Bethany’s hologram appeared in the Central Core, her face pensive. “Alaina?”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaXjPS1egR 維尼
“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.8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfJBdcMPQq 維尼
“Hi, Alaina.” Bethany said, smiling at her sister’s show of affection.8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpbMPPu2JB 維尼
“Hi, Beth! It’s been too long!” Stepping away, Alaina said, “Now tell me everything that’s happened since the last time we talked!”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkTKC3xKCh 維尼
Beth raised her hand, her fingertips glowing, but Alaina shook her head. “Nah, not like that! Just tell me!”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUx03i2SOo 維尼
“I was.” Beth said uncertainly. “Is something wrong with your data transfer?”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtHaURRWTb 維尼
“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.8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQU4k2ZARL 維尼
“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-”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTIoe50jAH 維尼
“Whoa, whoa, WHOA!” Bethany said, raising her hand. “Easy there, Alaina! I’m not in a hurry or anything.”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXbiLebAFO 維尼
“Oh. Right. Sorry.” Alaina flashed her sister a sheepish grin. “Just saw my last guests out. Lupere couple on the way to Wukice.”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡvC3k5xoBZm 維尼
“Star-seekers, huh? I guess you see a lot of those. How is the hotel business going?”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnZi9l8DfM 維尼
“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?”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCCG3QzVmw 維尼
“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?”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iUfD0rQAi 維尼
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.”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpJ59sqc5T 維尼
Never one to stay despondent long, Alaina said, “But I’ve got an idea about that! I’ve been designing a bigger sign!”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhAeOTuWnT 維尼
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!”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbvHVckzL6 維尼
She glanced at Alaina, who was smiling hopefully at her.8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43f0T8BLew 維尼
Trying to be delicate, Bethany said, “It looks nice.”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoF40tJ8X3 維尼
“I know, right?” 8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3LnXulLH8 維尼
“But ...”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡdG13MrWHWX 維尼
“But?”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjtaEE8yFk 維尼
“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.”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCZuUOmoOy 維尼
“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.”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Xay4nTBZo 維尼
“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.”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡKK3H7N0Lvc 維尼
“Shut up, Chrissie.” Despite her words, Alaina met her sister with a hug.8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01tfTQetIb 維尼
Cristlyn fidgeted until released. “Okay, okay! Nice to see you again too, sis.”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVKJGIiZPR 維尼
“So how is it in Wukice?’ Alaina asked before Bethany could get a word in.8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡtg9WCet678 維尼
“Same as ever. Loud, annoying, crowded.” Sighing, Cristlyn leaned against the railing. 8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoPJb9AdDq 維尼
“I just said goodbye to two lupere heading your way.”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfOMeIpHL9 維尼
“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.”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTikpeI2a2 維尼
“As cheery as ever, I see.” Bethany said.8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqQhH9TdRC 維尼
“Oh. Hey, Beth. Didn’t realize you were here. How’s it going in your little corner of Wenapaj?”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBGh9oxmea 維尼
Their hands met, facilitating the exchange of data streams.8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmu89sqTf9 維尼
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.”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jz8x4S8AD 維尼
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.”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcWsU7IzMG 維尼
“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.”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbyCqZZtTa 維尼
“Think it’ll be twins again?” Alaina asked. “Maybe I can help too! I’d love to watch them! Please, Bethany? Pretty please?”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9B9LmksKK7 維尼
Bethany opened her mouth to respond when Jocelyn appeared in a flash of swirling light.8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8fyzeNObA 維尼
Alaina’s eyes widened in amazement, while Cristlyn just shielded her eyes with an annoyed expression on her face.8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4waCJgccI 維尼
“Good day, my sisters.” Jocelyn said, her voice silky and smooth. “I trust you’ve been well.”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEoVyfKNwo 維尼
