From lori@znet.comSat Mar 23 21:45:00 1996 Date: Thu, 21 Mar 1996 13:07:10 -0800 From: Bernadette Marshall Sharr Reply to: crystal-logs@io.com To: crystal-logs@io.com Subject: The Sharrs take a Mini-Vacation [ Log Intro: After returning froma particularly stressful trip to the ranges where both Sharrs sprained ankles and Bernadette lopped off another finger, our Singers are soaking in a radiant bath once they've been attended to by the medics. ] Radiant Bath You are in a large, pale aqua tank. It is deep and long; plenty of room for an adult to stretch out their legs. The top edges round gently outwards. The head of the tub sprouts an unusual number of taps and dials. The radiant liquid rests heavy against your skin, filling your pores. Kevlan floats within, the harness securing him from slipping beneath the radiant fluid. The fluid is pleasantly hot. Contents: Kevlan Bernadette slowly stirs and opens her eyes. The weightless feeling of resting in the buoyant liquid is mind numbing. Kevlan reaches a hand over to you, through the radiant fluid. "Wakin' up at last, hon?" he says gently. Bernadette smiles groggily. "What did they give me? Pretty powerful drugs..." she slurs. Kevlan clasps your fingers in his. "Jes' somethin' to make you sleep, while th' symb'ont fixed up yer ankle an' all..." Bernadette sighs and stretches languidly under the fluid, testing her different muscles out for aches and pains. She looks at you and smiles, "Seem to be okay." Kevlan's smile plays about his mouth. "How's your hand, honey?" You notice the fluid temperature is no longer quite as hot, but more a still pleasant lukewarm. Bernadette lifts the indicated appendage and peers at its bandaging. She nods slowly, "Healing." She looks at you and grins, "A stranger looking hand I haven't seen." Bernadette looks along your leg now to your own ankle. "How's your leg?" Kevlan waggles the leg in question, making his knee peek up out of the fluid. "Ah c'n walk on it. Jes' cain't dance." Bernadette chuckles and murmurs "Pity..." before smiling and adding "Not that I could cut any rugs with my ankle as it is." The liquid is warm and soothing, like being wrapped in a soft blanket on a cool day. Kevlan giggles a little, blushing but amusedly, and lifts his hand to your hair. His skin glimmers with the sheen of the radiant fluid, and he strokes your hair gently. "Ah'll be okay in a day 'r' two. What you wanna do while we're healin' up, hmmm?" Bernadette leans her head against your hand and shrugs. "Whatever you want to do, I guess...as long as dancing isn't involved." She smiles, "Any ideas?" Kevlan says "Say hi t' th' recruits, maybe... some of 'em asked if Ah could sing f'r 'em... asked 'bout you, too..." Moving a limb in the thick, viscous fluid appears more like slow-motion. Bernadette wrinkles her nose and shrugs, a small smile tilting the corners of her lips, "I thought maybe something with just the two of us..." Kevlan smiles tenderly. "We could go swimmin'," he offers. "Be good f'r th' ankle, and keep you offin' it an' exercisin', too....?" Bernadette raises her eyebrows and considers this "At WWSF?" Kevlan says "Well, theah, or jes' up on level three... though th' beach'd be awful nice...." Kevlan cups your face in his hands. "Swimmin' inna moonlight," he says softly. Bernadette smiles, laying her hands atop yours and nodding, "More secluded, too...just you an' me and the water..." Somewhat cooling now, the fluid wavers in that line between warmth and coolness such that it is difficult to feel a sensation of it against your skin. Kevlan nods, softly, liking the idea. "Jes' camp out a l'il bit... or heck, honey, we could go offworld, maybe? We got th' credits...." The crystal resonance in your body is growing louder and harder for you to ignore. Non-singers around you see: Being around Bernadette is disconcerting from the static coming off her. Bernadette's brow wrinkles just a little and she shakes her head slightly and says slowly, "Nooo...I don't think so. Just find one of those little, out of the way beaches on WWSF and camp there 'til we can go back into the ranges.." The liquid is now rapidly cooling. Kevlan hmmms, and bobs his head. "Okay, honey...." He slides over to kiss your forehead. Bernadette smiles contentedly and scoots over closer to snuggle against you. She wrinkles her nose again and says "Fluid's getting cold..." Kevlan mmrmms huskily. "Want me t' git out an' reset it?" The fluid has become rather unpleasantly cold. Bernadette shakes her head, "No...let's go to WWSF now. Be a nice change of pace..." Kevlan smiles. "Alright, honey...." Kevlan rolls the harness off him, and moves to get out of the tank. Kevlan slips out of the harness. Kevlan climbs from the tub, the radiant liquid dripping from his body. Kevlan has left. You step from the tub, the radiant liquid sleeting from your rejuvenated and revived body. Bathing Room Done in soothing shades of pale cream, blue, and green, this bathing area holds a few details that immediately catch the senses: the pair of wall hangings, painted in delicate pastel shades with scenes of a mountain lake; the faint glitter of the patterned tiles; the subtle tang of something citrus-scented in the air. Between the wall hangings are a few small shelves for towels, and off to one side in a tiny alcove is the privy. The room computer has set the lights to a soft glow for the afternoon hours. The one door leads out into the main portion of the quarters. Contents: Kevlan Radiant Bath Obvious exits: Out The sensors detect that the tub is empty and drains the spent liquid automatically. Kevlan turns to you, to help you out of the tank, and smiles down at you. Kevlan steps out into the main room. Kevlan has left. You see your reflection out of the corner of your eye, as you step out past the mirrored closets to the main portion of the quarters. Kevlan and Bernadette's Suite These spacious Singer's quarters are sparsely but pleasantly furnished. Offsetting the pale cream hue of the walls and the darker beige color of the carpet, the three chairs here - one an upholstered desk chair near the computer terminal, the other two amorphous and baglike of shape, perhaps intended to be simply curled up on - and the pillows and linens scattered over the bed are all of various harmoniously tasteful shades of blue and green. Along the back wall stands a bookcase, and in the center of the floor lies a fluffy, intricately patterned and multi-hued 'rug'. The wall screen over the computer terminal is set to display an airy Estenari mountainscape, for the afternoon hours. The primary door here leads out into the corridor; a smaller one back by the bookcase leads into the bathing chamber. Contents: Kevlan Datapad Gitar Kevlan's Crystal Cutter Carisak Obvious exits: Sleeping Nook Bathing Room Out Bernadette bubbles as she digs through her closet "I hear there's a shop there that sells bathing suits and I could sure use one..." She stands up straight