Chapter 2 - The Technosexual
Cover
Title
The Technosexual
Sequence 1
Chapter 2 | The Technosexual
Scene
A brightly lit neon "storefront" amid a drab building exterior.
"THE TECHNOSEXUAL" reads the main signage, bright shades of cyan and pink.
At either side of the double wide doors multi coloured neon silhouettes of dancers of various species in various poses. In place of windows, large semi-transparent data panels show opening times, services available, entry price and a simple code of conduct. (don't worry about making that all particularly clear).
Visible behind the data panels, a lounge area and the bar, the actual performers are not visible through them.
Page 1 (4 Panel)
Panel 1
Scene
The Staff Room at the Technosexual. A pretty plain room, reminiscent of a mid sized studio flat. Plain off-white painted walls, tiled floor leading to carpet underfoot.
Dark granite work surfaces, white cabinets, fire safety notices haphazardly hung up on the wall, a small CO2 fire extinguisher accompanying them.
Vera is standing next to a microwave, watching a mug slowly rotate. The mug says "#1 Dominatrix" on it and has a black and red pattern.
Rachel walks in, PDA in hand tapping away at it, an thin cable connects it's interface port to the interface port on the back of her neck.
A sofa visible in the background has Mocha just visible on it, she appears to be playing a game on the TV with some intensity. (SRB2Kart, inside joke. Playing as a green cream on misty maze, in first place)
Dialogue
Rachel: "Hot water still fucked?"
Vera: "Three weeks! Three weeks I've been on at that bastard of a landlord to get the tank fixed..."
Rachel: "And you won't let me do it because?"
Vera: "Don't get me started on the last time you 'fixed' something that wasn't a server..."
Panel 2
Scene
Vera retrieves what appears to be a cuppa-soup from the microwave, it is steaming slightly.
Rachel is still tapping away on her PDA but doesn't appear to be looking at it anymore, instead looking Vera.
Mocha is leaning forward. (It appears there is now an SPB chasing her in game)
Dialogue
Rachel: "Anyway, Zee launched our new netpage yesterday, the one with the uh... 'HoloVids' on it."
Vera: "How's that going?"
Rachel: "Traffic to our site is up, a few extra registrations for 'private shows'."
Vera: "More credits coming in is always good."
Panel 3
Scene
Vera takes a sip of her cuppa-soup and pulls a face. Rachel quirks an eyebrow, her PDA now down at her side.
Mocha has thrown her arms up in frustration. (The SPB caught her and there is an explosion on screen)
Dialogue
Rachel: "Not a fan?"
Vera: "It's garbage, but it fills a hole..."
Mocha: "FUCK!"
Panel 4
Scene
Vera and Rachel turn to look over at Mocha who is now flopped backward over the sofa, face scrunched up in annoyance, she's taking deep breaths. (The position counter on screen shows "9" as her character spins out.)
Dialogue
Vera: "You ok there?"
Mocha: "It's only a computer game... It's only a computer game..."
Vera: "Indeed. Best put it down now anyway, we open soon."
Mocha: "Yes ma'am..."
Page 2 (4 Panel)
Panel 1
Scene
Vera and Rachel have stepped out of the staff room into the public lounge, the door behind them reads "STAFF ONLY, TRESPASSERS WILL BE PROSTITUTED".
Rachel is looking down at her PDA again, Vera is looking out over the lounge area.
Dialogue
Vera: "Despite the struggles and stress, I do love this place..."
Rachel: "Certainly one of the more interesting places to work these days."
Vera: "Did you ever see yourself working in a place like this?"
Rachel: "A strip joint? Not really... but a tech job is a tech job, am I right?"
Panel 2
Scene
First Person, Vera's visual processing is largely un-augmented, the time is visible in one corner (20:50) and a small envelope icon in the other.
She looks out over the public lounge, various small stages, soft seating areas, conversation pits, strategically placed dance stages and polls.
