Shalimar said:
"Thank you, yes, I'd really like some clothes, Tommy's are nice and all," she says, doing a small twirl to model off the pajamas, "but I really would like something that is more me, so lets do that." she says brightly to the butler. "After that, I don't know, I'm not really sure, but I would like to be outside for awhile, I like to feel the sun and wind on me, it just feels really good, kinda like my power wants me to be outside." she explains to him, smiling brightly like nothing in the world could be wrong while she was ouside breathing in nature.
“Then follow me, madam,” he bows his head and starts walking. He continues to speak as he walk down the maze of halls, and pathways, “This structure exists predominately underground, actually 1.2 miles under the earth. Mr. McKain rather prefers his privacy, and I surprised to find you still here, madam. He does not usually bring any guests to his so-called
Fortress of Solitude,” Mr. Smith smiles faintly.
“It is refreshing,” he adds as he enters a tram-like vehicle on electromagnetic railing leading upward at an angle and curved ever so slightly to the right. The door slides shut behind the two. Mr. Smith peaks aloud, “To the Preserve, please.”
*WHOOOOOOOSH!*
The tram rides long the rail quickly, as the two passengers stand in silence. The tram is large enough on the inside to perhaps transport thirty to forty people comfortably to the surface. With a low glide the tram comes to a gliding stop, and the door slides open to what looks like an indoor subway station, though very clean, and ergonomic.
Mr. Smith steps out, into a cool summer breeze, and smell of the ocean wafts up to Kelly’s nose. Mr. Smith helps Kelly out, and begins walking some more. He continues speaking, “This is the Preserve, or as Mr. McKain would say, a microcosm of the world of tomorrow, this is a little getaway for the staff down in the Hive,” he gestures to the tram.
Once out of the station, which is guarded by four patrolling Star androids, there is what looks like a small beach side village, nestled on a lagoon, which crystal clear water, and several people basking in the sun, and just enjoying the scenery. It looks simply like paradise…
Mr. Smith finishes, “I hope this is enough outdoors for you,” as h steps out onto the white sand beach.
Back in the Hive, Restricted Zone Zeta
“Mr. McKain, sir, I was not expecting you,” the technician replies, trying to clean her desk.
“Relax, Samantha,” he replies offhand as he accesses the various terminals with a thought.
“I apologize sir,” she says to the young elite, surprised that he even remembered her name.
“I am going in, I don’t wish to be disturbed,” Tommy replies as he steps through a door a sliding door. It closes quickly behind him, leaving him in a large circular chamber, the center of it, is dominated by a large cylindrical chamber where a young girl floats. Her light blonde hair drifts in the liquid that fills the tube, and a long white gown covering her frail thin form.
A voice echoes in the chamber, soft and feminine, “Welcome back brother.”
Tommy replies, “You’re awake, how are you feeling?”
“Skip the pointless greetings brother, you were attacked, I told you, you were better off never dealing with Pantheon, but you just had to try and find out more about Cardinal,” the girl replies.
“It was a calculated risk, I was willing to take, I had to know for myself,” Tommy replies.
“Did it satisfy your curiosity?” the girl replies, “was it worth nearly dying and jeopardizing everything we have worked for?”
“I had to know, Erica, it was that important,” Tommy replies folding his arms across his chest.
“So you do not trust my vision?” Erica says in protest.
“I don’t trust anyone, Erica, you know that,” Tommy says flatly.
Erica makes a clucking sound, “But Kelly is just not anyone, is she?”
“Leave her out of this, she is naïve, and not a threat to us,” Tommy says defiantly.
“I know you better then anyone Tommy,” Erica smiles, the liquid bubbles around her mouth.
“Perhaps,” the genius elite replies, “maybe I do enjoy her company.”
“Hah, I can feel everything you feel, or have you forgotten, last night was not just business, last night was very much pleasure,” she shivers.
Tommy clenches a fist...
“She is not like us, Tommy,” Erica purrs.
“Our mother saw to that,” Tommy sighs, “and I curse her for it.”
The girl just smiles, a devious smile that sent a shiver up Tommy’s spine.