and grins at you, her eyes traveling over your firm physique and adds, "...or not," with a coy smile. Kevlan splutters. "Ah-Ah-Ah cain't go out like this, honey...." But he giggles. Bernadette laughs and goes back to digging for something to wear. She pulls out a dress and holds it out "Remember this one?!" she exclaims, "It's the one I'd just gotten and was wearing when you proposed." She grins and slips into it. Kevlan steps to you, smiling warmly. "Ah 'membah." The crystal resonance in your body is growing louder and harder for you to ignore. Non-singers around you see: Being around Bernadette is disconcerting from the static coming off her. Kevlan grabs his underwear, then considers his own side of the wide closet. "Somethin' light f'r th' beach," he muses, and pulls out the first few garments his hands touch. Bernadette smiles, fingering the material, and watching you go through your clothes. Kevlan turns to you, a bit blankly. "This?" he holds up a light blue shirt. Bernadette smiles and nods, "Nice color on you. What'll you wear on the bottom, though?" she grins, eyes lingering appreciatively in the area not yet accounted for in your wardrobe selections. Kevlan shrugs into the shirt, and blushes, quite richly. "You SURE you want me t' go out, honey?" he Kevlan nods, too. :) Bernadette laughs softly and puts her arms around your waist while standing behind you and hugs you. Kevlan grins, lopsidedly, and loops his arms around you, lowering his head to nuzzle at your hair. Bernadette looks up at you and grins, "Put some pants on, babe, and let's get gone." She gives you one more squeeze then goes to the door, palming it open slightly and peering out into the hallway for a few moments, looking first left, then right, the left again, before pulling her head back into the room,closing the door and waiting for you. If you pay attention to it, the crystal resonance can be heard coursing through your body at all times. Non-singers around you see: The hairs on your arm stand on end and a chill goes up your spine. You notice a strange expression on Bernadette's face. Kevlan ducks a hand into the closet to grab a pair of sneakers, and says, "Hold yer horses, darlin', if we're goin' for a few days we oughtta have a few thangs..." He smiles, grabbing a carisak and shoving several essentials into it. WIth that in one hand, he also promptly grabs his gitar and datapa picks up his gitar. Kevlan grabs his carisak. Kevlan comes up to you, smiles, and orders the computer to lock the door. "Okay, let's git." Kevlan steps out into the hallway. Kevlan has left. You step out into the hallway. White Quadrant This gleaming white strip blazes in rainbow patterns: not the absence of color, but the presence of all colors in the spectrum. The intensity of the whiteness does not hurt your adapted vision but soothes it in a subliminal manner. Contents: Kevlan Obvious exits: Rykos's Suite Turlough Suite Sharr Suite Elissa's Suite Diamond and Sparhawk's Suite Lifts Kevlan goes through the Lifts exit. Kevlan has left. You go through the Lifts exit. Lift Area - 11 Muted lighting fills the area, giving a soft, comforting glow. The light accents the brilliant white stripe that leads off to the white quadrant. The stripe is not merely white, but rather a composition of all the colors of the spectrum. Situated on this floor are the quarters for the senior singers of the Heptite Guild. This well carpeted area circumscribes a circle with the center being filled by a shiny lift tube. On the doors to the tube is the number 1 Obvious exits: Common Lounge Ocher Quadrant Amethyst Quadrant White Quadrant Lift 1 The smooth metallic walls surround you. You notice to your right is a control panel which contains a row of darkened buttons indicating the levels of the Guild complex ('look panel'). Just 'press' the desired level number and you'll be on your way. Contents: Control Panel You enter lift 1. Kevlan enters lift 1 after the doors *whoosh* open. Kevlan has arrived. Bernadette taps her foot, almost impatiently, waiting for the speedy lift to rise. The lift doors slide shut and you feel the slight *pop* of air pressure changes. A soft chime sounds and a computer-generated voice announces: "Ground Level (Hangar Sorting Main Reception Area)." The doors *whoosh* open. Lift Area - GF The ground floor of the JPF is the main activity hub seconded only by the infirmary (*gulp*). The Hangar is the largest area of this level. The sorting floor is the most active. Several multicolored and textured stripes run through the corridors indicating functional areas. This well carpeted area circumscribes a circle with the center being filled by a shiny lift tube. On the doors to the tube are the letters GF. There is a button set into the wall, you may summon a 'lift.' Contents: Lift 1 Lift 3 Recycler Slot Obvious exits: Hangar Sorting Reception Area Kevlan emerges from the efficient lift. Kevlan has arrived. Bernadette looks up at you as you both move towards the hangar. "Shall we take one of our sleds, or the transport?" Kevlan runs to catch up with you, calling after you. Bernadette waits and blinks patiently. Kevlan says "Uh... well, hon, ain't got th' cutters... les' jes' fret on it latah." Bernadette raises an eyebrow. "What do we need the cutters for?" Kevlan smiles, and loops an arm through yours. "Well, iffin you wanna go t' th' Ranges. But Ah don't, an' AH don' wanna think 'bout work neithah. Let's jes' be tourists. C'mon!" Kevlan, now the eager one, tugs you with him, grinning. Kevlan walks towards the hangar. Kevlan has left. You walk from the lift area to the hangar ready room. Hangar Observation Area The hangar ready room functions as an observation area for the hangar activities. Several ergonomic chairs ring a display console which debriefs the pilots before they leave the Joslin Plateau Facility. As you gaze into the hangar, you can see the dust swirling as the wind whips by the hangar entrance. Soft lights glow brighter as the shadows grow deeper. You may view the activity of the hangar floor by asking the computer to relay the activity to you. Type or . Obvious exits: Hangar Floor Lifts You head purposefully through the doors to the floor. Hangar Floor The immense cavern that serves the guild faces the eastern sky. The blue sky merges with the harsh browns of the long plain of the Joslin Plataeu far to the east. The smoothly tiled floor is scarred by myriad gashes and scratches caused by wind-tossed sleds. The northern and southern walls contain over-large double doors while the western wall is set with observation windows. Looking around (+view), you notice several signs posted. The hangar is half hidden in shadows as Scoria graces the sky high above. The horizon merges with the sky in hazy bands of blue. The sled racks are illuminated slightly. Contents: Bernadette, over by the wall. Kevlan, over by the wall. Rondel, by the sledtech desk. Himiko's sled Repair Bay Sled Tech Desk Radar