The room is softly, but evenly lit. Visible above the polls are powerful spot-lights, scattered about the ceiling and walls are various neon tubes, currently off.
The bar at the far side has mavica standing behind it, cleaning glasses.
Mocha is leaning against the bar with a drinks tray, chatting with mavica.
On one of the polls Luna is stretching, her black one-piece leaving little to the imagination.
Dialogue
Vera: "This has always been more than a job to me. I support those that have been abandoned by others. I've given some a whole new lease on life. I get to have some fun doing it too..."
Panel 3
Scene
First Person, Rachel's visual processing is extremely augmented by comparison, some kind of hellish mix between the EVE Online UI and Deus Ex. Panels of information practically obscure what she's looking at, a technical datasheet of the club's networking and wiring overlays her inspection of the same scene Vera was looking at.
Everything appears to be fully functional.
Dialogue
Rachel: "It's certainly one of the... nicest jobs I've ever held... Given the current state of the country, I am forever in your debt for hiring me."
Panel 4
Scene
Vera has turned to look at Rachel and places a hand on her shoulder, a disarming smile crosses her face.
Dialogue
Vera: "My dear, don't ever feel indebted to me. I may help others, but I'm not a charity. You work for me because you're good at what you do. Never forget that."
Rachel: "Thank you... I won't."
Page 3 (4 Panel)
Panel 1
Scene
Zee's workspace is a cramped and poorly lit room, littered with displays, keyboards, neural interfaces. The cable management looks like someone nearby suggested cable management should be a thing but nobody took the hint.
Zee likes it this way...
She is reclined back in her chair, multiple interface cables connected to the back of her neck.
Leaning over her, the slight and dirty-yellow figure of Leon. He has the access panel on her right arm open and is examining it. It is illuminated by a head mounted torch.
Dialogue
Leon: "You know, I'd be able to see better if you turned on some lights in here..."
Zee: "You'd be able to see better if you got your eyes augmented, meatbag."
Leon: "They're augmented enough for my tastes, thank you. You don't get to lecture me on augmentations anyway... Your fine motor actuator is shot again."
Panel 2
Scene
Leon stands upright and reaches up to his head-torch to click it off. His other hand slipping his screwdriver into a tool-belt.
Zee has turned her head and is glaring at the open access panel on her arm.
Dialogue
Zee: "Didn't I get that replaced recently?"
Leon: "Yeah, last month... I guess it's something in the control circuits that keeps burning it out."
Zee: "Options?"
Leon: "Replace it and see if it burns out again... Or we look at replacing the whole arm."
Panel 3
Scene
Zee leans back in her chair again, her left arm coming across to touch the right near the open access panel.
Leon relaxes one arm by his side and starts tapping on his PDA with the other.
Dialogue
Leon: "I can have a new actuator here tomorrow... or a new arm by next week."
Zee: "...Order the acutator... I will assess my options."
Leon: "Meanwhile, do you want me to rig up a bypass so you can keep using the arm, or detach it and fit the part as soon as it arrives?"
Zee: "Bypass the fault... people stare enough as it is..."
Panel 4
Scene
Leon has clicked his head torch back on and he's leaning over Zee's arm again, Zee has leaned back in her chair again with a sigh.
Dialogue
Leon: "Don't try and do anything delicate with it until I get the new part in."
Zee: "I will bear that in mind..."
Page 4 (4 Panel)
Panel 1
Scene
The club is about to open, Vera has moved behind the bar and is doing a once over of stock whilst mavica cleans around her. mavica has a soft smile and seems to be humming to itself.
Rachel is leaning over the bar to talk to Vera. Rachel's PDA is sitting on the bar-top but it's still connected to the interface on her neck.
Dialogue
Rachel: "Hey Boss, cameras have picked up someone standing at the door."
Vera: "A queue?"
Rachel: "Just one person. Female, Vulpine, holding a portable terminal of some kind."
Vera: "Bet it's the health inspector..."
Rachel: "Not sure, looks like she's on a mission though..."
