Spark the Runner Ch. 06

"ID badges?" Spark asked.

"Su Ling will help you with that straightaway," she told him.

"A restroom?" Charlie asked, a little self-consciously.

"Right around the corner," Ms. Stevens replied.

"Then let's take a quick Human... I mean, Humanoid... Needs break," the Professor offered. "Then head on up to meet Ms. Ling."

"Certainly, Professor," Ms. Stevens agreed, then corrected him. "It would be Ms. Go. Her name is Su Ling Go."

"Ah, yes... thank you," the Professor nodded, then turned to the others. "People? Shall we?" and he headed in the direction of the restrooms.

* * * * *

The VIP quarters were on the top floor of the building known as Core... the 30th, as it turned out. It was the usual six-bedroom apartment, but more so, with a glassed-in balcony/sunroom looking out over the ocean and the compound below. And standing in the Living Room was a cute, slight, probably mid-twenties Oriental woman.

"Professor," Ms. Stevens addressed him as they entered the apartments, "I would like you to meet Su Ling Go, your team's personal assistant while you are here. She is well versed in what the Crescians keep referring to as our Administrative Rigmarole."

Bullshit, Okami thought over the microband, reminding them of Leeanni's comment at that first dinner.

"Greetings, Ms. Go," the Professor stepped in before Ms. Stevens could continue. "I am Professor Anatoli Lenox, and these are your charges for the next week or so: Jamie, Lizzie, Okami and Charlie. And me, of course."

"Hello, Professor," she bowed slightly to him. "I know who you are. And of course have heard of Jamie and Lizzie McLeod, and Okami. I am sorry, and I don't believe I know Charlie."

"She's a recent addition to our team," Spark told her, walking up to her and returning her slight bow. "Technically, she's Charlene Gilmore, but we all call her Charlie. She's actually the Professor's assistant, so I'm sure you two will get a chance to know each other very well."

"Su Ling has been charged with taking care of whatever requests you have," Ms. Stevens interjected, probably trying to regain control. "She is very capable and I hope you will all get along great. I am going to have to leave you here, for now. I am due at a mandatory meeting. I hope you will be comfortable.

"Su Ling, the question of ID badges came up. Will you please make sure they are set up?"

"Yes, Ms. Stevens," Su Ling nodded, deep enough to be a slight bow.

"Then I will be on my way. I hope you all have a great night." And with that, she nodded to the Professor again, turned and walked out.

"Okay, now that the stuffy is gone," Okami spoke up, "what's to eat around here? I'm starving."

"You have a number of choices, Ms. Okami," Su Ling told her. "Perhaps I should show you around the apartment, starting in the kitchen?"

"Okay, first off, drop the 'Ms.'... I'm Okami. And second, that sounds like a great idea." Okami virtually dragged the young woman to the kitchen.

In short order they were shown the well-stocked kitchen, with mostly real food and very little synth'd, and the dining and living room areas. Then they were shown the six bedrooms, each with its own en suite bath, king bed and workstation. She showed them how to connect to the enclave's network -- legitimately -- and how to get ahold of Housekeeping and access the entertainment network. Some of this was old hat to the Trade Rep team, but they listened politely to the orientation. When done, Tonya had a question.

"I note there are five of us and six bedrooms," she observed. "Will you be staying with us?"

"That will depend on your pleasure, Ms. McLeod," Su Ling told her. "If you wish me to, I have the appropriate clearance. If you do not, then I have quarters elsewhere and can be available in minutes. Additionally, you should know that I am telepathically enhanced and am certified to act as a liaison to the Crescians and other visitors."

"Do not be formal with me, please," Tonya told her. "I am just plain Lizzie."

"I do not believe there is anything 'just plain' about any of you," Su Ling answered. "However, I will do my best."

One of the reasons I ask, Tonya thought directly to Su Ling, is because of our 'proclivities' as my husband puts it. Charlie is not yet telepathically enhanced and I am not sharing this conversation with the others, who are telepathy-capable. We are a very sensual and sexual group and I do not want to put you in a position which is uncomfortable for you. If you wish to avoid interactions with us, you need simply say so. No means No is a hard and fast rule among us and we will honor it absolutely with you.

I am aware of the raw sensuality, not only of your group, but of our visitors as well, Su Ling thought back. And I appreciate your candor and concern.