Corbin Hangar Terminal A large map, for instructional purposes Sled rack Obvious Commands ("." for list): .wait .sleds .desk .radar .map .hangar door .floor Obvious Exits: WWSF Transport Met Transport Equipment Room Simulators Catwalk Cargo Storage Sorting Ready Room Game INFO: This is a room that may be monitored via +watch. Bernadette hustles to keep up with Kevlan's longer stride. Kevlan, once his wife catches up with him, grins at her tenderly, and hastens with her to the WWSF transport. Kevlan boards a transport bound for the Western White Sea Facility. Kevlan has left. Rondel blinks. "Hello," he observes, straightening. Bernadette grins and waves with a quick "Hi!" before she's pulled along toward the transport, giggling. You board the transport, settling into one of the comfortable seats. In what seems to you as no time at all, you arrive at the flattened sandy area of the sled parking at WWSF. Sled Parking Lot -- Western White Sea Facilities You stand on a smooth portion of land where it is possible to land sleds. Several are parked in neat rows in an area marked 'Short Term Parking'. There is a squat, sandy colored building at the eastern end of the lot. A sign hangs next to the large door and you can see other sleds inside. The sun beats hotly down onto this lot, baking everything on it. Contents: Kevlan Lirra's sled Obvious exits: JPF Transport Information Center Sled Storage You wave to the transport driver in thanks, who smiles and parks the vehicle nearby. Bernadette whews and waves a hand ather neck. "Warm, isn't it?" Kevlan smiles, as the breeze ruffles his hair, and he nods happily. "Ain't it fine? Wheah you wanna go first?" Bernadette grins. "To wherever the stores are. I really do want to see what's for sale." She trots as quickly as she can with her sprained ankle, looking around herself as she goes. You walk along the path to the Information Center, gravel crunching underfoot. Information Center The interior of this squarish building is cool after the heat you experienced outside. Pale blues and greens give the impression of exotic underwater realms. Amidst gently waving potted plants are several information counter. Some of the counters are fully automated, but behind others are tanned, smiling people that greet you warmly. The entire west wall is glassed in and has a damper screen which is now raised. You may 'look dock' to view the busy comings and goings of Dock Street. You may also 'lower screen' if you wish to block off the visual of busy Dock Street just outside. Several people mill around the center. Some are looking for interesting new places to explore and activities to try. Others are simply escaping the heat of the day. Obvious exits: Waiting Area Dock Street Sled Parking Lot Kevlan opens the door and enters the Information Center. Kevlan has arrived. Kevlan grins. "Gon' git you somethin' to look real purty...." Bernadette chuckles and says "Well, don't know about that...I'm a little too beat up to be pretty, but..." She shrugs and looks around and points towards Dock Street. "That way, I suppose..." and bustles out. You push open the glass door and step out onto Dock Street. Dock Street This street is the main north-south causeway through the facility. It connects the wooden planked docks to the north with the sandy beaches to the southeast. The Information Center sits to the east and a bar that faces the harbor sits right across the street from it. Scoria hangs high in the sky, but the day is cooler than you'd expect it to be due to a continual breeze from the water. The boats in the harbor and those farther out in the ocean fly bright pinnons and sails. The steely waters of the harbor are choppy in the near perpetual cold winter wind. Obvious exits: Ocean Way Deep Water Docks Dockside Bar Information center Kevlan steps out from the Information Center. Kevlan has arrived. Kevlan takes in a lungful of the clean air, and beams. "Brisk!" Kevlan has left. Bernadette sniffs the air and nods, agreeing "Salty." Ocean Way This lovely cobble-stoned path curves gently westward around the southern edge of the harbor to meet up with the beaches on the ocean side. Scoria's rays shine brightly from a bright blue sky. The breeze off the ocean ruffles your hair as you stroll along the street. Your breath is a thin white stream escaping your cold lips as a powerful gust of cold wind makes you gasp. Contents: Kevlan Obvious exits: Medical Center Market Street Dock Street Beach Light House Kevlan says "Thattaway!" Kevlan walks through the Market Street exit. Kevlan has left. You walk through the Market Street exit. Market Street This street is the shopping center for the facility. Shops line both sides of the street, all brightly decorated with large advertising signs in their windows. Some of the shops have brightly colored awnings that stretch out over the sidewalks. Scoria shines high in the bright blue sky, its rays mostly blocked from the street by the awnings that stretch across the sidewalks. Visitors wander slowly from one window to the next, occasionally entering a store when they see something that strikes their fancy. A cold wind blows through off of the water, and the buildings don't seem to shield you much from it. Noone stays out on the street Obvious exits: JAS Swimwear and Apparel Ice Cream Shoppe Good Ship Lollypop Ocean Way Kevlan enters JAS S&A. Kevlan has left. Bernadette strolls, looking at all the storefronts and peering in at their displays. You enter JAS S&A. JAS Swimwear and Apparel (Under Construction) The first thing you notice about this shop is its size. It is rather small by most standards. However it has a cozy feeling; one which anyone use to shopping will enjoy and welcome. The walls are a cheerful pale blue, with just a hint of green. Murals of exotic beaches are painted upon this background. Thewalls are broken here and there by displays that constantly change, showing men and women wearing bathing suits mostly. Against the right wall are a couple booths in which one may change. In the corner, against the back wall, is a full size, three way mirror, allowing one to see themselves from many angles. The left wall has one of the biggest eletronic display screens you have ever seen. It is nearly two and a half meters tall and a meter wide. Near this screen is a small table with a couple of comfortable looking chairs. On the table is a smaller, more standard data screen. The back wall contains a couple of dispenser slots. The shop's floor is covered by a soft carpet that makes the barest of whispers as you walk on it. The store is well lit, more light being provided by the shining sun outside than its own. Contents: Kevlan Note Data Screen Obvious exits: Market Street Kevlan beams. "This'n," he tells his wife. Bernadette grins. "Which'n?" Kevlan says "This store, silly....!" Kevlan laughs, happily, and pads about to look at the wares. Bernadette chuckles and nods, crossing to the datascreen after taking a