NOVEL NEXT Chapter 69: Ship Tease
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Harry: Are they—like—
Gordon: I don't want to know.
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November 16th, 2090, about 7:10 pm MST, Montana City
"Look," Karen said, "from your reaction earlier, I'm guessing you thought you were putting on a Harry-only peep show."
Claire didn't respond. The floor numbers ticked upward in silence.
More casually: "I mean… I could still offer equal and opposite nudity if it would make you feel better."
Claire turned her head, her voice devoid of affect: "I've seen you in real life."
Karen smirked. "Then you know what a good offer that is."
Claire tried to smirk, to acknowledge the joke, but her face pulled back to a flat, pained expression. Her voice was measured, but low. "I'm trying to be fair. But that—you—hurt my feelings."
That shut Karen up for a beat. She blinked, then straightened. The usual glint in her eyes faded—just for a moment.
"I didn't think it was a big deal," she said eventually. "You were doing your thing, I was doing mine. I wasn't exactly going to interrupt and be like, 'Hey, FYI, I can see your nipples.' That'd be weird. Complaining. Just."
Claire gave her a frosty glance.
"This isn't some sort of prank," Karen admitted quietly. "I'm serious. This isn't the kind of thing I would've done on purpose. Pinky swear."
Claire didn't react.
"No, we're doing this properly." Karen held out her pinky. She shook it.
Claire stared at it. "You're not serious."
"I'm exactly serious," Karen said. "My honor is at stake."
Reluctantly, Claire extended her pinky.
Karen locked fingers with exaggerated care and solemnity. "I pinky swear I will never peep on you without you knowing ever again."
Claire tried to withdraw her hand. "That's not—"
But Karen was taller. And stronger. And committed.
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With pinkies still interlocked, she stepped off the elevator, dragging Claire in her wake.
"Where are we going?" Claire asked, suspicious.
"Cinna buns," Karen said. "Apologies are hungry work. That took a lot out of me."
"I didn't agree to that."
"You pinky swore, and couldn't reclaim your pinkie," Karen said, glancing over her shoulder. "That's proof of starvation—you need calories to fight off the hostile pinkies in the world."
Claire let herself be pulled along, only slightly resisting. "You're the worst."
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Later, over the crumbs of cinnabuns:
"Maybe I don't really understand," Karen admitted. "Like, … can I be honest?"
"Sure?"
Karen tilted her head. "I mean—anyone watching the stream on a hacked AC account can see what you're up to. So why's it such a big deal that I saw you? I've seen you in real life, so I didn't think it was an issue—"
Claire didn't answer, but her face went white.
There was a long pause during which Karen could see the telltale glow of projected text on the inside of Claire's eyes.
Then—
"…Wait," Claire asked, horrified. "You can hack AC? And…oh, I was visible. Oh no."
She'd found their stream.
Karen froze. "…Your sweet summer child. I'm going to buy you a poncho. And tassels, for modesty."
No response.
"Claire, are you okay?"
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Gordon's portable buzzed.
[7:55] Claire: DO NOT ever look up hacked AC for our stream. I will murder you.
This was followed in short succession:
[7:55]Karen: Gordon. Please tell her you won't look up hacked AC mode?
[7:56] Harry: Gordon. I'm sure you're busy, but please set my soon-wife's mind at ease.
[7:56] Gordon (to Karen): Any context would be useful here.
[7:57] Karen: Gordon, if you try to get context, I will find you and I will hurt you.
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> Mau_dev: Well, this is an honor
> Big_Iron: My sister was unwittingly visible to hacked AC. If you make it go away, I will tell you how I did Gallant.
> Mau_dev: I hear and obey ;)
> Mau_dev: Backups too?
> Big_Iron: Please. I owe you one.
> Mau_dev: One in-person interview. Capiche?
> Big_Iron: Really?
> Mau_dev: It'll be worth your while, AND I've already done the thing. Happy?
> Big_Iron: Yeah, okay.