of herself. The Mox were present. Not as an intimidating wall of armed bodies. Simply as the people who belonged here. A guest who became too enthusiastic about touching a performer received a firm correction. He apologized. He behaved. The evening continued. Nobody needed a dramatic security incident to establish the rules. Most people understood perfectly well. And those who didn't usually learned quickly. Seras Victoria arrived with Helena shortly after eight. There was no announcement. No formal escort. No sudden hush. Two elegant women simply entered Lizzie's. One wore a dark, beautifully tailored outfit whose understated lines made its wearer seem almost effortlessly regal. The other wore burgundy. Helena had chosen well. The fabric caught the club's lighting beautifully, and her expression suggested that she was enjoying the atmosphere already. Seras looked around. Then smiled. "Well." Helena glanced toward her. "Well?" "This is lovely." Helena nodded. "Rather more colorful than I expected." "And considerably louder." "Yes." Seras laughed softly. "Do you mind?" "Not in the slightest." Lisa approached. "Good evening." Seras turned. "Good evening." "Welcome to Lizzie's. I'm Lisa." Seras smiled. "Seras Victoria." "Of course." "And this is Helena." Helena offered her hand. Lisa shook it. "A pleasure." "Likewise." Lisa glanced toward the bar. "Suzy is expecting you." "Wonderful," Seras said. Lisa stepped aside. "Enjoy yourselves." Helena smiled. "We intend to." As they passed, Lisa added: "And if anybody bothers you, let me know." Seras looked back. Her expression became genuinely warm. "How very kind." Lisa shrugged. "Part of the job." Helena inclined her head. "A reassuring policy." Lisa smiled. "We rather like it." Suzy greeted them at the bar. "Seras. Helena. Welcome." Seras smiled. "Thank you for having us." "My pleasure." Helena looked around. "You have a wonderful establishment." Suzy laughed. "Thank you." "I mean it." "I believe you." Seras glanced toward the dance floor. "It certainly seems to be a popular evening." "Just getting started." "Excellent." Suzy gestured toward the drinks. "What can I get you?" They ordered without fuss. No strange ceremony. No questions about blood. No need to explain the supernatural politics of Night City. Just two women ordering drinks at a bar. Seras appeared entirely pleased with the arrangement. Helena even more so. While Suzy prepared their order, Helena noticed something. A presence. Familiar. Very familiar. She turned slightly. Across the room stood a woman with brilliantly pink dreadlocks and a face Helena had never seen before. Beside her, a petite cyber-oni with orange hair was laughing. Helena looked toward Seras. Seras had noticed too. There was no possibility of mistake. The Queen's marks. Distinctive and unmistakable. Two women bearing Seras's personal protection. Ace. Mai. Their public appearances were entirely different. Their voices had changed. Their faces revealed nothing of their ordinary identities. But the protection Seras had given them was not something a cosmetic disguise could conceal from a vampire who knew how to recognize it. Helena's expression softened. Then she glanced toward Seras. A brief exchange of looks. Nothing more. They understood. These were not identities to be discussed aloud. Suzy returned with their drinks. "Here you are." Seras smiled. "Thank you." Helena accepted hers. "Lovely." Suzy followed their attention. Then grinned. "Ah." Seras looked toward her. "Something amusing?" "The orange hair." Seras smiled. "It is rather spectacular." "That's Mandi." Helena repeated the name. "Mandi." "And the woman beside her is Dalia." Seras nodded. "Charming." Suzy laughed. "Those two are quite something." "Are they among your featured performers?" Helena asked. "Yes. Two of the Wild Muses." Helena considered the pair again. Then smiled. "How interesting." Suzy looked pleased. "Would you like to meet them?" Seras glanced toward Helena. Helena returned the glance. "Perhaps in a moment," Seras said. "Of course." Suzy gestured toward the public floor. "There's no hurry." --- Across the club, Mandi caught sight of the two vampires. Her laughter stopped. Not for long. Just long enough for Dalia to notice. "Darling?" Mandi looked toward the bar. Dalia followed her gaze. Then smiled. "Oh." Mandi's grin became positively delighted. "Well, fuck me." Dalia laughed softly. "That would require a separate conversation." Mandi turned toward her. Then burst out laughing. "Darling!" "What?" "You're terrible." Dalia returned the menthol lollipop to her lips. "I learned from you." Mandi looked back toward the bar. Seras met her gaze. There was an instant of recognition. Then the Queen inclined her head. Not to Ace. To Mandi. The woman standing in front of her. Mandi's expression softened. She returned the greeting. Dalia watched the exchange and smiled. No names were exposed. No secrets were disturbed. And the evening continued. A little later, Suzy brought Seras and Helena into a conversation with Mandi and Dalia. The introduction happened naturally near the bar. "Mandi, Dalia. I'd like you to meet Seras Victoria and Helena." Mandi smiled. "Well, ladies." Seras returned the smile. "Mandi." Helena inclined her head. "Dalia." Dalia's smoky voice was warm. "A pleasure." "Entirely ours," Helena replied. Mandi looked between the two vampires. Then grinned. "I hope you're enjoying Lizzie's." "Very much," Seras said. "Good." Helena looked toward the orange hair. "I must say, your styling is extraordinary." Mandi's expression brightened. "Thank you!" Dalia laughed. "Careful. She's collecting compliments." Helena smiled. "Then I shall contribute another." Mandi leaned forward. "Please do." Seras laughed. "Beautifully designed." Mandi placed a hand over her heart. "Two compliments. From royalty." Helena raised an eyebrow. "Does that make a difference?" Mandi considered. "Well, the compliments are equally appreciated. But it does improve the story I'll tell tomorrow." Dalia laughed. Seras regarded the little cyber-oni with obvious amusement. "I suspect you have quite a few stories." Mandi grinned. "Darling, you have no fucking idea." For a fraction of a second, something warmer passed between them. The familiarity of friends who had shared extraordinary experiences. But Mandi had not mentioned Romania. Seras had not mentioned the safehouse. And Helena had no intention of doing either. Instead, she looked toward Dalia. "Do you both enjoy performing here?" Dalia smiled. "Very much." Mandi nodded. "It's good work. Interesting people. And we have the freedom to choose." "That matters," Helena said. "More than anything," Dalia replied. Seras smiled. "Then I'm glad." Suzy watched the conversation with satisfaction. She had no idea how interesting that small exchange of glances had been. And even if she had, she would have known better than to make it public. Helena noticed another familiar presence a little later. Then another. Across the room, Nova and Vega were speaking with a guest. Their faces were unfamiliar. Their hair and eyes were strikingly different from the women Helena remembered. But beneath the professional presentation, both carried Seras's mark. Helena glanced toward her lover. Seras followed her gaze. The Queen smiled faintly. Four marks. Four familiar women. And four public identities that belonged entirely to the people wearing them. Helena took a sip of her drink. "I believe this evening is becoming rather educational." Seras smiled. "Indeed." "Such remarkable presentation." "Night City is very inventive." "Apparently." Helena watched Nova turn toward Vega. The two exchanged a look of effortless professional understanding. Then Nova returned to their guest and asked a question that made the woman laugh. Helena smiled. "Beautifully handled." Seras nodded. "Yes." Neither vampire said anything about the women beneath those faces. --- It was Sera who caught Seras's attention next. Not through a protective mark. Through something entirely different. Her presence was unmistakable. Silver-white hair. Charged blue eyes. A tall, impossibly elegant figure in white couture. And that peculiar atmospheric quality that belonged to Shammy whether the world called her an artist, an elemental, or something it had not yet invented a word for. She stood beside Nadia, listening to her speak. Helena noticed Seras's expression. Then followed her gaze. "Oh." Seras smiled. "Yes." Helena's expression warmed. "How lovely." Suzy, returning to the bar, noticed their interest. "That's Sera and Nadia." "Sera," Helena repeated. "And Nadia." "Artists?" "Both of them." Suzy smiled. "Among other things." Seras looked interested. "Tell us." "Nadia has an established career in the arts. Sera's work is rather more... unconventional." Helena laughed softly. "That sounds promising." "It is." Suzy glanced toward Panam. "They're both in Madame Panam's Stable. If you're interested in a professional arrangement, you'll need to speak with her." Seras nodded immediately. "Of course." Helena smiled. "Would that be possible?" "Certainly." Suzy gestured toward the room. "She's just over there." --- Panam greeted them warmly. "Good evening, ladies." Seras smiled. "Madame Panam." "Seras Victoria. Helena." "A pleasure," Helena said. "Likewise." Panam looked between them. "How can I help?" Helena glanced toward Sera and Nadia. "We understand two of your artists are available for private conversations." Panam nodded. "They can be, if they're interested." "Wonderful." Seras smiled. "We'd like to discuss the possibility of spending some time with both of them." Panam considered. "Together?" "If that suits them." "And the subject?" Helena smiled. "Art, primarily." Panam's expression softened. "That could interest them." Seras looked pleased. "We were hoping so." Panam gestured toward the nearby bar. "Let me ask." Sera turned when Panam approached. "Owner?" Panam smiled. "Sweetheart, two guests would like to meet you and Nadia." Nadia looked up. "Oh?" "Seras Victoria and Helena." Sera's expression warmed immediately. "How lovely." Nadia smiled. "That sounds interesting." "They're asking about a paid conversation tomorrow. Both of you together." Sera considered. "About what?" "Art." Nadia's eyes brightened. "Really?" Panam laughed softly. "Apparently." Sera looked toward Nadia. Nadia returned the glance. Neither needed Panam to decide for her. Sera smiled. "I'd like to hear what they have in mind." Nadia nodded. "So would I, Owner." Panam kissed them each. "Then come meet them." The introductions took place at the bar. No special room. No ceremonial arrangement. Just five women having a conversation while Lizzie's continued around them. "Sera, Nadia," Panam said, "this is Seras Victoria and Helena." Sera smiled. "Good evening." Seras returned the smile. "A pleasure." Nadia offered her hand. Helena accepted it. "Lovely to meet you." "Likewise." Their conversation began with the sort of polite exchange that allowed everyone to become comfortable. Helena asked Nadia about her artistic work. Nadia answered with immediate enthusiasm. Seras listened. Sera smiled. For several minutes they talked about the difference between creating art for oneself and creating it for an audience. Helena proved genuinely interested. Nadia found herself responding with equally genuine curiosity. Then Panam gently interrupted. "Ladies." Everyone looked toward her. She smiled. "I think we're beginning to get into the conversation you'd like to book." Helena laughed. "You're quite right." Nadia smiled. "I could talk about this all evening." Seras nodded. "Which is precisely why we'd like to arrange some uninterrupted time." Panam looked toward her two pets. "Interested?" Sera smiled. "Yes, Owner." Nadia nodded. "Very." "Good." Panam turned toward the guests. "The fee is five million eddies per artist for an agreed private conversation." Helena nodded. "Ten million together." "Correct." Seras smiled. "Entirely acceptable." Panam continued. "The payment covers the conversation itself. Nothing beyond that." "Naturally," Helena replied. "Any different kind of invitation would be discussed separately, if anyone wanted to propose one." "Of course," Seras said. Panam looked toward Sera. "Still interested, sweetheart?" Sera nodded. "Absolutely, Owner." "And you, Nadia?" "Yes, Owner." Panam smiled. "Then let's agree on the time." Friday sounded good to all four women, but Panam held up one hand before anyone reached for a payment terminal. "A reminder," she said. "We don't take advance bookings for Wild Muses. Tonight we can discuss what you have in mind. If you return tomorrow, we check availability and everyone's willingness again. Only then do we make an appointment and accept payment." Helena nodded. "Of course." Seras smiled. "We wouldn't wish to presume." "Good." Panam turned toward her pets. "You two may feel differently tomorrow, and that's fine." Sera smiled. "I'd very much like to hear more." Nadia nodded. "So would I." Helena looked pleased. "Then we'll ask again tomorrow, in person." "Please do," Panam replied. "For clarity, the current quoted rate for a private art conversation is five million eddies per artist, ten million for the two together. It would purchase only the conversation, nothing further. But this isn't a reservation." Seras nodded. "Understood." They exchanged warm goodbyes and returned to the evening. Both artists' leashes remained attached, because no booking had been made and no work had begun. The Friday invitation would stand or fall on Friday's choices, not on tonight's enthusiasm. When the guests moved away, Nadia turned toward Panam. "Ten million," Nadia murmured. Panam smiled. "That's the proposed fee, sweetheart. If you still want the conversation tomorrow." "For talking about art." "That is what they want to ask you to do." Nadia laughed softly. "That's wonderful." Sera looked thoughtful. "I rather like them." Panam raised an eyebrow. "Already?" Sera smiled. "They seem sincerely interested." Nadia nodded. "And Helena had some fascinating observations." Panam kissed Nadia's forehead. "Then tomorrow should be enjoyable." "Yes, Owner." Sera moved closer. "And tonight?" Panam smiled. "Tonight you have no booking." Sera looked pleased. "Then may I steal a kiss?" Panam laughed. "Darling, you never need to steal one." Sera bent and kissed her. Nadia joined them a moment later. Suzy, watching from behind the bar, shook her head with an affectionate smile. "Disgustingly adorable." Lisa approached. "Who?" Suzy gestured toward the three women. Lisa looked. Then nodded. "Fair." A moment passed. Suzy checked the booking confirmation. Then looked up again. "Ten million." Lisa raised an eyebrow. "For what?" "Tomorrow's art conversation." Lisa considered. Then smiled. "Good for them." Suzy laughed. "That's all you've got?" "What else should I say?" Suzy shook her head. "Nothing, apparently." Lisa glanced toward the three women again. "They agreed?" "Every one of them." "Then I'm happy." Suzy smiled. "So am I." --- Near the dance floor, Bea had been enjoying her first proper evening back at Lizzie's. She had spoken with several familiar staff members. Accepted a drink from a guest she recognized. Declined one invitation politely. And begun a conversation with someone whose company she found genuinely pleasant. Nobody had asked about her corporate position. Nobody had introduced her by a family name. Nobody had made a reference to the fortune behind her ordinary life. She was Bea. And that was enough. Across the room, Mandi caught sight of her. She leaned toward Dalia. "Look at her." Dalia followed her gaze. Bea was laughing. Not politely. Not with the carefully calibrated amusement Elisa sometimes used at formal events. Genuinely. Dalia's expression softened. "She's happy." Mandi nodded. "Very." "Good." Mandi watched for another moment. Then grinned. "You know what's wonderful?" Dalia raised an eyebrow. "What?" "She has almost a week." Dalia smiled. "Yes." "An entire fucking week." "Six days, darling." "That's practically a geological era by her standards." Dalia laughed. "Fair point." Mandi slipped her arm around Dalia's waist. "I'm glad she came." "So am I." Dalia leaned down and kissed her. Then she smiled. "And I'm glad she had Wednesday." Mandi's expression softened. For a brief moment, the outrageous cyber-oni looked simply happy. "Me too." --- Seras and Helena were beginning to appreciate Lizzie's. Not merely the music. Or the remarkable performers. Or even the rather charming discovery that a paid conversation with two artists could become something they genuinely anticipated. It was the way the place worked. Nobody seemed embarrassed by affection. Nobody appeared to regard professional intimacy as inherently shameful. But there was an equally strong understanding that openness did not erase personal choice. A woman could flirt without promising anything. A performer could accept one invitation and refuse the next. A guest could spend an entire evening talking at the bar without anybody insisting that she ought to make a purchase. Helena watched Lisa quietly redirect an overeager customer who had approached one of the performers at an inconvenient moment. The exchange was brief. Professional. Effective. No spectacle. The customer apologized and moved away. Helena smiled. "Good security." Seras followed her gaze. "Very." "Discreet." "And attentive." Helena nodded. "I rather like this place." Seras laughed. "You've mentioned that." "I may mention it again." "Please do." Helena took a sip of her drink. Then looked toward Mandi and Dalia. "Those two are extraordinary." Seras smiled. "They do seem to enjoy themselves." "Very much." "And they're excellent at what they do." Helena watched Dalia speak with a guest. The woman's posture was relaxed, her expression warm, but her attention was precise. Mandi stood nearby, adding an occasional outrageous remark that made the guest laugh. They were not simply performing confidence. They were exercising it. Helena nodded. "Professionals." "Indeed." A pause. Then Helena turned toward Seras. "Darling?" "Yes?" "Do you suppose they accept joint invitations?" Seras regarded her. Then smiled. "That would be a question for them." "Naturally." "And their respective professional arrangements." "Of course." Helena looked thoughtful. "I suspect an interesting proposal might require some planning." Seras laughed softly. "Possibly." "And a rather substantial offer." "Almost certainly." Helena smiled. "How delightful." Seras raised an eyebrow. "Are you plotting something?" Helena looked offended. "Plotting?" "Yes." "My love, I am merely exploring the possibilities of a charming establishment." Seras laughed. "Of course you are." Helena leaned closer. "And I think you are too." Seras considered denying it. Then glanced toward Mandi. The little cyber-oni was laughing again, her bright orange hair rising like a crown of fire above her expressive face. Dalia stood beside her. Sera and Nadia had rejoined their friends. A rather extraordinary collection of women. Seras smiled. "Perhaps." Helena laughed softly. "Excellent." --- At the bar, Suzy examined the evening's first figures. The club was doing well. Very well. And the atmosphere was exactly what she had hoped for. People were talking. People were laughing. People were making offers. Not all the offers were accepted. That was perfectly fine. The performers were enjoying themselves. Mox security was managing the room without unnecessary fuss. And two exceptionally distinguished guests appeared to be having a wonderful time without demanding a single privilege. Suzy smiled. Lisa approached. "Happy?" "Very." "Good." Suzy glanced toward Seras and Helena. "Those two." Lisa followed her gaze. "What about them?" "They've already booked Sera and Nadia for tomorrow." "Lovely." "Ten million." Lisa looked impressed. "Even lovelier." Suzy laughed. "And I have a feeling they're not finished." Lisa considered the vampires. Then looked toward the Wild Muses display. "Possibly not." Suzy shook her head. "Five fucking nights." Lisa smiled. "Four more after this one." "Don't remind me." "You're the one who organized it." "Yes." Lisa raised an eyebrow. "Regrets?" Suzy looked around her club. At Mandi's ridiculous flame-shaped hair. At Dalia's pink dreadlocks. At Nova and Vega charming a pair of guests. At Sera and Nadia laughing beside Panam. At Bea enjoying her return. At Deja resting comfortably beside Dalia between conversations. At the two vampires smiling over their drinks. Then she turned back toward Lisa. "Not a fucking one." Lisa laughed. "Good." Suzy lifted her glass. "To the Mox." Lisa raised hers. "To the Mox." They drank. And on the public floor of Lizzie's, the first night of the long weekend rolled onward. The music grew louder. The conversations became livelier. The invitations continued circulating. And somewhere near the bar, Helena was smiling at an idea she had not yet decided to put into words. Friday, it seemed, was going to be interesting. Very interesting indeed. --- ## Chapter 5: Ten Million Eddies and One Very Bad Idea Friday afternoon, Night City By Friday afternoon, Suzy Q had reached three conclusions about Lizzie's Long Weekend. First, the event was going to make an obscene amount of money. Second, the six featured Wild Muses were enjoying themselves far too much for anyone to expect a quiet weekend. Third, the presence of two extremely wealthy vampires was going to complicate matters in ways she had not yet begun to appreciate. She was rather looking forward to finding out how. The first evening had ended without a single serious security incident. The Mox had kept the club running smoothly, the performers had chosen their engagements without unnecessary pressure, and several guests had apparently discovered that a polite refusal did not constitute a personal insult. Suzy considered that last development a minor miracle. Now she stood behind the bar, reviewing the evening's arrangements while Lisa enjoyed a coffee beside her. "Friday," Suzy said. Lisa nodded. "Very observant." "Five nights sounded like such a good idea." "Your idea." "Thank you for reminding me." "Anytime." Suzy scrolled through the evening's confirmed engagements and outstanding inquiries. "Seras and Helena are interested in a ten-million-eddie conversation with Sera and Nadia." "Not booked?" Lisa asked. "They only discussed it yesterday. They're coming in to ask properly tonight." "Anything unusual about it?" "Four women want to discuss art." Lisa took another sip of coffee. "Sounds dangerous." Suzy laughed. "With this particular collection of women? Possibly." "Should I bring extra security?" "Against art?" "Depends on the art." Suzy considered that. Then nodded. "Fair." Lisa's attention shifted toward the next confirmation. "Rogue?" Suzy smiled. "Eight tonight." "Here?" "Here." Lisa raised an eyebrow. "That's a change." "She chose Lizzie's over her usual Friday at home," Suzy said. "Her private arrangements are her business. Tonight she gets to enjoy my club like everybody else." "Interesting." Suzy leaned against the counter. "She hasn't come to one of these special events before." "Looking forward to seeing her?" "Very." Lisa smiled. "Good." Suzy returned to her schedule. "Now, all we have to do is survive the evening." Lisa finished her coffee. "Shouldn't be difficult." Suzy stared at her. Then began laughing. "Jesus Christ, Lisa. Have you met our guests?" --- At the Watson safehouse, Mandi was discovering that having spectacular hair created certain practical considerations. None of them particularly serious. All of them irritating. She stood before the mirror, examining the carefully sculpted orange waves rising above her head. The ChromeLock styling remained exactly as Lena had intended. This was excellent. The fact that Mandi could no longer pull a loose shirt over her head without considering what it might do to the arrangement was less excellent. "Darling." Dalia looked up from fastening one of her thigh-high boots. "Yes?" "I need help." Dalia raised an eyebrow. "With what?" "My shirt." Dalia looked at the shirt in Mandi's hands. Then at the spectacular flame-shaped hair. A smile began. Mandi pointed at her. "Don't." "I haven't said anything." "Your face is saying plenty." Dalia stood. "Come here." Mandi approached. Dalia examined the shirt, then carefully helped her into it without disturbing the hairstyle. It took approximately ten seconds. Mandi looked at her. "Thank you." "You're welcome." A pause. Then Dalia added, "You could have put the shirt on before checking the hair." Mandi considered this. "That would have required planning." "An unfamiliar concept?" "Very." Dalia laughed and kissed her. Mandi returned it enthusiastically. When they separated, Dalia adjusted the collar of her shirt. "There." Mandi looked in the mirror. "Perfect." "Naturally." Mandi turned. "How do I look?" Dalia took a deliberate step backward. Her emerald-green eyes traveled from Mandi's boots to her expressive cyber-oni face and finally to the orange crown. Then she smiled. "Like a woman who intends to cause enormous trouble." Mandi grinned. "Excellent." Dalia leaned closer. "And like someone I'm very much looking forward to taking home afterward." The cyber-oni's eyebrows lifted. "Well, fuck." Dalia returned her menthol lollipop to her mouth. "Precisely." --- At Lizzie's, Nadia was making a rather different sort of preparation. She had brought a small collection of material from her studio. Not the actual artworks. Those would have been unnecessarily difficult to transport, and she was not about to turn a private conversation into a portable exhibition. Instead, she had selected images, studies, and a few notes about recent projects. Sera sat beside her, examining one of the images. "That's beautiful." Nadia smiled. "Thank you." "Is it finished?" "Almost." Sera looked more closely. The work depicted a room with no visible occupants. But light entered from two directions, creating intersecting shadows that suggested a relationship between things the viewer could not see. "There's something missing," Sera said. Nadia nodded. "Yes." "Deliberately?" "Mostly." Sera smiled. "Mostly?" "I haven't decided whether the emptiness is the point or whether the viewer needs one more clue." Sera considered. "I rather like the uncertainty." Nadia leaned against her. "So do I." A familiar voice interrupted them. "My two beautiful artists." They looked up. Panam stood nearby. Nadia smiled. "Owner." Sera's expression warmed. "Hello, Owner." Panam approached and kissed them both. "How are you feeling about tonight?" "Wonderful," Nadia said. Sera nodded. "Curious." "About?" "The conversation." Panam smiled. "Anything concerning you?" "Not at all." "Good." Nadia looked toward her materials. "I brought a few things." "I see that." "Too much?" Panam examined the display. "Darling, they've discussed a ten-million-eddie conversation with two women whose work interests them. The payment comes only if you all agree tonight." Nadia laughed softly. "True." "If you want to bring your entire studio, that's between you and the laws of physics." Sera laughed. Nadia kissed Panam. "Thank you, Owner." Panam smiled. "You're welcome, sweetheart." She sat with them for a few minutes, discussing the agreed appointment and checking that neither wanted to change anything. Both were comfortable. Both were looking forward to it. Panam was satisfied. Then Sera leaned closer. "Owner?" "Yes, love?" "Would you mind if we asked them rather personal questions about their experiences with art?" Panam considered. "Depends on the questions." "Nothing intrusive. I'm interested in how someone with such a long life experiences change." Panam smiled. "Then ask them. They can decide what they want to answer." Nadia nodded. "That seems fair." Panam kissed Sera's forehead. "Exactly." --- Helena arrived that evening with a book. Seras looked at it as they stepped out of their vehicle. "Darling." Helena glanced toward her. "Yes?" "Are you taking reading material to a nightclub?" Helena smiled. "Only one." Seras laughed. "Of course." "It's relevant." "To what?" "Our conversation." Seras examined the cover. An old volume of essays on portraiture, carefully restored and rebound. She raised an eyebrow. "That is rather lovely." "I thought Nadia might appreciate it." "Are you giving it to her?" "Perhaps." Seras smiled. "Helena." "What?" "You've known her in this professional setting for one evening." "Long enough to discover that she's interesting." "Fair." Helena slipped the book into her bag. "Besides, it isn't particularly valuable." Seras gave her a look. Helena's smile became perfectly serene. "Financially." Seras burst out laughing. "Of course." The two women linked arms and approached Lizzie's entrance. The club was considerably busier than it had been the previous evening. Word had spread. Some of the new guests had come because of the performances. Others because they had heard about the invitation cards. Several had evidently discovered that a venue where extraordinarily accomplished people could be approached for conversation, without the suffocating hierarchy of a corporate reception, was an appealing place to spend a Friday. Seras liked the atmosphere immediately. Helena looked around with undisguised pleasure. "Wonderful." Seras smiled. "You do seem to like it here." "I do." They approached the bar. Suzy looked up and smiled. "Welcome back, ladies." "Suzy," Seras greeted her. Helena inclined her head. "Good evening." "Drinks?" "Please," Seras said. While Suzy attended to them, Helena looked toward the club's familiar gathering. Mandi was talking animatedly with Dalia and Deja. Nova and Vega were entertaining a pair of guests. Bea had just entered the public floor, her ice-blue hair unmistakable. Sera and Nadia stood near Panam, reviewing something on Nadia's tablet. Helena smiled. "They're all here." Seras followed her gaze. "So they are." "Shall we say hello before our appointment?" "I'd like that." Suzy returned with their drinks. "Madame Panam has kept the evening flexible for your proposed conversation," Suzy said. "You'll need to speak to her again before anything is confirmed." "Naturally," Helena replied. "We wouldn't dream of skipping that," Seras added. Seras nodded. "Thank you." Suzy smiled. "Enjoy yourselves." Mandi spotted the vampires before they reached her. Her cyber-oni face brightened. "LADIES!" Seras laughed. "Mandi." Helena smiled. "Good evening." Dalia turned toward them, her pink dreadlocks moving across her shoulders. "Welcome back." "Thank you," Helena replied. Deja greeted them politely. The introductions followed naturally, with Suzy having already established the previous evening that the two women were guests rather than anyone's privileged superiors inside the club. Helena glanced upward. "The hair is still magnificent." Mandi's fanged grin widened. "Thank you, darling." Dalia sighed. "Another one." Mandi turned. "You can stop counting." "I stopped yesterday." "Wonderful." "After thirty-seven." Seras started laughing. Mandi looked scandalized. "THIRTY-SEVEN?" Dalia returned the lollipop to her lips. "That I heard." Helena laughed softly. "I suspect your actual total may be considerably higher." Mandi looked delighted. "A woman of wisdom." Seras smiled. "An ancient one, apparently." Helena turned toward her lover. "Darling." "What?" "Are you suggesting I'm old?" Seras considered. "Historically significant." Dalia nearly choked on her drink. Mandi put both hands over her mouth. Helena regarded Seras with a perfectly calm expression. "Historically significant." Seras smiled. "Very." A pause. Then Helena leaned closer. "My love, I remember when people considered your generation embarrassingly modern." Mandi collapsed into laughter. Dalia bent forward, holding the bar for support. Even Deja couldn't maintain her composure. Seras placed a hand over her heart. "Wounded." Helena kissed her cheek. "Survivably." Mandi finally recovered enough to speak. "Oh, I fucking adore you two." Helena smiled. "How lovely." Seras caught the warmth beneath Mandi's outrageous public presentation. For a brief moment, the Queen's expression softened in return. Then Mandi turned toward Dalia. "Darling?" "Yes?" "I think Friday is going to be spectacular." Dalia smiled. "I suspect so." --- The private conversation began later, after a new face-to-face discussion at Madame Panam's table. Panam reminded Seras and Helena that Thursday had established interest, not a reservation. Both guests agreed that the proposal was still precisely what they wanted: one shared art conversation with Sera and Nadia, no recording, no private services and no implied continuation. Then Panam turned to her pets. "Sweetheart?" she asked Sera. "Yes, Owner. I want to." "And you, darling?" she asked Nadia. "Absolutely, Owner." Panam looked back toward the guests. "Five million eddies for each artist. Ten million total. The conversation only. Are we all agreed?" Helena nodded. "Entirely." Seras smiled. "Yes." The separate permissions were recorded; Helena authorized the payment and Panam confirmed the ten-million-eddie transfer. No part of the arrangement had existed as a completed booking until all four women agreed that Friday evening. "Good," Panam said. "Now we can begin." Panam looked at Sera. "Ready, sweetheart?" Sera smiled. "Very." Panam unclipped her leash. The small metallic click was barely audible over the club's music. She placed the handle into Sera's hand. "Enjoy yourself, love." Sera bent and kissed her. "Thank you, Owner." Panam turned to Nadia. Nadia smiled. "Ready, Owner." Panam released her leash and handed it to her. A kiss followed. "Have a wonderful conversation, darling." "We will." Seras watched the exchange with quiet appreciation. Helena smiled. There was nothing performative about the affection. The women knew what they were doing. And they were being allowed to do it without unnecessary interference. Sera and Nadia led the