cursory glance around. Data Screen(#7723SVs$) A touch screen display. It displays: MAIN JAS Swimwear & Apparel Swimwear Database The display screen is a colorful display of phasing colors behind the black dodecahedron of the Heptite Guild. Upon this eye catching background the following is displayed. This catalog contains the complete inventory of all bathing wear sold at JAS Swimwear & Apparel. Any item may be purchased with '+buy screen='. To maneuver through the touch screen, just issue 'touch ' for any CAPITALIZED word. Different colors may be toggled through with the 'color' command. Menu Options ------------ MEN - Swimwear for men WOMEN - Swimwear for women MISC - Towels and other items NOTES - General Information and Notes PURCHASE - Purchasing Information (I.e., How to Buy from this thing) If you pay attention to it, the crystal resonance can be heard coursing through your body at all times. Non-singers around you see: If you happen to be near Bernadette, the hair on your arm stands on end. The data screen blips happily and updates its screen, showing... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ WOMEN JAS Swimwear & Apparel Women's Swimwear Categories This menu allows one to choose the general type of swimwear for women, ranging from bodysuits to skimpy monokinis. Reminder, the following two commands are available: color - toggle through available colors bust - change the swim suit's chest size desc Also, do feel free to edit the swim suit descs after you receive them to alter them to your personal tastes. Keep in mind that every occurence of `the manikin', `it', and `its' will be replaced with your name and pronouns appropriate for your gender. Thus if men are interested in buying any of these swimsuits, they should have absolutely no problem. Categories ---------- BIKINI - Two piece suits BODY - One piece body suits MONO - One piece bottoms MAIN - Return to main menu Bernadette leans forward peering at her choices on the screen. "Looks like they've only got swimwear right now..." She skims the screen again and reads "Bikinis, body suits and monos..." Kevlan peers over your shoulder. Bernadette glances at kevlan out of the corner of her eye, turning her head just enough to allow her to do so. "What'll we look at first?" Kevlan grins lopsidedly. "Look slike we git you somethin', Ah'll jes' hafta wait." He pats your shoulder. "What you think you want, hon?" Bernadette chuckles and looks back at the screen. "I want to get what you want to see me in, love." Bernadette peruses the different selections You feel the resonance tingling in your blood. Non-singers around you see: A rather strong needling pricks your skin when you pass close by Bernadette. Kevlan looks down at you softly. "White?" he suggests. "A glowin' kinda white... look real purty with a tan..." Bernadette looks away from the screen. "White which?" She looks back at the screen again. "How daring do I want to be?" She grins. Kevlan peers around at you teasingly. "Well, honey, _AH_ know what you look like undahneath..." Bernadette laughs and says "Yes, but do you want OTHER people imagining what's underneath?" Kevlan by way of reply turns your face around to him, and kisses you ardently. "Ain't worried 'bout folks lookin' atcha 'less they try t' git ornery 'bout it," he murmurs. "Cain't he'p it if sens'ble folks think you're purty too..." You can hear crystal resonance coursing gently through your body. Non-singers around you see: Bernadette is often distracted. When you are near her the hair on your arms stands on end, which you unconsciously brush down. Bernadette chuckles as she wraps her arms around you and then blushes as she notices a couple of other patrons watching the Sharrs. She grins, "Well, let's pick one out, then." The data screen blips happily and updates its screen, showing... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BIK1 35 Cr. Halter Top and Brief Bottoms The screen shows a feminine form, slowly twirling around in circles. The manikin is wrapped in two pieces of stretch fabric which form a concealing, yet still quite appealing pale blue bikini. The top is a halter, wrapping around its slim chest, just a couple inches below its breasts, completely covering them. The neckline of the top is rounded, dipping lower than most shirts, showing pleanty of the manikin's skin, but not low enough to hint at any cleavage. The two shoulder straps slip up and form another round, dip in back, a little lower than the one in front. The bottom is similarly covering, but tasteful. The leg holes are elongated, slipping high up over the hips. It wraps around the waist, covering the belly button and completely covering the rear. This style is designed to be tasteful and attractive. It is a good suit for the timid woman who wishes to move from body suits. It is also a good suit for somewhat chillier days. This particular design also tends to look rather good on slimmer women. The fabric comes in both UV blocking and UV pass through variants (RP it). A fair selection of colors and patterns are available. BIKINI - Return to Women's Two Piece Swimsuits menu Kevlan nods happily, and looks over your shoulder at the selection. Bernadette points to the image on screen. "How about that one?" Kevlan mrmmmmms. "Ah like it..." Bernadette hmmms. "My color choices are canary yellow, pink with purple polka dots, bright red, or pale blue..." Bernadette points a finger to her chin as she considers these colors. "I think I like yellow..." If you pay attention to it, the crystal resonance can be heard coursing through your body at all times. Non-singers around you see: The hairs on your arm stand on end and a chill goes up your spine. You notice a strange expression on Bernadette's face. Kevlan quirks his head, and peers at the yellow over your shoulder. "Huh... ayeah, that'n's purty." Bernadette tips her head to the side, "Well, since they don't have white, it seems like this would be the best choice...should go nicely with my hair...." This is one of the few times when the white singer has actually shown any blatant feminine mannerisms. Kevlan agrees, staring at you with a measure of not unpleased startlement. Bernadette shifts her eyes and head now and smile at you over her shoulder for a moment before looking back at the screen and nodding. "Okay, yellow it is." You transfer 35 credit(s) from your account to Data Screen. You press the purchase button. Data Screen gave you Order 5: Bernadette. Data Screen puts a package down. You pick the package up. Data Screen has chowned object 'Order 5: Bernadette(#850)' to you. Bernadette places her order and is pleasantly surprised when the parcel is promptly delivered to her. Kevlan beams! "Well, heck, Ah guess they had your size, honey..." Bernadette nods and turns to hold up the little plasti-wrapped package, the bright yellow fabric visible, for your approval, grinning like a school girl. Kevlan pats your shoulders eagerly. "Go git in