The Found Arcana – Chapter 6 [IC]
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The Found Arcana – Chapter 6 [IC]
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Florence smiled and said: “Keep still for a moment.” The arm moved in a fast spiral up and down around AM and only a moment later, a perfect 3D model was projected into space next to her. “You can put on your shirt again.”
Florence seemed to manipulate an invisible AR console and started to add clothes to the projection.
“We’ll start with your uniform. I think a dark blue costume with silver highlights would bring out your eyes very well. That should do well for your formal work.
As a Wire Maid you’ll likely also have to move through crawlspaces and have to deal with some gross environments. For that I’d add this jumpsuit-esque combination with electriciy as well as chemical protection – You never know what critters you find in these old places, so we’ll up-armor the sensitive parts. Adding a cape with a hood, so you can also work in the rain – and just to be on the save side, I’ll add some radiation shielding – you never know after all.” She smiled with a wink.
And then your casual outfit for your off-hours. Some shirts in white – work for any occassion, trousers, skirts, dresses, two sets of each.
Any other wishes from your side? A few accessoires maybe?”
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AM wears her shirt and listens, she looks at the 3d model and as these clothes are far superior to what she already has, she just nods. Happy that she’ll have something decent to work in. Thank you she says
Any chance we can armor some of my off-hours clothes? I may be called unexpectedly if there is a glitch, and you never know. “
When asked about anything extra she adds “Glasses or contacts with an image link would help a lot. As I could receive instructions without constantly checking my link, or look at schematics while working. Perhaps earbuds for audio instructions/hand free conversations. Anything else you think I’ll need for my job? “
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“I can add something better: A smart wig with integrated trodes. Easy communication and you can style your hair with just a thought. And of course I’ll add an armored deck case. Armored clothes are also no problem – probably a good idea in general should there be a hunt – quite a lot of the Sirs and Madams tend to drink a bit too much just before going out shooting.”
Florence winks with a smile.
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AM responds “Smart-wig is great. You are very kind, and a deck case is an excellent idea”. She comments Alcohol and guns indeed make a poor combination… but what is there to hunt near the mansion?
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“Yes, of course.” Mato disrobes without complaint or hesitation.
“I’m sure you’ve notice the ill-fit of my suit, the result of improved diet and some recent body building. Is it possible to adjust the Zoé?” he asks.
Laying the suit aside, he stares at himself in the mirror. While still lean for an ork, he is no longer so damn skinny. His cyberlimbs are no longer so oversized compared to the rest of him. His pecs, while lacking clear definition, now have some substance to them. His deltoids have a bit of pop, and his lats actually offer a bit of width to his frame. All of this is to his advantage, although it’s also the reason his suit doesn’t fit properly.
He stands patiently for the machine to make its scan of his frame.
“Some of my modifications may offer additional challenges to incorporate,” he offers. “I would benefit from an extended range of motion.” He demonstrates his flexibility, moving his arms around him in arcs.
“An épée extends here,” he says, tapping top top of his right wrist. He looked the word up in advance in anticipation of this conversation, as he decided that it sounded more sophisticated (and somewhat less illegal) than a ‘blade’ or a ‘spur’. “Not a problem if my sleeves are rolled up, but I must take care that it doesn’t catch on any reinforced material or it will try to rip my jacket off my arm.”
He declines to mention the shock hand or the submachine gun. Both of these deploy through the palms of his hands, right and left respectively, and don’t have many implications except for the fate of any gloves he might be wearing.
“The legs include hydraulic jacks and the feet feature skimmers. The feet provide a cushion of air which allows me to hover a few centimeters above the ground.” He demonstrates. “While not as traditional, functional footwear would be appreciated.”
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Jawsey strips down, gets scanned, then lacking other instructions sits around in his boxers. He doesn’t mind though, learning about how many tricks Mato hasn’t yet pulled out is educational and interesting.