"In the interest of all of us 'being on the same page' as they say," she continued aloud, "I think the group should know that I am fully aware of the 'proclivities' of this group and of our visitors, although I have not yet had any direct experience with them. I have a background in biomechanical engineering and was originally hired by the Consortium as an engineer, prior to being found suitable to be a liaison. I am very curious by nature and am looking forward to learning as much as I can from our time together."

Oh, boy, Spark thought over the transceivers. Another Leeanni... but apparently much more discreet.

That remains to be seen, husband, Tonya thought back.

So have her stay with us, Okami thought. We'll figure out if it's a good fit or not pretty quickly.

"Okay, thanks, Su Ling," Spark spoke up. "Given how much we don't know about how this place runs, I think we'll take you up on the offer to stay with us, provided you aren't offended by senseless beauty and random acts of lust. We have a No means No rule, applicable to all of us. If you don't want to be part of something, just say no and we will honor it, immediately. And having said that, I could use a cup of coffee. While we figure out who's sleeping where.

"And just so you're aware, Su Ling, Lizzie and I tend to sleep together, sometimes with Okami, sometimes not. Charlie and the Professor have been bunking together recently, but sometimes Okami is included. In fact, we're all pretty fluid about sleeping arrangements. And none of us are shy about asking for what we want, whether it's alone time or whatever."

"Look, I'll simplify it," Okami interrupted. "I'm bedroom One, the Professor is Two, Jamie is Three, Lizzie is Four, Charlie is Five and Su Ling is Six. Jamie needs his coffee, and I'm Hungry!"

Su Ling immediately moved to the kitchen and started rummaging through cabinets and the refrigerator.

"Will a Dagwood do?" she asked as she puttered.

"A what?" Okami asked.

"A tall, multilayer sandwich consisting of a mix of cold cuts and cheeses with various garnish," Tonya told her. "Named after a popular cartoon figure of the 20th Century."

"Uh, yeah... sure..." Okami decided. Not long after, Su Ling emerged from the kitchen with a plate, on which was a huge sandwich.

"Roast beef, chicken, turkey, ham, sardines with mild cheddar, colby jack, mozzarella, muenster and provolone, between slices of white, rye, wheat and pumpernickel. Oh, and mayo and mustard. A Dagwood. Or at least, that's what my father called it. Will this do?"

"Bless you, woman, bless you!" Okami told her, licking her muzzle and moving to take the plate.

"Would you like anything to drink?" Su Ling asked as she handed her the plate.

"Coffee," Okami told her as she took the plate and headed for the dining room table, eyeing the sandwich and trying to figure out how it was going to fit.

The rest of the party just chuckled and shook their heads.

"Would anyone else care for food?" Su Ling asked as she went back to start on Spark's and Okami's coffee. "Soups, salads, sandwiches, various nukeables..."

"Coffee is all I need right now," Spark told her.

"The same for me, please," Tonya added.

"Me, too," Charlie told her.

"Black tea with a bit of sugar and lemon, if you would," the Professor told her. "We can worry about dinner later."

Su Ling did as requested and brought the drinks to the dining room table, then sat with them.

"Ms. Stevens indicated you needed IDs," she commented to the group. "To get them, we need to go to Security. I hope you all have your passports... it will make the process simpler."

"I believe we will be fine, my dear," the Professor told her. "I should point out that the IDs should be valid for any of the enclaves, at any time."

"Yes, Professor. You will receive Universal IDs. So that can be next on our list, once you've sated your hunger and thirst... for food." She'd let the last bit dangle out there, and everyone noticed. However, it didn't get commented on.

After getting the food and drink squared away, and their bags stashed and so forth, Su Ling escorted them back down to the Administrative levels where Security was located, and within there, to Badge and Pass. They found out that the IDs were impressive. What looked like a standard photo ID held a lot more. Retina scans and fingerprints were encoded, with optional storage for a DNA signature, along with a 3D holographic image which was activated by the bearer's thumbprint. Additionally, there was a 7-digit PIN known only to the bearer and a code known only to the enclaves. Other information, such as the bearer's preferred language or their medical history, could be stored on the card as well. And all of it was encrypted using an alien cipher not generally published.

