“No problem.This is what is supposed to happen.You were supposed to have bots with you if you panicked.”
“I physically didn’t.He kept me calm, but he also didn’t want me travelling with bots to the nightclub.I was supposed to be safe there.”
“You were.I am going to have a chat with Vikor about security for escorts in Hell.The bots will stay with the ladies from now on.A psychic trigger could have saved you the entire evening.”
Jienne nodded.“That would have been good.”
Ava buttered the toast and put bacon on the plates.Jienne put the bowl of fruit in the centre, and they each got a serving.Breakfast began with only one pause to grab coffee.
When the dishes were dealt with, Ava walked Jienne to the room where Keska kept some of her clothing.She changed height and weight depending on the impression she wished to make, so she had a lot of clothing.
They picked a sundress and underwear that surprisingly fit.
Ava smiled and went to her own room to pick out comfortable clothing.They were sitting outside when Nigel bounded up, looking cheerful.“The morning is bright, and breakfast was wonderful.”
“Thank you.I shopped for it myself.”
“Keep that butcher happy.They are a master.”Nigel gave her a serious look.“Whatever it takes.”
“I am not going to tip the butcher with sexual favours.”
Nigel sighed.“Fine, but if quality drops, you need to get on your knees.”
Jienne blinked.“Is he pimping you out for meat?”
“Yup.Quality well-marbled beef, to be specific.He eats about fifty pounds a week.The rest of the time, he keeps the wildlife on the property under control.”
Jienne blinked.“Right.Nigel, what are you, exactly?”
“A quadruped who can make a bed with hospital corners.Better than Ava can do.”
Ava shrugged and sipped at her coffee.“He isn’t wrong.Ah, here are our first guests.”She lifted the com and looked at the faces displayed.“Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.”
Zera sighed.“They are here to make a formal apology, and so am I.”
“Where’s the big purple dork?”
“He said he was flying in.”
Ava cackled and sent the unlock key to the gate, and she gestured to Jienne to come with her.“They are here to make an apology.Torun likes to fly.He gets car sick but claims flying is just faster.”She was grinning widely.“Look up.”
They both looked up, and there was Torun and, nearby, Remark.“Keska calls it the bug zapper.I will turn it off for a moment.”
The two actives thudded onto the grass.
Torun got up and sighed.“Really, Ava?”
“Well, Keska thought it would be handy, and Caska looked up local ordinances.It’s legal.”
Torun lifted Remark to his feet, and Jienne hid behind Ava.Ava chuckled.“They aren’t mad, they just feel stupid.Torun feels extra stupid because I told him when the bug zapper went up.”
Torun winced.“She’s right.Five years ago, when Zera broke ground on the tower.”
Ava looked to the left.“Nigel.You might want to head outside for a few minutes until folks get settled.These ones are already coming in nervous.”
Nigel huffed and walked off the patio.“They had better be polite.”
Torun nodded.“Nigel.”
