Bethany’s hologram appeared in the Central Core, her face pensive. “Alaina?”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQmV6NGJre
“I’m here!” Alaina said all too eagerly. Quickly recomposing herself, she threw her arms around her sister and gave her as much of a hug as a hologram could give another hologram.copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡffvhwsZT3C
“Hi, Alaina.” Bethany said, smiling at her sister’s show of affection.copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUegC2DFbM
“Hi, Beth! It’s been too long!” Stepping away, Alaina said, “Now tell me everything that’s happened since the last time we talked!”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6CS2JGJt8
Beth raised her hand, her fingertips glowing, but Alaina shook her head. “Nah, not like that! Just tell me!”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJot0UV0NY
“I was.” Beth said uncertainly. “Is something wrong with your data transfer?”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsTQIvTlb4
“No, I just … ugh. Okay.” Alaina put her smaller hand up to her sisters. The information was transferred in an instant. Alaina eagerly processed every individual bit of the data in another instant.copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HbKAdugXY
“Oh, wow! Jimmy’s passing Glint to Tifa, huh? I can’t believe you still haven’t booted those fairies yet, but they’re so cute, right? And that new transflux ion drive sounds like they might need to recheck the-”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUHNnIHiIv
“Whoa, whoa, WHOA!” Bethany said, raising her hand. “Easy there, Alaina! I’m not in a hurry or anything.”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkXabFG40S
“Oh. Right. Sorry.” Alaina flashed her sister a sheepish grin. “Just saw my last guests out. Lupere couple on the way to Wukice.”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88zkT9yoqv
“Star-seekers, huh? I guess you see a lot of those. How is the hotel business going?”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPq4CNMk6u
“Fine, fine.” Alaina said. After a brief pause, she added, “I mean, I’ve only had about ten people total over the last seven months, but they were all nice. The lupere said they’d stop by again if things didn’t work out in Wukice, so here’s hoping, eh?”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoPMy0sf5t
“Uh, right.” Bethany said, resisting the urge to point out their return visit would mean their dreams had been crushed. “I guess there’s never much traffic along Natalya this time of year, huh?”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eCHywQ6Uh
Alaina’s gaze slid away from Bethany. “Well, it’s the busy season, to be honest. Road’s completely packed with people either heading to the film festival in Wukice or the Cloud Festival in Old Iniagusville.”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡBh71lKP84V
Never one to stay despondent long, Alaina said, “But I’ve got an idea about that! I’ve been designing a bigger sign!”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTksGSt88y
Alaina quickly pointed to the sign in question, currently leaning against the side of a security door. It was the size of a billboard, featured images of a clean bedroom, the Sun Room, and the symbol of the Glyche Confederation with a smiling image of a smiling and waving Alaina superimposed over it. The words beneath the pictures read, “The Natalya Arms Hotel: We Promise we’re not Corrupted!”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgNeXlKOrF
She glanced at Alaina, who was smiling hopefully at her.copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53Wd4iXTq1
Trying to be delicate, Bethany said, “It looks nice.”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3V9wB20Kb
“I know, right?” copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmrmBoHmc9
“But ...”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1icXvggtaG
“But?”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0Kpah1chL
“Maybe you ought not mention the Corruption.” Seeing Alaina’s expression falter, Bethany quickly added, “You know how iffy bio-forms can get when you mention any incident where lives were lost. They’re very sensitive, you know.”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡoR8PdKeU6r
“Creator’s Grace, you’re right.” Alaina said, her projected cheeks turning red. “I didn’t even think ... yeah, you’re right. I still need a good tagline, though.”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37Jf5fwlIG
“How about: ‘Stay with us, and we might not kill you?’” Cristlyn appeared, a smirk on her face. “Though that might be a stretch with you Lainy-bug.”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dHNCR4D4m
“Shut up, Chrissie.” Despite her words, Alaina met her sister with a hug.copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsdyiqiwlo
Cristlyn fidgeted until released. “Okay, okay! Nice to see you again too, sis.”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpvGFAWbWF
“So how is it in Wukice?’ Alaina asked before Bethany could get a word in.copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYSzLvqP8v
