Chapter Fifty-Three - The Gem


    Chapter Fifty-Three - The Gem


    A diamond is a womans best friend.


    But a goddess is adorned in painite.


    --Pandora ad, 2049


    ***


    Lucy spun around, then came to a dizzying stop. The long pleats of her dress wrapped around her legs before gently unfolding. What do you think? she asked.


    You look gorgeous, I said.


    She really did look great. The dress was all dark purples and lighter grays. A sort of jacket-thing with padded shoulders that sank down to a thin waist and that wrapped around her hips. The main portion of the dress was a smooth, silky material, with a generous window over her bust and enough support to make things more interesting. It was still functional though, pretty without getting in the way.


    My points were down to 10,644, but that did mean that I had two things to present to Lucy. Unfortunately I didnt have a better box for them than the ones theyd come with. I have gifts, I said.


    Oh? Lucy asked. She turned away from the mirror and looked my way. What sort of gifts?


    I handed her the larger of the two boxes. Thats... a meh gift. Its a thigh holster, for your handgun.


    Lucy oohed appropriately and opened the little case to reveal the straps within. They were the same grey as part of her dress, even the texture on the surface matching. Nice. Myalis has an eye for detail, huh?


    Uh, well, I did ask for something youd like, I said.


    Lucy laughed and pulled me into a hug. Thanks. Itll look great. Really complete that famme-fatal look.


    Uh-huh, I said. I have two more gifts, I said.Ne/w novel chapters are published at novelhall.com


    Oh, gifts plural. You know, what with the dress and the shoes and now the thigh holster--which is admittedly a bit weird--Im starting to feel a bit overwhelmed here.


    I snorted. Youll like this one, I said. Turn around.


    Lucy turned, and I walked her sideways so that she was standing in front of the mirror. Alright, she said, meeting my eyes through the reflection.


    The next gift is this, I said, a hand coming to the side. Myalis, the augs.


    Here you go.


    New Purchase: Cyber warfare Capable Class One Augmentation


    Points Reduced to... 10,594!


    The package was fairly large, and I had to use both hands to open it, ruining the moment I wanted to make a little. Inside it was a large tubular syringe, with a pad on one end and a thumb-trigger in the middle.


    I need to press this into your eye, I said.


    Oh, yuck, Lucy said. She made a face, but then brought a hand up to her left eye. Should I keep it as wide open as I can?


    You dont mind? I asked.


    Think so. Looks like the same samurai as in that Two Girls One Flamer meme, she said.


    Please dont look at any meme that Im part of, I said, knowing full well that it would be easier to ask the sun not to set.


    Whatever, Junior said. Ive done my part. Shes in the living room.


    Right. Thanks. I shut the door then turned and started looking for my clothes. Wheres my under armour, I need to get dressed too.


    I can go play distraction for a while, Lucy said. She pecked me on the cheek on the way out. Your stuffs all on that chair, by the way.


    Thanks, I said.


    I didnt take too long to squeeze into all of my gear. Then I ran into the washroom and jumped into my armour, which had fortunately dried up, and didnt stink of anything. After securing my helmet on and making sure that my jacket was on straight, I left the room and stomped--quietly--over to the living room.


    Gomorrah was there, in full regalia, though her mask was left on the kitchen counter and she was sipping some soda through a straw. Frannie was sitting on one of the stools, an amused smile on as she teased Nose who seemed to have a lot of questions today. Or a sudden crush on the redheaded nun.


    Hey, I said. I took off my helmet and set it next to Gomorrahs mask. Didnt know if youd show up.


    Its an excuse to get away from the church, and to actually get something done. Yesterday was an... interesting day.


    Any trouble? I asked.


    Plenty, Gomorrah said.


    Frannie laughed. The sisters were nice to all the refugees the first day. Now, their patience is wearing thin. So much for proper demeanor and candor.


    Figures, I said. So you wanted to come with?


    Gomorrah nodded. Itll mean a day away from all the drama. I think the threat of me returning eventually should be enough to keep everyone in line, at least for an afternoon. And it means that I wont have to be there. You know, the sisters used to boss me around? Now, they cant take a bath without asking for permission first.


    Literally? I asked.


    She glared. I was being figurative, of course.


    Lucy giggled. Of course. Itll be fun to be with others. It can be a double date!


    Gomorrahs face froze for just a moment before she composed herself. Frannie is just coming with me to get out of the church as well, she said.


    Yeah, Frannie said a little too quickly. Its stuffy over there.


    Lucy and I glanced at each other and communicated a novels worth to each other in a few seconds. Well, whatever you say, I said. Do you think we can head over in the Fury? Itll be nicer than taking a taxi over.


    Will Gomorrah need an invite? Lucy asked. Jeff might be surprised if two samurai show up when hes expecting one. And youre supposed to bring a plus one, not plus three. There might not be enough seats or whatever.


    Ill send him a text, I said. It was a decent idea.


    We can use the Fury, Gomorrah agreed. Should we head out now, or...


    I guess? I said. It was a bit past noon. The gala was an evening thing, but being early did not hurt. It was that or we stayed here and chatted. You know what, lets head over now. If were too early, we can piss off and go do something fun to kill time.


    ***