Cabree said, “I can write a program to detect flickers of signal, and the ladies can be trained to emit a detectable pattern.”
Zera blinked.“Fuck.Yes.That would work.Even thinking a simple numeric code will do it.”
Keska nodded.“I have gotten the bot units small.If the ladies and gents are using the cloaks, I can create a decorative trim for the cloak that will turn into the protection bot.”
Zera sighed.“Can you demonstrate?”
Keska reached into her pouch.She pulled out a disk that was two inches wide and a quarter of an inch thick.Ava smiled as she juggled it and opened a small tablet, typing in commands.
Keska held it in her hand and said, “Okay, someone, scare me.”
Torun blinked and shook his head.“Nope.”
“Fine.One, two, three.”
The disk expanded and wrapped around Keska with an exoskeleton.
Zera whispered, “How do you get them so small?”
“I want one to fit in my pouch.If this thing had a delivery spot, it would get me out of here right now.”Keska nodded.“I will work with Susara on designs.”
Zera nodded.
Avagail said, “I will run more thorough backgrounds on patrons.Invasive ones.No more trusting the shallow dives.I am going to have someone interview their fucking fourth-grade teacher.Their grandma is getting a call.”
Ava saw Caska’s lips twitch.
Cabree nodded.“I will create an identity-confirming program.It will double check descriptions and finances going back twenty years.”
Keska asked, “Can it check associates?”
“Oh, good idea.I will get that to you in two days.”
Keska nodded.“Zera, I will need test subjects.”
Zera paused and nodded.“Right.Where do you want to test them?”
Keska chuckled.“The Dekkor live range is going quiet for the weekend.That would be a great place to test them.Cabree, as soon as you get me that program, I will let Zera know so that we can do this.”
Cabree nodded.“How soon can you integrate it?”
“Should be able to get it in within six hours.”
Ava looked to Caska.“Are the steps being taken sufficient?”
Caska looked at them.“Legally, you are covered.These are all reasonable responses to the situation.Another event and I will not be the ruling body that you are facing.It will be a formal and very public hearing.This report will be sent to the BDC archives.Protect your escorts, Zera.They are your focus on making friends around the world.”Caska nodded.“Final ruling is one point two million to Jienne for the danger you put her in by bending your own rules.With her uneasiness at working for Klauz again, she will need to get a new job or retrain.”
Zera nodded.“Accepted.”
Ava smiled.“I will go and bring her the offer.If she wishes to counteroffer, we will know right away.”
Ava got up and walked out to where the consortium was talking softly and politely with Jienne, and she was showing no signs of stress as she was speaking with Klauz.Nigel was sitting on his haunches nearby, nice and alert.
“Jienne, I have an offer of settlement from the BDC.”
Jienne nodded and walked over to her.Ava simply showed her the number.“This is simply compensation for the dangerous situation you were in and the discomfort of the corrective actions.”
Jienne blinked.“Wow.So, I get that now?”