guests toward Lizzie's soundproof back room. When the door closed, the music vanished. Helena stopped. Then smiled. "Now that's impressive." Nadia laughed. "Quite useful, isn't it?" "Extraordinarily." Seras looked around the quiet room. "A pleasant contrast." Sera smiled. "Shall we?" They settled comfortably. Nadia placed her tablet where everyone could see it. Helena set her bag beside her chair. Seras glanced toward Sera. "Where would you like to begin?" Sera considered. "Perhaps with a question." "Please." "Do you find art changes as you grow older?" Seras smiled. "Certainly." Helena nodded. "Although perhaps not in the way people might expect." Nadia leaned forward. "How so?" Helena considered her answer. "When you're young, it's easy to assume that a great work contains one truth, and that the purpose of looking at it is to discover what that truth might be." Nadia nodded. "And later?" "You begin to understand that the work hasn't necessarily changed. You have." Sera smiled. "That's what we were discussing yesterday." Nadia laughed softly. "Exactly." Seras looked toward her lover. "Helena has a habit of returning to paintings she saw centuries ago." "Some are worth revisiting." "And?" Helena smiled. "And I occasionally discover that I was an idiot the first time." Nadia laughed. Seras looked delighted. "Darling." "What?" "You once spent an entire evening explaining why a portrait was sentimental nonsense." Helena raised an eyebrow. "It was sentimental nonsense." "And then?" "Then I looked at it again a hundred and twenty years later." Nadia leaned forward. "What changed?" Helena's expression became thoughtful. "I had lost people." The room grew quieter. Not awkwardly. Simply attentive. "When I first saw the painting, I thought the artist was trying to make grief beautiful. I considered that dishonest." She looked toward the book in her bag. "Later, I understood that the painting wasn't making grief beautiful. It was showing what remained beautiful despite it." Nadia sat very still. Sera's expression softened. Seras reached for Helena's hand. Helena smiled at her. "A rather important distinction." Nadia nodded slowly. "Yes." She looked toward her own tablet. "Actually, that relates to something I've been working on." Nadia showed them the unfinished installation. A room. Empty. Two directions of light. Intersecting shadows. Helena studied it for several minutes. Then Seras leaned forward. "There's nobody there." Nadia nodded. "Correct." "But the shadows suggest people." "Yes." Sera smiled. "Or the absence of people." Helena looked toward Nadia. "May I ask what inspired it?" Nadia considered. "Someone leaving." There was a pause. "Not necessarily dying," she added. "Just leaving a place that used to belong to them." Seras nodded. "And the room remains?" "Yes." Helena looked at the image again. "Interesting." Nadia tilted her head. "Does it work?" Helena smiled. "Would you like praise or criticism?" Nadia laughed. "Both." "Then yes, it works. But I think you're still trying to explain it to the audience." Nadia blinked. "How?" "The second light source." She indicated the image. "It feels almost apologetic. As though you're afraid the viewer won't understand what the first shadow means." Nadia examined it. Sera leaned closer. Seras watched the exchange. Nadia was quiet for a long moment. Then she laughed. "Oh, damn." Helena raised an eyebrow. "Have I offended you?" "No!" Nadia looked delighted. "That's exactly what's bothering me." Sera smiled. "You couldn't quite identify it." "Yes." She enlarged the image. Then removed one of the light sources in the draft. The composition changed. The room became colder. More uncertain. And, somehow, more intimate. Nadia stared. "Fuck." Helena smiled. "Better?" "Much." Seras laughed. "I believe you've made an impression." Nadia looked toward Helena. "An extremely expensive art critique." Helena's smile widened. "An exceptionally inexpensive one, considering." They all laughed. The conversation continued. They discussed portraiture. Memory. The difference between an artwork that demanded attention and one that rewarded patience. Sera spoke about atmosphere as an artistic medium. Not in terms of her true nature. Not as an explanation of abilities that the public had no reason to understand. But as a question of what the body experienced before the mind interpreted it. "People often notice a room feels different before they can say why," she explained. Seras nodded. "Temperature?" "Sometimes." "Light?" "Certainly." Helena considered. "Air?" Sera smiled. "Especially." Nadia glanced toward her. The smile they exchanged contained the comfortable familiarity of two artists who had spent considerable time discussing precisely this sort of thing. Sera continued. "I've been interested in creating environments where the sensation comes first. The explanation can wait." Helena nodded. "Then you're asking the audience to trust you." Sera considered. "Or to trust themselves." Seras smiled. "That's rather beautiful." Sera returned the smile. "Thank you." Nadia laughed. "She does that." "What?" Sera asked. "Says something profound and then looks surprised when people appreciate it." Sera raised an eyebrow. "I do not." Nadia smiled. "You absolutely do." Helena looked delighted. "I believe I'm going to enjoy getting to know you." Sera's expression warmed. "I hope so." Some time later, Helena took the old book from her bag. Nadia recognized the edition immediately. Her eyes widened. "Where did you find that?" Helena smiled. "I've had it for some time." Nadia looked at the binding. Then at Helena. "May I?" "Please." Nadia accepted it carefully. She turned several pages, examining the marginal notes. Then stopped. "These annotations..." Helena watched her. "Yes?" "They're beautiful." "Thank you." "Who wrote them?" Helena smiled. "I did." Nadia looked up. Then back at the pages. "All of them?" "Most." Nadia considered the handwriting. Then the references. Then the dates. Her expression changed. "Oh." Seras smiled into her drink. Nadia looked toward Helena. "How long have you had this?" Helena considered. "A while." Seras laughed. "Darling." "What?" "You're doing that thing." "What thing?" "Where you describe several centuries as 'a while.'" Sera laughed softly. Nadia stared. Then began laughing too. Helena looked entirely untroubled. "Well, it has been a while." By the time the agreed conversation was nearing its end, Nadia had three new ideas for her work, Sera had discovered an unusually perceptive audience for her artistic philosophy, and Helena had spent more time talking about portraiture than she had in several decades. Seras was delighted. She looked toward the two artists. "Thank you." Nadia smiled. "For what?" "For a wonderful evening." Sera returned the smile. "The pleasure was ours." Helena closed her book. "I agree." There was a pause. Then she looked toward Nadia. "Would you mind if we continued our acquaintance another time?" Nadia smiled. "Not at all." "Wonderful." Sera glanced toward Seras. "And you?" Seras smiled warmly. "I would like that very much." Nobody proposed an additional service. Nobody attempted to reinterpret the conversation fee. They had enjoyed one another's company, and they were perfectly capable of allowing that to mean exactly what it meant. For now. Helena stood. "Shall we?" Sera smiled. "Let's." They left the back room together. The door opened. Music returned. Lizzie's welcomed them back into its noise and color. Panam was waiting near the bar. She looked up as the four women approached. Nadia was smiling. Sera looked delighted. Seras and Helena appeared thoroughly pleased. Panam relaxed. "Well?" Nadia laughed. "Wonderful, Owner." Sera nodded. "Really wonderful." Panam smiled. "Good." She turned toward the guests. "Everything as agreed?" "Absolutely," Seras said. Helena nodded. "Your artists are extraordinary." Panam's expression warmed with obvious pride. "I know." Helena smiled. "Please thank them again for us." "They're right here," Panam observed. Seras laughed. "Fair point." She turned toward Nadia and Sera. "Thank you, ladies." They accepted the appreciation with warm smiles. Panam then turned to her pets. She took Sera's leash handle from her hand and carefully clipped the leash back onto her collar. Sera leaned down and kissed her. "Thank you, Owner." Panam stroked her cheek. "How are you feeling, sweetheart?" "Wonderful." "Tired?" "A little." "Then you're having a rest." Sera smiled. "Yes, Owner." Panam turned toward Nadia. Nadia handed over her leash. The clip fastened with a familiar click. Panam drew her close and kissed her. "And you, darling?" "Very happy." "Good." "Also full of ideas." Panam laughed. "That sounds dangerous." Nadia grinned. "Artistically." "Of course." She offered both women water and made sure they had time to relax before returning to any further activities. Sera settled beside her. Nadia leaned close on the other side. Panam kissed them both again. "Good girls." Nadia smiled. "Thank you, Owner." --- At eight, Rogue arrived. No escort. No dramatic entrance. No expectation that Lizzie's would rearrange itself around her presence. She came through the doors wearing a dark jacket and an expression that suggested she'd spent the day dealing with people who were considerably less intelligent than they believed themselves to be. Lisa noticed her first. Then smiled. "Evening, Rogue." Rogue nodded. "Lisa." "Good to see you." "Likewise." Lisa stepped aside. "Suzy's at the bar." "Figured." Rogue entered. Suzy spotted her almost immediately. For a moment, her expression softened into a smile that had nothing to do with business. Then she came around the bar. "Well, look what the cat dragged in." Rogue grinned. "Fuck you too." They embraced. Then Suzy kissed her warmly. Rogue returned it without the slightest hesitation. When they separated, Suzy looked her over. "You look tired." Rogue sighed. "Long week." "Want a drink?" "Desperately." "Coming right up." Rogue settled at the bar. Then looked around. Her eyebrows rose. "Jesus Christ." Suzy laughed. "Quite a crowd." "That's one word for it." "Good evening so far." Rogue spotted the Wild Muses display. Then the performers. Then Mandi's hair. She stopped. Stared. And slowly turned toward Suzy. "What the fuck happened to her head?" Suzy burst out laughing. "Art." Rogue closed her eyes. "Of course." Mandi saw Rogue. Then grinned. "OH, FUCK." Dalia followed her gaze. Her own smile widened. "Well." Mandi looked delighted. "Darling." "Yes?" "Friday just got better." Rogue turned toward them as they approached. Mandi's expressive cyber-oni face wore an enormous grin. "Evening, gorgeous." Rogue regarded her. Then looked up at the orange hair. "Jesus." Mandi spread her arms. "Spectacular?" Rogue considered. "Subtle." Dalia burst out laughing. Mandi placed a hand over her heart. "How dare you." Rogue smiled. "Come here, you ridiculous woman." Mandi embraced her. Rogue returned it affectionately. Dalia greeted her next. Rogue looked between them. "Enjoying yourselves?" "Very," Dalia said. Mandi nodded. "Immensely." "Good." Rogue glanced toward the invitation cards. "Maybe I'll find something interesting tonight." Mandi's fanged smile widened. "Darling, you came to the right place." Dalia leaned closer. "Although anything involving us would still require a proper conversation." Rogue smiled. "Wouldn't dream of doing it any other way." Mandi laughed. "God, I love competent customers." Suzy was preparing another drink when Seras noticed Rogue. Her expression brightened. "Rogue." Rogue turned. Then smiled. "Seras." They greeted one another with easy familiarity. No awkward introduction. No uncertainty. They already knew one another, and their previous dealings over Collector's remarkable interest in Vlad Țepeș's possessions had given them more than enough reason to remember it. Rogue looked toward her. "Enjoying yourself?" "Very much." "Good." Seras smiled. "And you?" "Ask me after a drink." Seras laughed. Helena approached. Seras turned toward her lover. "Darling, this is Rogue." Helena smiled. "At last." Rogue raised an eyebrow. "At last?" "Seras has mentioned you." Rogue looked toward the Queen. "Should I be worried?" Seras smiled. "Only a little." Helena offered her hand. Rogue shook it. "Helena." "A pleasure." "Likewise." Helena's expression warmed. "Thank you for helping with Collector's invitation." Rogue nodded. "Just passing along the message." "Nevertheless, it meant a great deal." Rogue's expression softened almost imperceptibly. "Glad to hear it." Seras looked between them. Then smiled. "How wonderful. Everyone is getting along." Rogue regarded her. "That usually means something's about to go wrong." Helena laughed softly. "An experienced observation?" "Very." --- The problem arrived approximately seven minutes later. He was young. Expensively dressed. And had the unmistakable confidence of someone who had never been required to understand the difference between an invitation and a demand. He had been watching the Wild Muses presentation. Then he had noticed Rogue. Which, in itself, was not a crime. His next decision was substantially less intelligent. He approached the bar carrying a Private Invitation card. "Excuse me." Rogue glanced toward him. "Yeah?" He smiled. "Julian Calder." Rogue waited. He seemed surprised that the name hadn't produced a reaction. "Calder Holdings." "Congratulations." Suzy quietly turned away to hide her smile. The young man hesitated. Then raised the card. "I understand the women here are accepting private invitations." Rogue looked at the card. Then at him. "Some of them." He smiled. "Excellent." A pause. Then: "I'd like to book you." Silence. Suzy closed her eyes. Lisa, several meters away, turned her head. Mandi stopped mid-sentence. Dalia looked toward the bar. Rogue regarded the young man for a long moment. Then said: "No." He blinked. "Excuse me?" "No." "But I'm prepared to pay." "Wonderful." He smiled, apparently encouraged. "Then perhaps we can discuss a price." Rogue leaned back. "Kid, I'm not working." His smile faltered. "But..." "No." He looked toward Suzy. "Surely there's some arrangement." Suzy's expression was perfectly calm. "Not for someone who has already told you no." The young man looked offended. "I'm a paying customer." "Then buy a drink," Suzy suggested. Rogue smiled into hers. The young man flushed. Then made a remarkably poor decision. He reached toward Rogue's wrist. "Now, just a moment..." He didn't get the chance to finish. Lisa moved. Fast. She intercepted the reaching hand, redirected his balance, and applied a controlled Krav Maga restraint that left him bent forward, thoroughly immobilized and suddenly aware that several important decisions in his life had been mistakes. The entire exchange lasted barely two seconds. Rogue had not needed to move. Lisa looked toward him. "Hands to yourself." "Ow!" "Understood?" "Yes!" "Good." Two Mox security officers approached. Lisa released the restraint only when they were ready to take control of him. "Escort him out." The young man looked around, horrified. "But..." Lisa smiled. "You're leaving." "But my..." "Now." The Mox took him toward the entrance. He offered no further resistance. Behind them, a pair of sharp claps broke the silence. Then several more. Mandi stood near Dalia, applauding enthusiastically. "FUCKING BEAUTIFUL!" Lisa turned toward her. Mandi grinned. "Textbook!" Dalia began laughing. Rogue shook her head. Suzy leaned against the bar, laughing so hard she had to put her drink down. Lisa regarded Mandi for a moment. Then smiled. "Thank you." Mandi placed a hand over her heart. "Always happy to appreciate good technique." Rogue looked toward Lisa. "Nice work." Lisa nodded. "My club." Rogue raised her glass. "Your club." Suzy smiled. "Goddamn right." The music resumed its normal place in the room. Conversations restarted. And the young man's departure became one more story that would probably grow increasingly ridiculous as the evening continued. Rogue watched the entrance for a moment. Then looked toward Suzy. "Sorry about that." Suzy stared. "For what?" "Apparently attracting idiots." Suzy laughed. "Darling, this is Night City. Idiots are a renewable resource." Rogue smiled. Lisa returned to her duties without further ceremony. Seras, who had watched the exchange with considerable interest, looked toward Helena. "Very efficient." Helena nodded. "Extremely." "And restrained." "Quite." Rogue turned toward them. "Don't look so impressed." Helena smiled. "My dear, I appreciate competence." Seras laughed. "Especially when it's beautifully executed." Rogue shook her head. "You're both terrible." Helena inclined her head. "Thank you." --- Later, Rogue found Mandi and Dalia beside the bar again. "Seriously," she said, studying Mandi's living flame of orange hair. "That fucking hairstyle." Mandi's fanged grin widened. "Spectacular, isn't it?" "A public safety concern." Dalia laughed. "She has been collecting compliments all evening." "Then I'm performing a public service by providing balance." Rogue set down her glass. "But I'm not here to discuss hair." Mandi's grin changed. She knew that look. She knew the woman behind it, too, considerably better than most of the club ever would. "Oh?" "It's Friday," Rogue said. Dalia smiled. "We noticed." "Ordinarily we'd be somewhere else by now." "Somewhere with considerably less music," Mandi agreed. Rogue glanced across the floor. "Tonight I wanted to see you two at work. And I think I'd like to be your client. Properly." Mandi stopped joking. Dalia took the lollipop from her mouth. Rogue noticed both changes and approved. "Not because our Fridays require it. They don't. That arrangement stays ours, outside anyone's ledger. I'm asking for a separate appointment because I'd like this particular experience, with these particular women. If either of you would rather have a drink with me, say so." Dalia looked at Mandi. Mandi looked back. The decision belonged to each of them. "I'd like it," Dalia said. Mandi smiled, warmer now. "So would I." "Good." Rogue paused. "Then let's do it correctly." The three approached Madame Panam and Suzy together. No card had created a booking, and the fact that Rogue knew both performers intimately did not exempt anyone from the club's rules. Panam listened to the proposed seventy-five-minute private appointment, then turned directly to Mandi. "Pet? Your choice." "Yes, Owner. I'd love to." Suzy turned to Dalia. "And independently?" "Yes. It's my own agreement." "Two performers, one client, seventy-five minutes," Panam said. "Thirty-seven thousand five hundred for Mandi." "Thirty-seven thousand five hundred for Dalia," Suzy confirmed. "Separate acceptance, separate payment, shared room." Rogue nodded. "Seventy-five thousand in total. No recording, no additional guests, and no expectation beyond what the three of us choose." "That's correct," Panam replied. "And everyone keeps the right to stop." Rogue's look was dry. "I know." "I know you know." Panam smiled. "I still say it." The transfers cleared. Panam unclipped Mandi's leash and handed her the free end, kissed her forehead, then looked into her eyes instead of at the numbers. "Have a lovely evening, sweetheart." "Thank you, Owner." Dalia touched Mandi's hand, and Rogue took the other. They left together, entirely without ceremony, except that Mandi waved grandly at Suzy as though departing for an expedition. "Seventy-five minutes," Suzy reminded her. "I CAN COUNT!" "A disputed claim," Dalia murmured. Rogue laughed as they disappeared into the private corridor. --- The suite door closed behind them. Rogue checked the privacy indicator out of habit, not suspicion, and only then relaxed her shoulders. "There," she said. Mandi set her detached leash carefully on a chair. "You checked the door." "Of course I checked the door." "You came here to relax." "I contain multitudes." Dalia laughed and approached her. "Would you like a drink before we start?" "Water. And company." They sat together while Mandi poured three glasses. Rogue watched them without hiding her pleasure. She knew the women behind the expensive public faces. She had shared Friday evenings with them since the wedding; there was no stranger's awkwardness to negotiate away. But she had asked to meet Mandi and Dalia tonight, and both women were enjoying being chosen as themselves in those covers. "You're staring," Mandi said. "I'm looking at you. There's a difference." "A dangerous distinction." "You made it dangerous by styling your head as an emergency flare." Dalia nearly spilled her water laughing. When the glasses were set aside, Rogue reached toward Mandi. She paused an inch away, a small courtesy between people who knew each other well enough never to take an answer for granted. "Come here?" Mandi stepped into her arms. "Gladly." Rogue kissed her. Mandi answered with a delighted little sound that became laughter when Rogue pulled back to inspect the red-and-orange mesh. "Still you," Rogue murmured. "Always," Mandi answered. The mesh stayed perfectly fitted, every change in Mandi's smile driven by her own face beneath it. Rogue touched its edge with a careful thumb, then let her hand settle at Mandi's waist. Dalia approached, pink dreadlocks shifting over her shoulders. Rogue reached for her as well, and Dalia offered a kiss with the easy confidence of someone who needed no invitation twice. "Better than a contract briefing?" Dalia asked. "By a considerable margin." "Then you should have more Fridays like this." Rogue looked from one woman to the other. "I already have Fridays with you. I wouldn't trade them for anything. Tonight is an extra." Mandi's grin softened. "Good answer." They made their way from the sitting area to the bedroom slowly. Mandi removed her jacket after Rogue offered to help, then returned the favor with far less efficiency and considerably more laughter. Dalia set her boots aside only after Rogue assured her she was entirely comfortable with the change; the menthol scent of Dalia's discarded lollipop still lingered on her breath when she kissed them both. Their clothing became less formal through an exchange of small, ordinary choices. Each pause was answered before the next began. Rogue could have run a city from behind a single raised eyebrow, but here she let herself be asked what felt good and gave an answer without disguising it as an order. At one point Mandi caught her smiling and stopped. "What?" "Nothing." Rogue touched her cheek. "I just like seeing you happy. Both of you." Dalia kissed Rogue's shoulder. "We are." Rogue drew them close, one after the other. Dalia was the first to make the next choice explicit. Her hand moved between Rogue's thighs, then stopped until Rogue met her eyes. "Yes," Rogue said. The answer was quiet and absolute. Dalia's first touch pulled a surprised breath from her. Rogue's expression changed almost imperceptibly, the legendary control giving way to open pleasure for a second before she caught Dalia's wrist and drew her into a kiss. Mandi watched them, delighted. "Well, that's a face I don't see at Afterlife." Rogue turned her head. "Keep talking and you won't see anything." "Threat or promise?" Dalia laughed against Rogue's shoulder. The humor stayed with them, but it did not erase attention. Dalia kept her hand where Rogue wanted it, following every shift in Rogue's breathing instead of trying to impress her. Mandi kissed Rogue, then Dalia, moving between them until Rogue reached for her too. Rogue's first climax arrived without ceremony. Her breath caught, her hand tightened around Mandi's, and the hard line of her shoulders finally released as she shuddered through it. Dalia stayed close until Rogue opened her eyes. Mandi smiled. "Welcome back." Rogue stared at her. Then laughed. "Menace." "Professionally?" "In every category." Rogue did not remain the only one receiving. She pulled Mandi onto the bed beside her and asked what she wanted. Mandi answered with characteristic efficiency by taking Rogue's hand and guiding it where she wanted it. The first manual touch interrupted Mandi's next joke with an undignified squeak. Dalia looked delighted. "Elegant." "SHUT UP." Rogue laughed and continued. Mandi's pleasure built quickly when she stopped trying to narrate it. She buried her face against Rogue's shoulder, then climaxed with a breathless laugh that left her limp and smiling. Dalia received the quieter version of the same attention. Rogue kissed her first. Mandi recovered enough to curl beside her and hold her hand while Rogue's touch moved between Dalia's thighs. Dalia's usual precision lasted longer than Mandi's, but eventually her eyes closed and the whiskey-and-smoke voice disappeared into a low, helpless sound. Her climax made her go completely still before she exhaled and reached for both women. Familiarity made it easier to know when to continue and when to stop. No one needed to turn the encounter into a contest. By the time they settled together, Mandi had drawn both women close, Rogue was laughing more freely than either woman usually heard at Afterlife, and Dalia had abandoned any attempt to manage the room. Mandi lay curled beside Rogue, one hand linked with Dalia's across the blankets. The familiarity between them had room for all three, especially in the quiet afterward. Mandi lay curled beside Rogue, one hand linked with Dalia's across the blankets. "Well?" Mandi asked quietly. Rogue regarded her. "You two are a menace." "Professionally?" "In every category." Dalia laughed, then leaned across to kiss Rogue. "And you're welcome." Rogue returned the kiss. "I am, actually. Very welcome." They stayed for a few more minutes, trading affection and teasing without watching the clock until the agreed time approached. Rogue rose first, then waited while both women dressed and checked their cover presentations. Nothing had shifted beneath their meshes; nothing needed to be exposed or explained. At the door, she kissed them separately. "Next Friday?" Mandi asked. Rogue looked scandalized. "Was there any doubt?" "Just checking." "Eight. At my place. No bills." Dalia smiled. "As always." --- Back on the public floor, Dalia reclaimed a drink beside the bar while Mandi carried her leash to Panam. Panam opened her arms before Mandi reached her. She accepted the offered leash, fastened it with the familiar click, then drew her pet close and kissed her. "Welcome back, darling. You look wonderfully relaxed." "I am, Owner." "Any discomfort? Need a quiet minute?" "No discomfort. A little water, please. And I'd like to sit with you before I do anything else." "Then that's what we're doing." Panam handed her water and guided her to a comfortable seat. "Food next. You've been running around since afternoon." Mandi laughed. "You're impossibly observant." "It's part of my job, sweetheart." Dalia came to sit beside them after checking with Suzy that her own appointment had closed correctly. Rogue stopped by once more to kiss the two women goodbye. Nothing about the warmth changed the fact that they were at work, or the fact that next Friday's private tradition belonged to them alone. "Good night," Rogue said. "Good night, gorgeous," Mandi replied. Rogue's smile appeared, small and genuine, before she returned to the bar. Near the bar, Helena watched the three women. Seras stood beside her. They had enjoyed an excellent conversation with Sera and Nadia. They had met a remarkable collection of performers. They had witnessed one extraordinarily unfortunate corporate idiot discover the practical meaning of Mox territory. And they had found themselves increasingly interested in the social possibilities of Lizzie's. Helena looked toward Mandi. Then Dalia. Then across the room toward Sera, who sat beside Nadia and Panam. Seras noticed. "Darling?" "Yes?" "Do you suppose..." Seras smiled. "Oh, I know that expression." Helena looked innocent. "What expression?" "The one you get when you're considering something extravagant." Helena considered. Then smiled. "I was thinking." "About?" "Three rather extraordinary women." Seras followed her gaze. Mandi. Dalia. Sera. The Queen's smile became thoughtful. "Three?" Helena nodded. "Three." Seras laughed softly. "That would require a very interesting conversation." "And probably a very substantial offer." "Almost certainly." Helena's smile widened. "Then perhaps tomorrow." Seras looked toward her lover. Then kissed her. "Perhaps tomorrow." Across the room, Suzy Q glanced toward the two vampires. She couldn't hear what they were saying. But she recognized that expression. She had seen it on wealthy customers before. People considering an expensive possibility. Then Helena looked toward Mandi. Mandi noticed. Their eyes met. The little cyber-oni grinned. Helena returned the smile. Suzy shook her head. "Oh, fuck." Lisa appeared beside her. "What now?" Suzy gestured toward the vampires. Lisa looked. Then smiled. "Something interesting?" "Something expensive." Lisa nodded. "Good." Suzy laughed. "You're impossible." "Learned from you." --- By midnight, Lizzie's had settled into the warm disorder of a very successful Friday. Not quiet. Never quiet. But comfortable in the way a familiar place becomes when everyone knows the evening is going well. Bea had spent time with a returning client whose company she genuinely enjoyed, negotiated her own arrangements, and made it perfectly clear that she was taking the rest of the night at her own pace. Nova and Vega had continued their work as two independent members of Panam's Stable, their individual choices and schedules handled through their Owner. Deja and Dalia had shared several affectionate moments between professional conversations. Mandi had received another eleven compliments about her hair. Dalia claimed the number was twelve. Mandi accused her of inventing statistics. Sera and Nadia had spent much of the late evening resting contentedly with Panam, discussing their extraordinary conversation with two vampires who apparently possessed centuries of interesting opinions about art. Rogue had enjoyed herself. Which Suzy considered the evening's second miracle. The first was that Mandi had not attempted to give a public speech about her hairstyle. Yet. Suzy looked around her club. Then smiled. Four more nights. No. Three more, now. Saturday. Sunday. Monday. And somewhere among the people still enjoying Friday, a rather extraordinary proposition was beginning to take shape. Suzy took another sip of her drink. Then looked toward Lisa. "Tomorrow's going to be interesting." Lisa smiled. "Good." Suzy laughed. "You're really enjoying this, aren't you?" "Very." "Fucking wonderful." Lisa raised her glass. "To the Mox." Suzy smiled and raised hers. "To the Mox." And the music continued. --- ## Chapter 6 — The Art of Asking *Saturday evening, Lizzie's Bar, Night City* The first truly interesting invitation of Saturday evening arrived at 6:43. It was electric blue. It was held by a woman who looked thoroughly embarrassed. And it was addressed to Nova Marlow. Nova examined the card. Then its owner. Then the card again. "Well," she said. The woman swallowed. "Is it a terrible idea?" Nova's white-void eyes gave away very little. Her smile was another matter. "That depends." "On?" "Whether you intend to tell me what it is." The woman laughed nervously. "Right. Sorry." "No need to apologize. You've already done the difficult part." "Which is?" "Walking over here." That earned a genuine smile. Nova gestured toward an available seat at the bar. "Let's start with your name." "Juno." "Nova." "I know." "Good. We've established that my advertising works." Juno laughed. Nova smiled. "Now. What would you like to propose?" Juno looked down at the Performance card. Then back up. "I want you to teach me how to ask someone to dance." Nova considered. "That's unusual." "I know." "Not bad unusual." "Oh." "Interesting unusual." Juno relaxed slightly. Nova tilted her head. "Why?" Juno sighed. "Because every time I see a woman I want to approach, I either freeze completely or say something monumentally stupid." Nova's smile widened. "Give me an example." Juno covered her face. "Do I have to?" "Absolutely not." A pause. Then Juno lowered her hands. "Last weekend I told a woman she had very symmetrical elbows." Nova stared. For three seconds, she maintained perfect composure. Then she began laughing. Juno groaned. "I KNOW." "Darling." "I KNOW." "Symmetrical elbows?" "She was leaning on the bar!" Nova laughed harder. Juno tried to look offended. It didn't work. Finally, Nova recovered. "All right." Juno looked cautiously hopeful. "All right?" "I think I can help." Madame Panam listened to the proposal with growing amusement. Nova had brought Juno over herself. Her leash remained attached. She had not accepted a booking yet. Nor had she decided exactly what form the performance would take. Panam looked toward Juno. "You want a dance lesson?" Juno nodded. "Sort of." "With Nova?" "Yes." Panam turned toward her pet. "What do you think, sweetheart?" Nova smiled. "I'd enjoy it, Owner." "How long?" "Twenty minutes." Panam considered. "Public floor?" "Yes. A personal performance, not a private appointment." "And your proposal?" Nova looked toward Juno. "Eighteen thousand eddies for twenty minutes. We'll practice approaching someone, asking her to dance, and actually enjoying the dance without trying to impress the entire room." Juno blinked. Then laughed. "That's exactly what I need." Panam smiled. "Any physical contact beyond ordinary dancing is entirely up to Nova and you." "Of course." "And either of you can stop." Juno nodded. "Understood." Nova glanced toward Panam. "Comfortable with it, Owner." Panam smiled. "Then it's yours, pet." Juno transferred the agreed amount. Panam confirmed it. Then unclipped Nova's deep blue-grey and silver leash. She placed the handle in Nova's hand. "Have fun, sweetheart." Nova kissed her. "Thank you, Owner." Then she turned toward Juno. "Come along." Juno swallowed. "Right." Nova