PBP Game Colony Ship EXODUS: Search for New Home

Dahlia and Michael

Michael enjoyed her smell. He would have loved to have just drunk it up and let it intoxicate him. But then Dahlia was moving him to face her and he was a little surprised by it. She normally was more passive, but as he listened to her speak, he found himself enjoying this side of her. Truly limitless potential in the AH as far as he was concerned. He gave her a smile that made him seem slightly younger than before as his eyes met hers.

"Dahlia, if you were a normal girl, I'd never get the courage up to come talk to you like this. You are so beautiful and strong. If I didn't know any better, I would swear you were a normal human and then I'd lose my nerve. I would love to have a woman like you in my life."

As he said this last bit, Michael ran a gentle hand over her cheek. He was shaking slightly and it seemed his nerves were starting to get to him. But he was still more relaxed than when he came in.

 

Alicia Lane

Conner blushed a bit, and glanced away from her. He couldn't help the thoughts that ran through his mind, but tried to keep them under control.

"O-oil painting. I've never done one like that. I've looked up information about a lot of great painters from a long time ago and their work is amazing. I wanted to try it, but I didn't really have any good inspiration until I came to this class. You would make the perfect model for me."

The thought of Alicia modeling for him was almost too much. To see her posing for him, letting him immortalize her image in his art... But of course the thoughts came back. Alicia lounging naked on a love seat, her legs dangling over one of the arms with her head resting in on her own arms. Perhaps a sucker in her mouth for accent as she smiled. Conner felt heat rush through his body, and hoped it wasn't noticeable.

"I'm sorry I wasn't paying attention, but my art is the most important thing in the world to me and I would really like to have your help. If I could paint you, I'm sure it would be my best work ever!"

 

Blake Cain

Hornsby listened carefully to Cain as they entered the elevator and began descending to the twentieth floor. The plan had its merits. But the councilman wasn't about to do the leg work needed to do all of it. But a survey like that could have some other uses as well. It would allow his people to get a better idea of what the next generation was looking for in the entertainment business and he could take steps to make changes where needed. Perhaps getting rid of some of the older clubs or attractions for something more in style.

"This is certainly an interesting proposal. But I'm a busy man, and I can't do all of this on my own. But if you were willing to, lets say donate, some of your time for a few days to get word out about the survey to the Academy it could be possible to do this within a week. I could contact your commanding officer to see to it that a few hours of your next few shifts could be spent at the Academy. Play it off as a PR deal: The military cares about the health and happiness of the young. Or some such nonsense.

Hornsby was starting to get into the idea. As far as he could see, this deal was more useful for boosting his career than helping the officer with whatever he was plotting.

 

Dahlia and Michael

As he spoke, her eyes never left his, the unflinching and curious expression or an artificial intelligence. She blinked, then checked the last timestamp of her previous one -- then hoped that her sudden lack of human mimicry hadn't unnerved him too terribly.

Thankfully, his cozy smile said otherwise. She wanted to return the favor, just as humans do wit their contagious behaviors, but... she had nothing. She scrolled through her entire installed catalogue of predefined smiles and grins, and those she manufactured, and even those she selected for Michael himself. None of it seemed appropriate, seemed... genuine. Her lips hung limply, as attentive as her eyes.

The minor tremor in Michael's hand might as well have been a massive earthquake to Dahlia's cheek. She slid her fingers between his, steadying him against her face. He was... warm. Of course, she knew this, those infrared sensors functioned perfectly. But... she felt it. She experienced his warmth, more than a measure of temperature and skin conductance. She rubbed her cheek into his palm, finding the sensation... desirable.

"You are kind, Michael. That type of kindness is rare I have found among humans toward AH units." With stilted motions, she ran her other hand down the side of his uniform. "I see more in you than you say about yourself. Perhaps you are right, in how AH units can understand you better than other humans." Her hand reached his chest and slid down to his stomach. She clicked her jaw. "You are disarming to me, as in I do not feel as I have act more human around you. It is relieving. I prefer your company."

 

Dahlia and Michael

When her hand touched his, Michael felt as if a shock went through him, from his hand to his toes. And then when she rubbed her cheek against his palm. This wasn't anything she had done with him before. It was new, and exciting to him. Michael felt his desire for her rising, but he was still quite happy just being with her as well. He was already off his guard when she started speaking and her free hand began to explore his body.

Calling him kind. Saying she preferred his company. These things were lighting a fire inside of him. Desire, but not just lust. As much as he lusted for this beautiful vixen, there was more. Much more. She was more human than ever to him right now and that caused him to see her as human instead of AH. But if that was so.... He sucked at people. But he didn't suck with her. He wanted to make her happy.