on, dearlin', lemme see it...!" Bernadette giggles and bops into a changing room to try on the new outfit. Before you, you see a small, petite young woman, who, when wearing boots, stands at a whopping 4'11" tall. She has a slight build and appears almost fragile, but she has an attitude about her that suggests quite the opposite. Berni has light brown hair, light brown eyes and a small, oval cherubish face. Her light brown hair is plaited in a long braid along her back, the loose ends just brushing her tailbone. Bernadette is wrapped in two pieces of stretch fabric which form a concealing, yet still quite appealing canary yellow bikini. The top is a halter, wrapping around her average chest, just a couple inches below her breasts, completely covering them. The neckline of the top is rounded, dipping lower than most shirts, showing pleanty of Bernadette's skin, but not low enough to hint at any cleavage. The two shoulder straps slip up and form another round, dip in back, a little lower than the one in front. The bottom is similarly covering, but tasteful. The leg holes are elongated, slipping high up over the hips. It wraps around the waist, covering the belly button and completely covering the rear. Her feet are bare; her left looking just a little bit shorter than her right. A handmade pendant hangs from a red cord about her neck. Matching platinum bands encircle her ring finger on her left hand, one displaying a small, teardrop shaped black crystal. You notice a rather strong prickling along your skin when you pass too closely to Bernadette. Her right hand has been neatly bandaged. She is missing three fingers from it, one more recently than the other two. She is favoring one leg as she recently sprained the other. After what seems like an awful long passage of time, Bernadette emerges from the dressing room, throw her arms wide, sticks one hip out to the side demurely and sings "Tah-da!!" Kevlan looks up hopefully from where he's been pacing, and stares, a huge foolish grin crossing his face. Bernadette giggles and puts her arms down, blushing now, and stands straight again just looks at you. Kevlan says "Um, wow....." Kevlan says "Well, you were raht, honey, that does go real fine with your hair..." Bernadette smiles happily, and, fingering a few loose strands of her thick brown hair, queries, "You think?" as she takes a few steps further into the room towards you. Kevlan bobs his head, eyes shining, and looking you up and down. Kevlan says "Almost a shame t' git it wet..." Kevlan slips his arms around you, grinning. Bernadette laughs and fits her body comfortably against yours. "What about you? Did you bring a suit?" Kevlan glances down at his old cutoff. "These ain't okay f'r swimmin' in?" Bernadette quirks an eyebrow as she looks at the cutoffs and shakes her head, "Oh no...wrong material entirely, honey. Let's have a look at what they've got for men..." Kevlan blinkblinks. "Ah always swum in mah shorts back home," he mutters, but not unkindly, and he doesn't protest as you plunk him down in fron tof the terminal. The crystal resonance is zinging through your body. Non-singers around you see: The hairs on your arm stand on end and a chill goes up your spine. You notice a strange expression on Bernadette's face. Bernadette chuckles, "But in a pool? Any of those little frayed ends fall off and you muck up the filtration system..." Kevlan blinkblinks guilelessly. "Oh," he replies, distracted from the listings on the screen. Kevlan asks "What's a 'speedo'?" Bernadette peers at the screen. "Speedo?" Kevlan points, then punches up that item.... and promptly blushes to the roots of his hair. "Lady Bright!" Data Screen A touch screen display. It displays: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ SPEED1 20 Cr. Snug Fitting Swimming Briefs The screen shows a masculine form, spinning in slow circles. The manikin is dressed only in a snug fitting, black swim suit. The hip hugging swimming briefs adheres to it like a second skin, showing every every curve of its streamlined body. This cut of swim wear for men is an old and very popular design. It streamlines the male form, reducing drag while swimming. It is conservative in cut but still quite attractive. SPEEDO - Return to previous menu. Bernadette blinks, eyebrows raised, and smiles, chuckling to herself. Bernadette lowers her eyes to look into your startled blue eyes and says huskily, "Very sexy..." Kevlan mumbles, "Trifle drafty," then blinks up at you, and his expression melts at your look. "You, um.... think Ah-Ah oughtta..." Bernadette leans over and nibbles your earlobe, eyes on the screen and nods. "Mmmm hmmm..." Kevlan murmurs shyly to you, "Um, black?" You can detect some crystal resonance in your bones. Non-singers around you see: A rather strong needling pricks your skin when you pass close by Bernadette. Bernadette nods again, "Black's your color, honey." Her voice is soft. Kevlan, his heart in his throat, punches in the order. Kevlan taps picks a package up. Kevlan, as the package flips lightly out of the box, stares at it a little amazedly. Bernadette stands straight again and smiles, looking between the package and you. "Well?" she asks finally, to prompt you into action. Kevlan ums, and slowly rises, edging towards the fitting room. At that smile from you, he can feel his insides churning, which isn't necessarily comforting. But he grins bashfully, and creeps behind the Privacy curtain. Bernadette grins to herself and wanders the store while she waits, looking at the other items available for purchase. Delvan walks in, from the street. Delvan has arrived. Bernadette turns from looking at a display while waiting for Kevlan to emerge from a fitting room and smiles as she recognizes the new arrival. "Hello, Delvan. You can hear crystal resonance rushing between your ears. Non-singers around you see: You feel a rather strong needling on your skin when you pass close to Bernadette. Kevlan yelps from behind the privacy curtain, "THIS ITTY BITTY THANG IS A SWIMSUIT? HOW'M AH S'POSED...." His fair head emergegs, briefly, from the room, and he asks Bernadette wide-eyedly, "You shore 'bout this, honey?" Bernadette blinks as she looks toward the privacy curtain and says "How bad can it be, honey?" before she pads over to peek behind the curtain. Delvan blinks and glances once towards Kevlan's voice, then does his best to hide a smile and look away, finding the most mundane things suddenly interesting. Kevlan, as soon as he sees Delvan out in the room, turns three shades whiter and clutches at the privacy curtain, perhaps intending to wrap it around him. Bernadette manages to peer around the curtain Kevlan's clutching to himself. "It's not that bad, Kev. You've certainly got the body for it!" Delvan, not even looking up from a garment he's found, does his best to stifle a chuckle, resulting in something that sounds quite unbecomming a singer. Kevlan peeks anxiously out at Berni, his