smiled. "And relax." "That's what I'm paying you to teach me." "An excellent beginning." Vega watched them move toward the dance floor. Then turned toward Panam. "Owner?" "Yes, pet?" "Did that woman just pay eighteen thousand eddies to learn how to ask another woman to dance?" Panam nodded. "Apparently." Vega considered. Then grinned. "I fucking love Night City." Panam laughed. "Go find something interesting to do." Vega leaned down and kissed her. "Yes, Owner." On the dance floor, Nova stopped and turned toward Juno. "First lesson." Juno nodded solemnly. "Right." "Stop looking like you're about to be executed." Juno laughed. "Sorry." Nova smiled. "You're doing it again." "What?" "Apologizing for existing." Juno considered. "Bad habit." "An expensive one." "Apparently." Nova took a step closer. "Now. I'm standing at the bar. You've seen me. You'd like to dance." "Okay." "What do you do?" Juno stared at her. Nova waited. Juno opened her mouth. Closed it. Then said: "Your elbows are..." "Don't." Juno burst out laughing. Nova smiled. "Try again." "Would you like to dance?" "Better." "Really?" "Much." Nova tilted her head. "But tell me something." "What?" "Do you actually want to dance with me?" Juno blinked. "Yes." "Then why are you asking as though you expect me to call security?" Juno considered. "Because I might?" Nova's expression softened. "Darling, someone refusing a dance isn't a disaster." "I know." "Do you?" Juno hesitated. Then shook her head. "Not really." Nova nodded. "Then that's what we're going to practice." She stepped back. "Ask me again." Juno took a breath. Looked at her. And smiled. "Nova, would you like to dance?" Nova answered immediately. "Yes. I'd love to." Juno's face brightened. Nova offered her hand. Juno accepted it. And the lesson began. Nova was an extraordinary dancer. But she didn't begin by demonstrating that. She began by finding out what Juno could comfortably do. A few simple steps. A turn. A change in direction. Then another. Juno stumbled once. Nova caught her before she lost her balance. Juno laughed. "Shit." Nova smiled. "Still alive?" "Barely." "Excellent." They tried again. This time Juno followed more comfortably. Nova adjusted her pace. Not to make a spectacle of her guest's uncertainty. To give her something she could actually enjoy. Gradually, Juno stopped watching her own feet. She looked up. Nova smiled. "There you are." Juno blinked. "What?" "You've stopped trying to solve dancing." Juno laughed. "I didn't realize I was." "You were approaching it as a technical problem." "I'm an engineer." "Of course you are." "Is that obvious?" "Only to someone currently being asked to optimize the placement of your feet." Juno laughed so hard that she missed the next step. Nova steadied her again. "Darling, breathe." "I'm trying." "Good." The music changed. A slower rhythm replaced the previous track. Nova regarded Juno. "Would you like to continue?" Juno looked down at their joined hands. Then up again. "Yes." "Closer?" Juno hesitated. Then nodded. "Please." Nova stepped nearer. One hand settled comfortably at Juno's shoulder. The other remained in her hand. Juno's nervous expression slowly disappeared. They moved together. Not perfectly. Not with the polished precision of a practiced pair. But comfortably. Juno smiled. And Nova smiled back. "See?" Juno nodded. "Yeah." "Nobody's laughing at you." "No." "Nobody's grading you." "No." "And you haven't mentioned anybody's elbows." Juno began laughing again. "Goddammit." Nova's smile widened. "Progress." When the twenty minutes ended, Juno looked genuinely disappointed. Not because the performance had been inadequate. Because she'd enjoyed it. Nova stepped back. "Well?" Juno considered. Then smiled. "I think I could do that." "Ask someone to dance?" "Yes." "Good." Juno looked toward the bar. Then back. "Can I ask you something?" "Of course." "Did you actually enjoy that?" Nova's expression became very warm. "Yes." "Really?" "Juno." "Right." Nova touched her shoulder. "I don't agree to every proposal." Juno nodded. "And I enjoyed yours." A pause. Then Juno smiled. "Thank you." "You're welcome." As they returned toward Panam, Juno glanced around the room. Then stopped. A woman nearby had been watching them. She smiled when Juno looked her way. Juno froze. Nova followed her gaze. Then smiled. "Oh." Juno looked horrified. "Don't." Nova raised an eyebrow. "Don't what?" "Say it." "Say what?" "That I should..." Nova waited. Juno closed her eyes. Then opened them. "Oh, fuck it." She approached the woman. Nova remained where she was. Juno spoke. The woman laughed. Then smiled. Then accepted her offered hand. Nova watched the two step onto the dance floor. Her expression softened. "Well," she murmured. "That was worth it." Panam welcomed Nova back a little later. The silver-grey leash was offered into her hand. Click. The collar was connected again. Panam drew Nova close and kissed her. "Welcome back, sweetheart." Nova returned the kiss. "Thank you, Owner." "How did it go?" Nova glanced toward the dance floor. Panam followed her gaze. Juno was dancing with the woman she'd approached. Panam smiled. "Oh." Nova nodded. "Exactly." Panam laughed softly. "You taught her well." "She taught herself. I just convinced her to stop being frightened of making a fool of herself." Panam stroked Nova's cheek. "And you?" "Wonderful, Owner." "Tired?" "Not particularly." "Water anyway." Nova smiled. "Yes, Owner." Panam handed her a glass. Then drew her into another affectionate embrace. Nova rested there for a moment, enjoying the quiet attention. There was no urgency to return to work. The next invitation could wait. At the other end of the bar, Vega Marlow had attracted an entirely different sort of proposal. The card was violet. Conversation. Its owner was a sharply dressed woman with a confident smile and the unfortunate habit of believing she was always the funniest person in the room. Vega considered her with interest. "So." The woman smiled. "So." "What's the question?" "I want to know whether you're always this provocative." Vega raised an eyebrow. "That's your question?" "Yes." "Fuck, darling. You could've asked that for free." The woman laughed. "All right." Vega leaned forward. "Ask me something interesting." The woman considered. Then smiled slowly. "What would it take to embarrass you?" Vega stared. A beat passed. Then she burst out laughing. "Oh, I like you." "Good." "Unfortunately, I don't think you've got enough time." The woman raised an eyebrow. "Try me." Vega considered. Then leaned closer. "First, you'd have to stop thinking embarrassment is something you can inflict on a woman who's comfortable with herself." The guest's smile changed. "Interesting." "Second, you'd have to surprise me." "And third?" Vega grinned. "Third, you'd have to make me care what you thought." The woman was silent for a moment. Then laughed. "That's a rather good answer." "Thank you." She examined Vega again. "Would you be interested in continuing this conversation privately?" Vega considered. "Possibly." The woman's expression brightened. Vega held up a finger. "Possibly means possibly." "Of course." "And if you're interested in making a paid proposal, you speak to Madame Panam." The woman nodded. "Understood." Vega smiled. "Good." Then she leaned back. "But first, darling, I have a question for you." "Oh?" "Do you actually enjoy being challenged, or do you only enjoy the idea of winning?" The woman opened her mouth. Then stopped. For the first time since approaching Vega, she seemed to be thinking before speaking. Vega's smile widened. "There." "What?" "Now we're having a conversation." --- Bea arrived shortly afterward. She had slept well. Spent part of the afternoon enjoying Elisa's vacation. And decided that a few hours at Lizzie's sounded considerably more appealing than sitting in a luxurious room being reminded that her corporate responsibilities would eventually return. Her ice-blue hair was immaculate. Her cover presentation was comfortable. And her mood was excellent. Suzy spotted her at the bar. "Bea." "Hello, darling." They embraced. "Working tonight?" "Some." "Any particular plans?" Bea considered. "Nothing fixed." "Good." Suzy glanced toward the entrance. Then smiled. "Although somebody might have plans involving you." Bea raised an eyebrow. "Oh?" Suzy nodded toward the arriving guest. Bea followed her gaze. And stopped. A familiar woman had just entered. She was looking around with the expression of someone who knew exactly whom she hoped to find. Bea smiled. "Oh, you have got to be kidding." Suzy laughed. "Friend?" "Something like that." "Good something?" Bea's smile widened. "Very." Tessa spotted Bea almost immediately. Her expression brightened. Then her eyes traveled downward. Bea noticed. Of course she noticed. She was wearing the boots. Tessa approached. "Well." Bea smiled. "Well?" "You're wearing them." "I do occasionally wear shoes." Tessa looked offended. "Those are not merely shoes." "No?" "No." Bea considered. "Remind me. What makes them so special?" Tessa stared. Then laughed. "You absolute bitch." Bea smiled. "Hello, Tessa." "Hello, Bea." They embraced. Tessa kissed her cheek. Bea returned the affection. When they separated, Tessa looked at her for a moment. "God, it's good to see you." Bea's expression softened. "You too." Tessa glanced toward Suzy. "May I buy her a drink?" Suzy smiled. "Ask her." Tessa turned back. "May I buy you a drink?" Bea considered. "Yes." "Wonderful." "But you have to promise something." Tessa raised an eyebrow. "What?" "Try to look at my face at least occasionally." Tessa burst out laughing. "No promises." They settled at the bar. And discovered, almost immediately, that the easy chemistry of their previous meeting had survived perfectly well. Tessa remembered Bea's favorite drink. Bea remembered the ridiculous noodle recommendation Tessa had once defended with the passion of a woman arguing before a court. They disagreed about it again. At considerable length. Then Tessa looked down. Bea stopped talking. Tessa looked back up. "Oh, fuck." Bea smiled. "Still?" "Apparently." "That's impressive." "I've been told I have excellent consistency." Bea laughed. "Among other things." Tessa leaned against the bar. "I wasn't sure you'd be here." "I wasn't sure myself until this week." "Vacation?" "Something like that." "Good." Bea examined her. "How have you been?" Tessa shrugged. "Busy. Work. Life. A series of increasingly questionable restaurant decisions." "Naturally." "And..." She paused. Bea waited. Tessa smiled. "I missed you." The teasing expression on Bea's face softened. "That's sweet." "Terribly embarrassing." "Only if you insist." "I do." Bea reached across the bar and touched her hand. "I'm glad you came." Tessa turned her palm upward, accepting the touch. "Me too." For a little while, they simply talked. And that was something Bea appreciated about her. Tessa didn't treat every moment as a transaction. She could enjoy a conversation without constantly steering it toward the next thing she wanted. She listened. She laughed. And when Bea spoke, Tessa paid attention. Except when the boots distracted her. Which happened twice more. Bea counted. Eventually, Tessa put down her drink. "Can I ask something?" "Of course." "Are you taking appointments tonight?" Bea smiled. "Yes." "And would you consider one with me?" "Possibly." Tessa laughed. "That's cruel." "That's professional." "Fair." Bea considered her. Then smiled. "An hour?" Tessa nodded. "I'd like that." "Thirty thousand eddies." "Agreed." Bea tilted her head. "Anything you'd like to discuss before we decide?" Tessa considered. "Same general boundaries as last time?" "That sounds good to me." "And..." Bea smiled. "The boots?" Tessa closed her eyes. "Goddammit." Bea laughed. "Darling, you are the least mysterious woman I've met in months." "Terrible." "Adorable." Tessa looked at her. "You're enjoying this." "Immensely." Tessa smiled. "Then yes. I'd like the boots to stay on." Bea considered. Then nodded. "I'm comfortable with that." Tessa's expression warmed. "Good." Bea reached for her hand. "And I want us both to enjoy ourselves. No pressure to repeat everything exactly as before." Tessa nodded immediately. "Agreed." They confirmed the details. Tessa transferred the payment. Bea checked it. Then approached Suzy to arrange an available private appointment room. Suzy confirmed the space. No unnecessary questions. No audience. Just a familiar professional making an arrangement she was perfectly happy to accept. Bea returned to Tessa. "Ready?" Tessa smiled. "Very." Bea offered her hand. "Come on, then." --- The private room was quiet. When the door closed, the music became a distant presence rather than something demanding attention. Tessa looked around. Then turned toward Bea. For a moment, neither spoke. The cheerful confidence of their conversation at the bar remained. But the atmosphere had changed. They were alone now. And both knew why. Bea approached her. "Still comfortable?" Tessa smiled. "Yes." "Good." A pause. Then Tessa asked: "May I kiss you?" Bea's expression warmed. "Please." Tessa stepped closer. Their first kiss was unhurried. Familiar enough to carry a memory. Different enough to be interesting. Bea rested a hand against Tessa's cheek. Tessa's hands settled at her waist. For a while, they simply enjoyed being close again. Then Tessa drew back slightly. "God." Bea smiled. "What?" "I remembered that." "Remembered what?" "The way you kiss." Bea laughed softly. "Good memory?" "Excellent." "Shall we test it again?" Tessa smiled. "Please." The second kiss lasted longer. They moved toward the seating area together. Bea let Tessa choose whether to sit beside her or pull her closer. Tessa chose closer. Their laughter became quieter. Their conversation more personal. Tessa touched Bea's hair, admiring the ice-blue styling. Bea leaned into the affectionate gesture. Then she reached for Tessa's hand. "You're very good company." Tessa smiled. "So are you." "Even when I'm being awful about your footwear obsession?" "Especially then." Bea laughed. Tessa kissed her again. This time, when they separated, Tessa remained close. "Bea?" "Yes?" "I'd like more than kissing." Bea met her eyes. Then smiled. "So would I." --- Tessa helped Bea out of her outer jacket, then stood holding it for a moment longer than necessary. "What?" Bea asked. "I was admiring the tailoring." "The jacket is in your hands, darling. My face is up here." Tessa laughed and set the jacket aside. Bea unfastened Tessa's coat in return, taking the opportunity to kiss her when the last clasp came free. There was no hurry in the exchange, just two women paying attention to the way the other moved closer. When they reached the bed, Bea sat on the edge and reached for Tessa's hand. Tessa followed, her gaze straying once to the thigh-high boots Bea had deliberately kept on. "Still happy with our arrangement?" Bea asked. Tessa looked back at her face. "Very. But I don't want you doing anything you don't want just because I have a ridiculous preference." "I chose the boots," Bea reminded her. "And I chose you. Come here." Tessa kissed her, and Bea answered by drawing her nearer. Tessa's first unguarded laugh surprised them both. She drew back with a sheepish smile. "What?" Bea asked. "I forgot how difficult you make it to think." Bea laughed. "I should apologize." "Don't you dare." They kissed again. Bea let her hands linger at Tessa's shoulders, then paused when she felt the other woman's breathing change. "Too much?" "No," Tessa said, suddenly very earnest. "I like you. That's all." Bea's smile softened. "Good. I like you too." Bea made the first intimate choice. She slid one hand between Tessa's thighs and paused there. Tessa's joking confidence vanished into a tiny, startled laugh. "Oh." Bea smiled. "Good oh?" "Very good oh." That was permission enough to continue, but Bea still stayed with the first response instead of hurrying past it. She watched Tessa's face, learned the rhythm that made her breathing change, and enjoyed the way Tessa gradually stopped trying to make jokes. The boots remained exactly where Tessa had wanted them, an absurd little detail that made Bea smile every time she noticed Tessa noticing. Tessa's first climax arrived with a surprised sound and both hands tightening around Bea's shoulders. Bea held her through the tremor and kissed her when she opened her eyes again. "Still thinking about the boots?" Bea asked. Tessa laughed breathlessly. "I hate you." "No, you don't." "Not even slightly." When Tessa had recovered, she asked what Bea wanted in return. Bea considered for exactly long enough to make her wait. "Your mouth," she said. Tessa's expression changed from amused to openly interested. "Still keeping the boots on?" Bea stared at her. Tessa grinned. "Sorry. Important research." Bea laughed and drew her into another kiss before letting her move lower. Tessa checked once more before the first oral contact, and Bea answered with a clear yes. The first touch made Bea's head fall back and pulled a sharp breath through her smile. "There," Tessa murmured. "Do not become smug." "Impossible request." Bea's laugh broke into a softer sound when Tessa continued. She let herself stop performing control and simply receive. When her climax reached her, it built slowly and then caught hard enough to leave her briefly speechless, one hand resting against Tessa's shoulder until she could breathe evenly again. Tessa came back up beside her. "All right?" Bea caught her fingers and kissed them. "Very. I was just enjoying that." "Then I can stop worrying?" "About me? Yes. About whether you're ever going to look away from the boots? Less certain." Tessa laughed, rested her forehead against Bea's, and let herself be kissed again. They stayed close while their breathing settled, with enough room for affection and recovery that the clock never became the most important thing in the room. Later, they lay close beneath a light blanket. Tessa rested against Bea, her expression relaxed and deeply contented. Bea traced an absent-minded pattern across her shoulder. For several minutes, neither spoke. There was no need. Finally, Tessa sighed. Bea smiled. "Good sigh?" "Extremely." "Excellent." Tessa lifted her head. Then looked down. A slow smile appeared. Bea followed her gaze. The boots. Still on. Bea closed her eyes. "Oh, for fuck's sake." Tessa burst out laughing. "WHAT?" "You are unbelievable." "You agreed!" "I know!" "And you kept your promise." Bea stared at her. Then began laughing too. Tessa leaned closer and kissed her. "Thank you." The humor softened. Bea returned the kiss. "You're welcome." A pause. Then Tessa added: "And not just for the boots." Bea looked at her. Tessa smiled. "For being lovely." Bea's expression warmed. "That's rather sweet." "Don't tell anyone." "Your reputation?" "Ruined." Bea laughed. Then wrapped her arms around her again. For a while, they remained together. Talking. Occasionally kissing. Enjoying the peaceful aftermath of a genuinely pleasant hour. When the agreed time approached its end, neither pretended not to notice. Bea touched Tessa's cheek. "We should get dressed." Tessa sighed dramatically. "Terrible." "I know." "Work is cruel." Bea smiled. "Especially when it's this enjoyable." Tessa laughed. Then kissed her once more. "Can I ask you something?" "Of course." "Will you be here tomorrow?" "Probably." Tessa considered. "Then perhaps I'll come back." Bea smiled. "I'd like that." "Not a booking yet." "Of course not." "Just a possibility." Bea nodded. "A very welcome one." They returned to the public floor together. Tessa's expression was positively luminous. Bea was smiling too. Suzy noticed. Naturally. She glanced toward Bea. "Good evening?" Bea smiled. "Excellent." Tessa laughed. Suzy looked between them. Then nodded. "Good." She didn't pry. She didn't need to. Tessa kissed Bea goodbye. Not hastily. Not as an afterthought. A warm, affectionate kiss that made Bea smile when they separated. "Tomorrow, perhaps?" Tessa asked. "Perhaps." "Good night, Bea." "Good night, darling." Tessa left. Bea watched her for a moment. Then turned toward the bar. Suzy raised an eyebrow. "Drink?" Bea smiled. "Please." Vega was waiting nearby. Her black-void eyes regarded Bea with obvious amusement. "Well." Bea looked at her. "Well?" Vega grinned. "Somebody had a good time." Bea smiled into her drink. "Possibly." "Possibly?" "Very possibly." Vega laughed. "Fuck, I love this place." Nova arrived a moment later, her silver-grey leash once again resting comfortably in Panam's hand. Bea looked toward her. "I heard about your dance lesson." Nova smiled. "Did you?" "Apparently you made somebody very happy." Nova glanced toward the dance floor. Juno was still dancing. Not with the same woman this time. With another guest. And looking thoroughly comfortable. Nova smiled. "She did the difficult part herself." Vega raised an eyebrow. "Which was?" "She stopped worrying about saying something stupid." Vega considered. Then looked toward Bea. "Wish somebody had taught Mandi that." Bea burst out laughing. Nova covered her mouth. Across the club, Mandi turned. "WHAT?" Vega grinned. "NOTHING, DARLING!" Mandi narrowed her black eyes. "LIAR!" Dalia started laughing. Deja shook her head. --- And somewhere behind the bar, Suzy Q decided that she was having a truly excellent Saturday. Near the Wild Muses display, another guest picked up a crimson card. She studied it. Then looked toward Vega. Then toward Madame Panam. After a moment, she returned the card to its place. Not because she had lost interest. Because she wanted to think about what she would actually propose. Vega noticed. Her smile widened slightly. She enjoyed being wanted. But she enjoyed a thoughtfully chosen invitation much more. --- Across the room, Mandi was accepting a Performance proposal that sounded suspiciously like a challenge. Dalia was reading over her shoulder. Then she laughed. "Oh, darling." Mandi looked delighted. "Right?" Deja leaned closer. Read it. And raised an eyebrow. "Are you actually considering that?" Mandi's cyber-oni smile became positively wicked. "Oh, absolutely." Dalia shook her head. "You're going to make Owner very interested in the terms." Mandi grinned. "Then let's go talk to her." And for once, the three women didn't merely discuss how interesting the Wild Muses cards might be. They took the proposal to Panam. Because that was how an interesting idea became a real invitation. And sometimes, a very expensive one. Saturday was far from over. But already, the event had begun to feel different. Not because more guests had arrived. Not because the music was louder. And certainly not because Suzy had found another way to make the club's financial projections look obscene. It was because the invitation cards were finally doing what they had been designed to do. They were creating stories. Juno had arrived afraid to ask someone to dance. She was now enjoying herself on the floor. Vega had turned an arrogant question into an unexpectedly interesting conversation. Bea had welcomed back a woman whose company she genuinely enjoyed, and both had discovered that their earlier attraction had lost none of its warmth. Nova had reminded herself why she liked her work. And somewhere near Madame Panam, Mandi was beginning to explain an idea that made Dalia laugh and Deja look positively delighted. Suzy surveyed the room. Then smiled. "Now," she murmured, "this is what I wanted." Lisa approached. "Something good?" Suzy nodded toward the performers. "Look at them." Lisa did. Then smiled. "Having fun." "Exactly." Lisa leaned against the bar. "That's usually a good sign." Suzy laughed. "With our lot, it's also a warning." Lisa's smile widened. "Then I suppose I'd better stay alert." Suzy lifted her glass. "To the Mox." Lisa raised hers. "To the Mox." And on the public floor of Lizzie's, the next invitation was already being considered. --- ## Chapter 7: A Little Performance, A Very Private Invitation *Saturday evening, Lizzie's Bar, Night City* Madame Panam had learned to recognize a particular expression on Mandi's face. It was the expression of a woman who had encountered an excellent idea. Or a terrible one. Or, more frequently, something that qualified as both. The small cyber-oni approached with Dalia on one side, Deja on the other, and a bright blue Performance card held triumphantly above her head. "OWNER!" Panam looked up. Then sighed. "Darling." Mandi grinned. "WE HAVE A PROPOSAL." "Of course you do." "A magnificent proposal." "Naturally." "An artistic proposal." Panam raised an eyebrow. "That worries me considerably more." Dalia laughed. "Actually, I think you'll like it." Panam looked at her. "Really?" "Really." Deja smiled. "And nobody has to remove any clothing." Panam slowly turned toward Mandi. "Pet." Mandi stared. "WHAT?" "The fact that she felt compelled to mention that is concerning." "It's a performance!" "Yes, darling." "An entirely respectable performance!" Dalia slipped her arm around Mandi's waist. "Well, respectable is perhaps stretching it." Panam began laughing. "All right. Show me." Mandi handed over the card. Attached to it was a short proposal from a guest named Orla. Panam read it. Then read it again. Her eyebrows rose. "Oh." Mandi beamed. "RIGHT?" Panam looked toward Dalia. "You're both interested?" Dalia nodded. "Very." "And Deja?" Deja smiled. "Absolutely." Panam considered the proposal again. Then looked toward the bar. "Where's the woman who came up with this?" Mandi pointed. "Over there." Orla stood nearby, watching the group with an expression that suggested she was trying very hard not to look too hopeful. Panam smiled. "Bring her over." Orla was a sound designer. She worked primarily in advertising and immersive entertainment, a profession that had apparently taught her to distrust anything requiring three hundred thousand eddies' worth of visual effects to communicate a simple human emotion. She was also an enthusiastic admirer of live performance. And she had a challenge. "I want a love story," she explained. Mandi grinned. "Excellent beginning." "Three people." Dalia nodded. "Naturally." "No dialogue." Mandi stopped smiling. Panam immediately began laughing. Orla looked at her. "Something wrong?" Panam waved a hand. "No. Please continue." "Ten minutes. One piece of music. You can use a small prop if you want, but no elaborate effects." Deja smiled. "And?" Orla's expression became delighted. "Someone has to be rejected." Mandi looked personally wounded. "REJECTED?" "Yes." Dalia covered her mouth. Orla continued. "And I want a happy ending." Panam considered. "So you want three women to tell you a complete romantic story, including rejection, without saying a word?" "Exactly." "And you're happy for it to take place on the public floor?" "Yes." Panam looked toward Suzy, who had approached to hear the proposal. Suzy considered. "We can accommodate a short performance without closing the dance floor for the entire evening." Lisa, nearby, nodded. "No security concerns, provided nobody tries to turn it into an audience participation event without asking first." Orla raised both hands. "No audience participation required." Mandi was still staring at the card. Dalia noticed. "Darling." Mandi looked up. "What?" "You've gone quiet." "THIS IS A TRAP." Deja laughed. "Because you can't talk?" "EXACTLY!" Orla looked delighted. "Is that a no?" Mandi considered. Then her black eyes narrowed. The orange tracery of her cyber-oni face shifted with a slow, dangerous smile. "Oh, sweetheart." Panam raised a finger. "Careful." Mandi turned toward her. "Owner?" "You're not performing yet." Mandi's grin widened. "Right." She faced Orla again. "Sweetheart, I accept your challenge." The negotiations were pleasantly straightforward. Panam handled Mandi's participation. Suzy handled Dalia and Deja's independent professional arrangements. The three performers each confirmed what they were comfortable doing. Nobody was required to kiss a stranger. Nobody would be pulled onto the floor without permission. The performance would involve the three women, their chosen music, and whatever creativity they could fit into ten minutes. Panam set Mandi's fee at forty thousand eddies. Suzy confirmed thirty thousand each for Dalia and Deja, following their individual agreement. Orla considered the total. "One hundred thousand." Panam nodded. "Correct." Orla smiled. "Agreed." Dalia looked interested. "That quickly?" Orla laughed. "I've spent more than that watching people pretend to be interesting." Mandi placed a hand over her heart. "Darling, you've come to the right place." The payments were completed separately through their appropriate arrangements. Suzy checked the floor schedule. Lisa confirmed the practical details. Then Panam turned toward Mandi. "Ready, pet?" Mandi smiled. "Very, Owner." Panam unclipped her leash. Click. She handed Mandi the handle. "Go have fun, sweetheart." Mandi kissed her enthusiastically. "LOVE YOU, OWNER!" Panam laughed. "Love you too." Dalia turned toward Deja. "Darling, would you prefer your leash off for this?" Deja considered. "Yes, please." Dalia unclipped the ivory leash and kept it safely with their belongings. Deja smiled and kissed her. "Thank you." Dalia returned the kiss. Then Mandi stepped between them. "Right." She looked from one woman to the other. "Ten minutes." Dalia nodded. "No talking." Mandi sighed. "That part is deeply unfair." Deja grinned. "Perhaps you'll discover a hidden talent." Mandi stared. Dalia smiled. "Silence?" "FUCK YOU BOTH." ### 8:16 PM: A Love Story Without Words The performance began with Dalia. She stood near the edge of the dance floor. Her hot-pink dreadlocks fell over one shoulder, and her emerald-green eyes caught the light as she turned toward the music. She held a single red flower. A simple thing. Purchased from a nearby vendor after Orla's proposal had been accepted. Nothing expensive. Nothing particularly impressive. Just a flower. Deja sat several meters away, apparently absorbed in her own thoughts. Mandi stood at the opposite side of the floor. Her arms were folded. Her black eyes were fixed on Dalia. And her face wore an expression of utterly shameless longing. The music began. Soft. Slow. Almost melancholy. Dalia examined the flower. Then looked toward Deja. Deja noticed. She smiled. Dalia returned the smile. A possibility appeared between them. Then Mandi moved. She approached Dalia with such exaggerated confidence that several nearby guests immediately started smiling. A small woman with flaming orange hair, a spectacularly expressive cyber-oni face, and the absolute certainty that the universe existed for her benefit. She stopped before Dalia. Placed one hand over her heart. And offered the other. Dalia regarded her. Thoughtfully. Mandi's smile widened. Surely. Obviously. Naturally. Dalia would accept. Dalia looked at the offered hand. Then shook her head. Gently. Clearly. No. Mandi froze. Her eyebrows rose. The orange ornamentation on her face shifted with an expression of complete disbelief. She looked at her hand. Then at Dalia. Then toward the ceiling. Several people began laughing. Mandi looked wounded. Profoundly wounded. She pressed a hand dramatically against her chest. Staggered backward. And sank onto a nearby chair as though her entire world had collapsed. Orla began laughing. She tried to stop. Failed. And covered her mouth. Dalia watched Mandi's theatrical suffering. Then smiled. Not cruelly. Affectionately. She walked past her. Toward Deja. Deja rose. There was no exaggerated reaction. No dramatic gesture. She simply stood and met Dalia halfway. The difference was immediate. Where Mandi had announced herself to the room, Deja offered Dalia something quieter. An invitation. A hand. A choice. Dalia took it. They began to dance. The music shifted. Not faster. Warmer. The two women moved together with an ease that suggested years of familiarity, trusting one another's timing without needing to anticipate every step. Dalia's dreadlocks moved around her shoulders. Deja smiled. Dalia laughed silently. And at the edge of the floor, Mandi watched. Her expression changed. The audience expected jealousy. Or another ridiculous theatrical collapse. Instead, Mandi slowly sat upright. Looked at the two women. And smiled. For a moment, she simply appreciated them. Then she stood. Approached. And stopped a respectful distance away. Deja noticed her first. Dalia followed her gaze. Mandi looked at Dalia. Then at Deja. Then raised both hands. A question. Not a demand. Not another declaration that the world ought to belong to her. Just an invitation. Dalia considered. Deja smiled. And together, they extended their hands. Mandi's face lit up. The transformation was instantaneous. Her expression became so delighted that several guests laughed aloud. She took their hands. The three women moved together. What had begun as a story of rejection became something entirely different. A story in which a refusal had not destroyed affection. A story in which nobody needed to lose for somebody else to be happy. And, eventually, a story of three women laughing together without ever saying a word. The music reached its conclusion. Dalia raised the flower. Looked toward Mandi. Then Deja. And placed it between their joined hands. The three bowed. For a second, the club was quiet. Then the applause began. Orla stood with the rest of the audience. She was laughing. And applauding. And looking thoroughly delighted. Mandi maintained her silence for another three seconds. Then threw both arms into the air. "FUCKING YES!" The audience erupted again. Dalia bent forward laughing. Deja covered her face. Suzy leaned against the bar, grinning. Lisa shook her head. "Of course." Mandi turned toward her. "WHAT?" Lisa smiled. "You lasted ten minutes." Mandi stared. Then grinned. "A PERSONAL RECORD!" Orla approached the three women after the applause had settled. "That was wonderful." Dalia