"I would gladly have your company every day and spend every moment learning what disarms you," Michael whispered as he leaned in, planning to place a kiss on her neck as his hand still caressed her cheek. His free hand found its way to her knee and gave it a light squeeze.

 

Dahlia and Michael

"Michael." She voice trickled like tiny brook. She sought his warmth, pushing herself into his face as he kissed her neck. Her leg spasmed as he squeezed it, almost kicking itself from her hips. Her tactile receptors burned with an intensity far beyond her factory settings.

That... fault. That fault caused this. All of this. It... must be enhancing her sensations and her cognitive processors. Must be. But the short diagnostic she ran in 0.73 milliseconds found nothing. Her coolant system was nominal. Motor response had normal reflexes. So... no. No, it wasn't doing that. She operated within normal parameters.

Except she didn't. And she... desired more.

Every day. The words turned in her head. Reacting, she lashed out to the beside table and grabbed a tablet. With lightning speed, she tapped away, then dropped it perfectly where it had been placed. "I would prefer to see you every day. IIIII--" Self-repair corrected the minor buzz in her vocalizer, mercifully a quick task. "I have allotted time to that, and rescheduled my other appointments this morning." She edged into his arms again, her eyes never leaving him. "Perhaps, it is best that you stay. I would prefer that you stay."

Michael was a diagnostician, and she briefly pondered telling him about this accursed fault within her. But... just his company was much preferred.

 

Dahlia and Michael

Something was different about her. The way she opened herself up to him was normal enough but that sudden spasm in her leg was another matter. Michael of course noticed it, but let it go. She seemed more willing than usual. Not just for his touch, but his company as well. It made him burn for her all the more. Someone desiring him was a new experience for him and he allowed it to wash over him.

But then she suddenly moved quickly to grab and make her adjustments to her schedule. He was caught off guard by her sudden movement but then her words hit him. When her voice buzzed, it was deffinately odd, but her actions didn't make sense for an AH. She changed her schedule for him? Wanted to see him every day? Not just that, to stay with her?

"D-Dahlia? Are you sure? I can come every day but.... Will you really be alright with that?"

As she edged back into his arms, he held her to him and tried to take in everything she had asked of him. He wanted to stay. To lay there with her and bask in her scent and warmth. No, he wanted more than that. He wanted to take her out and show her all the things he had avoided doing before. He wondered if she was a dancer, knowing that a new club was supposed to open soon. Maybe she would like a movie.

He had to calm himself down. What she was saying and what he was thinking, it was almost like they were both wanting to start dating. Of course, he wouldn't have minded that at all. Even if she was a Pleasure Worker, he would gladly put up with what was involved with her work, just to stay in her arms whenever he could.

"I... I'll stay," he said softly as he squeezed her to him.

 

Alicia Lane

Alicia smiled at his compliment and saw herself at a crossroad. While she wanted to help the kid, she really couldn't pose for him. If someone caught wind of it, her career would surely be over. "What can I do besides refusing in a way that won't hurt him?"

Suddenly, in a stroke of inspiration, the image of her younger sister Sarah appeared in Alicia's mind and a brilliant idea came to her. Yes, she would introduce Sarah to Conner. "Hopefully, they'll hit if off." And besides, her sister was always complaining about the boys she knew, so Alicia would be killing two birds with one stone.

"Listen, Mr. Dullin, we can't have this kind of conversation inside the Academy," She told him. "Why don't you meet me at 3 PM on Saturday at that small bar on the twentieth floor, so we can discuss this further?"

The smile that broke on the boy's face was priceless, Alicia thought, it almost made her feel bad about her plan. "Really?" Conner asked.

"Yes, really, now off you go," Alicia waved with a small smile gracing her features. "I have another class in a couple of minutes, and so do you."

Conner nodded twice before walking away and leaving the classroom. Now, to tell everything to Sarah. "Sucks she doesn't have a lesson with me today. Well, I can talk to her later." Alicia decided. She then picked up Conner's drawing of her and grinned, a fleeting image of what it would be like to be a model passing through her head.

 

The next class ran fairly normal and Alicia would see Conner drawing again at lunch. but he wasn't looking at anyone around him for inspiration. Instead it was a simple scene of a river on a sunny day. As the day drew to an end, students and teachers alike were preparing to leave for the day.

In the teacher's lounge, a couple of the teachers were talking and the subject of going out for drinks was brought up. One of the teachers, a man named Terry Hill called to Alicia and invited her to go.

