Chapter Forty-Six - A Bit Fancy

Chapter Forty-Six - A Bit Fancy

Chapter Forty-Six - A Bit Fancy

Discovering alien, non-human life, did interesting things to the field of psychology. The field, as esoteric and vague as it already was, didnt know how people would react to extraterrestrial life.

As it turns out, we as humans mostly want to either kill it (in the case of the Antithesis) or fuck it (in the case of all the rest).

--Cedric Richmond, PhD Psychology, 2031

***

So, wheres our dude? I asked.

How would I know? Lucy replied. Never exactly been here.

I chuckled. I was asking Myalis, actually. But yeah, the place is a bit fancy, huh?

The mall had that clean modern look that places with too much money poured into PR and advertising had. Clean stainless steel decoration, holographic ads so well-crafted they almost looked real, and more importantly of all, a constant stream of bonafide middle-class losers buying shit.

There was no advertising like having clients.

Jeff Burringham hasnt yet arrived, though his appointment is in only an hour.

Neat. Wheres the appointment at?

Hes meant to be at a store called the Boutique de Beau Vtements. Its on the third floor. Though I should inform you that the floors on this building are numbered in the reverse to most human buildings.

The topmost floor is number one? I asked.

Exactly. I suspect its a marketing ploy to convince people to discuss the building more.

Clever, I said.

Then I noticed Lucy pouting. If youre going to take me on a date with another girl, then you could at least let me be part of the conversation, she said.

This is a date? I asked.

It isnt? Lucy asked right back. Were out, were shopping, were going to go threaten some politician with possible bodily harm. We literally just snuck into a place while packing. Sounds like a date to me.

I laughed. Well, sorry, I wasnt thinking and didnt realize. Look, once we find a quiet spot, Ill buy you some fancy augs, and Myalis can talk to you directly.

Lucy grinned. Nice. Myalis would make a great girlfriend, you know.

Yeah? I replied.

We would like to cordially invite you into la Boutique de Beau Vtements. Please, browse at your leisure, and if anything catches your eye, you need only inform a member of our staff. If you find yourself uncertain about anything, then dont hesitate to ask for assistance as well. Every member on the floor has a doctorate in fashion design.

Thanks, I said.

The store didnt have racks of clothing. Instead it had little booths and stands with mannequins dressed in suits and nice summer wear, others had dresses or streetwear on.

Lucy gasped and pulled me into the front of a booth. Ive heard of these, she said before stepping up into the booth. The inner wall was a mirror, at least for a moment. A scan later and there was a colour swatch that matched Lucys darker skin to one side, and another for her hair, then her image split and her reflection was wearing three different outfits, all from the same brand whose understated logo adorned a corner of the booth.

Oh, I like this one, she said, pointing to one off to the side. The dress became the centre of focus, and the next three Lucy models were all wearing similar but not identical versions of the dress. Different trim, slightly different colours, with and without complementing accessories.

Thats kind of cool, I said.

I wonder how they did the models, Lucy said.

The entrance area had several high-resolution cameras at different angles. It wouldnt be difficult to build a three-dimensional model from that information alone. Also, take note that the models are being somewhat complimentary when it comes to Lucys actual size.

Lucy sighed, she was half turned to the mirror. Yeah, my ass isnt that nice, she said.

Your ass is very nice, I said.

Thank you, Cat, Lucy said. She smacked herself playfully, then laughed at the expression I made. Come on, we should find something pretty for you to wear. Youd look awesome in a suit.

As long as you dont try to fit me into a skirt, I said.

Wouldnt suit you, Lucy said. I, on the other hand, have these new and improved legs to show off. And to shave, urgh.

Lucy and I moved to another booth, this one more business oriented. I got to see what Lucy would look like in a blouse and pencil skirt, thick-rimmed secretary glasses and all, then she forced me in front to try on different suits. I had to admit that I cut an intimidating figure in an all-black three piece with a sword by my hip.

Cat. Jeff Burringham has entered the shop.

I half-turned and looked towards the entrance. Somehow Lucy had dragged us a good ways into the store. It meant that I could snoop on Burringham from afar in peace.

Jeff didnt come alone. He had a pair of bodyguards who immediately stationed themselves next to the entrance, and a petite secretary-type who was stuck to his side like a bureaucratic limpet. The man himself was pretty handsome, for a guy.

Well well, about damned time. Did you want to come?

You know I always do, Lucy said.

***