blue eyes round in his tanned face. "It's awful tiny," he whispers to her. Bernadette looks up into Kevlan's distressed face and says soothingly, "It's just less than you're used to, honey." She steps back and points to herself, "This is less than I'm used to wearing, too..." Delvan moves around the room quietly, giving Berni just a half-second glance as he goes on looking. Taylor walks in, from the street. Taylor has arrived. Kevlan blinks to Berni and begins, "Ah.... aigh!" As another customer enters the store, he pales again. Taylor wanders in, looking above her head as the little bell rings. Delvan lifts his head, looking first at Kevlan, then over to Taylor, quietly noting just who walked in. Taylor nods to you all and smiles, moving over to a free terminal and becoming entranced by the images shown there. Occassionally she'll glance up, smiling over at you folks. Not finding anything she's interested in, Taylor smiles around again and departs. Taylor walks through the Market Street exit. Taylor has left. If you pay attention to it, the crystal resonance can be heard coursing through your body at all times. Non-singers around you see: You notice a rather strong prickling along your skin when you pass too closely to Bernadette. Bernadette chuckles patiently, "C'mon, honey, it's really not that bad....What's the old saying..." She searches her memory, "'If you've got it, flaunt it'?" She grins at Kevlan and tugs at the sheet, trying to pry it loose, "You've got it, Kev...so flaunt it!" Kevlan, who has evidently completely forgotten that he was just informing Bernadette that he has no problems with other people ogling _her_, mumbles abashedly, "Ah ain't got nothin' more special'n' any othah feller..." Bernadette, however, has deft fingers, and she coaxes a good measure of his bare torso into view. He blushes crimson, and it carries right down from his neck, too. Delvan rumages through the store a little more before shrugging and walking towards the door. He nods politely to Bernadette and Kevlan, smiling just a touch, before passing through to the outside, saying in parting, "Have fun, you two." Delvan walks through the Market Street exit. Delvan has left. You can hear crystal resonance rushing between your ears. Non-singers around you see: Bernadette is often distracted. When you are near her the hair on your arms stands on end, which you unconsciously brush down. Bernadette grins and grasps Kevlan's hand, pulling him gently. "It's not that bad, Kev...really," she repeats. As the shop clears, Kevlan creeps out nervously, and the blush continues right down to the top of the trunks. Kevlan starts to duck his gaze, then blushes even more brightly as he realizses that simply gives him quite the view of himself. Swallowing hard, he looks up to your face, a rather safer place to rest his gaze, and squeaks, "Um..." Bernadette, holding both of Kevlan's hands out, stands back a bit and looks him over from head to toe. She puckers her lips and lets out a low wolf-whistle and says, as she raises her eyes back to his, "You look good, honey." >From the tanned and lean look of him, and the way his actions seem to speak of preternaturally acute senses, this tall and rangy young man can't be anything but a Crystal Singer... and with his lazy, liquid drawl and half-shy, half-forthright manner, he can't be any Singer but Kevlan 'Galahad' Sharr. Kevlan's light brown hair is cut pragmatically short in the back but long in the front, with random strands often getting in his smoky blue, dark-lashed eyes. He frequently fidgets restlessly, drumming his fingers on any available surface, or tapping his feet. Kevlan is dressed only in a snug fitting, black swim suit. The hip hugging swimming briefs adhere to him like a second skin, showing every curve of his streamlined body. He is currently barefoot, and pads around without a sound when he walks. His left ankle is wrapped as if it was sprained recently. "Ah-Ah do?" Kevlan relaxes, just a trifle, his smile uncertain. "Ah-Ah-Ah'm a tad chilly..." Bernadette chuckles, but not unkindly, as she releases his hands and moves forward to wrap her arms around his waist. "That's just because you're standin' there. If we were swimming...or otherwise preoccupied...you wouldn't even notice the temperature." She looks up and grins. Kevlan's gaze turns a strange mix between tender and smoldering. "You, um..." His voice drops to a husky murmur. "... got any idears on how we, um, oughtta be... occupied?" Raising herself up on tiptoes, carefully so as not to overstress her injured ankle, Bernadette plants a kiss on your chin and chuckles huskily. "Perhaps we should find a quiet, secluded spot on the beach and just...find something to occupy us?" Kevlan gazes down at you warmly, and slowly nods, enchanted by your eyes, and the suggestion in your voice. He doesn't move, though, as he studies you dreamily. "L'il ol'... peaceful nook some'ere..." Bernadette nods slowly in return, her eyes shifting between each one of your crystal clear blue eyes. "Nothing but you, me, the sound of the ocean..." Kevlan's mouth; with a tiny rueful laugh, he murmurs, "The, uh, ocean's outside, darlin'..." Bernadette raises one eyebrow and rejoins, "So's the beach and any peaceful nooks..." Kevlan's smile widens, even as he slowly disengages from your embrace and grabs his belongings. Then, carisak in one hand and your own hand in his other, he leads you out, shyly. Kevlan walks through the Market Street exit. Kevlan has left. You walk through the Market Street exit. Market Street [ desc nuked ] Obvious exits: JAS Swimwear and Apparel Ice Cream Shoppe Good Ship Lollypop Ocean Way Kevlan walks through the Ocean Way exit. Kevlan has left. You walk through the Ocean Way exit. Ocean Way [ desc nuked ] Obvious exits: Medical Center Market Street Dock Street Beach Light House Kevlan walks through the Beach exit. Kevlan has left. You walk through the Beach exit. Beach - WWSF This small beach is bordered on the North by the docks, Ocean Way on the East, and a palm grove next to a rental shack to the South. The bright green fronds of the tall trees, similar to Terran palms, wave lightly in the slight breeze. The trees grow on the bright patches of the short, even grasses which grow here as well. The most striking feature here, however, is the incredibly fine, bleached white sand, which covers the entire beach. It slides smoothly around your feet as you walk along the beach, it's silky feel caressing the exposed flesh it touches. The smell sea-spray fills the air, and the rhythmic crashing of the waves settles into your grateful body. The beach is decorated for a huge beach party. Bright streamers and ribbons float gracefully in the breeze from the tops of multi-hued canopies set up to provide shade and comfort for those who don't wish to sit on the beach. The smells of roasting fish and tubers waft through the air, making your mouth water. Squinting your eyes against the