"Hey Miss Lane! Would you care to join us for drinks? I know its a school night but we could all use a little unwinding."

Besides Terry, the group would also comprise of Veronica, a gym teacher, one of the Military teachers named Gilliam, and a science teacher named Clint.

Alicia knew Terry and Veronica pretty well, but Gilliam was just an acquaintance through Terry and Clint normally kept to himself.

 

Alicia Lane

Alicia wanted to go home and ask Sarah about Conner, but Terry's invitation appealed to her. Her day had been quite exhaustive, and a couple of drinks couldn't hurt. Actually, they would be of great help.

"Well," Alicia grinned. "If everyone else is going, count me in too!"

Veronica high-fived her. "That's the spirit, girl!"

 

Blake Cain
So the Councilman doesn't want to do the work, but he does want the credit for making it happen. Of course.

"Of course, sir. It's a hostile universe, and we need all the recruits we can muster. Your neighborhood's still quiet, though. You can do without me for a coupla days." I give him a wink, a joke shared between gentlemen. Your wife's a piece of work. "But before we go to Captain Yuki–" *hrrf!* "–I oughta have a word with somebody in administration. Show them our interest is purely scientific, benefit of the public health, et cetera and so on. It'd be a waste of everyone's time if we don't establish their interest first, call smoke where there's no fire."

The doors of the elevator open on Floor 20. Even this early my teeth hum with a distant bass. I let the Councilman step out first, and he leads the way. "And once we do have their interest, I'll bring in my captain and get it rubberstamped." It's my plan after all. Even if I don't come away with anything to use against Lana, it'll be good press for me, getting involved in the community while she lurks behind a desk. "Could you possibly set up an appointment for me with an official at the Academy?"

 

Terry soon led the group out and towards the elevators. It didn't take long for them to reach floor twenty. Alicia would notice that Terry and Veronica were talking quite a bit about making plans for the weekend. Were they a couple now?

Gilliam suggested a bar with a bit of a rowdy atmosphere. He said it had great music and drinks, as well as some pool tables for some fun. Clint suggested something a little quieter. He knew of a place with private rooms where AH servers would come and serve them. The music was softer to keep it at room level and they could have some privacy.

Terry was more in favor of Gilliam's idea until Veronica spoke up.

"How about we try a dance club? I know a new one is supposed to open soon, but I went to one a short distance from here a few weeks ago and it was pretty fun. They play a lot of fast paced music. No lyrics, but the DJ keeps things moving pretty quickly." She gave Alicia a sly smile.

"Bet you wouldn't mind some dancing? How about it, we could trade off partners after every song?"

Terry and the guys seemed to like the idea, but were still open to the others, so they decided to let Alicia cast the final vote.

 

Dahlia and Michael

Absorbing his reaction, she tempered. "I do not wish to make you feel uncomfortable, Michael." She resolved to slow her pacing, though who knows why she had been accelerated in the first place. Through the blinding input of her sensors, she followed the line of his chin, pulling her fingers down across his neck. A leg angled up over his, her bare lower thigh rubbing on his clothed one.

"I am pleased." She paused. Pleased? Well... yes. Yes, she was pleased. Of course she was... She twitched. "Thank you for wanting to stay, Michael." Cocking her head, she angled her gaze to his lips as she pursed hers. If her body burned with these simple touches, what would a kiss bring forth? Her synthetic salivary glands activated as she lightly dragged her fingers over his mouth. She had been kissed so many times before, but, now, she felt she could experience it.

 

Blake Cain

Abe thought about it a minute and nodded. If it would keep the officer from "Patrolling" his floor for a few days, then making the effort now wouldn't be a waste. The Academy would be letting out about now, but if he made the call now, he could possibly catch someone in the office before they left.

Abe pulled a small tablet from his pocket and tapped it a few time. He had called the Academy office, but got a voice mail system. He knew a few of the officer workers personally, so he switched tactics and called one of his gambling friends. It was a woman named Triss who had worked for him on his campaign to join the council. She answered quickly enough and Abe started explaining the plan to her. Triss was currently the Head Master's secretary and she said that she could write in an appointment for Blake the next day around noon. It would be a bit of a work in since many teachers used Thursdays for testing and sending in reports to the office. None of them ever wanted to wait until Friday because they would have to work later.

When the call was finished, Abe hung up and looked to Cain.

"Will that do? I'll give you tomorrow to meet with the head master and then Friday I'll contact your captain to let her know about our plans for the survey."

 

Dahlia and Michael

When she appologized, Michael blushed, feeling a little sorry for making her feel like she needed to. He was actually very happy that she wanted him to stay.