smiled. "Thank you." Deja inclined her head. "Glad you enjoyed it." Mandi looked delighted. "Did we surprise you?" "Completely." "Good." Orla considered. "I expected you to be the one who won." Mandi blinked. Then burst out laughing. "SO DID I!" Dalia shook her head. "Naturally." Orla smiled. "But I think I liked the ending better." Deja looked pleased. "So did we." There was a pause. Then Orla looked toward Dalia. "May I ask something?" "Of course." "Did you plan the rejection?" Dalia smiled. "Only the first part." Orla stared. "Really?" Mandi grinned. "We improvised the rest." Orla looked between them. Then laughed. "That's incredible." Deja smiled. "We've had some practice understanding one another." Orla nodded. "I could tell." She looked at Mandi. "May I give you a hug?" Mandi's expression softened. "Gladly." They embraced. Orla asked Dalia and Deja separately. Both accepted. When the little group separated, Orla looked genuinely happy. "Thank you. All three of you." Mandi smiled. "Our pleasure." Orla glanced toward the flower still resting between Dalia's fingers. Then smiled. "Keep it." Dalia looked pleased. "Thank you." Orla turned toward the bar. And, for once, the three professionals who had just completed a successful booking stood together without immediately being asked for anything else. Dalia looked toward Mandi. "Well?" Mandi considered. Then smiled. "That was fucking wonderful." Deja nodded. "Yes." Mandi glanced at Dalia. Then leaned closer. "Although rejecting me was unnecessarily cruel." Dalia laughed. "Darling, it was the assignment." "Still cruel." Deja smiled. "Very convincing, though." Mandi sighed. "Thank you." Panam welcomed Mandi back with a smile. Mandi approached carrying her detached leash. "Owner." "Hello, sweetheart." Mandi handed it over. Panam reattached it. Click. Then drew her pet into an embrace. Mandi immediately relaxed against her. Panam kissed her. "Beautiful performance." Mandi smiled. "Thank you, Owner." "How are you feeling?" "Wonderful." "Any discomfort?" "Only emotional devastation." Panam raised an eyebrow. Mandi gestured toward Dalia. "SHE REJECTED ME." Panam looked toward Dalia. Dalia smiled. "Professionally." Panam began laughing. "Of course." She turned back toward Mandi. "Are you actually comfortable, pet?" Mandi nodded. "Very." "Good." Panam kissed her again. "Then sit down for a little while. Drink something." "Yes, Owner." Dalia and Deja settled nearby with their own drinks. Deja retrieved her ivory leash and offered it to Dalia. Dalia accepted it with a small smile and clipped it back onto her collar. Deja kissed her. Mandi watched. Then sighed theatrically. "Look at them." Panam raised an eyebrow. "What?" "Still being disgustingly adorable." Panam laughed. "You're one to talk." Mandi considered. Then smiled. "Fair." ### 9:24 PM: Vega's Second Question Vega Marlow had not forgotten the woman who approached her the previous evening. The one who thought embarrassment was something to be inflicted. The one who had seemed terribly confident until Vega asked whether she enjoyed being challenged or simply enjoyed winning. That conversation had ended without a booking. But not without interest. Now the woman was back. Her name was Katia. And this time she was carrying a deep-crimson Private Invitation card. Vega noticed immediately. "Oh." Katia smiled. "Hello." Vega looked at the card. Then at her. "Well, well." Katia laughed. "Yes." "Back for another attempt to embarrass me?" "Not exactly." "Disappointing." "Possibly." Vega raised an eyebrow. "Go on." Katia considered. Then smiled. "I've been thinking about what you said." "Which part?" "About caring what somebody thinks." Vega watched her. "And?" Katia looked toward the bar. Then back. "I realized I was trying very hard to impress you." Vega smiled. "Darling, I noticed." Katia laughed. "Of course you did." "Rather difficult to miss." "I know." A pause. Then Katia looked directly at her. "I'd like to spend some private time with you." Vega considered. "Doing what?" "Talking." "An excellent start." "Kissing, if we're both interested." Vega's smile widened slightly. "And?" Katia hesitated. Then laughed softly. "And whatever kind of intimacy we both genuinely want to share." Vega regarded her for a long moment. Not skeptically. Thoughtfully. Then she nodded. "That's a considerably better proposal." Katia smiled. "Good." Vega gestured toward Panam. "Come meet my Owner." Panam listened. Katia explained what she wanted. Vega clarified what she was interested in offering. The conversation was direct, professional, and considerably less theatrical than Katia's approach the previous evening. Which pleased Vega. She already knew the woman could be funny. Now she was discovering that she could also be sincere. Panam turned toward her pet. "Your thoughts, sweetheart?" Vega considered Katia. Then smiled. "I like her, Owner." Panam nodded. "An hour?" Vega tilted her head. "Ninety minutes." Katia smiled. "That sounds lovely." Panam considered the arrangement. "Sixty thousand eddies for ninety minutes, subject to the boundaries you've both agreed. No additional participants." Katia nodded. "Agreed." Vega smiled. "Agreed, Owner." Panam looked between them. "Either of you can end the appointment early if you need to." "Understood," Katia said. The transfer was completed. Panam confirmed it. Then turned toward Vega. "Still comfortable, darling?" Vega's expression softened. "Very, Owner." Panam unclipped the warm-brown leash. Click. She placed the handle in Vega's hand. Then kissed her. "Have a lovely time, pet." Vega smiled. "Thank you, Owner." She turned toward Katia. "Come on, darling." Katia offered her hand. Vega accepted it. And together they left the public floor. --- The private appointment room was quiet. Katia entered first. Vega followed and closed the door. For a moment, the two women stood facing one another. The music from the club was only a distant presence. Katia looked at Vega. Then smiled. "Well." Vega raised an eyebrow. "Well?" "Here we are." "An excellent observation." Katia laughed. Vega stepped closer. "Are you nervous?" "A little." "Good." Katia blinked. "Good?" "Means you're paying attention." Katia considered. Then smiled. "Fair." Vega reached toward her. Stopped just short. And waited. Katia stepped into the offered space. Her hands settled at Vega's waist. "May I kiss you?" Vega smiled. "Yes." Their lips met. Katia had kissed confidently before. But this was different. She wasn't trying to prove anything. She wasn't attempting to win some invisible competition. She was simply kissing someone she wanted. And Vega noticed. When they separated, Vega smiled. "Better." Katia laughed softly. "Better than what?" "Yesterday." "Yesterday we didn't kiss." "Exactly." Katia burst out laughing. "You're impossible." "Darling, that's what makes me expensive." They settled together on the sofa. Katia sat first. Vega joined her, close enough that their knees touched. For a while, they talked. About Night City. About work. About the rather absurd number of people who believed confidence required never admitting uncertainty. Katia listened. Vega listened too. And gradually, the conversation became less like a challenge and more like two women discovering that they genuinely liked one another. At one point, Katia looked toward Vega. "Can I tell you something?" "Of course." "I thought you'd be intimidating." Vega smiled. "Am I?" "Yes." "Good." Katia laughed. "But not in the way I expected." "Oh?" "I thought you'd make me feel foolish." Vega considered. "Darling, I've spent enough time around people who mistake cruelty for confidence." Katia nodded. "And?" "And I don't find it particularly attractive." Katia looked at her for a moment. Then smiled. "Neither do I." Vega touched her cheek. "Good." Katia leaned into the touch. Then kissed her. This time, neither hurried to separate. Vega's hand moved to the back of her neck. Katia drew closer. The kiss became warmer. More deliberate. When they finally parted, Katia rested her forehead against Vega's. "God." Vega smiled. "What?" "You're very good at that." "Practice." Katia laughed. Vega kissed her again. Then she drew back just enough to look at her. "Want to stay close?" Katia nodded. "Very much." "Good." Their jackets came off between kisses. Katia helped Vega with the fastenings of her outer garment, pausing occasionally to admire the luxurious details of her professional outfit. Vega smiled. "Enjoying the view?" "Immensely." "Good answer." Katia laughed. Vega helped her in turn, setting the discarded clothing aside without disturbing the rest of the room. They moved slowly. Not hesitantly. Simply because neither saw any reason to hurry. Katia touched Vega's cheek. Vega leaned into her palm, and her genuine smile changed the expression of the perfectly fitted mesh. Its unfamiliar features followed every small movement of her own face without slipping or revealing Brenda beneath the cover. "Beautiful," Katia said. Vega raised an eyebrow. "Me or the technology?" "Both." "Excellent diplomacy." Katia laughed, then kissed her again. Vega felt the laughter linger between them and didn't rush to replace it with some more impressive version of romance. She liked Katia best when the woman's practiced confidence gave way to something sincere. "I was thinking," Katia admitted as the kiss ended, "that I like you. A lot more than I expected." "Good." Vega touched her cheek. "Because I like you too." Katia looked briefly startled. "You really mean that?" "Fuck, darling, do I sound uncertain?" "Not usually." "Then pay attention." Vega kissed her slowly enough to make the answer unmistakable. Katia's hands settled against her back, and she drew Vega close. The conversation stopped because both women preferred the kiss, not because one of them had run out of ways to impress the other. They moved from the sofa toward the bed together. Katia stopped to remove a stubborn clasp from her own outfit and began to laugh at herself when it refused to cooperate. Vega helped after asking, then let Katia assist with the remaining layers of her professional clothes. They folded the most delicate pieces out of the way; Vega's black-void contacts, face mesh, hair styling and cover voice remained in place. When they sat together on the bed, Katia reached for Vega again, but paused. "All right?" Vega smiled. "More than all right." "Good. I don't want to rush you." "Then don't." Vega drew her nearer. "You don't need to earn a gold medal for enthusiasm." "Pity. I trained all afternoon." Vega laughed, and Katia kissed her through it. The tenderness that followed was deliberately mutual. Katia let one hand move between Vega's thighs, then stopped there until Vega met her eyes. "Yes," Vega said. The first manual touch interrupted the wisecrack already forming on her tongue. Her breath caught, her black-void eyes widened, and for one second she looked almost offended by how effectively Katia had surprised her. Katia immediately went still. "Too much?" Vega drew her closer by the back of the neck. "Darling, if you stop now I may actually kill you." Katia laughed, relieved, and continued. That answer set the tone. Katia paid attention rather than chasing speed, and Vega let herself become progressively quieter. Her hands moved from Katia's shoulders to her back, holding rather than directing. When the pleasure finally crested, Vega's body went taut beneath Katia's hand and a rough, startled sound escaped her before she could turn it into a joke. Katia stayed exactly where she was until Vega's breathing loosened. Vega opened her eyes. Katia smiled cautiously. "Gold medal?" Vega stared at her. Then began laughing. "Absolutely not." "Silver?" "Come here." Vega kissed her, rolled them gently, and returned the attention. Her hand moved between Katia's thighs with the same deliberate patience Katia had given her. Katia's confident smile softened almost immediately. "All right?" Vega asked. Katia nodded. "Very." "Words, darling." "Yes. Please." Vega smiled and continued. Katia was more openly expressive, laughing once when Vega whispered something outrageous and then losing the laugh when the pleasure intensified. Her climax arrived with a sharp breath and her forehead pressed against Vega's shoulder. Vega held her through it, one hand warm at her back. Only after both women had recovered did the teasing return. Vega surprised herself by enjoying the quiet first. Katia noticed, started to ask a question, and then caught the answer in Vega's face: pleasure, clear and entirely unperformed. She drew Vega close rather than demanding an explanation. Vega answered with a long kiss and a hand resting against Katia's back. "That's better," Vega whispered. "Better than yesterday?" "Darling, yesterday we spent half our conversation trying to win." Katia considered. "And now?" Vega smiled. "Now I'd much rather stay here with you." Katia kissed her again. Their affection remained warm and playful, but there were moments when Vega let her guard fall without turning the vulnerability into a joke. Katia, who had arrived determined to surprise an impossible woman, discovered how wonderful it was simply to be trusted by one. At one point Katia paused, breathless with laughter after something Vega had whispered in her ear. Vega watched her and shook her head affectionately. "What?" Katia asked. "You're nothing like the woman I thought you were when you handed me that purple card." "Disappointed?" "Fuck, no." Katia's smile softened. "Good." They continued to share the rest of their time without hurry, both able to enjoy the pleasure and the quiet that followed it. When Katia finally leaned against Vega, neither had to manufacture a clever ending to make the evening feel complete. Later, they rested close together beneath a light blanket. Katia's head lay against Vega's shoulder. One of Vega's hands rested comfortably against her back. Neither spoke for several minutes. They had enjoyed their time together. And now they were enjoying the quiet that followed. Katia sighed. Vega smiled. "Good sigh?" "Very." "Excellent." Katia lifted her head. "Can I ask you something?" "Again?" Katia laughed. "One more question." Vega pretended to consider. "All right." "Do you ever get tired of being funny?" Vega stared. Then began laughing. "WHAT?" Katia grinned. "I mean it." Vega shook her head. "Darling." "What?" "Sometimes." Katia's expression softened. "Really?" "Of course." There was a pause. Then Vega added, "But I'm not performing every time I make a joke." Katia considered. "No." "Sometimes I just think something's fucking funny." Katia laughed. "Fair." Vega touched her face. "And sometimes I like being quiet." Katia smiled. "Like now?" "Exactly." They settled together again. No need to fill the silence. No need to prove anything. Katia rested her hand over Vega's. After a while, she said: "This was lovely." Vega turned toward her. "It was." Katia smiled. "Thank you." Vega kissed her forehead. "You're welcome, darling." The appointment ended without either woman trying to prolong it through an awkward negotiation. They dressed at a comfortable pace. Katia helped Vega straighten the back of her outfit. Vega checked her own reflection, adjusted one small detail, then turned toward Katia. "Perfect." Katia smiled. "Naturally." Vega laughed. They embraced. Katia kissed her. Then remained close for a moment. "Could I ask you out again?" Vega regarded her. "Professionally?" "Possibly." "And otherwise?" Katia smiled. "Perhaps just for a drink." Vega considered. Then nodded. "Ask me when we meet again." Katia laughed softly. "Fair enough." "No promises about availability." "Understood." Vega touched her cheek. "But I'd be happy to see you." Katia's expression warmed. "So would I." They kissed goodbye. Then returned to the public floor together. Panam noticed Vega immediately. The woman's posture was relaxed. Her smile was genuine. And she carried her detached leash carefully in one hand. Katia thanked Panam for the arrangement. Panam smiled. "You're welcome." Katia gave Vega one final affectionate look. "Good night." Vega smiled. "Good night, darling." Katia left. Vega approached her Owner. Panam opened her arms. "Come here, sweetheart." Vega stepped into the embrace. She kissed Panam. Then offered her leash. Click. Panam reattached it. For a moment, Vega simply rested against her. Panam stroked her back. "How are you feeling?" Vega sighed contentedly. "Good, Owner." "Comfortable?" "Very." "Anything you need?" Vega considered. "Water." Panam smiled. "Already arranged." She handed her a glass. Vega drank. Then leaned against Panam again. Panam kissed her cheek. "Anything else?" Vega smiled. "A little time with you." Panam's expression warmed. "Always." She made room beside her. Vega settled comfortably, keeping the leash loose between them. After a while, she looked toward her Owner. "She was interesting." Panam smiled. "I thought she might be." "Really?" "You looked interested before the appointment." Vega laughed. "Observant woman." "Occupational hazard." Vega kissed her. "Love you, Owner." Panam smiled. "Love you too, sweetheart." And for several minutes, there was nothing else Vega needed to do. Nova joined them a little later. Her white-void eyes moved from Panam to Vega. Then she smiled. "Well." Vega looked up. "Well what?" Nova considered. "You look disgustingly pleased with yourself." Vega grinned. "Fuck you." Nova laughed. "Excellent review, then." Vega raised an eyebrow. "Wouldn't you like to know?" Nova smiled. "Only if you want to tell me." Vega considered. Then shook her head. "Not tonight." Nova nodded. "Fair." She leaned closer and kissed Vega's cheek. Not with any public suggestion of a private marriage. Simply the familiar affection of two longtime professional partners. Vega returned the gesture. Then glanced toward the dance floor. "Your engineer still dancing?" Nova smiled. "Apparently." "Good for her." "Very." Vega looked thoughtful. "Funny, isn't it?" "What?" "People come here hoping we'll show them something." Nova considered. "And?" "Sometimes they discover something about themselves instead." Nova smiled. "That's one of the reasons I enjoy this work." Vega nodded. "Me too." Then she grinned. "Also the money's fucking excellent." Nova burst out laughing. Panam shook her head affectionately. "Both of you." Vega smiled. "Yes, Owner?" Panam kissed her. "Never change." --- ### 11:32 PM: A Familiar Stranger Bea was halfway through a glass of water when she saw him. He had just entered Lizzie's and was giving the room the same quick, economical assessment she remembered from their last appointment. His attention settled on the entrances, the Mox security, the routes between tables. Then it found her. His expression softened. Bea smiled before she could stop herself. Elisa knew that man as the person responsible for protecting her. Bea knew him as a considerate returning client who had made a very good impression. He knew only the second woman was standing in front of him. "Hello," he said. "Well, hello yourself." "You weren't here last time I checked." "And you checked?" He smiled. "I hoped." Bea set down her glass. "Very good answer." He approached without trying to touch her. She liked that about him, just as she had before. The boundaries never had to be wrestled out of his hands. "How's work?" she asked. "Still work." "Tragic." "And you?" Bea glanced around the club. "Spectacular weekend. Rather enjoying myself." "Good." He hesitated, then asked directly, "Are you available tonight?" Bea took a moment to consider. She'd already enjoyed Tessa's company earlier, and there was no rule demanding that the rest of the night be sold. But she wanted this one, too. "For you, yes. One hour?" He nodded. "I'd like that." "Twenty-five thousand eddies. The same boundaries as our last appointment, unless either of us wants to adjust something." "Agreed. No recordings, no surprise guests, no rough handling. Either of us can stop." "And no work talk once the door closes," Bea added with a wicked smile. He laughed. "That might be the best clause." Suzy verified Bea's independent booking and the payment, then assigned a private suite. Nobody mentioned Elisa, and nothing in the exchange connected this client to her other life. --- The door clicked shut behind them. He inspected the room once, almost unconsciously. Bea watched him turn toward the windows and caught the moment he realized what he was doing. "Don't," she said, laughing. He shook his head. "I know." "You can stop being responsible for everybody for an hour." "I'll attempt it." She offered him her hand. "Excellent. Begin by sitting down." He sat beside her, close but not presumptuous. They exchanged a few ordinary stories. Bea found herself enjoying how quickly his careful public composure made room for laughter here. In his working life, he was paid never to stop paying attention. With Bea, he could focus on someone for the pleasure of it. After a while he turned toward her. "May I kiss you?" "I thought you'd never ask." Their first kiss was familiar. He remembered what Bea liked about the last time they met, and she remembered his patience. Her face mesh remained entirely secure as she leaned into him, the fitted material carrying her own smile without revealing the face underneath. Bea touched the back of his neck and drew him closer. He answered with a warmth he never showed in professional meetings. When she laughed against his cheek, he pulled back just enough to ask why. "You look pleased with yourself," she said. "I am pleased." "Good. So am I." They kissed again. Bea eased his jacket from his shoulders, waited while he set it neatly aside, then laughed when he reached for the next fastening with the same exaggerated caution he might have used around a security seal. "Darling, it's clothing. It won't file a complaint." "You don't know my luck." She kissed him hard enough to end the argument. When they moved to the bed, it was because both reached for that closeness, not because either had inferred a right to it from the fee. Bea slipped off the pieces she wanted to set aside. He followed her pace, asking before changing it, and she made her preferences as clear as her pleasure. Bea initiated the first unmistakably intimate touch, and his surprised breath turned into the same unguarded smile she'd liked the first time. She stayed close long enough to know the response was welcome. He answered with equal attentiveness, then stopped when the question mattered. "Still want more?" Bea held his gaze. "Yes." He kissed her before they shifted together on the bed. Bea guided him closer herself, making the next choice unmistakable. When he entered her, she went still for one brief second, not from uncertainty but from the sudden intensity of the closeness. Her fingers tightened at his shoulder. He stopped immediately. Bea opened her eyes and smiled. "Don't panic." "Checking." "Good." She drew him down for a kiss. "Now stay with me." They remained still long enough for the moment to settle between them. Then Bea moved first, and the shared rhythm developed from her invitation rather than the payment that had brought them into the room. Familiarity made it easier. Bea knew his patience. He knew she preferred attention to bravado. He noticed when her laughter softened into concentration and slowed without being told. She noticed when his professional self-control began to slip and smiled because she knew how rarely he allowed that. Bea's first climax came before his. It built through a series of smaller reactions until her teasing disappeared completely, her eyes closed, and she held him close as the pleasure rolled through her. He stayed with her, kissing her cheek and waiting until she opened her eyes again. "Still here?" he asked softly. Bea laughed, breathless. "Unfortunately for your reputation." His answering smile was warm enough to make her kiss him again. When his own climax followed later, Bea felt the change before she saw it: the sudden tension, the broken breath, the way he stopped trying to control every reaction. She held him through it with one hand at the back of his neck. They stayed close afterward instead of separating immediately, both breathing hard and quietly amused by how little either had to say. At one point he rested his forehead against hers. "You all right?" "Very." She smiled. "And you?" "I wish I had longer." Bea laughed softly. "That's a compliment. Not an extension request." "I know." She kissed him for that answer. They let the last part of their agreed hour belong to recovery, affection, and the simple pleasure of not having to perform competence for anyone. Afterward, he lay beside her, looking more rested than when he'd arrived. Bea noticed it before he did. "Your shoulders," she said. "What about them?" "They're not somewhere near your ears anymore." He laughed, then took her hand. "Thank you." "You did the difficult part yourself." "What's that?" "Let yourself enjoy something." He studied her for a moment. "You make it easy." That pleased her more than he could know. It was also a dangerous sort of compliment for a woman whose other life involved signing his paychecks. Fortunately, he had no idea; Bea intended to keep it that way. They dressed without rushing. He checked his reflection; Bea checked hers, particularly the perfect fit of the cover mesh and the bright blue ChromeLock hair. Then they returned to the club. Suzy received the completion confirmation without asking for a report, and Bea got herself fresh water before accepting another conversation. "See you again?" he asked. "Ask me next time you're here," Bea said. "I'd like that." He smiled. "Then I will." When he had gone, Bea watched the door for a moment. Two bookings with familiar clients, two entirely different kinds of happiness. She had chosen both. --- ### 12:46 AM: The Artists' Answer Saturday night had already slipped into Sunday morning when Helena returned to Madame Panam's table. Seras accompanied her, looking no less delighted than she had during Friday's extraordinary art conversation. Panam raised her eyebrows. "Ladies. Another discussion of art?" "In a way," Helena said. Nadia glanced up from her tablet. Sera set aside her water and regarded the visitors with interest. Seras smiled at Sera. "Yesterday, when you told us how you make people visible through your work, I found myself wishing our conversation could continue somewhere quieter. Would you consider a private appointment with me?" Sera's expression became thoughtful, then warm. "Perhaps. What are you hoping for?" "Your company," Seras said. "And, if we're both comfortable, a more personal sort of affection than we could share at the bar. No audience and no recording." Sera looked at Panam, then back at the Queen. "I like that idea." Helena turned toward Nadia. "And I wondered whether you might accept a separate invitation from me. I loved hearing you speak about the things you've painted. I should like to know you a little better, without three other people listening." Nadia smiled. "I'd enjoy that. Are you imagining another conversation, or a private appointment that might include intimacy?" "The latter, if you want it. Nothing presumed." "Then yes," Nadia said. "I'd like that." Panam looked carefully at both pets. "You're each free to decline. And Friday's conversation purchased Friday's conversation, nothing more. This would be new." "We know, Owner," Nadia said affectionately. "And we're choosing it," Sera added. Panam nodded. "Two separate ninety-minute appointments. Ten million eddies each. Two suites, two agreements. Seras with Sera. Helena with Nadia. No additional guests, no changes without a new discussion." The visitors accepted without theatrics. Each artist confirmed her own terms and consent. The separate transfers cleared; Suzy arranged two rooms through the proper venue procedures without assuming the right to make Stable decisions herself. Panam unclipped Sera's leash first, kissed her and placed the handle in her hand. "Enjoy your evening, sweetheart." "Thank you, Owner." Then Nadia offered her own leash. Click. Panam handed it back to her, drew her close, and kissed her forehead. "You too, darling. Take your time." Nadia smiled. "I intend to." --- Seras and Sera settled in a private suite with an extraordinary amount of white clothing between them. Seras considered Sera's sculptural couture with admiration. "How does one even begin removing that?" Sera laughed. "Carefully. And only if I want to." "Entirely fair." They began by sitting close enough to share a cup of tea. The conversation returned naturally to the gallery, to Nadia's work, and to Sera's odd certainty that people were more interesting when permitted to choose what they showed the world. After a while, Seras touched her hand. "May I kiss you?" Sera nodded and leaned closer. The Queen's kiss was warm, precise, and so openly delighted that Sera laughed when they parted. "What?" Seras asked. "You look happy." "I am." Sera smiled. "So am I." They kissed again. Seras drew Sera close, and Sera answered by resting her arms around the Queen. There was nothing dangerous or uncontrolled in Seras's nearness. Her royal mastery was effortless; she did not need to wrestle with hunger or make Sera responsible for it. Tonight they had chosen affection, not a demonstration of vampiric power. When Sera asked whether they might move to the bed, Seras agreed. They set aside the pieces of clothing they each wished to remove, helping with the unfamiliar fastenings and pausing for affectionate kisses. Sera's silver-white hair lifted faintly as her happiness grew, and Seras smiled at the tiny change without turning it into an experiment. When Sera invited Seras to touch her more intimately, the Queen waited for her clear yes. Only then did Seras let her hand settle between Sera's thighs. The first manual touch brought a surprised stillness to Sera's face. Her silver-white hair lifted faintly, then settled as she exhaled and leaned into Seras. "That all right?" Seras asked. Sera smiled. "More than." Seras continued with the same deliberate attention she brought to everything she chose to do well. Sera, who could seem ceremonial in public, allowed herself to become openly expressive here. She asked for a slower touch once, then for more. Seras adjusted without making either request feel like an interruption. Sera's first climax came quietly. Her body tightened, her eyes closed, and she held Seras's hand against her as the pleasure passed through her. The Queen did not rush her through it. She stayed close, kissed her temple, and waited until Sera opened her eyes again. "Still here?" Sera murmured. Seras smiled. "Entirely." Sera laughed softly and kissed her. When she had recovered, Sera asked if she could return the attention. "I would like that very much," Seras said. Sera moved lower only after the answer. Her first oral touch made Seras's composure flicker into a genuinely delighted expression. Sera noticed and smiled against her. "Oh," Seras said. "Good oh?" Sera asked, borrowing the phrase she'd heard elsewhere in the club. Seras laughed. "Very." For all her age and mastery, Seras allowed herself the simple luxury of receiving. When her climax reached her, it showed first in the way her fingers tightened around the bedding, then in the long breath she released when the tension finally gave way. Sera came back up beside her and was immediately drawn into an embrace. Neither tried to make the encounter into a promise about the future. They let it be exactly what it was: a chosen, deeply pleasurable evening between two women who had wanted to know one another more closely. Afterward they rested beside one another, drinking water and talking about art again. Seras asked whether Sera would ever paint a Queen. Sera considered. "Only if the Queen could bear being painted as an ordinary woman." Seras smiled. "That sounds wonderful." --- In the other suite, Helena sat beside Nadia and examined one of the artist's sketches. "You draw people as if they have secrets," Helena observed. "They usually do," Nadia replied. "So do artists." Helena laughed. "And do you know mine?" "Not yet. I'd rather ask than pretend." That answer pleased Helena enough that she reached for Nadia's hand. Nadia caught the movement, smiled, and turned her hand over to meet it. "May I kiss you?" "Please." The kiss began gently. Helena answered with a composure that softened when Nadia leaned close and kissed her again. For a while they forgot the tablet entirely. "Your sketch is still open," Helena murmured. Nadia laughed. "It's survived worse distractions." They moved from the sofa toward the bed together, leaving the tablet safely on a table. Helena helped Nadia with an awkward clasp; Nadia returned the attention, careful with a piece of jewelry Helena had worn for longer than most cities kept their names. They agreed that their private appointment could become intimate and checked once more that neither wanted anything different. Nadia initiated their first intimate touch herself, letting her hand move between Helena's thighs and stopping there. Helena's breath caught. Nadia immediately looked up. "Too much?" Helena's smile was almost offended. "Not remotely." "Good." Nadia continued, curious in the best possible sense: not trying to solve Helena, but paying attention to every small change. Helena's composure softened by degrees. The first time she closed her eyes, Nadia smiled. The first time she reached for Nadia's shoulder and held on, Nadia slowed rather than assuming that stronger meant better. Helena's climax surprised her with its intensity. Her head tipped back, one hand closed around Nadia's wrist, and a low laugh escaped her only after the tension had begun to release. "Well," Helena murmured when she could speak. Nadia grinned. "Well?" "You're very attentive." "Occupational hazard." Helena laughed and pulled her into a kiss. When Nadia asked what Helena wanted to do next, Helena