Panel 2
Scene
Outside The Technosexual, Melissa is standing by the doors waiting for the opening time, a couple of random un-augmented men have stood behind her. They appear to be checking her out and muttering to each other. She pretends to take no notice, simply staring at her PDA.
Dialogue
Man 1 muttered: "Think she's a new performer?"
Man 2 muttered: "I hope so... look at that ass..."
Man 1 muttered: "Sod the ass, look at that arm... Looks MilSpec..."
Man 2 muttered: "Oh yes... I wonder she used to do..."
Vera (Off Screen): "That's enough, save your furious wanking for the performers."
Panel 3
Scene
Melissa looks up from her PDA at Vera, who is leaning around the door. The two men now looking away sheepishly.
Dialogue
Vera: "Can I help you?"
Melissa: "How do you know I'm not a patron?"
Vera: "Call it a hunch, seems I'm correct!"
Melissa: "Yeah... uh... I just got back home after a few years away and my power and Net access have been cut off..."
Vera: "Say no more, come on in."
Panel 4
Scene
Vera has stepped further onto the street and is holding the door open whilst Melissa walks in. Vera is shooting absolute daggers at the two men still standing outside. They look like they want to sink into the pavement.
Dialogue
Vera: "I'll be keeping an eye on you two tonight..."
Men: "Yes ma'am..."
Page 5 (4 + 1 wide)
Panel 1
Scene
First person, Melissa.
The main hallway into the lounge, the floor is the stereotypical red-carpeted material, however made out of a dense and durable enhanced nano-fiber. Hasn't stopped it from discolouring slightly on the main thoroughfare.
Rachel is standing just slightly down said corridor and is watching Vera and Melissa approach. She's tapping away on her PDA again without looking at it.
Dialogue
Vera: "Rachel, this young lady here has had her power and net access cut off, can you get her an account on our secure wireless?"
Rachel: "Shouldn't be a problem to set her up a temporary account!"
Melissa: "Thank you, I really appreciate this. I'll be out of your hair as quickly as possible."
Panel 2
Scene
First person, Melissa is scanning the scene in front of her. The lounge area, the poles being further occupied with performers doing stretches (scene composition, artist's choice). The bar being actively manned by mavica.
Vera is walking ahead of Melissa, Rachel is standing off to one side, once again engrossed in her PDA.
Melissa's implants have, however, locked onto the sight of Zee, propping herself up against a doorframe, her right arm hangs limp at one side, the left is holding a hypo-injector up to her neck, a bright looking fluid inside the cylinder.
Dialogue
Rachel: "Ok, if you come with me to the office I can get you set up on the network for tonight."
Melissa: "Thank you, I really do appreciate the..."
Panel 3
Scene
First person, Melissa's entire view is taken up with Orbii, Zee's "pet" construct. It has an angry face on it's display panel.
Melissa's HUD flashes up with a -PROXIMITY WARNING-, her implants immediately scanning the object in front of her.
Dialogue
Orbii: loud screeching
Melissa: "What the!?"
Zee: "Orbii! Heel!"
Panel 4
Scene
First person, Melissa now has Zee centered in her vision, the orb has floated over to Zee's side and hovers just off of her right shoulder, still displaying an angry face.
Zee is pointing the hypo-injector threateningly at Melissa.
Dialogue
Zee: "MIND YOUR OWN FUCKING BUSINESS!"
Panel 5 (Wide)
Scene
Zee has stormed off, leaving a shocked Melissa standing in the corridor with a slightly startled Rachel.
Dialogue
Melissa: "What in the..."
Rachel: "Trust me when I say that it's not what you're thinking right now..."
Melissa: "I sense a but..."
Rachel: "No but. Don't ask."
Page 6 (4 Panel)
Panel 1
Scene
The server room at The Technosexual, a clean and orderly affair. Racks of computers and terminals quietly humming away, activity lights blink in pleasing patterns. The chill of local air conditioning keeping the room at an average temperature pleasant to server and augment alike.