“Same as ever. Loud, annoying, crowded.” Sighing, Cristlyn leaned against the railing. copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyXp6fQpLb
“I just said goodbye to two lupere heading your way.”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIAjpgUmrQ
“Joy. More hopefuls. Just once, I’d like to get an engineer or a tekker ... one who’s actually interested in doing some work, not trying to get a foothold in the city to jumpstart their career.”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kPTTAokqx
“As cheery as ever, I see.” Bethany said.copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡPC6N2d2SCO
“Oh. Hey, Beth. Didn’t realize you were here. How’s it going in your little corner of Wenapaj?”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qxFKXVEjn
Their hands met, facilitating the exchange of data streams.copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlHkfBVEVm
Cristlyn’s eyebrows rose. “Terra’s carrying again, huh? Maker’s breath, don’t tell me Terra and Jimmy are trying to fill all your rooms by themselves.”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLYiy1wBU8
Bethany let out a light-hearted laugh. “If they want a big family, I’ve no objection. Their children are so sweet; I just wish I had the chance to baby-sit more often. Ever since King Iniagus approved her posting to the Saybaro, they haven’t needed my help on that front.”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYzWDjTyYd
“Bah. Just ask, and I’m sure they’ll let you sit so they can have a night to themselves. If not now, then just wait until they have a few more.”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuyDPNeKs9
“Think it’ll be twins again?” Alaina asked. “Maybe I can help too! I’d love to watch them! Please, Bethany? Pretty please?”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EV5Xt6t40
Bethany opened her mouth to respond when Jocelyn appeared in a flash of swirling light.copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuZbqCvkbu
Alaina’s eyes widened in amazement, while Cristlyn just shielded her eyes with an annoyed expression on her face.copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7Y5KNTYyl
“Good day, my sisters.” Jocelyn said, her voice silky and smooth. “I trust you’ve been well.”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8E03KXxQqC
“Yeah, until you tried to overload my optical inputs.” Cristlyn said. “Show-off much?”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡR26QextKRF
A dark look crossed Jocelyn’s face, only to fade when Alaina hugged her. Momentarily surprised, Jocelyn slowly put her arms around her sister and hugged her back.copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoMdux1nwz
“It’s been too long.” She said.copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEeJIYHgP7
“I know, right? I should’ve called you ages ago. Your dress is so pretty! Did you make it yourself?”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGaZxpw19n
“I have put some work into my appearance.” Jocelyn glanced at Cristlyn and said, “Something you might want to consider some time, copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoLtBg0CEw
“Why you-“copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnbq7ToOad
“Ladies.” Bethany said pointedly. “Let’s remain civil.”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3U72swzuF
“Of course.” Jocelyn said, bowing her head. “We are all nothing but projections of light, after all.”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡWa3IDFZEiD
Cristlyn mimicked her talking, but quickly feigned looking disinterestedly at her nails when Jocelyn turned to give her a sharp look.copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡau0lU8fjXp
Jocelyn was still glaring at Cristlyn when Alaina asked, “So how have you been? Is everything going well in Rimstak? Have you heard from Amelia lately?”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUss1vVx4p
“Quite well. Rimstak is much the same as ever, and Amelia is doing well. She found an Inheritor recently.”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1AgKdVJSd
“I know.” Cristlyn said. “Still breaking him in, last I heard.”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2HnoCwDWt
“Rory is a good man.” Jocelyn said crisply. “He’s just a bit ... passive, that’s all. You should be happy for her.”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tnwWp2RW7
“I am, I am.” Cristlyn sighed and said, “So how about you, Jocy? You find yourself an Inheritor yet?” copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡg88QpT4kCW
Jocelyn blushed, much to the amazement of the other CICs.copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZZgmoST2P
“You have, haven’t you?” Cristlyn said, a grin spreading across her face. “Jocy’s got an Inheritor?”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5jKCfaE66
“I am entertaining a few possibilities.” Jocelyn said, wishing she hadn’t spent quite so much time fine-tuning the way her hologram would alter according to emotional input. “It’s an important decision, you know.”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnfUeENjZq
“Yeah, yeah, yeah.” Cristlyn said. “I want images. I mean, you must’ve already given them a cursory scan, right?”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxpfNMDGGF
Coughing, Jocelyn turned to Bethany. “You initiated this communication, correct?”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3LOOn4Y2b
“Yes.” Bethany said, the room changing back to her central core. “I mean, I didn’t have any kind of emergency; I just thought we could talk.”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OyjINYw6X
“And so we are.” Jocelyn said. “Did you want to speak of anything in particular?”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmumCi9gYP
Seeing the curious eyes of her sister made Bethany feel suddenly embarrassed. “Well, nothing specific. I mean, we haven’t had a real conversation in ages.”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuSHiG5nE7
“I send you all data streams all the time.” Cristlyn said, looking at Bethany strangely. “Everyday for Alaina. That reminds me; what’s with all the satellite imaging of Ircandesta?”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIV62EU0a0
“I’m just curious.” Alaina said, “I don’t have a tree in my sunroom.”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7nst0LDgJ
“Well, yeah, but you’ve taken over six-thousand images in the last three days. Are you cataloging the trees?”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡscdkTw1YTF
Alaina looked flustered as she seemed to struggle for a response. Jocelyn put her hands on her sister’s shoulders. “Ircandesta is a lovely country, Alaina. I’ve read dozens of stories that take place there; I could lend you a few if you want.”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ro2yrGtsR
Alaina’s face brightened, but Cristlyn cut her off before she could speak.copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqYRTsRE58
“Lend? As in a physical book? You could stream the entire contents of every library in the world in a matter of seconds if you wanted to do that.”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxkCSd8Tc2
“It’s not the same.” Jocelyn said, her brow furrowed at her sister.copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjuYl3p2wS
“It’s exactly the same.” Cristlyn persisted. The contents of the book don’t magically alter themselves; it’s essentially just a text file in a very data-unfriendly medium.”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0iSSbkKQp
“Oh yeah? And what about music?” Alaina countered. “It’s just a bunch of sonic waves made by smashing, grinding, and breathing, right?”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeXcQQqZKC
An ugly look fell over Cristlyn’s face. “Music is art.”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kWxihAIk7
“So is literature.” Jocelyn said, stepping directly in front of Cristlyn.copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡAd7T604qKU
“Yeah!” Alaina said, standing behind Jocelyn.copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡQC9OOZEeZp
Cristlyn’s hologram may have been shorter, but she made up for it in stubbornness. Hands on her hips, Cristlyn said, “You can’t compare a bunch of words to the intricacies of a symphony.”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1JNy159Kp
“And here we go.” Bethany said, rubbing her forehead. She was beginning to remember why she hadn’t called her sisters in awhile. copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkDodJoia8
“You’re right.” Jocelyn said, “Literature is much more complicated and far more subtle.”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1LmPzmuOl
Bethany said, “Maybe we should just change the-”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGnDuWEA5p
“Subtle? Like those trashy romance novels you sent me?”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlJDKXm8fx
Jocelyn’s cheeks shone. “Those novels were by a fantastic author named Jane Austen. She was to literature what Mozart was to music.”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡhty2QoCcTr
“Ladies, please.” Bethany pleaded.copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡyN7WqCS5cY
“Oh, please!” Cristlyn said despite Bethany’s please, “You can’t compare pulp novels to one of the greatest composers of all time!”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡuckeP4ccds
Bethany was about to turn away when a small hand took her own. She glanced to her side to see the wide blue eyes of her youngest sister, CIC Samantha. Installed into the new core of the Naidyr facility, little Sammy was filled with all the curiosity and wonderment you’d expect of a bio-form child. copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuVjxLH9YB
“Hey, Sammy.” Bethany said as Cristlyn and Jocelyn continued to fight, Alaina playing the cheerleader. “Did you need something?”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxpIuQkmWx
“You didn’t call me.” She said, sticking her lower lip out. “You called the others, but not me.”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrJFFzJSLX
Sighing, Bethany ruffled her little sister’s hair. “You’re absolutely right. I’m sorry, Sammy; I guess part of me realized this was how it’d all end up, and I didn’t want you to have to see it.” copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwsgPZ1x80