answered by drawing her onto the bed and asking if she might return the favor. Nadia's yes was immediate. Helena moved lower with an elegance that made Nadia laugh once, right up until the first oral contact stole the joke from her. Her hands tightened in the bedding. Helena paused. Nadia opened her eyes. "Don't you dare stop." That earned a very pleased smile. The pleasure built differently for Nadia. She talked at first, then lost words one by one until all that remained were small sounds and the occasional breathless laugh. Her climax arrived with her body curling toward Helena and her hand finding the older woman's hair, holding without pulling until the sensation eased. Helena came back up beside her. "Still curious?" she asked. Nadia kissed her. "More than ever." They stayed close afterward, neither needing a witness, a performance card, or an elaborate speech to justify how much they had enjoyed themselves. Later, with her head resting comfortably near Helena's shoulder, Nadia said, "I think you just became one of my favorite conversations." Helena smiled. "Even though we spent part of it saying very little?" "Especially then." They shared one last kiss before preparing to return. --- The two appointments finished independently. Nadia reached Panam first, carrying her detached leash. Panam accepted it and fastened it with a click, then drew her pet into a long embrace. "Welcome back, darling. How are you feeling?" "Wonderful, Owner. A little sleepy." "Then you're done for tonight." Panam kissed her forehead and settled her with water and a snack. "No more work." Nadia smiled. "An excellent professional judgment." Sera returned a little later. Panam received her leash, reattached it, and kissed her gently before asking whether she needed anything. Sera wanted tea and a quiet place close to her Owner. Panam made room beside Nadia and held both women without asking for private details. Seras and Helena returned to the bar together. They exchanged a look filled with the familiarity of a couple who could share a wonderful experience without having to experience every minute of it side by side. Friday's art conversation had become something neither would forget. Saturday's private invitations had been different, and equally chosen. --- After two-thirty, Suzy reviewed the evening's completed engagements. A hundred-thousand-eddie performance. Several private appointments. More Conversation cards than she had expected. A dance lesson that had somehow turned into a small social triumph. And a collection of performers who appeared to be enjoying themselves every bit as much as their clients. Suzy was delighted. Lisa approached. "Everything going smoothly?" "Beautifully." "Good." Suzy glanced toward Mandi, Dalia, and Deja. The three women were laughing over something. Mandi appeared to be demonstrating her silent heartbreak from the performance. Dalia looked thoroughly unimpressed. Deja was laughing so hard she had to hold onto the bar. Suzy smiled. "Look at them." Lisa followed her gaze. Then laughed. "Idiots." "Professionals," Suzy corrected. "Both." Suzy nodded. "Definitely both." Lisa glanced at the Wild Muses cards. "Interesting evening." "Very." "And tomorrow?" Suzy smiled. "Sunday." Lisa regarded her. "Excellent calendar work." "Fuck you." Lisa laughed. Suzy looked around the club. Then her expression softened. "This is what I wanted." Lisa followed her gaze. At the performers. The guests. The Mox staff. The people enjoying themselves without anybody needing to pretend that pleasure and professionalism were enemies. Lisa nodded. "Good." Suzy smiled. "Very good." --- Across the club, Mandi had finally settled beside Dalia. Deja sat close on the other side. For a few minutes, they enjoyed a rare moment of peace. Mandi rested her head against Dalia's shoulder. "Darling." Dalia smiled. "Yes?" "That was a magnificent performance." "It was." "We should do something like that again." Deja raised an eyebrow. "Without speaking?" Mandi considered. Then sighed. "Don't push your luck." Dalia laughed. She kissed Mandi. Then turned toward Deja and kissed her too. Mandi watched them. Smiled. And leaned back against Dalia. There was something deeply satisfying about the evening. Not merely the payment. Not merely the applause. But the knowledge that three women who genuinely enjoyed one another had managed to create something beautiful, funny, and memorable for someone who had asked. Dalia stroked Mandi's shoulder. "Happy?" Mandi smiled. "Very." Deja rested her hand over Dalia's. "So am I." For a little while, they simply stayed there. Three women. One very good evening. And a club full of possibilities. Then Mandi lifted her head. "Darling?" Dalia looked down. "Yes?" "Do you think Owner would let me do another silent performance?" Dalia considered. "Probably." Mandi smiled. "Good." A pause. Then: "Because I have an idea." Deja closed her eyes. Dalia sighed. And from several meters away, Panam called: "MANDI!" Mandi froze. Then grinned. "YES, OWNER?" "NO." Dalia burst out laughing. Deja nearly fell off her chair. And Mandi threw both hands into the air. "I HAVEN'T EVEN SAID ANYTHING!" Panam laughed. "EXACTLY!" Saturday's celebration carried on well into Sunday morning. And for once, Lizzie's Long Weekend was exactly what its name promised. Not merely a gathering of extraordinary people. Not merely an expensive social event. But a place where a clever invitation could become a performance, a conversation could become an unexpected connection, and a professional encounter could be genuinely wanted, enjoyed, and remembered. Suzy raised her glass. "To the Mox." Lisa smiled. "To the Mox." And somewhere in the background, Mandi was still arguing that ten minutes of silence constituted a heroic personal sacrifice. --- ## Chapter 8 — The Price of a Very Good Idea *Sunday evening, Lizzie's Bar, Night City* By Sunday, Suzy Q had stopped counting how many guests had asked whether the Wild Muses cards would become a permanent feature. The answer was no. Probably. She had also stopped estimating the total revenue generated by the event. Not because she had lost interest. Because every time she thought the numbers had settled into a reasonable pattern, somebody proposed something completely outrageous and an equally outrageous amount of money changed hands. Now she stood behind the bar, watching Nadia examine an electric-blue Performance card. The woman who had offered it looked terrified. Suzy smiled. This, at least, was familiar territory. Someone had gathered the courage to ask an extraordinary woman to do something unexpected. The extraordinary woman was considering it. And the result would probably be worth watching. ### 6:18 PM: The Sound of Somewhere Gone "My name's Iona," the woman said. Nadia smiled. "I'm Nadia." "I know." "That does seem to be a common beginning tonight." Iona laughed nervously. She was an audio archivist, apparently. Her work involved rescuing old recordings from obsolete storage systems before the corporations responsible for them decided that preservation was an unnecessary expense. Nadia found that interesting. "You're saving sounds?" "Trying to." "What kind?" "Anything that tells you what a place was like." Nadia tilted her head. "Before it changed?" "Before it disappeared." That made Nadia pay closer attention. Iona took a small recording device from her pocket. "This came from a market that was demolished six years ago. My grandmother had a stall there." Nadia glanced toward the device. "What did she sell?" "Tea. Spices. Things people didn't really need but bought because they liked talking to her." Nadia smiled. "That sounds like an excellent business model." Iona laughed. "She thought so." She hesitated. Then placed the Performance card between them. "I wondered whether you could make something from this." Nadia looked at the card. "Something?" "A drawing. Or a visual interpretation. Anything, really." "Of the sound?" "Yes." Nadia considered. "Would I be able to listen first?" Iona nodded. "Of course." She played the recording. There was traffic in the distance. Footsteps. Several overlapping conversations. Someone laughing. A metallic clatter. And, near the end, an older woman's voice saying something in a language Nadia didn't recognize. Then the recording stopped. Nadia remained quiet. Iona watched her anxiously. "Is that too little to work with?" Nadia shook her head. "No." A pause. Then she smiled. "Actually, I think it's rather beautiful." Panam listened to the proposal with obvious interest. Nadia stood beside her, still holding the recording device. Sera, in an extraordinary white couture creation, leaned close enough to hear. "I like it," Sera said. Nadia nodded. "So do I." Panam looked toward her pet. "What are you imagining, sweetheart?" "A live composition. Twenty-five minutes, perhaps. Something that responds to what I hear." "Would you need anything?" "One large display. My tablet. A quiet start." Suzy approached. "We can give you a display without disrupting the dance floor. The audience won't need to stop everything else." Nadia smiled. "Perfect." Panam turned toward Iona. "Two million eddies for a twenty-five-minute original performance by Nadia. The resulting work belongs to Nadia, but you'll receive a personal copy with permission for private use." Iona considered the offer. Then nodded. "Agreed." Nadia looked at her. "Are you sure?" "Yes." "Then I'd love to do it." Iona's expression changed immediately. Relief. Delight. And something close to disbelief. Panam smiled. "Then let's arrange it." The payment was completed. Nadia confirmed again that she wanted the engagement. Panam unclipped her leash, placed the handle in her hand, and kissed her. "Enjoy yourself, darling." Nadia smiled. "Thank you, Owner." The performance began without an announcement. Nadia simply appeared on one of the club's large displays, seated before her tablet. Beside her, the sound recording began to play. At first, the screen showed almost nothing. A dark field. A few uncertain lines. Then Nadia began to draw. She didn't attempt a literal reconstruction of the market. She had never seen it. She didn't know the arrangement of the stalls, the color of the signs, or whether Iona's grandmother had worked beneath a red awning or a green one. Instead, she drew the sounds. The first distant engine became a long horizontal stroke. Footsteps appeared as interruptions in the line. Conversations created overlapping shapes. The metallic clatter produced a sudden bright angle. Then the laughter arrived. Nadia paused. Her hand remained above the tablet. She listened again. And changed the direction of the composition. The laughter became an opening. Not a symbol of a person. A space where people might gather. As the recording continued, the picture acquired depth without becoming a conventional image. Shapes overlapped. Lines interrupted one another. A dense central area emerged, surrounded by a network of quieter spaces. Iona stood near the bar. Watching. Not speaking. Sera watched too. Her expression became thoughtful. Nadia played the recording again. This time she concentrated on the older woman's voice. She didn't understand the words. So she didn't try to illustrate them. She drew the rhythm. The intervals. The confidence of someone speaking in a place where she expected to be heard. Then she added one final shape. Small. Unremarkable. At the center of the composition. And stopped. The display held the finished work. Nobody applauded immediately. Not because they disliked it. Because several people were still looking. Then the applause came. Iona approached slowly. Nadia turned toward her. "Well?" Iona stared at the image. Then laughed once. Quietly. Almost in disbelief. "That's..." She stopped. Nadia waited. Iona looked toward the screen again. "You didn't draw the market." "No." "You drew how it felt." Nadia smiled. "I tried." Iona nodded. Then covered her mouth. For a moment, she seemed unable to say anything else. Nadia stepped closer. "Are you all right?" Iona nodded. "Yes." A breath. "Yes. It's just..." She looked toward the little shape at the center. "That's where she was." Nadia tilted her head. "Your grandmother?" Iona nodded. "I know you couldn't have known that." "No." "But that's where she always stood. In the middle of everything. Everybody came to her." Nadia looked at the image. Then back at Iona. "I'm glad it means something to you." Iona smiled through the emotion in her face. "It means a great deal." She hesitated. "May I hug you?" Nadia smiled. "Yes." They embraced. Not for the audience. Not because the performance required a sentimental conclusion. Simply because Iona wanted to thank her, and Nadia was happy to receive it. When they separated, Iona looked at the screen one last time. "Thank you." Nadia touched her hand. "Thank you for sharing it." Panam welcomed Nadia back with quiet pride. The leash changed hands. Click. Then Panam embraced her pet. "You were wonderful, darling." Nadia smiled against her shoulder. "Thank you, Owner." "How are you feeling?" "A little emotional." Panam nodded. "I thought you might be." She kissed Nadia's forehead. "Come sit with me." Nadia accepted the invitation. Sera joined them, her white dress settling around her in carefully structured folds. "That was beautiful," she said. Nadia smiled. "Thank you." Sera looked toward the display, which had returned to the club's usual visuals. "Did you know what you were going to make?" "Not until I heard the recording." Sera considered. "That's the best kind." Panam kissed Nadia's cheek. "Water first. Artistic philosophy afterward." Nadia laughed. "Yes, Owner." ### 7:42 PM: A Royal Proposal Seras Victoria had watched the performance. So had Helena. Neither had spoken during it. Now they stood at the bar, finishing their drinks. Helena looked toward the artists. "Extraordinary." Seras nodded. "Very." "I understand why you like this place." Seras smiled. "I was thinking precisely the same thing about you." Helena laughed softly. Then her gaze moved toward another part of the club. Mandi was standing beside Dalia. The little cyber-oni appeared to be explaining something with both hands, while Dalia looked at her with fond exasperation. Nearby, Sera was still resting with Panam and Nadia. Helena smiled. "Darling." Seras looked toward her. "Yes?" "I believe we discussed an idea yesterday." Seras's smile widened. "We did." "Are you still interested?" "Very." Helena regarded the Wild Muses display. Then selected a crimson Private Invitation card. Seras watched. "One card?" Helena considered. Then took a second. Seras laughed. "Darling." "What?" "Planning a coordinated attack?" Helena smiled serenely. "Only an invitation." Mandi noticed them approaching. Naturally. Her expression brightened. "LADIES!" Dalia turned. "Good evening." Seras smiled. "Good evening, Mandi." Helena inclined her head. "Dalia." Mandi looked at the two crimson cards. Then stopped. Her cyber-oni eyebrows lifted. "Oh." Dalia followed her gaze. Then smiled. "Oh." Seras laughed. "You both appear to have reached a conclusion." Mandi grinned. "Darling, those are very interesting cards." Helena looked delighted. "We hoped you might think so." Dalia slipped the menthol lollipop from her mouth. "What did you have in mind?" Helena glanced toward Sera. Then back. "A private appointment." Mandi's smile widened. "With?" Helena looked directly at her. "You." Then Dalia. "And you." A pause. Then she glanced toward the tall silver-haired artist. "And Sera." Mandi stared. Dalia went very still. Seras smiled. "We thought the three of you might make rather wonderful company." For approximately four seconds, Mandi did not say anything. Dalia looked at her. Then burst out laughing. "Oh, that's priceless." Mandi turned. "WHAT?" "You're speechless." "I AM NOT!" "You were." "FOR FOUR SECONDS!" Helena laughed. Seras covered her mouth, trying unsuccessfully to conceal her own amusement. Dalia smiled toward the two guests. "Well, you've certainly made an impression." Mandi looked at her. Then at the vampires. Then toward Sera. Her fanged grin slowly returned. "Oh, this is going to be a magnificent negotiation." They began at the bar. Not in some invented prestige booth. Not behind a velvet rope reserved for important people. Lizzie's did not rearrange its rules because two extraordinary women had arrived with enough money to purchase a respectable portion of Night City. Helena placed the cards on the counter. Suzy looked at them. Then at the women gathered around. "Oh, fuck." Mandi grinned. "MY SENTIMENTS EXACTLY." Suzy laughed. "What are we discussing?" "A private booking," Seras said pleasantly. "With?" "Mandi, Dalia, and Sera." Suzy looked toward Panam. Panam had already noticed the gathering. She approached with Sera beside her. Nadia remained nearby, smiling curiously. Panam looked at Helena. "All three?" Helena nodded. "If they're interested." Panam's eyebrows rose. "Well." Mandi beamed. "RIGHT?" Panam turned toward her. "Pet." "Yes, Owner?" "You haven't actually agreed to anything yet." Mandi opened her mouth. Then closed it. A pause. "Fair." Dalia laughed. Panam looked toward Seras and Helena. "What sort of appointment?" Seras considered. "Private companionship, affection, and whatever intimacy the five of us mutually choose." Helena nodded. "No audience. No recording. No additional guests." "And how long?" Panam asked. "Three hours," Helena replied. Panam nodded. Then looked toward the invited women. "Mandi?" Mandi considered. Actually considered. Her usual theatrical enthusiasm softened into something more thoughtful. Then she smiled. "Yes, Owner. I'd enjoy that." Panam nodded. "And you, sweetheart?" Sera looked at Seras. Then Helena. Her blue eyes remained calm. Interested. Warm. "Yes, Owner." Panam studied her. "Your own decision?" Sera smiled. "Entirely." Panam kissed her hand. "Good." Then she looked toward Dalia. Dalia raised an eyebrow. "You're not my Owner." Panam smiled. "I know, darling." "Just making sure." Mandi began laughing. Dalia turned toward the two guests. "Yes. I'm interested." Suzy nodded. "Then we can discuss the independent part of the booking." The negotiation began sensibly. That lasted approximately ninety seconds. Panam handled Mandi and Sera as members of her Stable. Suzy handled Dalia's separate professional arrangement. All three women remained present. All three had their own voice. All three were free to accept or refuse the terms. Seras and Helena made their preferences clear. There would be no requirement for any particular combination of participants throughout the appointment. Nobody would be obligated to participate merely because someone else wanted to. And the booking would not imply any future entitlement. Panam nodded. "Good." Helena smiled. "Reasonable?" "Very." Suzy looked toward Dalia. "Your thoughts?" Dalia considered. "Three hours. Five people. No recording, no additional guests, no changes without agreement." Seras nodded. "Precisely." Dalia smiled. "Then I'm comfortable." Mandi raised a hand. Panam sighed. "Yes, pet?" "One question." "Go on." Mandi looked toward the vampires. "Do we get to make jokes?" Seras blinked. Then started laughing. Helena smiled. "Good heavens, yes." Mandi looked relieved. "THANK FUCK." Dalia covered her face. Sera laughed softly. Panam closed her eyes. "Darling." "WHAT?" "Please tell me that wasn't your only concern." Mandi considered. Then smiled. "Possibly." The price came next. Panam looked toward Seras. "Twenty-five million eddies for Mandi." Mandi's eyebrows rose. She remained quiet. A rare achievement. "Twenty-five million for Sera," Panam continued. Seras nodded. "Agreed." Suzy looked toward Dalia. Dalia considered. "Twenty-five million for my participation." Suzy nodded. "Confirmed." Helena glanced toward Seras. Then back to the group. "Seventy-five million total." "Correct," Panam said. The club seemed to become quieter around them. Not because the music had stopped. Because Mandi had stopped breathing for approximately one second. Then: "SEVENTY-FIVE MILLION FUCKING EDDIES?" Dalia slowly turned toward her. "Darling." "WHAT?" "You're shouting." "I KNOW!" Helena began laughing. Seras looked delighted. Suzy leaned against the bar, grinning. Panam regarded her pet with enormous patience. "Mandi." "YES, OWNER?" "Inside voice." Mandi took a breath. Then leaned closer. In a stage whisper audible to half the bar, she said: "Seventy-five million fucking eddies." Dalia burst out laughing. Sera lowered her head, shoulders shaking. Helena looked toward Seras. "My love." "Yes?" "I believe we're getting excellent value already." Seras laughed. "Without question." The payment was divided correctly. Fifty million through Panam's arrangements for Mandi and Sera. Twenty-five million through Suzy for Dalia. No shared payment that blurred the professional boundaries. No assumption that paying Panam purchased Dalia. No assumption that Suzy could authorize anything concerning Sera or Mandi. Each woman confirmed the terms independently. Seras and Helena confirmed their own agreement. The transfers completed. Panam looked toward Mandi. "Still comfortable, pet?" Mandi's expression softened. "Very, Owner." Panam turned toward Sera. "And you, sweetheart?" Sera nodded. "Yes, Owner." Suzy looked toward Dalia. Dalia smiled. "Absolutely." Helena regarded all three. "Then I believe we have an appointment." Mandi grinned. "Oh, darling." She looked toward Dalia. Then Sera. Then back to the vampires. "We most certainly do." ### 9:06 PM: Five Women, One Very Expensive Evening Panam unclipped Mandi's leash first. Click. She placed the handle in Mandi's hand. "Enjoy yourself, sweetheart." Mandi kissed her. "Thank you, Owner." Panam embraced her for a moment. Then turned toward Sera. The taller woman leaned closer. Panam smiled. "Have a wonderful time, pet." Sera kissed her warmly. "I will, Owner." Click. Her leash was released and placed in her hand. Panam held her gaze for another moment. A quiet question. Sera answered with a small smile. Entirely comfortable. Entirely willing. Dalia waited beside them, her lollipop safely discarded and her expression unusually thoughtful. Mandi noticed. "Darling?" Dalia glanced toward her. "Yes?" "You look serious." "Professional." "That's terrifying." Dalia laughed. Then took Mandi's hand. "Come on." Seras offered her arm to Helena. Helena accepted. Sera joined the little group. And the five women left the public floor together. --- The private appointment suite was quiet and comfortable. Nobody rushed to fill the silence. Seras looked around with appreciation. Helena placed her bag aside. Mandi inspected the seating. Then turned toward her guests. "Well." Seras smiled. "Well?" Mandi spread her arms. "Welcome to your extremely expensive evening." Helena laughed. Dalia approached. "And what would you like to do first?" Helena considered. "Sit." Mandi stared. Then began laughing. "SEVENTY-FIVE MILLION EDDIES AND YOU WANT TO SIT?" Helena smiled serenely. "For a moment." Seras laughed. "Darling, you may have broken her." Dalia shook her head. "She'll recover." Sera smiled. "Eventually." Mandi looked between them. "TRAITORS. ALL OF YOU." They settled together. Five women. No audience. No obligation to perform for anyone beyond the people present. The conversation began naturally. Seras asked Mandi about her extraordinary public presentation. Mandi explained the theatrical advantages of looking like a tiny cyber-oni with spectacular orange hair. Helena regarded her thoughtfully. "Do you enjoy being so conspicuous?" Mandi grinned. "Immensely." "Why?" Mandi considered. "Because it's fun." Helena smiled. "An excellent reason." Dalia leaned back. "And because she enjoys making people underestimate her." Mandi looked toward her. "Darling." "What?" "You're revealing my secrets." "Only the obvious ones." Seras laughed. Sera watched the exchange with quiet affection. Helena turned toward her. "And you?" Sera tilted her head. "Me?" "Your public work is so different." Sera considered. "Not as different as it looks." "How so?" "All three of us choose how people encounter us." Helena smiled. "Interesting." Mandi nodded enthusiastically. "EXACTLY." Dalia looked toward her. "That doesn't mean you need to announce it." Mandi grinned. "I KNOW." Seras laughed. Then reached for Helena's hand. Helena accepted it. For a while, the conversation continued. Not an interrogation. Not an attempt to discover the private identities beneath the covers. Just five women enjoying one another's company. And discovering that they liked it. Eventually, Helena turned toward Mandi. "May I ask you something?" Mandi smiled. "Anything reasonable." Helena's eyebrow rose. "Reasonable?" "Within limits." Dalia laughed softly. Helena considered. "Would you like to kiss me?" Mandi stopped. Then smiled. A genuine smile. Not one of her enormous theatrical grins. "Yes." Helena offered her hand. Mandi took it. They moved closer. And kissed. It was gentle at first. An invitation answered. Helena's hand settled against Mandi's cheek. The cyber-oni mesh followed Mandi's own changing expression, remaining perfectly fitted as she leaned into the affection. When they separated, Mandi looked unexpectedly pleased. Helena smiled. "Well?" Mandi considered. Then said, very quietly: "Lovely." Dalia stared. Seras laughed. Sera smiled. Helena regarded her with amusement. "Only lovely?" Mandi's grin returned. "Fucking magnificent, actually." Helena laughed. "Much better." Seras turned toward Dalia. Dalia met her gaze. "Would you like to come closer?" Dalia smiled. "Very much." She moved beside Seras. The Queen offered her hand. Dalia accepted it. For a moment, they simply looked at one another. There was already a considerable history between them. Not all of it public. Not all of it something either needed to acknowledge in this setting. But the warmth was real. Seras touched Dalia's cheek. "May I?" Dalia smiled. "Please." They kissed. Unhurriedly. With none of the uncertainty of strangers. Dalia's hand settled against Seras's waist. Seras answered with a quiet, affectionate touch. When they separated, Dalia smiled. "That was rather wonderful." Seras laughed softly. "I thought so too." Sera had been watching. Not as an outsider. Not as someone waiting for permission to be included. Simply as a woman enjoying the company of people she liked. Helena turned toward her. "Would you like to join us?" Sera smiled. "Yes." She moved closer. Helena took her hand. There was a pause. A moment of mutual recognition. Then Sera leaned down and kissed her. Helena answered warmly. When they separated, Helena looked delighted. "My goodness." Mandi turned. "WHAT?" Helena smiled. "Nothing." Mandi narrowed her eyes. "That was absolutely not nothing." Sera laughed softly. Dalia leaned against Seras. "Darling, perhaps let them enjoy themselves." Mandi considered. Then grinned. "Fine." A pause. "BUT I WANT DETAILS LATER." Seras burst out laughing. The five moved closer gradually, not by obeying an imagined group choreography but by following the connections that already existed between them. Helena asked Mandi to sit beside her. The petite cyber-oni accepted, delighted, and promptly caught Helena trying to hide a smile. "You keep looking at me like that, darling, and I'll develop a reputation." "Haven't you already?" Helena asked. "Several. But I could always use another." Helena laughed and kissed her. When she drew back, Mandi's normally irrepressible expression had become unexpectedly soft. Helena noticed and touched her cheek again. The living mesh followed Mandi's own changing smile without the slightest looseness. Across from them, Seras drew Dalia close enough to talk quietly. Dalia rested a hand at the Queen's waist, and Seras smiled at the strange intimacy of a woman who could flirt fearlessly while still being precise about every boundary. "You needn't perform a royal greeting," Seras murmured. "Darling, if I performed a royal greeting, you'd know it." Seras burst out laughing. Sera watched both pairs with quiet affection. After a moment, she approached Helena and asked, "May I join you?" "I was hoping you would." Sera sat beside her, white couture gathering in sculptural folds. Helena offered her hand, then kissed her with a warmth that made Sera smile against her cheek. For a moment Sera's silver-white hair lifted, a faint atmospheric response to her own happiness. Mandi noticed. "OH, THAT'S UNFAIR. Her hair does it naturally." Dalia looked over. "Yours needed several appointments and an alarming budget." "ART REQUIRES SACRIFICE!" Even Helena laughed at that. Eventually the conversation grew quieter. The women discussed what sort of closeness they wanted next, without assuming the same answer from everybody. Mandi wanted to stay near Helena and Sera. Dalia asked Seras for another kiss and got one. Helena wanted Seras close as well, and the Queen came to her readily, placing a familiar hand against her back. Sera was happy to be included but declined one playful suggestion with a gentle shake of her head. Nobody tried to persuade her; they simply found another arrangement that suited her better. When they moved toward the bedroom, it was together. The transition took time. Helena helped Seras remove her outer layer and placed it carefully aside. Dalia set down her boots, then checked that the delicate fabric of Sera's white couture would not catch on an exposed fastening. Mandi wrestled briefly with an ornamental clasp until Dalia rescued her, earning an indignant protest and a very grateful kiss. "Why," Mandi demanded, "does expensive clothing hate me?" "Because it knows you," Dalia replied. They laughed, then settled beside one another with the attention of people who understood that the fun depended on everyone continuing to want it. Nobody removed a cover face or asked for private names. Seras and Helena needed no such proof of intimacy, and Mandi and Dalia were entirely comfortable remaining in their chosen professional identities. Helena drew Sera close first, asking once more whether she was comfortable. Sera answered by kissing her. Seras watched with unconcealed affection, then reached for Dalia. Mandi, unwilling to remain solemn for longer than a minute, asked Seras whether being a Queen made her exceptionally good at sharing. "Only when the company is worth it," Seras said. Mandi's delighted laugh broke the last trace of ceremony. Dalia turned to Seras before their next intimate touch, offering the Queen a question with her eyes. Seras answered aloud. "Yes." Dalia's hand moved between her thighs. The first manual touch made Seras's smile sharpen with genuine delight, and Dalia paused long enough to enjoy that reaction before continuing. Seras, long accustomed to absolute control, did not need to surrender it in order to receive pleasure; she simply chose not to manage the room for a while. Nearby, Helena asked Sera the same question in her own way. Sera answered by taking her hand and guiding it closer. Helena's first touch made Sera laugh softly in surprise, silver-white hair lifting around her shoulders before settling again. Mandi watched both pairs for perhaps ten seconds. "This is outrageous," she announced. Dalia glanced over. "Being ignored?" "TRAGICALLY." Helena laughed and reached for her. "Come here, then." Mandi went willingly. Helena kissed her, then asked if she wanted more than kissing. "Darling, yes." Helena's hand slipped between Mandi's thighs. The cyber-oni's next dramatic sentence vanished into a sharp inhale. Sera looked delighted. "Quiet at last." Mandi pointed at her without opening her eyes. "BETRAYAL." The room dissolved into laughter, and then the laughter softened back into attention. The five women did not form one fixed arrangement. They moved through smaller constellations, checking each transition instead of treating group consent as a single permanent answer. Seras was the first to climax. Dalia recognized the moment in the way the Queen's fingers tightened against her shoulder and the amused expression disappeared into something openly vulnerable. Seras drew in one slow breath, then another, and kissed Dalia with unmistakable gratitude when the pleasure released her. "Very good company," Seras murmured. Dalia smiled. "I do try." Sera followed later under Helena's hand. Her pleasure built quietly until she stopped moving altogether, eyes closed, one hand locked around Helena's. When the climax passed through her, her silver-white hair lifted in a soft halo before settling again. Helena held her without comment until Sera opened her eyes. "Lovely?" Helena asked. Sera smiled. "Very." Mandi's turn was less dignified. Helena had barely found the rhythm Mandi wanted before the petite cyber-oni began narrating the experience with increasing incoherence. Dalia looked over. "Use complete sentences, darling." "FUCK COMPLETE SENTENCES." Her climax arrived a few breaths later, cutting even that off. Mandi went rigid, then collapsed against Helena laughing helplessly. "I hate all of you." "No, you don't," Sera said. "Not remotely." Dalia had spent most of the room's louder moments giving attention, so Seras made a point of returning it. She asked, Dalia accepted, and the Queen's touch moved between Dalia's thighs with deliberate patience. Dalia tried to maintain her usual analytical calm and failed beautifully. Her climax made her eyes close and her breathing stop for one long second before she exhaled and leaned into Seras. Mandi, recovered enough to be dangerous again, whispered, "Darling, you made a face." Dalia opened one eye. "I will end you." "Worth it." Helena was the last to be allowed to simply receive. Sera asked before moving lower, and Helena answered with an immediate, warm yes. The first oral touch made the older vampire's elegant composure melt into a surprised laugh. Sera stayed attentive, adjusting whenever Helena's hand tightened around hers. Helena's climax arrived slowly, visible in the way her laughter disappeared, her