In its various combinations of data on the badge, and its encryption, it gave a high certainty of not being faked. The bearer would be who the bearer claimed to be.

Which means we leave your physical attributes alone for now, Spark pointed out to Tonya over the microband links. Don't want to have to keep recalibrating all the time. He was teasing, and she knew it.

Once they had all gotten processed, Su Ling asked the party what they would like to do next? She had been told the night and next day were to be rest days, but also to accommodate any of their requests, to the degree possible.

"Charlie has an eight o'clock appointment this evening in Medical/Surgical," the Professor told her. "To receive her implants. I am guessing she will be a bit wiped out afterwards and probably want to spend the rest of tonight and most of tomorrow recovering."

"I will see that you make your appointment," Su Ling turned to Charlie. "Is there anything else you would like either before or after?"

"Not really," Charlie told her. "I'm staying away from solid food, just in case. I guess I'll figure out tomorrow when it comes."

"Personally," Spark spoke up, "I'd love to spend time just touring the place, without the fanfare. I'm very curious about the submersibles and the R&D facilities, and I'd love to see what they've got in the way of a data center. My guess is our three days of Official Visit is going to be very structured. I'd like to do a walk-thru without anybody hanging on us. But that can be tomorrow, while Charlie's recovering."

"I, too, am very curious about this installation," Tonya added, "although I can probably gather that which I would like to know by running the Dataplex from inside the firewalls."

"Hey, I just want to spend some time getting laid," Okami told them. "It's been a while."

"I'm with her," Charlie shrugged apologetically, nodding towards Okami. "Once I'm functional."

"Well, that, too," Tonya conceded. "Professor?"

"All of the above," the Professor smiled. "I am already a bit familiar with these enclaves, having been in on the original design process and all. However, I have not been to one as close to being operational as this one is. I think a 'walk-thru' as Jamie puts it would be interesting. And sex with this crew is always interesting..."

"I'm sorry, sir," Su Ling murmured. "I wouldn't know..." Then louder she added "I can certainly escort you through the installation. We will simply be confirming that your access works. If that meets with your approval."

"Sounds good to me," Spark told her. "You pick a time and we'll be ready..."

"After breakfast would be good," Su Ling told him. "Would you prefer to have breakfast in the Commissary, delivered here, or would you prefer I prepare it for you? And would you have a preferred time?"

"Do you have a preference?" Spark asked her, which got a slight smile.

"Your wish, as they say," she told him, "is my desire."

"I believe it is 'command', Su Ling," Tonya told her. "However, I appreciate the sentiment, I believe that you preparing breakfast, or one of us doing it, would be preferred until we become familiar with the Commissary and Room Service. Which can wait until tomorrow's tour."

"In that case, I will provide you with a list of options before I escort Ms. Charlie to her appointment," Su Ling told them. "You can make your selections and leave it for me. I intend to wait and escort Ms. Charlie back afterwards. If any of you would care to come along, that will not be a bother."

"I believe I will accompany you," the Professor decided, "since I am the primary reason she is agreeing to the procedure."

"Did you say you were enhanced" Charlie asked, suddenly realizing they'd said most of the staff was. "And by the way, it's just Charlie. Not Ms. Charlie."

"Yes, Charlie, I am meta enhanced," Su Ling told her. "It was highly recommended for working here, and mandatory to become a liaison."

"Does it hurt?" Charlie asked.

"Physically, only a little," Su Ling explained. "The operation is done under sedation. There is some residual soreness from the incisions, but that goes away within days and they have very good pain killers. Mentally, it is more of a challenge, because until you learn the control to filter out most of the meta traffic, you can get a nasty headache from the inundation of communications. Generally, you would be assigned a tutor to help you adjust. It can take a couple of weeks to get the basic controls. After that, though, it is not bad at all.

"For example, at the moment, I have my controls in place to both stay out of your team's meta space and to prevent mine from leaking. As I understand it, your team is very powerful metaphysically and could most likely invade my datamesh with little trouble... not that I would try to stop you. It is more a matter of being polite."

"Su Ling," Tonya spoke up, "we will never invade your psyche. If you invite us to share, that is different. But you are an individual and should be granted the respect and honor due the same. Jamie, Okami and I are a symbiote. We live in each other's dataspheres all the time. But even among ourselves, we are not invasive. As you indicate, it is a matter of common courtesy."

