Issue 1 Downtime

Ayami was in the Library, studying. For once.

((open thread))

Ayami probably wouldn't have noticed Jez until she drew close, sitting down beside the other girl in a rushed but at least attempting a discreet manner.

"We have to talk."

"What's up, Jez?"

Jez leaned in a little closer, speaking in a hushed voice. They were in a library after all.

"We have a little problem that I have to solve before Lord Cassiel finds out. So I need you to promise me that if I ask you something, you will tell me the truth. Okay?"

"Sure...what's up?"

"We invited some of the dignitaries from some of the nearby embassies to a small function today, something to try and test the waters should we wish to attempt any future negotiations. While working the function I overheard one of the guests discussing a recent trip to an establishment in Mutant town. It was called The Exotic, I think. He mentioned a dancer who had short, multi-coloured hair."

Jezabelle looked over at Ayami. "Have you taken on any side jobs I should know about?"

"No, I think it's safe to say I have not, recently, taken on any side-jobs that you should know about..."

"Well that is good." Jez said, sighing a little. "Because if you were dancing there and I did not know it, that would be a serious strike against us. Information like that is very important. Sometimes it's not the facts that matter when it comes to protecting the image of a nation, it is having knowledge of them. If someone were to mention that to Lord Cassiel during a meeting he might become confused, thrown off, and make concessions he would not have otherwise considered."

"You really think C...Lord Cassiel is going to be thrown off? Surely, he's got a better constitution than that."

"A huge part of negotiations between nations is simply maintaining composure and saving face. But none of that matters as this is not an issue. Otherwise you would tell me." Jez smiled. "Which comes as a huge relief."

"It's NOT an issue. Would it have not come up in my background check?"

"It might have, had we run extensive ones. But Lord Cassiel said that my word was enough for him. And I am glad he hired you because you have been fantastic there."

"Look. I do dance. Dance, I say.

If you think it's a problem, why not come down one night and see. I think it's very tasteful and respectful of Mutant Power. You might enjoy it!"

Jez looked a little shocked a bit, but her face flushed before she had a chance to say anything.

"I... women do not go to those sort of establishments. What would Lord Cassiel think?"

"Like I said, you might be surprised," she smiled, sending a tiny...almost imperceptible...burst of lust over Jez's way.

Jez's face flushed a little deeper, her heart racing in her chest.

"Well, I suppose I should investigate to see if this could become an issue later...."

"No sense judging something until you see it for yourself," she nodded, agreeing. "I could take you backstage, introduce you, so you can see what everything is."

"I wouldn't want to be a bother." Jez said timidly.

"Well, you have to be able to make a thorough report, right?"

"If I have to make a report at all. I'm sure it's nothing, I'm probably just being paranoid after my little shopping spree made it into the papers."

Ayami nodded. "Well, you'll come down and see it's fine, I'm sure."

"Is there any particular night when it would be best?" Jez asked.

"Just give me a heads up, sugar," she winked.

"When's your next show?" Jez asked eagerly.

"Tomorrow evening," she smiled.

"I'll be there then."