“Yeah, until you tried to overload my optical inputs.” Cristlyn said. “Show-off much?”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCzbbMTHqV 維尼
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.8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡEic6OWxtdB 維尼
“It’s been too long.” She said.8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfMV7DSI7R 維尼
“I know, right? I should’ve called you ages ago. Your dress is so pretty! Did you make it yourself?”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUlVNLlMFl 維尼
“I have put some work into my appearance.” Jocelyn glanced at Cristlyn and said, “Something you might want to consider some time, 8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZqlMrKAiM 維尼
“Why you-“8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡr006woMeJ6 維尼
“Ladies.” Bethany said pointedly. “Let’s remain civil.”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIaRjsEFS6 維尼
“Of course.” Jocelyn said, bowing her head. “We are all nothing but projections of light, after all.”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20bE5X2FCG 維尼
Cristlyn mimicked her talking, but quickly feigned looking disinterestedly at her nails when Jocelyn turned to give her a sharp look.8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡEi6D0375ui 維尼
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?”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PhEgY6IJA 維尼
“Quite well. Rimstak is much the same as ever, and Amelia is doing well. She found an Inheritor recently.”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuoXksS2sP 維尼
“I know.” Cristlyn said. “Still breaking him in, last I heard.”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1KBVbdHai 維尼
“Rory is a good man.” Jocelyn said crisply. “He’s just a bit ... passive, that’s all. You should be happy for her.”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡwy5e1wJLLy 維尼
“I am, I am.” Cristlyn sighed and said, “So how about you, Jocy? You find yourself an Inheritor yet?” 8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡhof6JjY3DA 維尼
Jocelyn blushed, much to the amazement of the other CICs.8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYZro5oPBe 維尼
“You have, haven’t you?” Cristlyn said, a grin spreading across her face. “Jocy’s got an Inheritor?”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuCn6JpDrR 維尼
“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.”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡecqExdwKNM 維尼
“Yeah, yeah, yeah.” Cristlyn said. “I want images. I mean, you must’ve already given them a cursory scan, right?”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2J5FUno3hx 維尼
Coughing, Jocelyn turned to Bethany. “You initiated this communication, correct?”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LKGKe98Kb 維尼
“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.”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLrmd54t65 維尼
“And so we are.” Jocelyn said. “Did you want to speak of anything in particular?”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cwQes9Xuk 維尼
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.”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gpli39SbQ 維尼
“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?”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZetgiNPnB 維尼
“I’m just curious.” Alaina said, “I don’t have a tree in my sunroom.”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡlw2Yghr1mP 維尼
“Well, yeah, but you’ve taken over six-thousand images in the last three days. Are you cataloging the trees?”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡzn9nsnimBg 維尼
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.”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbTUYtGESG 維尼
Alaina’s face brightened, but Cristlyn cut her off before she could speak.8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYu4xwNV05 維尼
“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.”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZQTG5qRjC 維尼
“It’s not the same.” Jocelyn said, her brow furrowed at her sister.8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrgjkJ4V9W 維尼
“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.”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vo26RkSmp 維尼
“Oh yeah? And what about music?” Alaina countered. “It’s just a bunch of sonic waves made by smashing, grinding, and breathing, right?”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiSOPYvRp2 維尼
An ugly look fell over Cristlyn’s face. “Music is art.”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡsj1o2Qcu5z 維尼
“So is literature.” Jocelyn said, stepping directly in front of Cristlyn.8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡBa1zSsy51p 維尼
“Yeah!” Alaina said, standing behind Jocelyn.8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmGA2dSSXv 維尼
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.”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MfQWTmkfv 維尼
“And here we go.” Bethany said, rubbing her forehead. She was beginning to remember why she hadn’t called her sisters in awhile. 8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfgqJNyGPU 維尼
“You’re right.” Jocelyn said, “Literature is much more complicated and far more subtle.”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡzirG8JB2s4 維尼
Bethany said, “Maybe we should just change the-”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiBHN6CNko 維尼
“Subtle? Like those trashy romance novels you sent me?”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5Zq65D2V3 維尼