"Charlie, if it's okay with you," Spark spoke up, "I'd rather just hang around here and relax until you get back. I don't see a reason to flood their Waiting Room. Unless you want me there, of course. In which case, I'll come with."

"No, thanks anyway... that's okay," she told him. "You guys stay here. The Professor will be fine for moral support, and Su Ling."

"Then not intending to be crude in the presence of somebody NPO," Okami interjected, "and... what's for dinner?"

"What would you like?" Su Ling asked in return.

"You know what?" Okami decided. "Never mind. I'm going to raid the kitchen and see what I can put together, and you all will eat it and be grateful. Except for Charlie. For you, I'll save some of whatever, until you want to eat."

"Works for me," Spark told her. "Let's go back to the room and get settled."

* * * * *

Okami had done her usual great job in the kitchen, Su Ling had escorted Charlie and Professor Lenox to the medical center and waited to bring them back, Spark had unpacked a few things, then decided on a nap, while Tonya cruised the enclave's internal datanet, acquiring information and making a list of questions. It was nearing midnight when Charlie, the Professor and Su Ling returned.

Charlie looked wiped out. And dazed.

"Charlie is still under the effects of some of the medications," the Professor explained. "Some are meta blockers so she isn't flooded with everything happening around her. I think we'll help her to bed and let her sleep it off. Okami, would you be so kind as to sleep with her? I'm sure someone warm and furry will be a comfort in a strange place. And Lizzie? Could you keep a Pineal Eye out for our colleague?"

"Certainly, Professor," Tonya told him. "Would you like help putting her to bed?"

"I think Su Ling and I have got this," he decided. "Shall we plan on an eight o'clock breakfast meeting, to see where we are?"

"Not a problem, Professor," Spark told him. "At least, not for me."

"My husband and I will be at breakfast, Professor," Tonya smiled. "And Charlie... please try to get some rest." Spark wasn't sure, but he had a feeling Tonya was pushing some healing meta in Charlie's direction.

The Professor and Su Ling escorted Charlie down the hall to the door of the room chosen for her. They disappeared inside for a few minutes, then came back out, quietly closing the door behind them. The joined the others for a nightcap, then everyone heading for their respective spaces -- Spark and Tonya to the same one, obviously, and Okami off to join Charlie. It wasn't clear where Su Ling and the Professor ended up.

* * * * *

"Damn! I could eat the whole steer!" Charlie exclaimed at breakfast as she was packing it away. "Just wound the critter and aim him at me!" And she didn't appear to be joking.

Bacon, eggs, sausage, ham, beef tips, pancakes with syrup, French toast, waffles, various juices and a ton of coffee, and most of it was in front of her. For a bit.

With her meta suppressed for the time being, Tonya thought to the others, her body is trying to repair itself through the ingestion of nutrients. Once her hunger is sated, I will spend some time with her, going over the controls we have in place and how, with her consent each time, I will open her shields in increasing amounts so that she can become used to the metasphere traffic.

Although I am curious, I do not feel a need to preview this installation, she continued. I have collected a large amount of data regarding its design, construction and implementation. I will accompany you, if you wish, husband, but it is not necessary. I can stay here and work with Charlie, if that seems more prudent.

I don't think you need to come along, Spark answered her. I'd still like Su Ling to give me a walk-thru. Anybody else can come with, or not, as they please.

I think I'd like to come along, Okami put in. Charlie's going to be in good hands, and the less immediate stimulation, probably the better.

I believe I will join you, also, Jamie, the Professor thought. I'd like to see what they've 'done with the place', as it were.

"Okay, so Charlie..." Spark waited to get her attention. "Lizzie's going to stay here with you and mentor you in some of your new abilities while the rest of us go walk about. We'll only be a brainwave away, so you don't have to worry. But don't gorge too much, okay? We don't want you to eat yourself sick."

"I'm good, Jamie," she told him. "I'll be here when you get back. Today's supposed to be a recovery day, anyway, right? We don't have to be 'on' until tomorrow."

"Correct. So Lizzie? If you've got what you need, I think the rest of us should grab our stuff and head out."

"I have everything we will need, husband," she smiled. "Enjoy your day!"

With that, the four heading out grabbed their IDs, P-com's, credstiks and whatever else they wanted and left the apartment.