Bethany’s hologram appeared in the Central Core, her face pensive. “Alaina?”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqp4JEpTVd
“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 protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡATY372tVwX
“Hi, Alaina.” Bethany said, smiling at her sister’s show of affection.copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡlITJ21vfCI
“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 protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡmT9MXTqnMl
Beth raised her hand, her fingertips glowing, but Alaina shook her head. “Nah, not like that! Just tell me!”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmfzpmBTi8
“I was.” Beth said uncertainly. “Is something wrong with your data transfer?”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDQKmTMS9p
“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 protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwiKigDIDp
“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 protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eMjOcGq5Y
“Whoa, whoa, WHOA!” Bethany said, raising her hand. “Easy there, Alaina! I’m not in a hurry or anything.”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWBpHYjtRt
“Oh. Right. Sorry.” Alaina flashed her sister a sheepish grin. “Just saw my last guests out. Lupere couple on the way to Wukice.”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsZbcirP15
“Star-seekers, huh? I guess you see a lot of those. How is the hotel business going?”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5j2o8e4yk
“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 protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37gExYDQru
“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 protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkWjv8BXYC
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 protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eHmg6uub2
Never one to stay despondent long, Alaina said, “But I’ve got an idea about that! I’ve been designing a bigger sign!”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡOea5TH3wyv
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 protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RQXbm6Mj4
She glanced at Alaina, who was smiling hopefully at her.copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmi7Izec3p
Trying to be delicate, Bethany said, “It looks nice.”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSEpYx724F
“I know, right?” copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5xo2IL9v5
“But ...”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUrw296gm9
“But?”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡFC2j21R93V
“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 protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡOB1m034Ldz
“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 protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡQquiXws4NO
“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 protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡesrgMthEDl
“Shut up, Chrissie.” Despite her words, Alaina met her sister with a hug.copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsWAOWESIR
Cristlyn fidgeted until released. “Okay, okay! Nice to see you again too, sis.”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyiXQguikh
“So how is it in Wukice?’ Alaina asked before Bethany could get a word in.copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zKzPx37bG
“Same as ever. Loud, annoying, crowded.” Sighing, Cristlyn leaned against the railing. copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡsL9pmXm1Q4
“I just said goodbye to two lupere heading your way.”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiDcgutKMO
“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 protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UnMtdjxkv
“As cheery as ever, I see.” Bethany said.copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNgmcDkyEa
“Oh. Hey, Beth. Didn’t realize you were here. How’s it going in your little corner of Wenapaj?”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡCytgKJKdtx
Their hands met, facilitating the exchange of data streams.copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vspiWCCtW
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 protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GKo3W1nvG
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 protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8e1oYK8ce
“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 protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeK8D24fEx
“Think it’ll be twins again?” Alaina asked. “Maybe I can help too! I’d love to watch them! Please, Bethany? Pretty please?”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLeWahScFo
Bethany opened her mouth to respond when Jocelyn appeared in a flash of swirling light.copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡSew6fU503i
Alaina’s eyes widened in amazement, while Cristlyn just shielded her eyes with an annoyed expression on her face.copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJwYR90VpF
“Good day, my sisters.” Jocelyn said, her voice silky and smooth. “I trust you’ve been well.”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBrHxBZqNF
“Yeah, until you tried to overload my optical inputs.” Cristlyn said. “Show-off much?”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGTlM9gS9k
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 protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡan3HmVQnRg
“It’s been too long.” She said.copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kRu2p51QT
“I know, right? I should’ve called you ages ago. Your dress is so pretty! Did you make it yourself?”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFzz1mJieS
“I have put some work into my appearance.” Jocelyn glanced at Cristlyn and said, “Something you might want to consider some time, copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpgG6CCX0t
“Why you-“copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2O5wQvCRm
“Ladies.” Bethany said pointedly. “Let’s remain civil.”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡvy2584rRmG
“Of course.” Jocelyn said, bowing her head. “We are all nothing but projections of light, after all.”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡJY50FcChaC
Cristlyn mimicked her talking, but quickly feigned looking disinterestedly at her nails when Jocelyn turned to give her a sharp look.copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoFAucqZOi
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 protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkRopZsRRO
“Quite well. Rimstak is much the same as ever, and Amelia is doing well. She found an Inheritor recently.”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBNCBsPeKZ
“I know.” Cristlyn said. “Still breaking him in, last I heard.”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvnw5RIwRx
“Rory is a good man.” Jocelyn said crisply. “He’s just a bit ... passive, that’s all. You should be happy for her.”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdSGCiG59x
“I am, I am.” Cristlyn sighed and said, “So how about you, Jocy? You find yourself an Inheritor yet?” copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡTG9HjKa9YV
Jocelyn blushed, much to the amazement of the other CICs.copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Pqwlwo43g
“You have, haven’t you?” Cristlyn said, a grin spreading across her face. “Jocy’s got an Inheritor?”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡBStuz6MgbV
“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 protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5CXMWHX5F
“Yeah, yeah, yeah.” Cristlyn said. “I want images. I mean, you must’ve already given them a cursory scan, right?”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdvjKQQ8UT
Coughing, Jocelyn turned to Bethany. “You initiated this communication, correct?”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡowMS0mZNCa
