>>5143072Turning to face her, you take a few steps backwards just in case she tries anything funny. For now, however, all she does is watch you expectantly. So, you begin, she’s the one keeping track of your progress, huh?
Christy taps a few buttons before adjusting her glasses. “Guilty. For the record, though, I act as liaison to several other teams of scouts as well.” A wry grin forms on her stoic face. “When I’m not cooking you lobster, that is.”
A fresh pool of saliva forms in your mouth at the sound of the word. Yea, you nod, that stuff was <span class="mu-i">delish</span>, by the way! Your, uh, conference to the chef!
The PA’s finger moves like lightning across the phone’s surface. “Glad you liked it. I forgot to add the glass shards, though.”
You’re just about to dropkick the girl when you realize she’s joking. Ah, you mutter, so she heard everything?
She begins by tapping on her phone, then on her ear. “I can’t talk much, but I’m not deaf.” Slashing away at her device, Christy cocks her head to the side in perfect sync with her phone’s statement. “So yes, I heard it all. Did you enjoy your meeting with Bruckmann?”
HAH! <span class="mu-i">Enjoy’s</span> a weird word for it, you sputter, earning another smile from your contact.
“Yes,” She drones, “‘Eccentric’ doesn’t begin to describe them.”
And what about <span class="mu-i">her</span>, you continue as you jab your finger at her device! When was she gonna tell you she was a <span class="mu-g">PHONE AI?!?</span>
Glancing between you and her cellphone, a pitying look slowly forms on Christy’s face. “How have you stayed alive this long?”
“I’ve been wonderin’ dat’ too!” Ly remarks. Because you’re <span class="mu-b">SUPER,</span> that’s why! Leaning against the side of the passage, you gesture around your charming meeting place. Any reason why she chose this in particular?
“The Canteen recently transferred to another power source.” She explains via robot voice. “Thus this place has no purpose anymore. Not to mention it’s overshadowed by <span class="mu-g">THE LODGE’S</span> most crowded establishment–any potential listeners wouldn’t dare try anything here.” More typing. “In short, it’s safe-”
Before her phone can finish, you see a flash of movement in the steam above! Jerking your head upwards, you scan the shadows for the interloper as Christy furiously types out a message! “Are we compromised?!”
No, you hiss as you continue to peer into the darkness above, you just… you’re pretty sure you saw something.
“What?” The mechanical voice asks.
You bite your lip as anxiety builds in your chest–you think it was… <span class="mu-r">A BAT!</span>
https://youtu.be/wwnqueWqkM0>CONTD. 