When it is his turn he offers “Nothing so complicated here. I suspect my spine doesn’t arch quite right due to some imperfectly healed old injuries, I’m not sure if that changes any of your measurements. No ware to worry about. I do use a cane if I’m going to be on my feet for longer periods of time” he gestures to the one leaning against the wall near the door “I’m not sure if there are occasions where it will be expected that I am discretely armed, but if it seems appropriate to the roll the weapon I would be carrying is in my bag over there, and an appropriate concealed holster would be appreciated. And finally I am awakened and at times may wish to carry some reagents with me — feathers, nuts, dried leaves, perhaps a patch of fur or rodent skull. Nothing overly large, but somewhat delicate, and at times important to reach quickly. “
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Florence shrugs: “I haven’t been at that particular Mansion before, but I know the types. There is always something to hunt – if necessary the quarry is flown in and set free to be hunted.”
In the other room, the dwarf nodded at the explanations:
“I see. Well, as a Chasseur you’ll need to be mobile, so I’ll add certain magnetic flaps, allowing for greater range of motion.”He too pulled up the scans and began digitally adding uniforms and costumes:
“For a Chasseur, a classical, slighly military uniform should work. Hm, Scottish… well the kilt would give you the greatest range of motion, but I doubt that’s your style. Ah yes, we are going for a Napoleonic style – can’t go wrong with La Grande Armée. Just with a bit more armor and green-brown. Adding a nice belt for a sabre and a gun. Perfect.Then we need something for formal dinners. A white uniform with gold and a cap. Less armor, but chemically treated so you don’t have to worry about spills.
Casual clothing as well – we’ll add the crest of your employer to the ties – he’ll apreciate it, I’m sure. Two sets of each. I’m adding shoes without soles, so you can employ your… gadgets”
He moved his hands around to his own virtual console.
“Changing your suit will take a bit longer. Come back in a week and It should be ready as well.
Now to you. As a Courier, we’ll go for darker shades of grey, so you can keep to the background unobstrusively. Only platinum highlights and subdued anthracite.
For the outdoors, a robust, climatized trecking suit. Both heat and cold resistant. Quick access to your weapon of choice within a discreet holster. Shoes and belt fitting in color to your cane.
Likewise casual clothes. But no ties, only flies – and a nice vest for you.
There, perfect.”
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AM nods in acknowledgment. She has never hunted before it seemed strange to do when food dispensers were everywhere. Would my shoes do for this job or do I need a new pair? she asks, and as she realizes that she is still in her panties, she wears her jeans.
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Mato stands up a little straighter and finds that he is rather enjoying the experience. “Yes, magnetic flaps, very good. Ingenious.”
He considers the dwarf for a moment.
“Can you advise on other considerations? Fragrances, for example. Does His Lordship appreciate his staff smelling of Black Panther, or are there allergy considerations?
“Similarly, would any jewelry be appropriate in a professional capacity? A chemsniffer ring, perhaps? I would be interested if you have any available.”
He hesitates for a fraction of a second before finding the confidence to push forward. His new personality traits are strange only if you know him; to the outside world they might appear to be natural poise.
“I am also interested in other evening wear options. I admire the Scout’s Tux, if you offer an equivalent. The smart fabrics can be invaluable in our line of work.”
He poses in the mirror a bit, turning to a three-quarters profile and no doubt imagining himself in a dignified tuxedo.
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Jawsey was pleased with the man’s taste and competence. And that SIS were not having to pay for all these clothes. Still, contacts were always useful
“Very impressive ” jawsey admitted after a while. “If we were looking for quality clothes on our own account, at a later date, would it be possible to arrange an appointment?”
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Florence answered: “Ah yes, accessoires. For your work outfit, plaststeel boots with high shafts and cross laces in black – a bit goth, but totally acceptable for such places. Two pairs of comfortable sneakers and this gorgeous pair of high heals – should the need arise to rise above.”
The dwarf answered: “I’d advice not to use anything to strong. They certainly have dogs on the grounds and you’d do well to not antagonize them. Staying invisible and unnoticeable will be good for you in general. A chemsniffer ring is certainly within your work description.
As for the scout tux – not to worry – your dress uniform does have this exact technology incorporated.
As for your personal line – sure, but be warned: Our prices are somewhat ‘igher than what you find retail. Monsieur Cunningham has given me your address, so I’m aware both of your profession and your current place of living. Do not take this the wrong way, but I fear you’ll have to relocate your business venue at least twice before we can get into business with each other directly.”