harsh reflection of the sun's rays off the sand, you peer down the beach, which now writhes with activity. Your skin heats easily under the sun's direct light, lulling you as you lie on the soft sand. People in various states of dress walk in and out of your field of vision, and the water teems with activity. Further out, you notice the brightly coloured sails of ships and the occasional spray as a waterskier's ride comes to an abrupt end. Contents: Kevlan BBQ pit Jeff Joel Keg of Polly Wine Obvious exits: Water Beach Rentals Ocean Way Light House Kevlan walks through the Beach Rentals exit. Kevlan has left. You walk through the Beach Rentals exit. Beach Rentals A medium-sized room, racks of equipment for 'rent' are mounted upon three of the walls. Customers also come here to 'return' equipment they've rented, too. Through the open doors, you see a white sand beach and a palm grove. Looking out the open doors, you notice that it is afternoon. Contents: Kato Obvious exits: White SAND Beach Palm Grove Beach You walk through the White SAND Beach exit. White Sand Beach This expansive beach extends for several hundred meters to either side of you in a smooth semi-circle. The bright green fronds of the tall trees, similar to Terran palms, wave lightly in the slight breeze. The trees grow on the bright patches of the short, even grasses which grow here as well. The most striking feature here, however, is the incredibly fine, bleached white sand, which covers the entire beach. It slides smoothly around your feet as you walk along the beach, its silky feel caressing the exposed flesh it touches. The smell sea-spray fills the air, and the rhythmic crashing of the waves settles into your grateful body. Squinting your eyes against the harsh reflection of the sun's rays off the sand, you peer down the beach, which now writhes with activity. Your skin heats easily under the sun's direct light, lulling you as you lie on the soft sand. People in various states of dress walk in and out of your field of vision, and the water teems with activity. Further out, you notice the brightly coloured sails of ships and the occasional spray as a waterskier's ride comes to an abrupt end. The air has a slight nip to it, but the warm breeze off the sea keeps it comfortable here. Obvious exits: Beach RENtals Water Palm Grove Kevlan walks through the White SAND Beach exit. Kevlan has arrived. Bernadette looks around briefly, looks back up at you and asks "Secluded and peaceful enough?" Kevlan flashes you a tender smile. "Ah could handle this spot, ayeah..." Crystal resonance is humming pleasantly in your body. Non-singers around you see: If you happen to be near Bernadette, the hair on your arm stands on end. Bernadette smiles demurely, dropping her own carisak and turns slightly to look out over the water, free tendrils of her hair escaping its braid and floating around her face and head like a halo. Kevlan steps to wrap his arms around you, and nuzzle his check at that hair. Bernadette sighs contentedly and, encircling your waist with her arms, tips her face up towards you, her eyes half-lidded, gazing dreamily into your own. Kevlan sings lowly and sweetly into your ear, "Love me tonight... let me feel your lips on mine...." Bernadette, leaning her head now on your chest, starts to sway as she hums in harmony with your singing. Kevlan holds you tightly, humming the tune softly, his lips brushing the top of your head. Sighing happily, Bernadette rests her cheek against your chest and murmurs, "I always feel safe with you." Kevlan, with that same tender smile lingering still about his mouth, crouches to spread out the blanket he'd stuffed in his carisak. Bernadette smiles and kneels down on the blanket, gazing up at you. Kevlan kneels down next to you, then slips an arm about you and draws you down to lie cradled against him. "Ain't nothin' t' feel unsafe 'bout heah..." he murmurs gently. Bernadette mmmms and snuggles closer against your side. "No," she agrees, "Just you, and me, and the beach." Kevlan lies back with you along the blanket, and smiles gently, hugging you to him. His free hand trails lightly up and down you, and he murmurs, "Man could git.. occupied real easylike..." Bernadette chuckles softly and nods, "Under the right circumstance, yes." Kevlan proceeds to occupy himself, accordingly, his hands and lips brushing gently along your skin. Bernadette promptly responds, assisting you with the task of occupying yourself, her fingertips (what's left of them) running lightly over your shoulders. Through Kevlan's speedos, like a second skin as they seem to be, it's easy to tell exactly how... occupied he is. Perhaps he realizes this, or perhaps it's simply because of the cool breeze playing over both of you that he reaches around for a corner of the blanket and draws it shelteringly over you. That done, his smile soft, his breath softer, he remains quite pleasurably occupied, for some time.... Time passes and the sun moves across the sky. The sand is painted with elongating shadows, the water inching closer and closer to the two Singers' feet as the tide rises. Snuggling beneath the blanket, Bernadette rests her head comfortably on Kevlan's shoulder. You can hear crystal resonance coursing gently through your body. Non-singers around you see: If you happen to be near Bernadette, the hair on your arm stands on end. _Happy as a coupla clams_, Kevlan thinks dreamily, languid now in the embrace of his wife, the sun, and the soft blanket. He vaguely considers why people always call clams happy, but the thought moves only slowly through his head, as he cuddles Berni close. Bernadette, with a contented sigh and fleeting thoughts of how pleasant it is to be where she is, drops off into a light doze. _Good_, Kevlan thinks, _to just lay heah an' not think 'bout time or nothin'..._ His hand lightly strokes Berni's hair. Snuggling closer to her husband's lean frame, Bernadette descends deeper into slumber, her breathing slowing and becoming more rhythmic. Kevlan, in nothing resembling a hurry to move, drifts pleasantly through thoughts of song fragments, and ways to assemble them. _Wellllll, it don't take much to keep me satisfied, jes' a little bit a lovin' that's bona fide..._ That rhyme pleases him; it's not his usual vocabulary, and Tamber would be proud that he thought of it. What else to put with it? _In your arms keep me tangled up all the time, like a kitten with a ball o' twine..._ Kevlan beams drowsily, eyes closed against Scoria's light. Sweet l'il kitten Berni... soft jes' like a kitten... Bernadette's limbs twitch and she makes a little snorting sound in her sleep. Kevlan turns his head, sleepily, towards his mate. Shifting just a little, Bernadette settles down again, still sleeping peacefully. Kevlan nuzzles Berni's forehead, softly. Kevlan finally drops lightly into sleep, himself, sated by Bernadette's closeness. More time passes...the sun sinks even lower in the sky and