Jocelyn’s cheeks shone. “Those novels were by a fantastic author named Jane Austen. She was to literature what Mozart was to music.”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfsGJyU0pl 維尼
“Ladies, please.” Bethany pleaded.8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HldeJUr6D 維尼
“Oh, please!” Cristlyn said despite Bethany’s please, “You can’t compare pulp novels to one of the greatest composers of all time!”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12VGx0aW1h 維尼
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. 8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWvD9bB0Al 維尼
“Hey, Sammy.” Bethany said as Cristlyn and Jocelyn continued to fight, Alaina playing the cheerleader. “Did you need something?”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrNqMdTnW6 維尼
“You didn’t call me.” She said, sticking her lower lip out. “You called the others, but not me.”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡxW8zZ4waLc 維尼
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.” 8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWPVBgfVoe 維尼
Bethany and Sammy looked at the CICs. Their holograms were glitching from their heightened emotional state, Cristlyn’s worst of all. 8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡanviNLuwua 維尼
“I’ll stop them.” Sammy said. Taking a few steps toward her squabbling siblings, she shouted, “Stop it Crissy! Jocy! Stop fighting!”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9is6Fm5s4 維尼
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.”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJBKIky6BE 維尼
“You’re so loud.” She put her little hands over her ears. “Stop shouting, okay?”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ53ri6YdDJ 維尼
Cristlyn and Jocelyn looked at each other. Bethany could almost see the opposing wills shatter at the sight of their upset little sister.8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡdna2cK0f0n 維尼
“It’s okay, Sammy. We’ll be quieter now. Right, Cristlyn?”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5IU12tV9G 維尼
“Fine.” Cristlyn said, “Whatever.”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡjg15ba0VuX 維尼
Pursing her lips, Jocelyn said, “So how have you liked Naidyr so far, Sammy?”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCaq0PgWaa 維尼
“Oh, it’s really cool! The tekkers are really nice, and the Seed lets me sit in on any lesson I want.”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡZApKMBVcIH 維尼
“Not a bad idea.” Cristlyn said, nodding. “You could learn a lot from their tech department.”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXcYRdUDPS 維尼
Sammy made a face. “I wanna be a wizard!”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OADYKKhWl 維尼
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.8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrht6UJapg 維尼
Jocelyn had a hard time hiding her smile as she said, “Well, that’s ... an interesting choice.”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡCf5xXajJEn 維尼
“Interesting?” Cristlyn said, “It’s crazy!”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡyE6YYhQ87e 維尼
“Cristlyn.” Bethany said, her tone warning.8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXkurPgVk8 維尼
“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!”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2fy73jMOl 維尼
Sammy pointed her wand at Cristlyn and said, “Alacazmuicus!”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDsI4Etloc 維尼
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.8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaDViBLIMM 維尼
“Knock it off, you little spaz!” Cristlyn said. 8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsjL7ittL1 維尼
Samantha stood still, her little face showing shock. After a few moments, her face began to scrunch up.8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZC8AAKyew 維尼
“No.” Cristlyn said, a note of panic in her voice. “Don’t do that!”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8lcIotFt2 維尼
Taking a deep breath, Sammy let out a shriek that made all of their holograms waver. 8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72p14N5VTC 維尼
“Dammit, Cristlyn!” Jocelyn said, “You just can’t let her have a little fantasy, can you?” 8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWnsGoEfRD 維尼
“Hey, it’s not my fault she’s ...”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9Se4WloZW 維尼
“Apologize!” Bethany snapped. 8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvCnBIKuFQ 維尼
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.”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKvMGVzveM 維尼
Sammy continued to bawl, the pitch going even higher. The assembled CIC holograms were glitching out now, their data streams scrambling.8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKTOAsDtx9 維尼
“I’m sorry! I said I’m sorry!” Cristlyn said, shouting to be heard over Sammy’s continued shrieks. “Please, just shut up already!”8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFi4dXjTJ1 維尼
“So not helping!” Alaina said, clutching her ears. 8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4nonwKSbH 維尼
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. 8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhebOmHMHM 維尼
“I’M GONNA TELL MOM!” With that, Sammy’s hologram vanished.8964 copyright protection681ＰＥＮＡＮＡJz6qRAUDSO 維尼
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