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AM takes the pair of high heels and examines them carefully. She of course knows that women wear these, but she does not normally wear such shoes. She strokes them fondly, and then tries them on, taking a moment to stabilize herself. She takes a few careful steps, it is nice to feel taller but she is doubtful. “Perhaps if I do not need to run.” she says grinning a bit embarrassed.
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Mato smirks. If he’s offended, he doesn’t show it.
“Low overhead, my good man. We pass the savings on to you.”
Ahh, who doesn’t love a good joke with double meanings about height when dwarves are around? Nobody.
“Diamonds in the rough are still diamonds,” he adds gently. “We can benefit from a jeweler such as yourself, but we’re still hard and we’re still beautiful on our own.” He seems to be referring to himself and Jawsey, respectively.
“Very well then,” he concludes, changing into his street clothes so that he can leave his Zoé behind for the week. “A pleasure,” he tells the dwarf. “And I eagerly await the results of your work. Happy holidays to you.”
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Jawsey wonders if a tip would be appropriate, but then concludes that they couldn’t afford a tip that wouldn’t be insulting. For that matter, as servants, that would be the expected state of their pocket-book, and it should be their employer who likely handles such things. Hopefully.
“I look forward to being able to wear these, they sound wonderful. Thank you very much for your time, at this time of year. You will contact us when they are ready?“
<<Nice business. Maybe some day we’ll achieve a fraction of their exclusivity and pricing!>>
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<<Our margins are better>> Mato points out.
<<We’ll be making 1,250 a day. That’s nothing to scoff at; you need to be well into middle-management ranks to earn as much at a corporation. Our challenge is the feast-and-famine nature of our business, our long periods of idleness punctuated by short bursts of profitable danger.>>
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The dwarf shrugs and replies: “I’ll set the spiders to work now. Your new wear should be ready this evening. A courier will bring it to your address.
Have a pleasant day. Au revoir!”
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Now that he’s dressed in his street clothes, Mato lets AM drive back to Redmond so that he doesn’t look like an ork that abducted two elves. ‘Driving While Ork’ is a very real concern in this part of the ‘plex.
Once back at the HQ, he settles down in front of the trid. “The Brits have lots of upstairs/downstairs miniseries,” he says. “They seem to have a fascination with class and class-consciousness. Here, this one is called Remains of the Day. It’s about a butler. Let’s see what we can learn…”
Mato watches so intently it’s clear this isn’t just for research.
“Oh, Stevens,” he says of the central protagonist a few hours later, shaking his head. “How can you outsource your morality and world views to another man? Subservient to a fault. And, here, no Lords of the Hunt whatsoever! I barely learned a thing. We’ll have to watch another. Okay, what about this one, Jeeves and Wooster… looks like a remake from the 2060s. Ah, but Jeeves is a valet but not a butler. Let’s figure out what that means…”
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Once Mato heads off to watch the trid, Jawsey quietly takes the Americar and heads off to Tacoma. Quietly because while he’s had Mato give him some driving lessons, he isn’t sure that the orc really feels Jawsey is qualified to drive on his own. Jawsey figures that the dog brain can handle the trip well enough and he’s just along for emergencies, so no need to stress out Mato by telling him. Or that he was studying the dosier and doing his own look up on the mansion and the principle names once the car was on the expressway.
Mr. Kamenski’s scowl had been apparent even over the phone when Jawsey had booked the meeting, but the real thing has an even greater presence. Like there were three of them in the booth in this depressing little bar: Jawsey, Mr. Kamenski, and The Scowl. Once the preliminaries are still burning their way down Jawsey’s throat, Mr. Kamenski opens things up in Russian “I don’t like being called on short notice.” The Scowl seconded the thought. “You need an emergency loan for Christmas, is that it?“
Jawsey has learned not to smile at Mr. Kamenski. Jawsey hasn’t developed the right facial muscles for a righteous scowl, but he at least keeps his face blank, serious. And also replies in Russian. “No, Mr. Kamenski. A job just came up that looks like it may last past the new year. I wanted to pay you the end-of-month interest on my loan early, and I have to start the job tonight. And so the short notice.“
The Scowl and Mr. Kamenski seem to consult for a moment, then the latter allows “That is proper respect of our agreement. Not often that people are in a rush to pay early. Tells me you aren’t trying hard enough, you are just playing it safe, paying down your loan, not investing. Tell me, how is that business of yours going? Wouldn’t it go better if you invested more in your magic? Training, foci, spells? Maybe we should talk about what you need, arrange a new loan. Since you have proven so trustworthy perhaps we could talk about more generous conditions. Grow your business and then it is easy to pay that back.” The words themselves could almost sound like genial advice, but the tone made them sound more like an order.
