Chapter Forty-One - Physical Comfort in the Presence of Another


    Chapter Forty-One - Physical Comfort in the Presence of Another


    Its a strange quirk of human nature that no matter the culture, there is nearly always something that will be considered an intimate, or even taboo, subject or action. For many western cultures this was depictions of sexual intercourse and images of breasts and genitals. For other cultures the taboos were other things.


    As humanity entered the twenty-first century, however, titillating materials became the tools of advertisers who wished to shock and intrigue, and because of their overuse of such salacious materials, they became commonplace.


    Now, images that might once have been considered downright pornographic inspire little more interest than passing notice. Instead, what has become the new subject of enticement is something beyond the reach of many:


    Physical comfort in the presence of another.


    --Excerpt from Handholding and Other Carnal Desires, 2050


    ***


    So whatcha gonna do? Rac asked.


    No one tried to stop me or even slow me down as I headed out of the city hall building and back onto the street. I absently called up another Uber ride, this time aiming for the hotel. I have an idea or two, I said. But nothing concrete.


    Surprised you didnt just cut the mayor in half.


    It was tempting, I said. But that wouldnt fix our problem.


    Itd feel good though, Rac said.


    I couldnt fault her there. The mayor was, in a word, a shitsac. He was making a terrible situation worse just by being himself. It was frustrating as hell. I didnt think that killing him would improve things either. The mayor was a product of a system, someone who was good at playing a fucked up game. He reminded me of Doc Hack a little.


    Then again, I did cut Doc Hack in half. But that... felt different. It was violence in response to violence. An escalation, where the mayor wasnt.


    If it really comes down to it, I dont think Id have a problem introducing the mayor to my sword, I said with a tap to the hilt by my hip. But I think there might be other things we can do first.


    Our ride arrived a moment or two later. A driverless car that hovered near the ground and waited for Rac and I to board before taking off and merging back into the traffic above. I didnt even bother trying to make it move faster.


    Wherere we going now? Rac asked.


    I have a home... but its under construction right now. Well be going to a hotel. Thats where the kittens are, and Lucy, my girlfriend. You can stay the night, if you want.


    I can take care of myself, Rac said.


    I nodded. I know. I wont force you, but... well, wait until tomorrow? I have something that you might like. A job, of sorts, you might be really good with. Plus we have room service.


    Okay, Rac said.


    I leaned forwards, elbows on knees, and ignored the incessant beeping of the car trying to tell me to buckle my seatbelt. I needed to figure this sewer thing out.


    Gomorrah and I could take over the operation, I was sure. Some of those matter-reconfiguring machines, a few hundred drones, and a steady supply of materials, and probably a whole heap of stuff I wasnt thinking about and wed control the sewers. Theyd probably run better, and we wouldnt need a mutilated sewer gang to do things for us.


    I guess, she said. Im used to it.


    Fair enough. I gestured for her to turn around. Close your eyes and t-pose for me while I spray you down. You can do me after.


    Rac nodded and did as I asked. Can is running out, she said after a bit. The entire elevator had a haze to it, which I figured was for the best, all things considered. Can I keep it?


    Sure, I said as I reached out and pressed the button to our floor. I mostly didnt want Lucy to find me smelling like shit.


    The elevator doors dinged open and Rac and I stepped out and into the corridor leading to my kittens and Lucy. I felt like I had a weight lifted off my shoulders.


    Still, I had some sense of responsibility. I sent off a text to Gomorrah, telling her that I was home, and that I needed a few hours of sleep. She replied with a thumb-up emoji, so I figured we were cool.


    I knocked.


    This is where you are staying? Rac asked.


    For now. I bought the top floor of this building not too far from here. But were still fixing that up.


    Neat, Rac said just as the door opened.


    Lucy was standing there, in a T-shirt and ripped up jeans, her hair a messy wet poof above her. She stared, then grinned before noticing Rac. Oh hey, you brought another one home.


    I stumbled forwards and pulled her into a hug.


    Lucy laughed, and I felt her hands sliding over my armour to return the hug. Missed you too, she said. Where do you want to start?


    Where did I want to start? A rant about stupid people, a long discussion about what to do? Maybe some fucking? Food? Those would all feel great.


    I want a shower, I decided.


    Lucy giggled. I just came out of it. Should still be nice and warm. Come on.


    Uh, this is Rac, I said with a gesture to the girl that followed me in. She was staring at the other kittens who were perked up and staring right back. She also glanced at the cat-mecha currently acting like a sphynx before the fridge. I bet there was a story there.


    Hey, Rac said, one hand rising to wave. Sup?


    Hi Rac! Junior, can you take care of Rac, please? Lucy asked. She looks like she could use something to eat, and a shower too.


    Junior looked up from where she was zoning out on the couch, sighed, then bounced to her feet. Why cant you ask Daniel? she muttered as she approached Rac.


    Come on, kitty Cat, Lucy murmured. Lets get you all cleaned up.


    She pulled me after her, and despite the armour and all the gear, there was nothing I could do to resist her tug.


    ***