"Please don't apologize, I promise I'm ok with it. Just please don't be upset on the days I have to work a little later. Until this mining operation is complete I will be a little busier than normal. But once things clear up, how about we use some of the time you have cleared for me to go out or something. Maybe we could see a movie?"

He probably would have said more, but her shifting her leg distracted him. He could feel himself hardening and knew it wouldn't be difficult for her to feel it if she shifted slightly. When her fingers touched his lips, he felt mesmerized by her. He knew in his head that she was probably much sturdier than the bed they currently were lounging upon, but she looked so frail and innocent. Even knowing she was a Pleasure Worker did nothing to dim that image of her.

Desire burned in him for his lips to taste hers as her touch caused him to shudder slightly with lust. He was starting to lean in toward her before he realized it. It was as if he was simply being drawn towards her. He closed his eyes and hoped she was willing to accept the kiss he was offering.

 

Alicia Lane

"Let's go to the dance club!" Alicia finally said in an enthusiastic voice. Drinks and dancing were all she needed right now. Besides, she wasn't in the mood for the rowdy atmosphere Gilliam bragged about, and while Clint's suggestion had some merit, they would probably get roped into interacting with AHs and Alicia didn't like Pleasure Workers, she felt all they did was get in the way of real relationships between humans. As a matter of fact, she was always telling her late dad's old friend Felix to stop having sex with the robots and look for a girlfriend made of flesh and blood.

"Yes!" Veronica pumped a fist in the air, bringing the blonde teacher out of her musings. "I knew you'd be on my side!"

Alicia grinned at her friend. "Only because I know you'd be pouting all night if I didn't."

"Hey!" Veronica did pouted at her as the others laughed at Alicia's joke.

A short walk later, they arrived at the dance club Veronica told them about. Turned out her friend was spot on about it being pretty fun, the fast music immediately got Alicia in a dancing mood, but her friends wanted to hit the bar first. After everyone had a drink, she noticed Terry and Veronica already leaving for the dancefloor, laughing like maniacs.

At that moment, the blue-eyed teacher felt a light touch on her right arm. She turned to the side, finding Gilliam smirking down at her.

"Care to dance, Alicia?" He asked.

Alicia nodded, placing her finished glass on the counter. "Yeah, let's get this show on the road."

 

Blake Cain
I'm not thrilled the way he insists on personally getting Lana involved, but this whole conversation has been a bolt from the blue, and he wouldn't be in politics if he couldn't smell weakness. Better not push it.

"That'd be just fine, sir. Thank you for your help. Don't hesitate to ask if I can do anything in return." I look around while keepin' my face pleasantly earnest, trying to gauge how far we are from the old Vertigo site. Assuming he doesn't find some excuse to keep me here and away from his wife, I oughta head back to the precinct. If Lana's gonna hear about it anyway, better she hear about it from me before my silence gets suspicious.

 

Alicia Lane

Gilliam led Alicia out onto the floor. Even in her teacher's uniform she looked pretty damn sexy. The beat was fast and he boldly positioned himself behind her. Gilliam's hands were on her hips as they swayed and danced.

Nearby Veronica and Terry were dancing rather lewdly with Veronica grinding her ass into Terry's crotch. When he thought no one was looking, he would cop a feel of her tits or ass but usually his hands rested on her hips or well toned stomach.

Clint had found them a table nearby and was watching both of the women with interest.

 

Blake Cain

Since he looked around, Cain would probably realize that Hornsby had taken them the opposite direction of the Vertigo Club.... They were actually pretty far from where it would be at this point.

Hornsby seemed pleased that Cain was willing to part ways and tapped a few times on his tablet.

"I've sent you my contact information. If you need me or want to give me and update on your end, feel free to contact me. If I'm not here or at home, I'll probably be at the office. I have to head in to do some paperwork after I finish examining the new club site so I'll be a little busy today."

With that, Abe Hornsby said his goodbyes and headed off on his own, leaving Cain to his own devices. He was free to head back to the precinct of he wanted or to find another way to distract himself for a while. He was on the twentieth floor after all...

 

Blake Cain
Ha! Fool me once, shame on me, Councilman.

I check my visor. Lana'll be long gone when I get back to the precinct, so I send her a quick message. <Talk first thing tomorrow? Have an idea for community outreach.>

Now, I can't say the Councilman has the wrong idea. I don't have the time for a pleasure worker either, seeing as I'm on the clock. But if I head back towards the Vertigo, I'll pass a dance club – one that inspires less nausea – where the bartender knows me. Might as well cash in on a few overlooked misdemeanors while I'm in the area.