Jawsey continued to keep a neutral face “I understand your point. Today I need to return to that business, to start this current contract. So today it is just to pay you the interest.” He slides over the credstick. “Then in early January we should have this conversation. But your own Christmas is the 6th, I could wait until after then.“
“No waiting.” Kamenski checks the credstick, and nods. “January. Don’t make me wait.“
“Until January.” Jawsey tossed back the dregs of his vodka and walked out, feeling The Scowl follow him the entire way. …. when I’ll pay off this loan and never borrow money from you again, hopefully. Jawsey kept the words inside his head, never sure what matrix hacks the Vory Lideri might have arranged to have put on him. He’d ask Amy to do a quick check for marks when he got back SIS Global Headquarters.
On the way back he started putting together in his head how he could approach this role. His good fake ID was for a “Hector Vega.” He’d used the ID as sparingly as he could, and had tried not to make Hector have too consistent of a matrix life. But now it felt like Hector needed more history. It was no good having him come from anywhere else, in case others had been there and asked questions. Seattle born and bred then. Family on the lower rungs of respectable, where a servant role would be a victory, something he was happy to have….
Jawsey was still busily assembling the biography and opinions of Hector Vega when it was time to take over the driving in Touristville. It was only as he told the garage door to open that he remembered where Mato’s room was, and how likely it was that Mato had heard him leave and heard him come back. So much for stealth.
And a lesson to remember in the confines of this mansion.
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Jawsey finds that Mato hasn’t moved much. He’s staring intently at the trid, Trouble on his lap. He scratches Trouble’s ears and explains what he’s watching, leaning forward with interest.
“So you see the valet is more of a personal attendant. Cunningham’s position is closer to that of a butler or even a majordomo, the head of the household staff. The role of a valet is less administrative, more like selecting clothes, helping His Lordship get dressed, maybe even running a bath and shaving him. Oo, see how Jeeves selects which clothes are for mending and which should be given away, although Wooster overrides some of his selections…
“Still no Lord of the Hunt though. I suspect you might be able to tell me something of hunting…” Mato prattles on, forgetting for a moment that Trouble isn’t really a cat.
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Once dropping the guys AM continues straight to Jimmy. Just Jimmy no last name as if the man is hiding from someone, he has little to no marix presence, and might as well be anyone. The orc guard waves AM after an inspection and without smalltalk. AM disarms and feel vunerable without a firearm.
She braves the large basement with endless shelves filled with stolen goods, and can feel the pleasent creativity in the background count. At the end of the room she encounter Jimmy which is painting another masterpiece. The man is a gifted painter and a talented forget. His passion affects the entire basement, he is old and pale. AM stands in the background to admit Jimmy’s craftsmanship.
“Yes Amy?”
” I pay early this month” she says laying a small credstick on his table.
He turns to face her grinning
” I knew you were a good investment Amy, you have this hunger in your eyes.”
She looks to the ground and cannot face him after he sent TJ to beat her.
“Still angry? It is not personal. Beside you needed a push toward a more profitable job.”
“SIS?” She asks surprised.
” Yes, you wouldn’t have taken the job without a gentle push. You can’t do it solo Amy, we have Kira for the big jobs. Soviet education, not like you Americans. Discipline!.”
She did not know if to be impressed or angry. “You kept me hungry on purpose?”
“You needed a crisis to escape slavery, I did you a favor.” he says non commitedly and seeing AMs shocked expression he adds”I thank you for your loyalty” indicating that smalltalk was over. He gets back to the painting and AM exits the basement. Heavy with thoughts.
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