body drew taut, and then all the tension left her at once. Sera came back up beside her. Helena kissed her with eyes still half closed. "Extraordinary woman." Sera smiled. "Likewise." At one point afterward Sera reached for Mandi's hand. Mandi accepted it, her smile suddenly small. Sera kissed her knuckles and drew her into an embrace; Mandi stayed there rather than inventing a joke. Dalia leaned across to kiss Sera's cheek, and Seras rested beside Helena with their fingers intertwined. No one had been reduced to an extra pair of hands in somebody else's scene. Each woman had chosen, given, received, climaxed in her own way, and been allowed to recover before the room asked anything else of her. When the excitement softened into rest, Helena asked if anybody needed water. Dalia reached for the glasses already by the bedside. Mandi declared that she was capable of drinking responsibly and promptly made Helena laugh with a very undignified attempt to prove it. Sera rested against Mandi, smiling, while Seras drew Helena near with a familiarity as old as their love. No one wanted to hurry the final minutes. They stayed together, talking, kissing, and letting the appointment become a warm memory before anyone reached for her clothes. ### Later Mandi lay comfortably beside Dalia, her brilliant orange hair still maintaining its impossible arrangement. Sera rested nearby. Seras and Helena sat close together, sharing a quiet conversation. For several minutes, nobody felt compelled to say anything particularly important. Then Mandi sighed. Helena looked toward her. "A good evening?" Mandi opened one black eye. "Darling." A pause. "An extremely good evening." Seras laughed. Dalia kissed Mandi's forehead. Sera smiled. Helena regarded them all with quiet appreciation. "I'm glad." Mandi looked toward her. Then her expression softened. "So am I." It was a simple answer. A genuine one. And, for once, she didn't feel the need to improve it with another joke. Not immediately, anyway. When the appointment drew to its agreed end, the women took their time preparing to return to the club. Their clothing was restored to its professional elegance. Sera's white couture settled back into its sculptural silhouette. Dalia checked her boots. Mandi examined her hair. Then looked toward Helena. "Darling." Helena smiled. "Yes?" "One question." "Of course." "Worth the money?" Helena considered. Then looked toward Seras. Seras smiled. "Every eddie." Mandi grinned. "EXCELLENT." Dalia began laughing. Sera shook her head. Helena kissed Seras. Then turned toward the three women. "Thank you." Mandi smiled. "Our pleasure." Dalia nodded. "Very much." Sera's expression warmed. "Thank you for the invitation." They exchanged affectionate goodbyes. Then left the suite together. ### 12:21 AM: The Return Panam looked up as Mandi and Sera approached. She didn't need to ask whether the evening had gone well. Their expressions told her enough. But she asked anyway. Not about the money. Not about the guests. About them. "Hello, sweethearts." Mandi smiled. "Owner." Sera leaned closer. "Hello, Owner." Both offered their detached leashes. Panam accepted Mandi's first. Click. Then Sera's. Click. She drew them close. Kissed Mandi. Then Sera. "Welcome back." Mandi relaxed immediately against her. Sera rested a hand on Panam's shoulder. "Thank you, Owner." Panam looked carefully at both women. "How are you feeling?" Mandi considered. "Excellent." Sera smiled. "Very comfortable." "Need anything?" Mandi looked thoughtful. "Food." Panam laughed. "Of course." Sera nodded. "That would be lovely." Panam kissed them again. "Then food it is." She had already arranged water and something substantial to eat. Neither woman was going straight into another engagement. They settled with her. Mandi accepted a plate with enormous gratitude. Sera drank slowly, enjoying the quiet. Panam stayed close. Not because there was something wrong. Because being welcomed home from work mattered even when everything had gone beautifully. Dalia settled nearby. Deja approached and kissed her. "Welcome back." Dalia smiled. "Hello, darling." "Good evening?" Dalia laughed softly. "Very." Deja studied her. Then smiled. "I'm glad." Dalia drew her close for another kiss. For a little while, the two remained together. No hurry. No performance. Just affection. At the bar, Seras and Helena found Suzy. Suzy looked up. Then smiled. "Ladies." Seras returned the smile. "Suzy." Helena inclined her head. "Good evening." Suzy considered their expressions. Then raised an eyebrow. "Everything satisfactory?" Helena laughed. "More than satisfactory." Seras nodded. "Wonderful." Suzy smiled. "Glad to hear it." There was a pause. Then Helena glanced toward the performers. Mandi was eating. Sera sat comfortably beside Panam. Dalia had Deja in her arms. Helena's expression softened. "They're quite extraordinary." Suzy followed her gaze. Then smiled. "Yes." Seras looked toward Helena. "Darling?" "Yes?" "I believe we've found another reason to enjoy Night City." Helena laughed. "Several." Suzy was still smiling when Bea approached the bar. Her ice-blue hair caught the light. She looked thoroughly comfortable. "Evening." Suzy smiled. "Hello, Bea." Bea glanced toward Seras and Helena. Then back. "Enjoying yourselves, ladies?" Seras smiled. "Very much." Helena studied Bea with interest. "Indeed." Bea laughed softly. "Good." She ordered a drink. Helena looked toward her. Then toward Seras. A small smile appeared. Seras noticed immediately. "Oh." Helena raised an eyebrow. "What?" "You've had another idea." Helena smiled serenely. "Perhaps." Bea looked between them. Then laughed. "Should I be worried?" Seras smiled. "Not at all." Helena considered. Then said: "That depends." Bea raised an eyebrow. "On?" Helena's smile widened. "Your stamina." Bea stared. Then burst out laughing. "Oh, really?" Seras laughed. Helena looked delighted. Bea lifted her glass. "Well, ladies." She smiled. "I suppose that depends on yours." Suzy nearly choked on her drink. Seras began laughing so hard she had to hold Helena's arm. Helena placed a hand over her heart. "My goodness." Bea grinned. "Thought so." And somewhere behind the bar, Suzy Q realized that Monday might turn out to be even more interesting than Sunday. Which, considering the weekend she'd just had, was saying something. --- ## Chapter 9 — The Lady in Ice Blue Monday, early evening. Lizzie's Bar, Night City. Bea had reached a rather pleasant conclusion about her vacation. She was going to hate Tuesday evening. Not because anything particularly terrible awaited her. Her security arrangements were sound. Her professional obligations were manageable. The people responsible for her calendar were competent enough that she hadn't needed to threaten anyone with unemployment in nearly a week. But Tuesday meant returning to a life in which every hour belonged to somebody. Monday, by contrast, belonged entirely to her. And she intended to enjoy it. She stood before a mirror in one of Lizzie's preparation areas, inspecting the finished result of Lena's styling. Ice-blue hair. An impeccably fitted outfit. Thigh-high boots. Her established cover face, comfortably in place. She turned slightly. Smiled. Then laughed. "Well, hello, gorgeous." "Talking to yourself again?" Bea looked toward the doorway. Mandi leaned against it, her orange hair an architectural challenge to the concept of sensible design. "Only when the conversation is intelligent." Mandi grinned. "THEN WHY AM I HERE?" Bea burst out laughing. "An excellent question." Mandi approached. Looked her over. Then nodded approvingly. "Fucking beautiful." Bea smiled. "Thank you, darling." "Enjoying your vacation?" "Immensely." "Good." Mandi leaned closer. "Any plans tonight?" "Nothing fixed." Mandi's cyber-oni eyebrows rose. "Oh?" "Don't start." "I HAVEN'T SAID ANYTHING." "That's usually when you're most dangerous." Mandi grinned. Then wrapped her arms around Bea. Bea returned the embrace. For a moment, the teasing stopped. Mandi kissed her cheek. "Have fun tonight." Bea smiled. "You too." Mandi stepped back. Then pointed toward her boots. "Tessa?" Bea closed her eyes. "Oh, for fuck's sake." Mandi burst out laughing. "I KNEW IT!" The final evening of Wild Muses began more quietly than Saturday. There were fewer people arriving simply to see what all the excitement was about. The guests who remained were largely those who understood what Lizzie's was offering. They came with ideas. Questions. Invitations. And, occasionally, enough nerve to approach a woman they found fascinating without expecting her to rearrange her evening merely because they had asked. Suzy considered that progress. Lisa considered it a reduction in her workload. Both were delighted. Near the bar, Mira and Della had arrived together and were making themselves comfortable. Mandi spotted them. Her face lit up. "YOU TWO!" Mira laughed. "Hello, Mandi." Della smiled. "Good evening." Mandi embraced them both. Dalia followed, greeting them with considerably less volume but no less warmth. Deja joined a moment later. For several minutes, the little group exchanged news and affectionate insults. Mira examined Mandi's hair. Then looked toward Dalia. "Is that permanent?" Dalia smiled. "Long enough." Mandi grinned. "JEALOUS?" Mira considered. "Of the hair?" "YES." "Not especially." Mandi looked devastated. Della leaned closer. "I think it's magnificent." Mandi turned immediately. "SEE? A WOMAN OF TASTE." Mira laughed. "I never said it wasn't magnificent." "You implied it." "I asked whether it was permanent." "HOSTILE QUESTIONING." Dalia covered her mouth. Deja was already laughing. Mira shook her head. "God, I've missed you." Mandi's expression softened. Then she embraced her again. "Missed you too, darling." At the other end of the bar, Helena had noticed Bea. The ice-blue-haired woman was talking with Suzy. She was laughing. Not performing exaggerated delight for an audience. Simply enjoying herself. Helena watched for a moment. Then turned toward Seras. "Darling." Seras smiled. "Yes?" "Do you remember our conversation yesterday?" "Which one?" Helena looked amused. "The one concerning the lovely woman with the blue hair." Seras followed her gaze. Her smile widened. "Bea." "Exactly." Seras considered. "Are you still interested?" "Very." Seras looked toward her lover. Then laughed softly. "So am I." Helena offered her arm. "Shall we?" Seras accepted. "Let's." Bea saw them approaching. She smiled immediately. "Well." Helena returned the smile. "Well?" Seras laughed. "Good evening, Bea." "Good evening, ladies." Helena looked her over with appreciative warmth. "You're looking beautiful." Bea inclined her head. "Thank you." Seras smiled. "Very beautiful." Bea laughed. "Careful. You'll ruin my modesty." Helena raised an eyebrow. "Was it particularly robust?" "Not remotely." They laughed together. Suzy watched the exchange. Then looked toward Helena. "Something I can help with?" Helena smiled. "Possibly." Bea glanced between them. Then her expression changed. Not surprise. Recognition. "Oh." Seras smiled. "Oh?" Bea looked toward the two women. "You're serious." Helena considered. "About?" "Last night's conversation." "Entirely." Bea raised an eyebrow. Then grinned. "Well, fuck." Suzy began laughing. They remained at the bar. Bea did not need a Wild Muses card. She wasn't one of the six featured artists, and no invitation programme had suddenly absorbed her into somebody else's professional arrangement. She was an independent woman accepting work because she wanted to. And she was perfectly capable of negotiating for herself. Helena made the proposal. "We'd like to spend some private time with you." Bea smiled. "Both of you?" Seras nodded. "If that appeals to you." "Doing what?" Helena's expression warmed. "Enjoying your company." Bea laughed. "That's a broad category." "Intentionally," Seras said. Bea considered. Then leaned slightly closer. "Let's be specific." Helena nodded. "Please." "Are you looking for a conversation, an intimate appointment, or an evening in which those two things might happen to overlap?" Seras smiled. "The third." Bea looked toward Helena. "And you?" "Very much the third." Bea laughed. "Good." A pause. Then she added: "Because I find you both extremely attractive." Helena's smile widened. "How gratifying." Seras looked delighted. Bea considered the arrangement. "Two hours?" Helena nodded. "That would be lovely." "No recording. No additional guests. We agree what we're comfortable sharing, and any of us can change our minds." "Naturally," Seras replied. Bea smiled. "And no expectation that I'll perform some elaborate royal ceremony." Helena burst out laughing. Seras regarded her with amusement. "Darling, were you planning one?" Helena looked offended. "Certainly not." Bea raised an eyebrow. "That sounds suspiciously specific." Helena smiled. "Perhaps a little bow." Bea laughed. "Absolutely not." Seras grinned. "Wonderful. I hate those." When the question of price arose, Bea was pleasantly surprised by how straightforward the women were. She considered the length of the appointment, the number of guests, and the privacy involved. "Five hundred thousand eddies," she said. Helena nodded. "Agreed." Bea blinked. "Just like that?" Helena smiled. "Would you prefer an argument?" "Not particularly." "Excellent." Seras looked amused. "She's disappointed, darling." Bea laughed. "Only slightly." Helena tilted her head. "I could complain about the cost if it would improve your evening." Bea burst out laughing. "Please don't." "Very well." Suzy confirmed that an appropriate private room was available. Bea accepted the arrangement herself. The payment was completed. Then she looked toward the two women. "Ready?" Seras smiled. "Very." Helena offered her hand. Bea accepted it. And the three left the public floor together. ### A Very Different Sort of Appointment The room was quiet when they entered. Bea closed the door behind them. Then turned. For a moment, they simply looked at one another. She knew the two women by reputation. She had spoken with them during the weekend. But this was different. She was no longer exchanging jokes with two interesting guests at the bar. They had chosen to spend private time together. And she intended to discover what that meant. "Well," Bea said. Seras smiled. "Well." Helena looked amused. "Is that becoming our official greeting?" "Apparently," Bea replied. Seras laughed. Bea moved toward the comfortable seating area. "May I ask you something?" Helena inclined her head. "Of course." "How long have you two been together?" Seras looked toward her lover. Helena smiled. "A considerable time." Bea raised an eyebrow. "That sounds suspiciously evasive." Seras began laughing. "She does that." "Does what?" "Describes entire eras as though they were particularly long weekends." Bea regarded Helena. Then grinned. "Well, that's convenient. I'm currently on a particularly long weekend." Helena laughed. "Then perhaps you'll understand." Bea sat beside them. "Try me." They talked. Not about corporations. Not about money. Not about the novelty of two immensely wealthy women booking an independent professional at Lizzie's. They talked about relationships. About how people changed. About the difference between knowing another person and assuming that familiarity meant there was nothing left to discover. Helena was thoughtful. Seras was warmer and more openly playful. Both had an extraordinary talent for making one another laugh. Bea found herself enjoying that. After a while, she looked toward Seras. "Can I ask a terribly personal question?" "Of course." "Do you ever get tired of her?" Helena looked scandalized. Seras considered. Then smiled. "Frequently." Bea burst out laughing. Helena placed a hand against her chest. "Darling!" Seras kissed her cheek. "Never for long." Helena's expression softened. "That was almost a recovery." "Almost?" "You're getting better." Bea laughed again. Then she looked between them. "God, you're adorable." Seras raised an eyebrow. "Adorable?" "Terribly." Helena smiled. "I believe that's the first time anyone has called me adorable in quite some time." Seras looked delighted. "I should do it more often." "Please don't." "Adorable." "Seras." "Adorable." Bea nearly fell off the sofa laughing. Eventually, the laughter settled. Helena turned toward Bea. "May I ask you something?" "Of course." "Are you enjoying yourself?" Bea smiled. "Very much." "Truly?" "Yes." Helena considered her. Bea recognized the distinction. The question wasn't whether the appointment was proceeding correctly. It was whether she, personally, was happy to be there. She appreciated that. So she answered without teasing. "I like you both. I was curious when you approached me, and I'm glad I said yes." Seras's expression warmed. "So are we." Bea smiled. "Good." A pause. Then she looked toward Helena. "And now I have a question." Helena raised an eyebrow. "Another?" "One more." "Please." Bea leaned closer. "Would you like to kiss me?" Helena's smile changed. Less amused. More interested. "Very much." Bea smiled. "Then come here." Helena moved closer. Not hurriedly. She offered Bea the space to change her mind. Bea answered by reaching for her. Their first kiss was gentle. Helena's hand settled against Bea's cheek. Bea touched her shoulder. There was an unexpected warmth in the way Helena kissed. A patience that wasn't hesitation. When they separated, Bea looked at her. Then smiled. "Oh." Helena's eyebrow rose. "Oh?" Bea laughed softly. "That was rather lovely." Helena returned the smile. "I'm glad." Bea leaned closer. "Would you mind terribly if we did it again?" Helena laughed. "Not at all." The second kiss lasted longer. Bea let herself enjoy the familiarity beginning to form between them. Helena wasn't trying to overwhelm her. She was attentive. Present. And unmistakably pleased. When Bea drew back, Helena rested a hand lightly against her shoulder. "Comfortable?" "Very." "Good." Bea looked toward Seras. The Queen was watching them with an affectionate smile. Bea raised an eyebrow. "Enjoying the view?" Seras laughed. "Immensely." "Would you like to join us?" Seras looked toward Helena. Helena smiled. "I certainly wouldn't object." Seras moved closer. "How fortunate." Bea turned toward her. Seras touched her hand. A simple gesture. An invitation. Bea accepted it. Then Seras leaned closer. "May I?" Bea smiled. "Please." Their kiss felt different. Not more or less intimate. Simply different. Seras was openly affectionate. She smiled against Bea's mouth, and when they separated she looked so pleased that Bea began laughing. "What?" Seras shook her head. "Nothing." "That was not a nothing expression." Helena laughed softly. Bea looked between them. "Are you two always like this?" "Usually worse," Seras admitted. "Wonderful." Seras kissed her again. Bea answered with equal enthusiasm. She was enjoying the fact that neither woman seemed particularly interested in turning the evening into a contest. They were happy together. And happy to include her. That made a difference. After a while, Bea shifted closer between them. Helena rested a hand against her back. Seras took her other hand. The three sat together, talking softly. Occasionally kissing. Occasionally laughing. And gradually becoming comfortable enough that the spaces between them stopped feeling like separate places. Bea looked toward Helena. "May I?" Helena smiled. "Of course." Bea reached for the fastening of Helena's outer jacket. Helena helped her. The jacket came away. Bea folded it carefully and set it aside. Then Helena touched Bea's shoulder. "Your turn?" Bea nodded. "Yes." They helped her out of her own outer layer, laughing when an elegant decorative fastening proved considerably less cooperative than expected. Bea sighed. "Fashion." Seras looked delighted. "An ancient enemy." Helena laughed. "Darling, you have no idea." Bea grinned. "How ancient?" Helena considered. "Extremely." They laughed again. Then the laughter quieted. Seras kissed Bea's shoulder. Bea turned toward her. The kiss they shared afterward was slow and affectionate. Helena remained close, one hand resting comfortably against Bea's back. For a moment, Bea closed her eyes. Not because she had forgotten either woman. Because the attention felt genuinely lovely. When she opened them, Helena was watching her. "All right?" Bea smiled. "Very." Seras touched her cheek. "Good." They moved to the bed together. Without rushing. Without treating the transition as something that needed to happen merely because they had agreed on an intimate appointment. Bea sat first. Helena joined her. Seras settled on her other side. For a moment, the three remained close, enjoying the quiet. Then Bea laughed softly. Helena looked toward her. "What?" "I was just thinking." Seras smiled. "That sounds dangerous." "Apparently I'm spending Monday evening with two of the most interesting women I've met in years." Helena raised an eyebrow. "Only years?" Bea grinned. "Don't push it." Seras laughed. Bea reached for Helena's hand. Then Seras's. "I really am enjoying this." Helena smiled. "So are we." Bea leaned toward her. Their kiss began with a smile. Seras remained close, her hand warm against Bea's back. Bea drew Helena closer first. Helena answered with the ease of someone who had lived a long time but had not lost the pleasure of being wanted. When Seras settled beside them, Bea turned and kissed her too. She didn't pretend the two women were interchangeable. Helena's quiet attentiveness and Seras's openly delighted warmth felt different, and Bea was enjoying discovering both. "I've been wondering something," Bea admitted. Helena raised an eyebrow. "Another question?" "A particularly important one." Bea looked between them. "Do either of you mind if I stop trying to be impressive for a minute?" Seras laughed softly. "Darling, you already are." Helena touched her hand. "But you're very welcome to stop trying." Bea let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. It had been an enjoyable job from the moment she accepted it, yet she liked them enough to care what they thought. Knowing she could admit that made the evening gentler. Seras kissed her cheek. Bea turned toward her, then held the Queen's gaze for a moment before reaching for another kiss. Helena rested a hand against Bea's back and waited to be invited closer, smiling when Bea turned toward her too. The three helped one another settle comfortably. Bea set aside the last pieces of her outer clothing in plain sight, careful with the intricate fastenings she had cursed earlier. Helena's jacket lay folded on the chair. Seras placed a small clasp beside it. Bea's blue hair, contacts, and expressive fitted face mesh remained exactly as the cover required; no intimacy in this room demanded their removal. "Comfortable?" Bea asked Helena. "Very." Helena touched Bea's shoulder. "And you?" "More than I expected." Seras smiled. "Then perhaps we're doing something right." Helena began their first intimate caress with her hand between Bea's thighs and stopped there until Bea answered with a clear, warm smile. "Yes." Helena watched that reaction attentively, then continued. Bea, who could usually steer a room with one raised eyebrow, discovered that being the center of such careful attention made clever remarks considerably harder to maintain. Seras stayed close, kissing Bea's shoulder and cheek without trying to compete with Helena's touch. The two women knew each other too well to turn shared affection into a contest. Bea's first climax surprised her by arriving quietly. Her smile vanished, her eyes closed, and she drew Helena close as a long shiver moved through her. Helena held her through it. Seras kissed her temple. When Bea opened her eyes, Seras smiled. "Welcome back." Bea laughed breathlessly. "Has Mandi infected everyone with that line?" "Possibly." Bea turned toward Seras when she was ready and asked, "Your turn?" Seras's delighted expression was answer enough, but Bea waited for the word. "Yes." Bea's hand moved between Seras's thighs. The Queen's response was more openly expressive: a pleased laugh at the first touch, then a softer sound when Bea found the rhythm she wanted. Helena kissed Seras while Bea continued, and Seras's fingers found Helena's hand almost automatically. The climax reached Seras in a slow wave. Her laughter disappeared, her eyes closed, and she held both women close until the tension eased. When she opened her eyes, she looked genuinely delighted. "That," Seras said, "was exceptionally persuasive." Bea grinned. "Professional pride." Helena raised an eyebrow. "Should I be worried?" "Very." They laughed, then Bea kissed Helena and asked what she wanted. Helena considered. "Your mouth, if you'd like." Bea's teasing expression softened. "I'd like." She moved lower only after Helena's clear invitation. The first oral contact made Helena's breath catch sharply. Bea paused. Helena opened her eyes. "Please continue." Bea did. Helena grew quieter than Seras had, her reactions appearing in small changes: a hand tightening around Seras's, a breath held too long, the way she stopped watching Bea and finally let her eyes close. When her climax arrived, it left her almost perfectly still before she released a shaking breath and reached for Bea. Bea came back up beside her. Helena drew her into an embrace and kissed her with unexpected tenderness. "You're both impossible," Bea murmured. "We've been told," Helena said. "Frequently," Seras added. Bea laughed, then rested between them. No one had been treated as an interchangeable third. Each woman had given and received attention in her own way, and each had been allowed to recover before the next choice was made. At one point Bea went still with unexpected emotion. Helena noticed first and brushed a strand of ice-blue hair back from her face. The mesh remained perfectly fitted beneath her hand. "Something wrong?" Bea shook her head. "No. Quite the opposite." Seras leaned close. "Tell us?" "I thought this would be a wonderful booking," Bea said. "I wasn't expecting to feel quite so welcome." Helena smiled, visibly moved. She kissed Bea's forehead and held her close, while Seras rested a hand against both their shoulders. Bea stayed with them until the tenderness stopped feeling overwhelming and became simply good. When they finally eased into a quieter embrace, Seras looked toward Helena. "Darling, I believe we've been spoiled." Helena's smile turned wicked. "And I'm beginning to see why you so enjoy this city." Bea laughed. "I take no responsibility for your future habits." "An entirely sensible disclaimer," Helena replied. The three rested together for a while, sharing water and easy affection. Bea discovered that Helena enjoyed being kissed without elaborate warning once their mutual welcome was established; Helena discovered that Bea's teasing sometimes vanished into an unexpectedly sincere smile. Seras was delighted by both discoveries. "You're very lovely," Helena told Bea, brushing her hair back again. Bea smiled. "Thank you." "Would another kiss help?" Seras asked. "Possibly." Seras kissed her, and Bea smiled into it. "Definitely." Later, the three women rested together beneath a light blanket. Bea lay comfortably between them. Helena's arm rested around her. Seras held her hand. For several minutes, they were quiet. Not because anything needed to be said. Because they were happy. Bea sighed. Helena kissed her temple. "Good sigh?" Bea smiled. "Extremely." Seras laughed softly. "Excellent." A pause. Then Bea looked toward Helena. "May I ask something?" Helena's eyebrow rose. "Again?" Bea grinned. "I'm curious." "So I've noticed." Bea considered her words. "Do you always take such care of people you invite into your company?" Helena's expression softened. "When we invite someone to be close to us, I would hope they feel welcome." Seras nodded. "And free to remain themselves." Bea smiled. "I do." Helena kissed her cheek. "Good." For a while, they remained close. Bea enjoyed the warmth. The quiet. The absence of anyone requiring her to make a decision about a financial report. Then she began laughing. Seras looked toward her. "What?" Bea shook her head. "Oh, nothing." Helena smiled. "That was not a nothing laugh." Bea considered. Then grinned. "I was just imagining how much trouble I'd be in if people knew how thoroughly I was enjoying this vacation." Seras laughed. Helena looked amused. "Would they disapprove?" "Some would." "How unfortunate." Bea nodded solemnly. "Terrible." Seras kissed her cheek. "Then perhaps it's fortunate this is your vacation." Bea smiled. "Very fortunate." When the agreed appointment drew toward its end, none of them attempted to turn the farewell into an obligation. They dressed comfortably. Bea adjusted her outfit. Helena helped Seras with a fastening. Seras returned the favor. Then Bea caught her reflection. Ice-blue hair. Immaculate cover. A very satisfied smile. She laughed. Helena looked toward her. "What?" Bea shook her head. "Nothing." Seras smiled. "Another suspicious nothing." Bea turned toward them. "Just enjoying myself." Helena approached. "Good." Bea looked between them. Then smiled. "Thank you." Seras took her hand. "For what?" "A wonderful evening." Helena's expression warmed. "The pleasure was ours." Bea laughed softly. "All three of ours, I think." "Indeed," Helena replied. They exchanged affectionate farewell kisses. Then returned to the club together. ### Back on the Floor Suzy saw them almost immediately. She looked toward Bea. Then toward Seras. Then Helena. Her expression became deeply amused. "Well?" Bea smiled. "Well." Suzy raised an eyebrow. "Everything satisfactory?" Helena laughed softly. "Extremely." Seras nodded. "Wonderful." Suzy looked toward Bea. "And you?" Bea leaned against the bar. Then smiled. "I believe I owe these ladies a drink." Seras laughed. Helena looked delighted. Suzy grinned. "Coming right up." There were no unnecessary questions. No demand for a detailed account. Just three women returning from an appointment they had genuinely enjoyed. And a bar manager who knew when to leave well enough alone. Mandi spotted Bea a few minutes later. Her cyber-oni eyebrows rose. "Oh." Bea looked toward her. "Don't." Mandi grinned. "I HAVEN'T SAID ANYTHING." "You were about to." "PROBABLY." Bea sighed. Mandi leaned closer. Then smiled warmly. "Good evening?" Bea looked at her. For a moment, her expression softened. "Very." Mandi nodded. "Good." Then she hugged Bea. Not theatrically. Not for the benefit of anyone watching. Simply because she was pleased that someone she cared about had enjoyed herself. Bea returned the embrace. "Thank you, darling." Mandi kissed her cheek. "You're welcome." ### Another Invitation Later that evening, Mandi found herself watching a familiar woman enter Lizzie's. Lena. No elaborate arrival. No dramatic entrance. Just the calm, composed presence of someone who had spent years making other people's chaos look manageable. Mandi's face lit up. "LENAAAA!" Several people turned. Lena stopped. Looked toward the voice. Then sighed. "Mandi." Mandi hurried over. Wrapped her arms around her. And kissed her cheek. Lena returned the affection with a small smile. "You seem pleased." Mandi grinned. "VERY." "I noticed." Mandi took her hand. "Come have a drink." Lena looked amused. "Wasn't that the reason you invited me?" "PARTLY." "Partly?" Mandi smiled. Then her voice softened. "I wanted an evening with you." Lena regarded her for a moment. "Just me?" Mandi nodded. "Just you." "No Marco?" "Not tonight." Lena considered. Then smiled. "All right." Mandi's expression brightened. "REALLY?" "Yes." "FUCKING WONDERFUL." Lena laughed. "Inside voice." Mandi sighed. "EVERYBODY KEEPS SAYING THAT." They settled at the bar. No card. No customer. No booking. Mandi had invited Lena because she wanted her company. And Lena had come because she wanted to spend time with Mandi. It was as simple as that. For a while, they talked about the weekend. About Lena's work. About the spectacular amount of effort required to keep Mandi's orange hair looking as though it had been sculpted by an extremely enthusiastic flame. Lena examined it. Then smiled. "Still holding beautifully." Mandi beamed. "THANK YOU." "You're welcome." A pause. Then Lena looked toward her. "Is this really what you wanted tonight?" Mandi considered. Then nodded. "Yes." "Not a performance?" "No." "Not another outrageous business arrangement?" "No." Lena smiled. "Good." Mandi leaned closer. "Just you." Lena's expression softened. Then she kissed Mandi. Warmly. Without ceremony. When they separated, Mandi looked delighted. "Well, fuck." Lena laughed. "That wasn't terribly complicated." "No." Mandi took her hand. Then smiled. "But I liked it." Lena squeezed her fingers. "So did I." Across the club, Panam noticed them. She watched Mandi's expression. Then Lena's. And smiled. When Mandi approached a few minutes later, Panam already had a fairly good idea of what she wanted. "Owner?" "Yes, pet?" Mandi hesitated. A rare occurrence. Panam's expression softened. "Something you need?" Mandi smiled. "Would it be possible to arrange a private suite?" Panam considered. "For work?" Mandi shook her head. "No." Panam looked toward Lena. Then back. "Oh." Mandi grinned. "Yes." Panam smiled. "An evening off?" "An evening with someone I love." The answer was so simple that Panam's expression warmed immediately. "Of course, sweetheart." Mandi leaned closer and kissed her. "Thank you, Owner." Panam embraced her. "Have a wonderful night." Mandi smiled. "I intend to." Panam laughed. "I suspected as much." She began arranging the room. And across the public floor, Lena waited with her drink, watching Mandi with the patient amusement of a woman who knew exactly how much trouble a tiny cyber-oni could be. Monday, it seemed, still had a few surprises left. --- ## Chapter 10 — No Card Required *Monday night, Lizzie's Bar, Night City* Madame Panam had negotiated a