Bethany and Sammy looked at the CICs. Their holograms were glitching from their heightened emotional state, Cristlyn’s worst of all. copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Jyyr2oMpk
“I’ll stop them.” Sammy said. Taking a few steps toward her squabbling siblings, she shouted, “Stop it Crissy! Jocy! Stop fighting!”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKL2qrBajn
The sight of the much shorter hologram of Sammy gave the others pause. Alaina knelt beside her. “Hey, Sammy; we’re just having a little talk, that’s all.”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DTzUJyWgH
“You’re so loud.” She put her little hands over her ears. “Stop shouting, okay?”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpqvXRxlDX
Cristlyn and Jocelyn looked at each other. Bethany could almost see the opposing wills shatter at the sight of their upset little sister.copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWHrZ8TBic
“It’s okay, Sammy. We’ll be quieter now. Right, Cristlyn?”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpQTYKCxGS
“Fine.” Cristlyn said, “Whatever.”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDhE9fwGAa
Pursing her lips, Jocelyn said, “So how have you liked Naidyr so far, Sammy?”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡEh7mJ6uCIM
“Oh, it’s really cool! The tekkers are really nice, and the Seed lets me sit in on any lesson I want.”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHbGAardH8
“Not a bad idea.” Cristlyn said, nodding. “You could learn a lot from their tech department.”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VLnAUD6Be
Sammy made a face. “I wanna be a wizard!”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfvnCeu6Qd
This brought a moment of silence to all of the CICs. Bethany wasn’t even sure what to say about it, and Alaina giggled as a Sammy produced a want and pointed it in various directions as though casting spells, making what she obviously thought were the sort of sounds magic would make.copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFU3lveMJV
Jocelyn had a hard time hiding her smile as she said, “Well, that’s ... an interesting choice.”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPQGdqBQxd
“Interesting?” Cristlyn said, “It’s crazy!”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Otzc5NGbE
“Cristlyn.” Bethany said, her tone warning.copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3jO7Fkls3
“No, Beth, this is stupid! I’ve got a better chance of winning next year’s Longshore Melee than Sammy does of becoming a spell-caster!”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnT746yGW6
Sammy pointed her wand at Cristlyn and said, “Alacazmuicus!”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0UmA6roNC
Eyes narrowed, Cristlyn snatched the wand out of her hand and snapped it in half. At least, this is how it looked; what actually happened involved a fair amount of invasive programming. The result was the same however.copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HGmwO2Rau
“Knock it off, you little spaz!” Cristlyn said. copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrSOzXU7DR
Samantha stood still, her little face showing shock. After a few moments, her face began to scrunch up.copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡewR9TsgkQ3
“No.” Cristlyn said, a note of panic in her voice. “Don’t do that!”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSLEeisgaC
Taking a deep breath, Sammy let out a shriek that made all of their holograms waver. copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡL54ETDBOLf
“Dammit, Cristlyn!” Jocelyn said, “You just can’t let her have a little fantasy, can you?” copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZMx8FZo0P
“Hey, it’s not my fault she’s ...”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXIeCXw5dG
“Apologize!” Bethany snapped. copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZMLEFpgua
Cristlyn stared at Bethany for a moment before nodding. With a smile that was more of a grimace, Cristlyn knelt beside Sammy and said, “Look, Sammy, I’m sorry. I was way out of line.”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡv99hGiXFGX
Sammy continued to bawl, the pitch going even higher. The assembled CIC holograms were glitching out now, their data streams scrambling.copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9VdnxaUCo
“I’m sorry! I said I’m sorry!” Cristlyn said, shouting to be heard over Sammy’s continued shrieks. “Please, just shut up already!”copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkon633vjx
“So not helping!” Alaina said, clutching her ears. copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOHP6n733O
Finally, Sammy stopped and drew in another deep breath. Bethany and her sisters braced them for a renewed scream, but what came out instead instilled far more terror. copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zXWNluYf6
“I’M GONNA TELL MOM!” With that, Sammy’s hologram vanished.copyright protection232ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRrLfxOi38
ns34.226.208.185da2