the air has cooled somewhat. The waves la's toes now and long, gray shadows engulf the landscape and the snoozing Singers. Kevlan's symbiont stirs, sending dim signals of the temperature shift to the young Singer's brain. A mrmfs, and scents water much closer than it had been earlier. Ought to move, he thinks, and he nuzzles Berni again. Crystal resonance is humming pleasantly in your body. Non-singers around you see: Bernadette is often distracted. When you are near her the hair on your arms stands on end, which you unconsciously brush down. Kevlan murmurs into your hair, "Berni hon..." Bernadette, still sleeping, rolls over to face you again, having at some point during the passing time turned away, and you can see that despite the cooling air, her fair skin is sheathed with a gleaming layer of sweat, her brows drawn together in a troubled frown. Kevlan blinks open his eyes, and props himself up on his elbow. Around a yawn, he tries again. "Berni honey?" Bernadette's brown eyes fly open and she scuttles backward on hands and feet through the sand with a startled yelp. She blinks rapidly, her breathing close to hyperventilation, and stares at you. Kevlan starts, and sits up, the blanket falling lightly off his bare shoulders. "Berni?" Fully awake now, he reaches for you. "Darlin'? You okay?" Trembling, Bernadette blinks at you and, after a moment, nods shakily. She squeaks "Oh, Kevlan..." and hurls herself at you, wrapping her arms tightly around your neck. Her sweat-moistened body quivers against yours. Kevlan oofs just a little, but immediately cradles you close. "Shhh... easy now, honey... don' fret... easy now..." Bernadette is silent. She just continues to cling tightly to you and little by little, her shaking subsides and her grip loosens...just a little. Kevlan brushes soft kisses along your hair, and murmurs tenderly, "Ah'm heah, honey... shhh...." Bernadette takes one final shuddering breath and relaxes her arms, sitting back on her heels and gazing around the beach with wide eyes, her breathing still slightly faster than normal. You can hear crystal resonance coursing gently through your body. Non-singers around you see: If you happen to be near Bernadette, the hair on your arm stands on end. Kevlan keeps a hand on your shoulder, and rubs that shoulder lightly. Even to guileless Kevlan it's obvious you were having a nightmare, and he asks now, softly, "You back with me, honey?" Bernadette raises her eyes to your face and nods mutely. She takes one final glance around the beach, confirming to herself that she is where she thinks she is, and looks back at you as she clears her throat. "I'm alright.." Kevlan studies you searchingly, worriedly. "What kinda dream was it?" Bernadette blinks at you, a little incomprehendingly and then replies in a small voice "I don't know," frowning a little. Kevlan leans closer, brow furrowed, and he offers, "You... looked awful riled, hon.." Bernadette frowns at you confusedly. "I...I don't remember what it was about..." Kevlan cups his hand around your cheek. "How you been sleepin'?" Kevlan glances down at the tide, blinks at the proximity of the water's edge, then gets up. The blanket falls off his mostly bare body, and he leans over to grab his shirt and shrug into it. "C'mon, sweetie... let's git outta th' wind, 'kay? An' you c'n tell me 'bout this, if theah's anythin' t' tell..." Kevlan gets dressed, at least in the shirt and shorts, and gently hands you a shirt to put on. Bernadette blinks and nods, looking at the water, also, and gathering up her garments and following you. Kevlan walk has left. You walk through the Palm Grove exit. Palm Grove This is a cozy little area, with palm trees and white sand. There are some benches and tables here, providing a nice shaded area for picnicers. Just off this area there is the weathered single story building of the White Sands Cantina. The ocean is nearby, as well as a rental shack. The afternoon light shines down through the trees, warming the area. There is a chill in the air, but the breeze off the water keeps it from getting below freezing Obvious exits: White Sands CANTina White SAND Beach Beach RENtals Bernadette finishes shrugging into the shirt you've offered her...it hangs down to her knees...and she huddles close to you under the blanket. Kevlan guides you over to a seat, and asks softly, "Wanna sit, hon? Or go git somethin' t' eat?" He puts his arm around you, protectively. Bernadette nods and mumbles "Sitting's good," as she allows you to steer her and seat her. Kevlan quietly ventures, "Ah been... kinda noticin' you been sleepin' funny..." Bernadette looks up at you in surprise. "I have?" This is obviously the first she's heard of it. Kevlan nods earnestly. "Been meanin' t' ask you if Ah oughtta git th' mattress changed or if Ah been kickin' you when Ah sleep, but Ah-Ah guess that ain't necahsar'ly th' problem." He smiles a little. "'Less Ah was kickin' you back theah?" Bernadette smiles slightly and shakes her head, "No, I don't think you were kickin' me. I tend to wake up when you do that and remember it...." Her eyes stray away from yours, and her brow furrows as she tries to recall her dreams. Kevlan just holds you lightly, patiently waiting, and then he asks shyly, "How c'n Ah he'p, honey?" Bernadette's eye come back into focus upon yours and she shrugs. "I don't know that you can, honey." She smiles again, a little sadly, then, narrowing her eyes says "A figure...can't see a face...sometimes he...or she...is big...sometimes it's my size or smaller..." Kevlan nods quietly, offers a hug, and listens. Bernadette blinkblinks and shrugs, widening her eyes to look up at you helplessly, "That's all I can remember so far...that and that it's bad, whatever it is." If you pay attention to it, the crystal resonance can be heard coursing through your body at all times. Non-singers around you see: A rather strong needling pricks your skin when you pass close by Bernadette. Kevlan hugs you lightly, and murmurs, "Nothin' 'sides that?" After a few minutes of concentration, Bernadette shakes her head and shrugs her shoulders, "Nothing yet, anyhow." She frowns. Kevlan rubs your head, softly, and asks, "D'you... wanna talk about it?" Bernadette raises her eyes to yours, confused, "How? Can't remember hardly anything to talk about..." Kevlan's brow wrinkles a little, as he thinks, hard, getting the kind of expression normally reserved for the creation of songs or the searching out of claim spots. "We c'n talk with folks back at th' base, maybe... 'less you'd rathah it be jes' us?" Bernadette blanches and shakes her head, "No..no, I don't think I want to talk to anyone, I..." she shakes her head again and just finishes quietly, "No." Kevlan gently nods, again hugging you. "Okay, darlin', jes' you an me, then..." Bernadette nods, leaning against you and tucking her head under your chin and murmurs almost too quietly for you to hear "Safest that way..." [ end log ]