remarkable number of expensive arrangements over the past five evenings. She had dealt with corporate executives who believed money was a personality. Artists who understood exactly what their time was worth. Customers who were wonderfully considerate. Others who required an explanation of the word no before they could be permitted anywhere near her pets. And, of course, two vampires who had apparently decided that seventy-five million eddies was a perfectly reasonable price for a pleasant Sunday evening. Nevertheless, the request currently in front of her was causing an entirely different sort of amusement. Mandi stood with her hands clasped behind her back. This alone was suspicious. The small cyber-oni looked almost respectable. Which was considerably more suspicious. Panam regarded her. "Sweetheart." "Yes, Owner?" "Why are you standing like that?" Mandi blinked. "Like what?" "Like you've been summoned before a disciplinary committee." Mandi glanced down at herself. Then grinned. "Practicing." "For?" "My inevitable trial." Panam laughed. "All right. What is it?" Mandi looked toward Lena, who was waiting near the bar. Then back. "I'd like the rest of the night off." Panam's expression softened. "Of course." "And the suite?" "Already confirmed." Mandi brightened. "Really?" "Quiet hotel. Private entrance. No club traffic. One night." "Owner, you're magnificent." "I have my moments." Mandi stepped closer and kissed her. Panam returned the affection, then held her gently by the shoulders. "One question." "Anything." "Are you asking me as your Owner, or because you've decided I'd enjoy watching you get embarrassed?" Mandi considered. "Both?" Panam shook her head, laughing. "Impossible woman." "Frequently." Panam looked toward Lena. "Does she know exactly what you've arranged?" "Yes." "And she wants the evening?" "Yes." "Good." Mandi's grin softened. Panam brushed an orange strand away from her forehead. "Then stop looking like you're asking permission to have a life, sweetheart." Mandi blinked. Panam kissed her again. "You're off duty." The leash came free with a familiar click. Panam placed the handle in Mandi's hand. Not as the beginning of another booking. As the end of her work. Mandi looked down at it. Then up. "Thank you, Owner." Panam smiled. "Come back when you're ready. And eat something before you disappear." Mandi laughed. "Yes, Owner." "I mean it." "I KNOW." "Good." Mandi leaned into one last embrace. Panam held her for a moment, then let her go. Across the room, Lena watched the exchange with quiet amusement. Mandi approached her. "Well." Lena raised an eyebrow. "Well?" "We're free." "From what?" "Adult supervision." Lena glanced toward Panam. Then back. "I doubt that." Mandi burst out laughing. "You're terrible." "Occasionally." Mandi offered her hand. Lena accepted it. "Shall we?" Lena smiled. "Yes." ### The Last Evening They didn't leave immediately. Lena wanted to see the club. Not its machinery. Not the arrangements that made a five-night event possible. The people. Mandi was happy to oblige. They passed Nova and Vega, who were enjoying a drink together between conversations. Vega noticed their joined hands. Her black-void eyes narrowed. Then she grinned. "Oh, fuck." Mandi stopped. "WHAT?" Vega looked toward Lena. Then Mandi. "Have a lovely evening." Mandi stared. "That's it?" Vega raised an eyebrow. "What?" "No filthy suggestion?" Vega considered. Then smiled. "Do you require assistance?" Nova began laughing. Mandi pointed at her. "DON'T ENCOURAGE HER." Lena regarded Vega calmly. "Thank you. We intend to enjoy ourselves." Vega blinked. Then laughed. "Christ. She's worse than you." Mandi grinned. "I KNOW." They continued. Near the bar, Dalia was sitting with Deja. Dalia noticed them first. Her emerald-green eyes traveled from Mandi's face to their joined hands. Then she smiled. "Ah." Mandi narrowed her black eyes. "Don't." Dalia removed her lollipop. "Don't what?" "Whatever you're thinking." Dalia considered. "That would be difficult." Deja smiled. "Possibly dangerous." Mandi sighed. "You're both impossible." Dalia rose and approached. She kissed Mandi warmly. Then Lena. "Have a wonderful night, darling." Mandi smiled. "Thank you." Dalia's expression softened. "Seriously." Mandi nodded. "I know." There was nothing complicated in the exchange. Dalia knew exactly who stood beneath the spectacular cyber-oni appearance. She knew who Mandi loved. And she knew that tonight's invitation had been made freely, for a reason that had nothing to do with work. She squeezed Mandi's hand. "Go." Mandi smiled. "Yes, darling." Deja waved. "Good night." "GOOD NIGHT!" Dalia closed her eyes. "Inside voice." Mandi laughed all the way toward the exit. --- Outside, Watson was wet. Not raining heavily. Just enough moisture to turn the pavement into a collection of broken neon reflections. A car was waiting. Mandi looked at it. Then at Lena. "Owner arranged everything." "So it appears." "Efficient woman." Lena smiled. "She knows her people." Mandi opened the door for her. Lena paused. "How gallant." Mandi bowed extravagantly. "My lady." Lena regarded her. Then smiled. "You're going to keep doing that, aren't you?" "Absolutely." Lena stepped inside. Mandi followed. The door closed. And the noise of Lizzie's became something on the other side of the glass. For a little while, they rode in comfortable silence. Lena watched the city pass. Mandi watched Lena. Eventually, Lena turned. "You're staring." "Yes." "Any particular reason?" "You're beautiful." Lena's expression changed. Not dramatically. Just enough. "Thank you." "You're welcome." A pause. Then Lena smiled. "You've said that before." "Have I?" "Yes." Mandi considered. "Good. I was right." Lena laughed. Mandi leaned closer. "May I kiss you?" Lena looked at her. "Please." The kiss was warm. Unhurried. When they separated, Lena rested her forehead briefly against Mandi's. "That was nice." Mandi smiled. "Very." Lena settled against her. The car continued through Watson. After another minute, Lena said: "May I ask something?" "Anything." "Why tonight?" Mandi considered. Then looked at her. "Because I wanted you." Lena smiled faintly. "That's a rather direct answer." "I'm a direct woman." "Occasionally." Mandi laughed. Then grew quieter. "I watched you at Lizzie's last time. With Marco. With Bea." Lena's eyebrows rose slightly. "You remember." "Of course." "You were rather occupied with my husband at one point." Mandi grinned. "He's a magnificent dancer." "I know." "And charming." "Unfortunately." "And handsome." "Yes." Mandi laughed. Then she touched Lena's hand. "But I also remember you." Lena looked toward her. Mandi continued. "You spend so much time noticing what everyone else needs." Lena's expression became thoughtful. "And?" "And I wondered whether anyone had asked what you wanted lately." Lena was quiet. Not uncomfortable. Considering. Finally, she smiled. "Someone did." Mandi tilted her head. "Who?" Lena kissed her. When she drew back, Mandi was grinning. "Oh." "Yes." "Oh, that's an excellent answer." "I thought so." ### A Room for Two The hotel suite was elegant without attempting to intimidate anyone. A comfortable sitting area. A bedroom. A large window overlooking part of Watson. Soft lighting. A small table with water, coffee, and a few things to eat. Lena inspected the arrangement. Then smiled. "Panam's work?" Mandi nodded. "Mostly." "The food?" "Entirely." "The privacy?" "Also." Lena glanced toward the bedroom. "And the bed?" Mandi grinned. "I may have made a suggestion." Lena laughed. "Of course you did." Mandi placed her small bag on a chair. Then turned toward Lena. "Well." Lena smiled. "Well?" Mandi opened her arms. "Welcome to our completely scandalous evening." Lena looked around the perfectly respectable suite. "Scandalous?" "Immensely." "There's coffee." "Luxury coffee." "And sandwiches." "Indecent sandwiches." Lena began laughing. Mandi stepped closer. "You're ruining my atmosphere." "You're trying very hard to create one." "IT'S A TALENT." Lena caught her hands. "Darling." Mandi stopped. Lena smiled. "You don't have to." A pause. Mandi looked at her. "Don't have to what?" "Keep the room entertained." The answer landed. Mandi's expression softened. Lena drew her closer. "I like you when you're loud." "Good." "I like you when you're ridiculous." "Excellent." "And I like you when you don't have anything clever to say." Mandi considered. Then smiled. "That one's rare." Lena laughed. "Very." She kissed her. Mandi answered immediately. And for a little while, neither felt any need to improve the moment. Eventually, Mandi stepped back. "One practical thing." Lena raised an eyebrow. "Only one?" "Don't start." Lena smiled. Mandi touched the edge of her deep-red face mesh. "I'm going to take this off." Lena nodded. "Of course." Mandi retrieved the small case from her bag. She used the proper release, then carefully removed the fitted mesh. The artificial cyber-oni features disappeared. The orange ornamentation. The small fangs. The wonderfully expressive, deliberately inhuman face. Underneath was Ace. Her own face. Her own familiar expressions. She removed the black contacts as well. The neon-orange hair remained exactly where ChromeLock v2 intended it to remain. And when she spoke, Victor's persistent voice biosculpt was still active. "Well?" Lena smiled. "There you are." Ace laughed. "Mostly." "Mostly?" "The hair." Lena examined the improbable orange arrangement. Then nodded. "Yes. That's staying until we deliberately release it." "And the voice." "That too." Ace smiled. "Still me." Lena stepped closer. "Always." She touched Ace's cheek. Not the mask. Her cheek. Ace leaned into her palm. Lena kissed her. And the difference wasn't that the previous kisses had been false. They hadn't. Mandi was a genuine part of Ace. But this was another layer. More private. Less guarded by names. Lena smiled against her mouth. "Hello, Ace." Ace held her closer. "Hello, Lena." They ate first. Not because romance required a meal. Because Panam had been extremely specific. Ace inspected the sandwiches. Then looked toward Lena. "She really does know me." "Yes." "This is worrying." "Why?" "Someone has apparently developed a reliable method of keeping me alive." Lena laughed. "Several people have." Ace considered. "Traitors." "All of us." They settled together on the sofa. Ace curled comfortably beside Lena, holding a sandwich in one hand. Lena leaned against the cushions. For a while, they talked about ordinary things. The weekend. The absurd amount of money flowing through Lizzie's. The surprising number of guests who had turned a simple invitation into something genuinely moving. Lena had been impressed by the performances. Especially the quieter ones. Ace smiled. "Figures." "What?" "You notice the quiet things." Lena considered. "Somebody has to." Ace looked at her. Then shook her head. "No." Lena raised an eyebrow. "No?" "Not tonight." "Elaborate." Ace put the empty plate aside. Then turned fully toward her. "Tonight you don't have to be the person who notices whether everybody else has eaten." Lena smiled. "Panam already handled that." "Exactly." "Or whether the lights are wrong?" "Unless they're bothering you." Lena glanced toward the lamps. "Actually..." Ace immediately reached for the lighting control. Lena caught her wrist. Then burst out laughing. "ACE." "What?" "You've just illustrated my point." Ace stared at her. Then laughed too. "Fuck." Lena kissed her. "Come here." Ace moved closer. And Lena settled an arm around her. ### The Woman Who Stayed After a while, Lena spoke. "Marco knows I'm here." Ace nodded. "I assumed." "He wished me a lovely evening." Ace smiled. "Good man." "Very." A pause. Then Lena looked toward her. "You're not worried?" "About what?" "Complicating things." Ace considered. Then shook her head. "No." "Why?" "Because I know you." Lena watched her. Ace continued. "I know Marco. I know Shammy. I know the people who matter to both of us." "And?" "And we're adults." Lena laughed softly. "An astonishing conclusion." "I have them occasionally." "Rarely." Ace grinned. Then her expression softened. "I didn't invite you here because something was missing." Lena became still. Ace held her gaze. "I invited you because I wanted something good." For a moment, Lena didn't answer. Then she smiled. "That's rather lovely." Ace shrugged. "I have my moments." Lena touched her face. "Yes." A pause. "More than you admit." Ace kissed her. And this time Lena drew her closer before the kiss ended. The first real change came when Lena moved from the sofa to sit facing Ace. Not suddenly. Not as though something had been decided elsewhere and they were merely following instructions. She turned. Placed one hand against Ace's shoulder. And waited until Ace looked at her. "What?" Ace asked softly. Lena smiled. "I want to kiss you properly." Ace's answering smile was immediate. "Then do." Lena leaned closer. The kiss began gently. Ace's hands settled at Lena's waist. Lena touched the back of her neck. They stayed close. When the kiss deepened, Ace drew in a quiet breath. Lena noticed. Paused. Ace looked at her. "Don't stop." Lena smiled. "I wasn't planning to." "Good." They kissed again. This time, when they separated, Lena remained close enough that Ace could feel her breathing. Ace smiled. "You know what?" "What?" "I've wanted this for a while." Lena looked amused. "Have you?" "Yes." "Interesting." Ace narrowed her eyes. "That sounded suspicious." Lena kissed her cheek. "I've wondered." Ace blinked. "Really?" "Of course." "Then why didn't you say anything?" Lena considered. "Because I wasn't certain you wanted the same thing." Ace stared. Then began laughing. "Fuck." Lena smiled. "Indeed." Ace caught her hand. "Well, that's settled." "Apparently." Ace pulled her closer for another kiss. They stood together. Lena rose first, offering her hand. Ace accepted. The move toward the bedroom was neither hurried nor solemn. They stopped once along the way because Ace decided another kiss was necessary. Lena agreed. Then Lena stopped a second time because she wanted one of her own. Ace approved enthusiastically. By the bedroom doorway, both were laughing. "At this rate," Lena said, "we're going to spend the entire evening crossing six meters." Ace grinned. "Efficient." "Terribly." "Excellent distance-to-kiss ratio." Lena laughed. Then gently drew her inside. The bedroom was quiet. Ace looked around. Then toward Lena. "Comfortable?" Lena nodded. "Very." "Good." Ace stepped closer. "Because I really want to make love to you." Lena's expression softened. "I want that too." They kissed. There was no need to make the answer more complicated. But neither hurried past it. Lena helped Ace out of her jacket. Ace returned the favor. Their hands lingered. Sometimes a fastening became an excuse for another kiss. Sometimes they paused simply to look at one another. Ace smiled when Lena touched the collar still resting at her throat. "Want me to take it off?" Lena looked at her. "Would you like to?" Ace considered. Then nodded. "Tonight, yes." Lena waited while Ace released it and placed it carefully beside her other belongings. There was no dramatic significance attached to the act. Her relationship with Panam remained exactly what it had been. She was simply off duty. Here. With Lena. And wanting nothing else for the moment. Lena smiled. "Better?" Ace nodded. "Yes." Then she stepped closer. "Your turn." "My turn?" "To stop being so professionally composed." Lena raised an eyebrow. "I beg your pardon?" Ace grinned. "You're very good at being the sensible one." "Someone has to be." "Not tonight." Lena considered. Then slowly smiled. "Perhaps you're right." She reached for Ace. And kissed her with considerably less restraint. Ace made a delighted sound against her mouth. When they separated, Lena looked almost smug. Ace stared. "Oh." Lena smiled. "Oh?" "Fuck." "An articulate response." Ace laughed. Then kissed her again. They settled onto the bed together. Ace sat first. Lena joined her, facing her. The remaining distance disappeared naturally. A hand at the waist. A kiss. Another. Lena drew Ace close enough that their bodies rested comfortably together. Ace's expression softened. She touched Lena's cheek. For a moment, neither spoke. Then Lena asked quietly: "Still want this?" Ace answered without hesitation. "Very much." Lena smiled. "So do I." They continued. Ace drew Lena close for another kiss, then stopped when Lena's fingers settled at the back of her neck. "What?" Ace asked softly. "Nothing wrong," Lena said. "I was just realizing I wanted this more than I expected." Ace's face changed. The grin disappeared, leaving something openly tender. "Then I'm glad you came." "So am I." They lay down together, arranging the pillows until neither had to strain to reach the other. Ace kissed Lena's cheek, then her mouth, then stopped when Lena drew in a quiet, delighted breath. "All right?" Lena smiled. "More than all right. You?" "Darling, I'm having a magnificent evening." Lena laughed. "I can tell." Ace had spent a lifetime acting quickly because hesitation was often dangerous. Nothing about this room demanded speed. When Lena reached for her again, Ace took time to answer. She found herself enjoying the intervals between kisses as much as the kisses themselves: the way Lena's small smile grew, the way she chose to move nearer, the reassuring certainty of being wanted without needing to entertain anyone. When Lena reached for Ace in a more intimate way, she paused to check her face. Ace's first response was a surprised stillness, then a genuine, unguarded smile. "Yes," Ace said softly. Lena let her hand move between Ace's thighs. The clarity of that first touch changed something in Ace. She had spent years acting quickly because hesitation could be dangerous; here she had nothing to outrun. Lena's attention was patient, and Ace let herself feel the pleasure without immediately converting it into a joke. At first she still tried. "You're very thorough." Lena raised an eyebrow. "Would you prefer careless?" "God, no." "Then be quiet for ten seconds." Ace looked scandalized. She made it to perhaps four. The next sound was not a joke. Lena smiled and kept going. Ace's climax built slowly enough to frustrate her and then arrived hard enough to make the frustration irrelevant. She went still, one hand gripping Lena's shoulder, before a shaking breath escaped her and she curled closer. Lena stopped immediately and held her. Ace opened one eye. "That was rude." Lena looked concerned for half a heartbeat. Ace smiled. "Do it again sometime." Lena laughed and kissed her. When Ace had recovered, she touched Lena's cheek and asked, "My turn?" Lena's answer was warm and direct. "Please." Ace moved lower after the yes. The first oral contact made Lena inhale sharply and reach for her hand. Ace paused. "Still good?" "Very." Ace smiled and continued. This was where the roles shifted. Lena, who spent so much of her life noticing everybody else's needs, was allowed to do nothing but receive. Her composure softened gradually. She asked for a small change once; Ace listened immediately. When the pleasure intensified, Lena stopped speaking altogether. Her climax arrived with a quiet sound and a full-body shiver that made Ace hold her more securely until it passed. Lena's eyes remained closed for several breaths. Ace came back up beside her. "There you are," she whispered. Lena opened her eyes and smiled. "You stole my line." "Professional criminal." "Apparently." They kissed, both laughing softly. Then Lena touched Ace's cheek and went suddenly quiet. Ace waited. "Tell me." "You've spent years making everybody think you're impossible," Lena said. "And here you are, being extraordinarily gentle." Ace considered. "Don't tell anyone." "Your reputation?" "Ruined." Lena laughed, then kissed her so warmly that Ace forgot the next line she had intended to deliver. When they finally rested, they remained wrapped around one another, trading sleepy kisses and water until their breathing had fully settled. Neither felt the need to decide what the night was supposed to mean beyond what it had already become. Much later, they remained together beneath the sheets. The room was quiet. Their clothing had been set aside. The extraordinary orange hair was still bright against the pillows. Lena rested comfortably beside Ace, one arm around her. Ace lay against her, warm and thoroughly contented. For several minutes, neither spoke. Then Lena sighed. Ace smiled. "Good sigh?" "Excellent." "Good." Lena kissed her forehead. Ace closed her eyes. The kiss was followed by another. Then a third. Ace laughed softly. "Darling." "Yes?" "Are you trying to make me fall asleep?" Lena considered. "Would that be so terrible?" "Depends." "On?" "Whether you intend to continue kissing me." Lena smiled. "Possibly." Ace opened one eye. "Excellent." After a while, Lena shifted. Ace immediately looked up. "Something wrong?" "No." "Need anything?" Lena smiled. "Water." Ace sat up. "Coming right up." She reached for the bottles Panam had left beside the bed. Handed one to Lena. Opened the other herself. They drank. Then settled together again. Lena watched Ace for a moment. "What?" "Nothing." Ace narrowed her eyes. "That was a very suspicious nothing." Lena laughed. "I was thinking." "Dangerous." "That you were wonderful tonight." Ace's expression changed. A small, genuine smile. "Thank you." Lena touched her cheek. "I mean it." "I know." A pause. Then Ace kissed her. "You were wonderful too." Lena smiled. "Good." "Very." "Excellent." Ace laughed. "Stop stealing my lines." "No." They talked for a while longer. About people. About the weekend. About the strange pleasure of being able to enjoy someone without trying to fit the relationship into a rigid category. Lena spoke about Marco. Not apologetically. Not as though he were an awkward obstacle in the conversation. Simply because he was part of her life. Ace listened. She liked Marco. She liked the ease of their relationship. And she liked that Lena could talk about him without needing to reassure anyone that her affection for Ace was somehow less real. Eventually, Lena looked toward her. "May I tell you something?" "Anything." "I was glad you asked me." Ace smiled. "So was I." "No, I mean..." Lena paused. Ace waited. Lena continued. "I spend a great deal of time making things work." Ace nodded. "I know." "And sometimes I enjoy that so much that I forget to ask whether I want something entirely unnecessary." Ace considered. "Like an evening in a ridiculously expensive hotel?" Lena laughed. "Exactly." "With an orange-haired disaster?" "Particularly that." Ace grinned. Then her expression softened. "You're allowed to want things." Lena regarded her. Then smiled. "So are you." Ace kissed her. "Good point." "I have them occasionally." "Rarely." Lena laughed. "Careful." Ace settled closer. "Make me." Lena smiled. And kissed her again. ### Elsewhere: An Unbooked Evening Panam had spent five nights making sure that everybody else understood the difference between a welcome invitation and a professional obligation. By the time she left Lizzie's on Monday, she wanted a night in which nobody asked her to negotiate anything. Birgitta was waiting at her city apartment. She looked up when the door opened and smiled at Panam with a warmth reserved for the woman she had come to see. "Long weekend?" Birgitta asked. Panam dropped her jacket over the nearest chair. "Five nights. Seventy-five million fucking eddies. Several dozen proposals. And Mandi." Birgitta laughed. "That last one sounds like the most expensive part." "Emotionally? Absolutely." Panam crossed the room and kissed her. Birgitta answered at once, drawing her close. The kiss lasted long enough for Panam's shoulders to relax for the first time all evening. "Missed you," Panam admitted. Birgitta smiled. "I was hoping you would." "Smug woman." "You love it." Panam kissed her again. "Unfortunately." They ate something together first. Not a banquet, not a fashionable restaurant, just food Birgitta had brought because she knew Panam would otherwise forget. Panam told her about the festival, leaving out other people's private appointments while laughing freely about the scale of its absurdity. Birgitta listened without requesting the confidential parts. Eventually she asked, "And now?" Panam looked toward the bedroom. "Now I would very much like to spend the rest of the night with you. No clients. No ledgers. No interruptions." Birgitta's expression softened. "Then come here." Panam took her hand. They made their way to the bedroom together, stopping once because Birgitta wanted another kiss and twice because Panam did. They helped each other out of their clothes without rushing, then settled onto the bed with the ease of women who already knew that being together did not require an elaborate explanation. Birgitta initiated the first intimate caress with a quiet question. "May I?" Panam smiled. "Please." Birgitta's hand moved between her thighs. Panam's immediate reaction was a pleased inhale and a muttered curse that made Birgitta laugh. "Don't start." "I didn't say anything." "Your face did." Birgitta kissed her and kept the pace slow. Panam had spent five nights monitoring everybody else's comfort, feeding people, checking leashes, negotiating boundaries, and making sure nobody was rushed. The simple fact that she did not have to manage this moment felt almost indecently luxurious. Her first climax came with surprising force. Panam's fingers tightened around Birgitta's shoulder, her breath broke, and she buried her face against Birgitta's neck while the pleasure rolled through her. Birgitta held her without asking a single managerial question. When Panam could speak again, she muttered, "Fuck." Birgitta smiled. "Comprehensive review?" "Five stars." "Generous." Panam kissed her. "My turn." Birgitta's smile softened. "Gladly." Panam moved lower only after Birgitta's clear yes. She knew this woman well enough to recognize the difference between anticipation and uncertainty, but she still paused at the first oral contact when Birgitta's breath caught. "Good?" Birgitta's hand found hers. "Very." Panam continued. Birgitta was quieter than Panam, but not unreadable. The pleasure showed in the way she stopped trying to tease, the way her fingers tightened around Panam's, the way one breath became a soft sound she clearly had not intended to make. Her climax arrived in a long shudder that left her smiling before she had even opened her eyes. Panam came back up beside her. "Still smug?" Birgitta kissed her. "Immensely." They laughed, then stayed close through the quiet afterward, trading kisses until their breathing slowed and sleep began to feel inevitable. They slept nude, as they always did together. No costumes, no work identity laid out for an audience, and no attempt to turn the simple pleasure of shared skin and warmth into a statement about anybody else. In the morning, Birgitta woke first. Panam was still curled against her, one arm resting comfortably around her waist. Birgitta kissed her forehead. Panam opened one eye. "What?" "Morning." "Too early." "You don't even know the time." "Professional instinct." Birgitta laughed and kissed her properly. Panam answered by drawing her closer beneath the sheets. "Stay a little," she said. Birgitta smiled. "Gladly." And for a while, neither had anywhere else she needed to be. ### Tuesday Morning Ace woke to warmth. For a few seconds, she didn't open her eyes. She was lying on her side, tucked comfortably against Lena beneath the sheets. Lena's arm rested around her. Their bare skin was warm where they touched. The room was quiet. The city beyond the window was beginning another day. And nobody was asking Ace to shoot anything. A remarkable achievement. She smiled. Then opened her eyes. Lena was awake. Watching her. "Morning." Ace smiled. "Morning." A pause. Then: "How long have you been awake?" "Ten minutes." Ace narrowed her eyes. "Watching me?" "Yes." "Suspicious." Lena smiled. "You looked comfortable." "I was." "Good." Ace moved closer. Lena kissed her. The kiss was slow. Sleepy. Familiar already in the way good mornings could become familiar remarkably quickly. When they separated, Ace sighed happily. Lena smiled. "Good sigh?" "Excellent." "You're repeating yourself." "Efficient." Lena laughed. They remained in bed. Neither reached for clothing. Neither felt any urgency to get up. Lena brushed a hand through Ace's extraordinary orange hair. The styling shifted slightly beneath her fingers. Then began settling back toward its locked shape. Lena watched. Then smiled. "Ridiculous technology." Ace laughed. "You designed half the visual problem." "I did." "Proud?" "Immensely." Ace tilted her head. "Want to fix it?" Lena considered. Then shook her head. "Not yet." Ace smiled. "Good." They kissed again. This time Lena drew her closer. Ace settled against her, enjoying the warmth. For a while, they simply stayed there. Two women. A shared bed. No audience. No fee. No card. No performance. Just the uncomplicated pleasure of waking beside someone they had wanted to spend the night with. Eventually, Lena spoke. "Are you going back to the safehouse today?" Ace nodded. "Later." "Elisa too?" "Tuesday evening. Her vacation's ending." Lena smiled. "I imagine she's going to complain." "Magnificently." "Will you miss her?" Ace's expression softened. "Yes." Lena kissed her forehead. "I thought so." A pause. Then Ace looked toward her. "Will you come visit?" "Of course." "Good." Lena smiled. "You know where to find me." "Pacifica." "Usually." "Marco." "Frequently." Ace grinned. "And occasionally at Lizzie's making extremely interesting choices." Lena began laughing. "You're never going to let me forget that evening with Bea, are you?" "Absolutely not." "Terrible woman." "Yes." Lena kissed her. Ace answered warmly. When they separated, Lena smiled. "Last night was different." Ace nodded. "Yes." "Good different." "Very." Lena's expression softened. "So we'll remember it as its own evening." Ace smiled. "Absolutely." A little later, Ace's agent vibrated on the bedside table. She glanced toward it. A message from Mai. > Alive? Ace grinned. She typed back. > Unfortunately for several corporations, yes. The reply arrived almost immediately. > Good. Breakfast? Ace looked toward Lena. Then typed: > Eventually. A pause. Then: > Lena says hello. Mai replied: > Tell her thank you for keeping you out of trouble. Ace stared. Then burst out laughing. Lena raised an eyebrow. "What?" Ace showed her the message. Lena considered. Then reached for the agent. She typed: > I made no such promise. Mai's reply appeared within seconds. > Fair enough. Enjoy your morning. ❤️ Ace stared. Then grinned. "Traitor." Lena laughed. "Which one?" "Both of you." Lena drew her close again. "Come here, darling." Ace settled against her. And decided that breakfast could wait a little longer. Outside, Night City continued. Corporations negotiated. Mercenaries complained. Fixers counted favors. Someone undoubtedly made an extraordinarily expensive mistake before nine in the morning. None of it required their attention. Not yet. Ace rested her cheek against Lena's shoulder. Lena kissed her hair. And for once, the city could manage without either of them. At least until coffee. --- ## Chapter 11 — The Last Day of Freedom *Tuesday, 12:38 PM. Watson, Night City.