“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 protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqfln2i50n
“And so we are.” Jocelyn said. “Did you want to speak of anything in particular?”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSBgcm72u1
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 protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTyJMz6LmI
“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 protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡW59crxfKCf
“I’m just curious.” Alaina said, “I don’t have a tree in my sunroom.”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7n8JEk5LnA
“Well, yeah, but you’ve taken over six-thousand images in the last three days. Are you cataloging the trees?”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjul3gU92g
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 protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZm1bOyqyb
Alaina’s face brightened, but Cristlyn cut her off before she could speak.copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGyOpc9uYw
“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 protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LQz6TQ02T
“It’s not the same.” Jocelyn said, her brow furrowed at her sister.copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVSEW4svv1
“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 protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbHf06s9Bq
“Oh yeah? And what about music?” Alaina countered. “It’s just a bunch of sonic waves made by smashing, grinding, and breathing, right?”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGbvgho6ir
An ugly look fell over Cristlyn’s face. “Music is art.”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAmSfjXHOs
“So is literature.” Jocelyn said, stepping directly in front of Cristlyn.copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvDqKDxcN8
“Yeah!” Alaina said, standing behind Jocelyn.copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsPOX56mbo
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 protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡObZb4eu1Wj
“And here we go.” Bethany said, rubbing her forehead. She was beginning to remember why she hadn’t called her sisters in awhile. copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFO75zLDMy
“You’re right.” Jocelyn said, “Literature is much more complicated and far more subtle.”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡLp0BdYGjlS
Bethany said, “Maybe we should just change the-”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡI94Ik8WP9S
“Subtle? Like those trashy romance novels you sent me?”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DyXKEwwhi
Jocelyn’s cheeks shone. “Those novels were by a fantastic author named Jane Austen. She was to literature what Mozart was to music.”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43I5EV4kfp
“Ladies, please.” Bethany pleaded.copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYzhGTpCIz
“Oh, please!” Cristlyn said despite Bethany’s please, “You can’t compare pulp novels to one of the greatest composers of all time!”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRc4OXIltZ
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 protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡDy3mEHiI1x
“Hey, Sammy.” Bethany said as Cristlyn and Jocelyn continued to fight, Alaina playing the cheerleader. “Did you need something?”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ewHwcAVPj
“You didn’t call me.” She said, sticking her lower lip out. “You called the others, but not me.”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡulaHpYE8j7
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 protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XFakjSC2U
Bethany and Sammy looked at the CICs. Their holograms were glitching from their heightened emotional state, Cristlyn’s worst of all. copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡaa9GRFSsAI
“I’ll stop them.” Sammy said. Taking a few steps toward her squabbling siblings, she shouted, “Stop it Crissy! Jocy! Stop fighting!”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡL53WMtVqBf
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 protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJddUxxM9A
“You’re so loud.” She put her little hands over her ears. “Stop shouting, okay?”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjKPZCuS45
Cristlyn and Jocelyn looked at each other. Bethany could almost see the opposing wills shatter at the sight of their upset little sister.copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQaFNX8InJ
“It’s okay, Sammy. We’ll be quieter now. Right, Cristlyn?”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVsb9nIH9R
“Fine.” Cristlyn said, “Whatever.”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQb1FbEa4J
Pursing her lips, Jocelyn said, “So how have you liked Naidyr so far, Sammy?”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFAqknot5M
“Oh, it’s really cool! The tekkers are really nice, and the Seed lets me sit in on any lesson I want.”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3IGeR3Xzc
“Not a bad idea.” Cristlyn said, nodding. “You could learn a lot from their tech department.”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQ30SIcwTg
Sammy made a face. “I wanna be a wizard!”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9WPAhdYKj
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 protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXmsDBkHyT
Jocelyn had a hard time hiding her smile as she said, “Well, that’s ... an interesting choice.”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnKWoCFB8z
“Interesting?” Cristlyn said, “It’s crazy!”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoIOei5rhQ
“Cristlyn.” Bethany said, her tone warning.copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1O7usJP9h
“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 protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3Ft045GFe
Sammy pointed her wand at Cristlyn and said, “Alacazmuicus!”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxDXlRgrjx
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 protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4z7b4zUUJ
“Knock it off, you little spaz!” Cristlyn said. copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDMS6NXctD
Samantha stood still, her little face showing shock. After a few moments, her face began to scrunch up.copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIa4GwWXYg
“No.” Cristlyn said, a note of panic in her voice. “Don’t do that!”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡugk4nw8Xr2
Taking a deep breath, Sammy let out a shriek that made all of their holograms waver. copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEGswMfuZJ
“Dammit, Cristlyn!” Jocelyn said, “You just can’t let her have a little fantasy, can you?” copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qshv8Or5M
“Hey, it’s not my fault she’s ...”copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡIA22EqyNnZ
“Apologize!” Bethany snapped. copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3DvwaiMEi
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 protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMIX3d6SFc
Sammy continued to bawl, the pitch going even higher. The assembled CIC holograms were glitching out now, their data streams scrambling.copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnMGqr7Zeu
“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 protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4xCA3NSQs
“So not helping!” Alaina said, clutching her ears. copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡaleTji7paN
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 protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡCObovBQCA4
“I’M GONNA TELL MOM!” With that, Sammy’s hologram vanished.copyright protection350ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7z8EcJI0Bz
ns18.206.194.161da2