* The Safehouse was having a remarkably peaceful afternoon. This was suspicious. Brenda had not destroyed anything. Iris had not threatened to confiscate Brenda's tools. Mai was reading something without periodically informing the rest of the household that it was written by an idiot. And Shammy was sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of tea, watching Yukari attempt to convince a particularly stubborn piece of toast to surrender its structural integrity. Elisa regarded the scene with considerable satisfaction. "This," she announced, "is beautiful." Shammy looked up. "What is?" "Domestic peace." Yukari examined the toast. Then bit into it. A rather alarming crunch followed. Elisa winced. "Mostly." Shammy laughed. Her silver-white hair rose slightly. Across the table, Iris looked up from her coffee. "Enjoying your last day?" Elisa considered. "Yes." A pause. "Unfortunately." Brenda grinned. "That's the problem with vacations. Someone eventually notices you're having one." Elisa sighed. "Several people have noticed." "Anything urgent?" Iris asked. "No. My staff have handled everything." "Then they deserve a bonus." "They'll get one." Brenda raised her eyebrows. "Of course they will." Elisa smiled. "I'm very good at bonuses." Mai looked up. "Yes, we've noticed." Elisa narrowed her eyes. "Don't." Mai's smile appeared. "I didn't say anything." "You were about to." "Possibly." Shammy regarded them with delight. "YOU TWO ARE DOING IT AGAIN." Elisa turned. "Doing what?" "The thing where you argue without actually disagreeing!" Mai nodded thoughtfully. "Accurate." Elisa stared. Then burst out laughing. The lower-door arrival notification appeared on the wall display. Iris glanced toward it. Then smiled. "Well." Brenda looked up. "What?" "Two returning guests." Mai checked the display. Her expression changed. "Oh." Elisa leaned forward. "Who?" Mai's smile widened. "Someone who apparently took her own advice about enjoying the weekend." A moment later, the upper doorbell sounded. Mai crossed the common room and opened the reinforced door from inside. Ace stood on the landing. Beside her was Lena. Ace's neon-orange ChromeLock hair remained spectacularly intact. Her face was her own. Her violet eyes were visible. And when she spoke, the bright, unmistakable Mandi voice was still in place. "GOOD AFTERNOON!" Brenda stopped chewing. Then slowly lowered her sandwich. "Oh, fuck." Lena smiled. "Hello, everyone." Ace looked suspiciously pleased. Mai stepped aside. "Come in." Ace entered. Lena followed. The upper door closed securely behind them. And then Shammy saw Ace's expression. She went very still. Elisa noticed. Looked toward Ace. Then toward Lena. Then back. "Oh." Ace narrowed her eyes. "What?" Shammy began smiling. Slowly. Magnificently. "Oh, ACE." "WHAT?" Elisa covered her mouth. Mai looked toward Lena. Lena's expression remained entirely composed. Which told Mai absolutely everything. "Good night?" Mai asked. Lena smiled. "Very." Ace looked between them. Then sighed. "Oh, for fuck's sake." Brenda began laughing. "THAT good?" Ace pointed. "Don't." Brenda raised both hands. "Didn't say anything." "YOU WERE ABOUT TO." Iris smiled into her coffee. "That seems to be a recurring condition in this house." ### The Return of a Very Satisfied Woman Ace reached the kitchen and immediately inspected the available food. Lena watched her. Then looked toward Mai. "She had breakfast." Mai smiled. "Of course." "A substantial one." "Naturally." "At approximately ten-thirty." Mai nodded. "And now?" Lena watched Ace appropriate a piece of toast. "Apparently she's starving." Shammy burst out laughing. Ace looked over her shoulder. "WHAT?" "Nothing!" "LIAR!" Elisa laughed so hard she had to put down her cup. Yukari regarded Ace thoughtfully. Then turned toward Lena. "You look remarkably relaxed." Lena smiled. "I am." Yukari considered. Then nodded. "Good." No interrogation. No teasing. Just the kind of recognition that sometimes made Yukari impossible to outmaneuver. Lena accepted it with a grateful smile. Ace sat beside Mai. Mai leaned over and kissed her. Ace returned the kiss warmly. Then Mai touched her cheek. "Happy?" Ace's expression softened. "Very." "Good." A pause. Then Mai glanced toward Lena. "Thank you." Lena raised an eyebrow. "For?" "Making her happy." Lena smiled. "She returned the favor." Ace stared at both women. Then dropped her head into her hands. "OH, GOD." Brenda nearly fell off her chair laughing. For the next hour, the Safehouse returned to its usual level of cheerful disorder. Coffee. Food. Conversation. Brenda explaining something about a prototype that Iris clearly wished had never been invented. Yukari asking Lena whether she had eaten enough. Lena calmly pointing out that she had been with Ace, making insufficient food practically impossible. Ace objecting. Everyone ignoring her. And Elisa watching it all with the expression of a woman who knew she was going to miss this more than she'd expected. Eventually, Lena rose. "I should head back to Pacifica." Ace looked up. "Already?" Lena smiled. "Darling, it's the middle of the afternoon." "Exactly." "And Marco is expecting me." Ace considered. Then nodded. "Fair." Lena approached her. Ace rose to meet her. They embraced. Not awkwardly. Not with the uncertainty of people trying to decide what a single night had meant. They already knew. Lena kissed her. Ace answered warmly. When they separated, Lena touched her cheek. "Thank you for last night." Ace smiled. "Thank you for saying yes." Lena's expression softened. "Always a pleasure to be asked." Ace grinned. "Careful. I might ask again." Lena raised an eyebrow. "Then I suppose I'll have to consider my answer." Ace laughed. "Terrible woman." "Frequently." Mai accompanied Lena toward the door. She hugged her. "Take care." "You too." Then Mai smiled. "And tell Marco hello." Lena's mouth curved. "I will." A pause. Then: "He's going to ask how the night went." Mai looked delighted. "Is he?" "Naturally." "And?" Lena considered. Then smiled serenely. "I intend to tell him it was wonderful." Mai laughed. "Good." Ace called from the kitchen. "I CAN HEAR YOU!" Lena turned. "Excellent." Brenda burst out laughing again. The upper door opened. Lena stepped onto the landing. Then looked back toward Ace. Her smile softened. "See you soon, darling." Ace smiled. "See you soon." Mai closed the armored door after her. And the Safehouse continued breathing around the people who remained. ### 3:26 PM: The Part Elisa Was Avoiding Elisa had packed her bag. Twice. The first time, she'd put everything inside neatly. The second time, she'd opened it again because she wanted to be absolutely certain she hadn't forgotten anything. She hadn't. That was annoying. Now the bag sat on the bed in the guest room, looking perfectly innocent. Elisa stared at it. Then sighed. "Fuck." From the doorway, Mai said: "That's an unusually hostile response to luggage." Elisa turned. "You." "Me." "Are you here to help?" "Possibly." "Or to make jokes?" "Those aren't mutually exclusive." Elisa laughed. Then sat on the edge of the bed. Mai approached. For a moment, neither spoke. Then Mai sat beside her. "Not ready?" Elisa considered. "Ready enough." "Good." A pause. Then Elisa sighed. "I don't want to go." Mai's expression softened. "I know." "Not because I can't handle my life." "I know that too." "It's just..." Elisa looked around the room. The familiar furnishings. The bag. The ordinary evidence that somebody had spent several days here without turning the place into a corporate hospitality exercise. "I like being here." Mai nodded. "We like having you." Elisa looked toward her. "Really?" Mai raised an eyebrow. "Elisa." "I know." "Do you?" Elisa laughed softly. "Yes." Mai took her hand. For a moment, they sat together. Then Elisa smiled. "I've spent the best part of a week doing things that would give several members of my board an aneurysm." Mai considered. "Only several?" "At least half." "Impressive." Elisa laughed. Then grew thoughtful. "Do you know what the strangest part is?" "What?" "None of it felt strange after the first day." Mai smiled. "That sounds healthy." "It was." Elisa looked toward her. "I liked being Bea again." "I know." "And I liked being Elisa here." Mai nodded. "Good." "They're not separate people." "No." Elisa considered. "I think that's what surprised me." Mai waited. Elisa continued. "I thought I'd come back to Lizzie's because I missed doing something completely different from my ordinary life." "And?" "I did." A pause. "But it wasn't about escaping myself." Mai's expression warmed. "No." "It was about choosing which parts of myself I wanted to use." For a moment, Mai said nothing. Then she smiled. "That's a very good distinction." Elisa laughed softly. "Thank you." "You're welcome." They sat quietly. Then Elisa looked toward her. "May I kiss you?" Mai's answer was immediate. "Of course." Elisa leaned closer. Their kiss was warm. Familiar. Unhurried. When they separated, Elisa rested her forehead briefly against Mai's. "I'm going to miss you." Mai touched her cheek. "Then come back." Elisa laughed softly. "You make that sound terribly simple." "It is." "You're impossible." "Frequently." ### The Last Cover Elisa's face mesh had been removed after Monday's work. Her contacts were safely stored. The temporary voice biosculpt had faded by Tuesday morning, and she'd checked carefully that her own voice had returned. That left the hair. Ice-blue. Chin-length. Immaculately styled. And absolutely unsuitable for the woman her security manager expected to collect later that evening. Elisa stood before the mirror while Mai examined the supplies Lena had left for her. "Ready?" Elisa looked at the blue hair. Then smiled. "Almost." Mai paused. "Something wrong?" "No." Elisa touched one strand. "Just saying goodbye." Mai's expression softened. "To Bea?" "To this weekend's Bea." Mai nodded. "That's fair." Elisa looked toward her. "She'll be back." Mai smiled. "I imagine she will." Elisa laughed. "At this point, I think she'd be furious if I retired her." "Quite possibly." They began the release process. The matching ChromeLock product was applied deliberately. No magical disappearance. No immediate return simply because Elisa had taken a shower. The treatment needed to release the locked styling and color. Then the next normal wash would clear the artificial pigment. Elisa followed the familiar procedure. Mai remained nearby. Not supervising an inexperienced patient. Simply keeping her company. When Elisa emerged afterward, her ordinary hair had returned. Her own face. Her own eyes. Her own voice. No blue. No mask. No borrowed professional presentation. She regarded herself in the mirror. Then smiled. "Hello, Elisa." Mai stood beside her. "Hello." Elisa laughed. Then leaned against her. Mai wrapped an arm around her shoulders. For a moment, they simply stood together. ### 5:14 PM: One More Conversation Shammy found Elisa on the balcony. The city below was doing what Night City always did. Moving too fast. Making too much noise. Pretending that everything important was happening somewhere expensive. Elisa leaned against the railing. Shammy approached quietly. "May I join you?" Elisa turned. Then smiled. "Please." Shammy settled beside her. For a while, they watched the city. Elisa glanced toward Shammy's silver-white hair. It moved faintly in the evening air. Then she smiled. "You know, I think I'm going to miss that." Shammy looked toward her. "My hair?" "Among other things." Shammy laughed softly. Elisa considered. "Did you enjoy the weekend?" Shammy smiled. "Very much." "Good." A pause. Then Elisa turned toward her. "May I ask something?" "Of course." "What was your favorite part?" Shammy considered. Not briefly. She thought about it. The conversations. The art. The performances. Panam. Nadia. The joy of watching people she loved enjoy themselves. Finally, she smiled. "People choosing things." Elisa tilted her head. "What do you mean?" Shammy looked out toward the city. "Everyone came to Lizzie's wanting something different." "True." "Some wanted company." "Yes." "Some wanted to make something." Elisa nodded. "Some wanted to be loved for a little while." Elisa's expression softened. Shammy turned toward her. "And some wanted to discover they were allowed to say no." Elisa looked thoughtful. Then smiled. "That sounds right." Shammy nodded. "I liked watching that." Elisa considered. "You're very good at noticing what matters." Shammy smiled. "So are you." Elisa laughed. "Sometimes." "More often than you think." They stood together. Then Elisa reached for her hand. Shammy accepted. "I've had a wonderful time," Elisa said. Shammy smiled. "So have we." A pause. Then Elisa stepped closer. "May I have a hug?" Shammy opened her arms. "Always." Elisa stepped into the embrace. Shammy held her warmly. Not possessively. Not as though a departure needed to become a tragedy. Just long enough to let the affection settle. When they separated, Elisa smiled. "Thank you." Shammy touched her cheek. "Come back soon." "I will." ### 6:02 PM: The Security Problem Reyes arrived shortly after six. The lower-door system announced her arrival. Then the upper doorbell sounded. Brenda checked the camera. "Reyes." Iris looked up. "Would you mind opening it?" Brenda grinned. "Gladly." She crossed the living area and opened the upper door from inside. Reyes entered. Took one look around. And stopped. Ace still had neon-orange hair. Mai's hot-pink dreadlocks were no less spectacular than they had been at Lizzie's. Iris's chrome-and-gold styling remained active. Brenda's chrome-and-brass-yellow hair was equally impossible to ignore. And Shammy looked entirely too pleased with the situation. Reyes stared. Then slowly looked toward Brenda. "Do I even want to ask?" Brenda grinned. "No." "Good." Reyes stepped inside. Then spotted Elisa. Normal hair. Normal face. Normal clothes. Perfectly recognizable. Reyes nodded approvingly. "At least somebody understands how a handoff works." Elisa smiled. "Thank you." Ace raised a hand. "EXCUSE ME?" Reyes turned. The Mandi voice reached her. She closed her eyes. "Oh, for fuck's sake." Mai started laughing. Reyes pointed at her. "And don't you start." Mai smiled. Her whiskey-smoke cover voice made the innocent expression considerably worse. "Start what?" Reyes looked toward Iris. "Please tell me your voice is normal." Iris considered. Then answered in Nova's smoother register. "Define normal." Reyes stared. Brenda burst out laughing. Reyes turned toward the door. "I hate all of you." Shammy smiled. "No, you don't." Reyes stopped. Then sighed. "No." A pause. "Unfortunately." The practical arrangements took only a few minutes. Elisa's security manager expected the transfer at the approved location. Reyes had confirmed the route. The receiving detail had the necessary authorization. No one outside the authorized handoff needed to know where Elisa had spent the past several days. The Safehouse location remained protected. No unnecessary passengers. No improvisation. Everything clean. Elisa appreciated that. She had spent enough of her life surrounded by elaborate security arrangements to recognize good work. Reyes closed the relevant confirmation. "Ready when you are." Elisa nodded. "Almost." ### Goodbyes Her bag stood beside the upper door. Ace regarded it suspiciously. Elisa pointed at her. "Don't." Ace looked offended. "I didn't say anything." "Your face did." Ace considered. "Fair." Elisa laughed. Then stepped closer. Ace opened her arms. Elisa embraced her. The hug lasted longer than either had originally intended. When they separated, Elisa touched Ace's face. Her own face. Not Mandi's mesh. Just Ace, beneath spectacular orange hair. Elisa smiled. "I'm going to miss you." Ace's expression softened. "Me too." Elisa kissed her. Warmly. Then again. Ace smiled against her mouth. When they separated, she rested her forehead briefly against Elisa's. "You know you don't have to wait for another five-day vacation." Elisa laughed softly. "I know." "Come for dinner." "I will." "Or coffee." "Yes." "Or just to make Mai miserable." Mai looked up. "I heard that." Ace grinned. "GOOD." Elisa burst out laughing. Mai came next. She wrapped her arms around Elisa. Elisa leaned into her. For a moment, neither spoke. Then Mai kissed her. Elisa answered warmly. When they separated, Mai brushed a strand of ordinary hair away from Elisa's face. "There you are." Elisa smiled. "Here I am." "Go enjoy the rest of your life." Elisa laughed. "That sounds suspiciously final." Mai shook her head. "Only until you come back." Elisa kissed her again. "Good." Shammy hugged her next. Then Yukari. Iris embraced her with quiet affection. Brenda held on just long enough to make Elisa laugh. "Careful," Elisa said. "You'll give people ideas." Brenda grinned. "Darling, people already have ideas." Iris raised an eyebrow. "Brenda." "WHAT?" Elisa laughed. Then looked around the Safehouse. The kitchen. The living area. The people who had become unexpectedly important to her. She smiled. "Thank you." Ace tilted her head. "For?" Elisa considered. Then shook her head. "Everything." For once, nobody made a joke. Not immediately. Then Brenda looked toward Ace. "She's going to make you sentimental." Ace narrowed her eyes. "Too late." Elisa burst out laughing. ### 6:47 PM: The Handoff The route was uneventful. Reyes preferred uneventful. Elisa appreciated that. They arrived at the agreed transfer point with several minutes to spare. Her own security detail was already waiting. So was her manager. He stood beside the armored vehicle, looking exactly as he usually did when responsible for something important. Composed. Attentive. Professional. Elisa saw him. And immediately remembered something that nobody standing outside the car had any reason to know. Saturday. Lizzie's. Bea. A private appointment. A very pleased returning client. Elisa closed her eyes for half a second. Then opened them. Do not laugh. Reyes glanced toward her. "Something wrong?" "No." Reyes looked suspicious. "Elisa." "Nothing." "That wasn't a convincing nothing." Elisa smiled. "Apparently I've spent too much time with Ace." Reyes considered. Then nodded. "That would explain quite a lot." The transfer proceeded precisely. Credentials. Timing. Authority. Confirmation that the receiving security team had accepted responsibility. No names that didn't need to be exchanged. No unnecessary explanation. The manager approached Elisa after the final confirmation. "Welcome back." Elisa smiled. "Thank you." "Enjoy your time off?" She met his gaze. For one perfectly controlled second, she remembered the way he'd looked at Bea. Not like a man guarding his employer. Like a man enjoying the company of a woman he genuinely liked. Elisa kept her expression steady. "Very much." He nodded. "Good." A pause. Then he added: "Everything's ready for tomorrow." "Excellent." He opened the vehicle door. Elisa stepped inside. Then turned toward Reyes. "Thank you." Reyes smiled. "Anytime." Elisa hesitated. Then leaned out and hugged her. Reyes accepted the embrace. "Take care." "You too." The door closed. The vehicle prepared to depart. And Elisa finally allowed herself a small, private smile. Her manager took his usual position. He reviewed the route. Confirmed the destination. Then looked toward her. "Anything you need before we arrive?" Elisa considered. Coffee? A shower? A week without someone asking her to approve something? Instead, she shook her head. "No, thank you." He nodded. "Very well." A pause. Then Elisa asked: "And you? Good weekend?" He looked mildly surprised. Not because she never asked about his welfare. She did. But because the question had arrived during an otherwise routine transfer. "Yes," he said. Elisa smiled. "I'm glad." He returned a small smile. "Thank you." She turned toward the window before hers became too obvious. The car continued through Night City. For a while, neither spoke. Then Elisa's agent vibrated. A message from Ace. > Did you thank him? Elisa stared. Her lips twitched. Another message appeared. > For keeping you safe, obviously. Elisa covered her face with one hand. From the front of the vehicle, her manager glanced back. "Everything all right?" Elisa lowered her hand. "Yes." A pause. "Just a friend." He nodded. "Of course." Elisa looked down at her agent. Typed: > I am going to murder you. Mai replied before Ace could. > Which you? Elisa stared. Then began laughing. Quietly at first. Then hard enough that her manager looked back again. She raised a hand. "I'm fine." "Very well." He returned his attention to the road. Elisa shook her head. Then typed: > I HATE BOTH OF YOU. Ace replied: > LOVE YOU TOO. ❤️ Mai added: > Come back soon. ❤️ Elisa looked at the messages for a long moment. Then smiled. > I will. ❤️ ### 7:19 PM: Home Again Back at the Safehouse, Ace was sitting beside Mai. Shammy had settled close on the other side. For a while, none of the three spoke. Not because anything was wrong. Elisa had returned safely to her own life. That was exactly how the visit was supposed to end. But the Safehouse felt a little quieter without her. Ace looked toward the empty guest-room corridor. Then sighed. Mai noticed. "Miss her?" Ace nodded. "Yes." Shammy smiled softly. "Me too." Mai slipped an arm around Ace. "She'll be back." "I know." Ace rested against her. A pause. Then Shammy looked toward them. "She was happy." Mai smiled. "Very." Ace considered. Then nodded. "Good." They sat together for another moment. Outside, the city continued. Inside, the Safehouse remained warm. And somewhere in a moving armored vehicle, a young woman with an extraordinary amount of money and an equally extraordinary collection of secrets was smiling at a message from two people she loved. Eventually, Ace lifted her head. "Right." Mai looked toward her. "Right?" "One question." "Go on." Ace glanced around. "Where's the food?" Mai stared. Shammy burst out laughing. From the workshop, Brenda shouted: "YOU ATE AN HOUR AGO!" Ace turned toward the noise. "THAT WAS AN HOUR AGO!" Iris's voice followed. "She's technically correct." Brenda yelled: "IRIS!" Mai closed her eyes. Shammy laughed harder. Ace grinned. And just like that, the Safehouse sounded like itself again. --- ## Epilogue — After the Music *Wednesday, Night City* Suzy Q had discovered something interesting about silence. It was fucking expensive. Not in itself, obviously. Silence was free. But achieving it after five consecutive nights of Wild Muses had required three cleaning crews, a complicated settlement of venue accounts, several very tired Moxes, and Lisa threatening to personally dismantle a malfunctioning sound system if it played the event's closing anthem one more time. Now the music had stopped. The temporary displays were down. The invitation cards had been collected. And Lizzie's looked almost ordinary again. Almost. Suzy stood in the center of the dance floor with her hands on her hips. Lisa approached from the bar. "Something wrong?" Suzy looked around. "No." "Then why are you glaring at the room?" "I'm not glaring." Lisa waited. Suzy sighed. "All right. I'm glaring." "Thought so." Suzy looked toward the empty floor. "It feels strange." Lisa followed her gaze. "Because it's empty?" "Because it's ours again." Lisa considered. Then smiled. "It was ours the whole time." Suzy nodded. "I know." But for five nights, the room had belonged to a hundred different stories. Some ridiculous. Some beautiful. Some profitable enough to make Suzy question whether the financial system of Night City had finally lost its fucking mind. And some so quiet that only the people involved would ever know they had happened. Now the furniture was back where it belonged. The special displays were gone. And the room no longer looked as if somebody might suddenly offer seventy-five million eddies for the privilege of spending three hours with people Suzy had known for years. She considered that last point. Then shook her head. "Jesus Christ." Lisa glanced at her. "What?" "Nothing." "You're thinking about the vampires." Suzy stared. Lisa smiled. "I know that face." "Seventy-five million." "Yes." "Three fucking hours." "Yes." Suzy looked at her. Lisa raised an eyebrow. "Do you want me to calculate the hourly rate?" "Absolutely not." "Good." They stood together. Then Lisa asked: "Would you do it again?" Suzy considered. The answer came without hesitation. "Yes." Lisa smiled. "But?" "Not next fucking week." Lisa began laughing. ### The Things Nobody Bought The last of the Wild Muses displays had been disconnected. One remained on the workbench behind the bar, waiting to be packed away. It showed a still image from Nadia's performance. The vanished market. The dense arrangement of lines. The small shape at the center. Suzy regarded it. "That one." Lisa looked over. "What about it?" "That's the one I'm going to remember." Lisa considered. "Not Mandi's silent performance?" Suzy laughed. "That was magnificent." "Ten minutes." "A miracle." "Should've charged extra." Suzy grinned. "Probably." Then she looked at Nadia's composition again. "But this one..." She paused. Lisa waited. Suzy continued. "Somebody came in carrying a recording of a place that doesn't exist anymore." Lisa nodded. "And Nadia made something new out of it." "Exactly." Suzy touched the display frame. "The woman was crying when she left." "Good crying?" "The best kind." Lisa smiled. They stood quietly. Then Lisa said: "That's why it worked." Suzy looked toward her. "What?" "The event." Suzy considered. Lisa continued. "People weren't just buying appointments. Some of them wanted to be surprised." "Yes." "Some wanted somebody to listen." "Yes." "And some just wanted a woman they liked to tell them they weren't being a complete idiot." Suzy burst out laughing. "That last one was practically our specialty." Lisa grinned. "Professional service." Suzy nodded solemnly. "Premium rates." A Mox technician appeared at the edge of the floor. "Suzy?" She looked over. "Yeah?" "Found something." He held up one of the violet Conversation cards. Suzy sighed. "We counted those twice." "Not this one." She approached. The card had been tucked behind the base of a temporary display. Its violet surface was scratched. Someone had written on the back. Not a name. Not a price. Just a sentence. Thank you for letting me change my mind. Suzy read it. Then read it again. Lisa leaned closer. Neither knew who had written it. The card could have belonged to any of dozens of guests. Somebody who had accepted an invitation. Somebody who had refused one. Somebody who had begun an appointment and decided not to continue. There was no way to know. Suzy turned the card over. The printed side still read: CONVERSATION Lisa looked at her. "Throw it away?" Suzy considered. Then shook her head. "No." "Keep it?" "Yeah." Lisa smiled. "Why?" Suzy placed the card carefully inside the event case. "Because somebody understood." ### Watson, 7:46 PM By Wednesday evening, the Safehouse had regained its proper population of recognizable human beings. Ace was Ace. Short dark hair with its familiar violet sheen. Her own face. Her own eyes. Her own voice. Mai had returned to her usual appearance. Iris and Brenda had their natural faces, hair, and voices back as well. The elaborate joytoy identities had been put away after the event. The face meshes were cleaned and stored. The contacts were back in their cases. ChromeLock had been deliberately released and washed out. The temporary voice work had finished its course. There were no orange cyber-oni faces. No neon-pink dreadlocks. No chrome-and-gold Marlow presentation. And, unfortunately for Brenda, no remaining opportunity to make jokes about everybody sounding like someone else. She had tried anyway. Iris had informed her that the joke was dead. Brenda had argued that excellent jokes deserved resurrection. Ace had offered to perform the resurrection personally if Brenda didn't shut the fuck up. That had settled the matter. For approximately four minutes. Now the household was having dinner. A thoroughly ordinary dinner. By Safehouse standards, anyway. Ace occupied her usual place beside Mai. Shammy sat close enough to rest a hand against Ace's back. Yukari was examining the meal with the thoughtful interest of someone who still occasionally found human culinary traditions unnecessarily complicated. Brenda had brought a small tool to the table. Iris had confiscated it. And Mai was attempting to explain to Ace why five nights of extraordinary entertainment did not entitle her to spend the entire following week doing absolutely nothing. "Why not?" "Because we have responsibilities." Ace considered. "Counterargument." Mai sighed. "Go on." "Fuck responsibilities." Brenda raised her glass. "SECOND!" Iris closed her eyes. Shammy burst out laughing. Mai looked toward Brenda. "You're not helping." "I was not attempting to." Yukari considered. "An unusually honest admission." Brenda pointed at her. "THANK YOU." After dinner, Ace settled onto the sofa. Shammy joined her. Mai arrived with three cups. Ace accepted hers. Then looked toward the hallway. For a moment, her expression softened. Shammy noticed. "Elisa?" Ace looked at her. Then smiled. "Yeah." Mai sat beside them. "Miss her?" "A little." Shammy nodded. "Me too." Elisa had been back in her own world since Tuesday evening. Her security detail had received her. Her ordinary life had resumed. Whatever Bea had experienced during the weekend remained part of Elisa's memories, not a separate woman still wandering around Lizzie's. Ace smiled at the thought. "She's probably already terrifying somebody in a board meeting." Mai laughed softly. "Probably." Shammy tilted her head. "Do you think she's happy?" Ace considered. Then nodded. "Yes." Mai smiled. "She was when she left." Shammy's expression warmed. "Good." There was no sadness that needed fixing. They missed her. They were glad she'd enjoyed herself. Both things could be true. For a while, they drank their tea. Then Shammy spoke. "I liked Sunday." Ace turned. "The royal appointment?" Shammy smiled. "Among other things." Mai raised an eyebrow. "An expensive answer." Shammy laughed. "It wasn't about the money." Ace grinned. "I know, darling." Shammy considered. "It was strange." Mai looked toward her. "How?" "Five people in a room, all choosing to be there." Ace smiled. "That's generally how successful invitations work." Shammy laughed. "But everybody wanted something slightly different." Mai nodded. "And nobody needed the others to want exactly the same thing." Shammy's expression brightened. "Yes." Ace considered. Then smiled. "That's a good way of putting it." Shammy leaned against her. For a moment, none of them spoke. Then Ace looked toward Mai. "What was your favorite part?" Mai considered. "Of the whole weekend?" "Yes." "Do I have to choose one?" Ace grinned. "Absolutely." Mai took a sip of tea. Then smiled. "Watching you get rejected." Ace stared. Shammy began laughing. "MAI!" "What?" "THAT WAS PERFORMANCE ART!" "Yes." "I WAS MAGNIFICENT!" Mai nodded. "Your suffering was extraordinarily convincing." Shammy laughed harder. Ace looked between them. Then sighed. "I live with monsters." Mai kissed her cheek. "Very affectionate monsters." Ace considered. Then nodded. "Fair." A message arrived on Mai's agent. She glanced at it. Then smiled. Ace noticed. "What?" "Rogue." Ace sat up. "Oh?" Mai opened the message. It contained three words. > Friday. Eight. Usual. Ace stared. Then began smiling. "Well." Shammy looked amused. "Well?" Ace glanced toward Mai. "Apparently someone remembers what day Friday is." Mai laughed. "Rogue always does." Ace considered a reply. Then typed: > No cover identities required? The answer arrived almost immediately. > Don't start. Ace burst out laughing. Mai leaned against her. "She's going to kill you." "She loves me." "That doesn't invalidate the first statement." Shammy laughed softly. Ace typed another message. > Love you too. Friday at eight. ❤️ This time, the reply took a little longer. > Be on time. Both of you. Mai smiled. "That's our Rogue." Ace put the agent aside. Then settled back against her. There was something reassuring about it. Not a contract. Not a professional arrangement. Not an invitation card. Just a familiar promise between people who had been choosing to spend their Friday evenings together since the wedding. A different kind of continuity. One that required no paperwork. And certainly no eighty-page negotiation. ### Later That Night Suzy was still at Lizzie's when the first ordinary Wednesday customers began arriving. Not VIP guests. Not royalty. Not celebrities. Just the people who made the club what it was. A couple of Mox regulars. Some exhausted workers. A group of friends who wanted drinks and music. One woman who had visited during Wild Muses and apparently liked the place enough to return. Suzy watched the room begin filling. Lisa approached. "Ready?" Suzy looked toward her. "For?" "An ordinary night." Suzy considered. Then smiled. "Fuck yes." Lisa laughed. The music started. Not the special programme. Not the event anthem. Just Lizzie's. A customer approached the bar. "Hey." Suzy turned. "Hey." "That thing you did last weekend..." "Wild Muses?" "Yeah." "Something you wanted to ask?" The woman hesitated. Then smiled. "Are you doing it again?" Suzy considered. She could have said yes. Could have started building another event immediately. Could have calculated how much money would come in if the same people returned. But that wasn't what she wanted tonight. Tonight, Lizzie's belonged to its ordinary life. So she smiled. "Maybe someday." The woman nodded. "Cool." She looked around. Then asked: "Can I just get a drink?" Suzy laughed. "Darling, that's what we're here for." Later, Lisa found Suzy looking toward the dance floor. "You're doing it again." Suzy glanced at her. "What?" "The staring." Suzy smiled. "Thinking." "Dangerous." "Occupational." Lisa leaned against the bar. They watched the customers. Some were dancing. Others talked. A few sat quietly together, perfectly content to be left alone. Nobody was waving an invitation card. Nobody was negotiating a spectacularly expensive appointment. Nobody was attempting to book Rogue Amendiares. Which Lisa considered a significant improvement in the city's collective intelligence. Then Suzy said: "You know what I liked best?" Lisa raised an eyebrow. "What?" "That it ended." Lisa looked surprised. Suzy smiled. "Not because I wanted it over." "Then?" "Because it was supposed to be special." Lisa considered. Suzy looked around the club. "Five nights. People came, did extraordinary things, met other people, made memories. And then everybody went home." Lisa nodded slowly. "Back to their lives." "Exactly." Suzy smiled. "That's the good part." Lisa regarded her for a moment. Then smiled too. "You're getting sentimental." Suzy pointed at her. "Tell anyone and you're fired." Lisa laughed. "Of course." --- Back in Watson, Ace had fallen asleep between Mai and Shammy. Not dramatically. Not after declaring the need for a twelve-hour recovery period. She'd simply stopped talking halfway through a sentence. Mai had looked down. Shammy had looked across. And both had smiled. Mai brushed a strand of dark hair away from Ace's forehead. Shammy rested her hand over Ace's. For a little while, they remained there. The city outside was loud. The Safehouse was warm. Their identities were their own again. Their lives had returned to something resembling their normal rhythm. And the extraordinary weekend was already becoming a collection of stories they would tell one another for years. Mai looked toward Shammy. "Good weekend?" Shammy smiled. "Wonderful." Mai kissed her. "Good." Shammy rested against her. A moment later, Ace stirred. Opened one eye. Then muttered: "Seventy-five million." Mai closed her eyes. Shammy began laughing. Ace smiled without opening the other eye. "Still fucking incredible." Mai shook her head affectionately. "Go to sleep, darling." Ace considered. Then settled back against her. "Love you." Shammy kissed her forehead. "Love you too." Mai smiled. "Always." And this time, Ace really did fall asleep. --- At Lizzie's, the music played. At Afterlife, Rogue was already looking ahead to Friday. Somewhere in Night City, Elisa was back to being Elisa. And at the Watson Safehouse, nobody was wearing a borrowed face. Nothing extraordinary needed to happen. Not tonight. Five remarkable nights had been enough. For now. ---- **End of ACE 220 — WILD MUSES, WILDER ROYALS ❤️**