Rachel is holding the door to the room open as Melissa steps inside.
Dialogue
Rachel: "I don't think I need to tell you not to touch anything."
Melissa: "I'll keep my hands in my pockets then."
Rachel: "Not.. quite so extreme."
Panel 2
Scene
Rachel has lead Melissa over to a desk, dual monitors atop it, a keyboard perched in front of them, partially hanging off the desk.
Compared to the room it resides in, the desk is an utter mess, computer parts and spec sheets are scattered across it in a seemingly haphazard fashion.
A tatty faux-leather office chair sits behind it with a low grey-fabric chair sitting in front of it.
Dialogue
Rachel: "If you take a seat, I'll get you credentials to get you connected to the secure wireless."
Melissa: "Appreciated.. again... I'll be out of your hair as soon as I have my electricity and Net access restored."
Panel 3
Scene
Melissa is sitting on the fabric chair, Rachel has sat behind her desk and shuffled some things around to get her keyboard in front of her.
Melissa has glanced up at the wall behind Rachel's desk, her eyes are immediately drawn to a large specimen jar that appears to contain Rachel's severed left hand.
Dialogue
Rachel: "Nonsense, you're welcome to stay for a drink."
Melissa: "I don't want to intru..."
Panel 4
Scene
Rachel has twisted round and is looking up at the jar as well.
Dialogue
Rachel: "Oh, that!"
Melissa: "Yeah... that... uh..."
Rachel: "My old left hand, the doctor let me keep it. You know, as a memento!"
Melissa: "Memento... right."
Page 7 (4 Panel)
Panel 1
Scene
Rachel is typing at her console again, Melissa is having a look around the server room. How clean it is compared to Rachel's desk is rather contrasting.
Dialogue
Rachel: "I have a fascination with biology, it always was a bit of a passion."
Melissa: "But you went into IT?"
Rachel: "Computers are more predictable... well.. most of the time anyway."
Panel 2
Scene
Rachel has slid a keypad over to Melissa and is still looking at her console screen.
Melissa is keying something onto the pad.
Dialogue
Rachel: "Ok, if you could enter your NetID here I'll get you added to the authentication server."
Melissa: "Thanks, I was worried I was going to have to use a public DataJack."
Rachel: "Eugh, Gods know what you could catch from one of those..."
Melissa: "Nice to know that hasn't changed..."
Panel 3
Scene
Rachel has taken the keypad back and is typing on her console again. Melissa is scanning the desk in front of her looking at all the stuff cluttering it up.
Dialogue
Rachel: "Yup, hope you have a good active firewall if you plan to use public jacks."
Melissa: "Military grade, not that I even trust it all the time."
Rachel: "Well our security here is solid, so no need to worry about that."
Panel 4
Scene
First person, Melissa is looking straight at Rachel, a notification pops up saying that she is now connected to a network called "Technosexual_Staff"
Rachel smiling: "And that's you online!"
Page 8 (4 Panel)
Panel 1
Scene
Melissa and Rachel are walking back out of the server room towards the main lounge area. Activity has picked up, there's a small queue at the bar, a gaggle of patrons around each occupied poll.
Leon and mavica are dancing around each other at the bar, trying to make sure everyone is served. They make it look easy.
Dialogue
Rachel: "I'll sit you down in one of the conversation pits, the music isn't as loud there and the foot traffic is lower."
Melissa: "That would be good, thank you."
Panel 2
Scene
A less harshly lit area of the club, lit from above by soft and warm lighting. A curved, soft and velvety sofa in a similar red to the carpet is sunk into the ground, a table sits in the middle adorned with DataJacks power outlets and some empty glasses.
Dialogue
Rachel: "Make yourself comfortable and I'll go get you something from the bar, what are you drinking?"
Melissa: "Uh, just a cola if you have any. I've never really been one for alcohol."
Rachel: "To each their own! Back in a moment."
Panel 3
Scene
Rachel has walked away and Melissa has sat down, nestling into the soft chair. She opens her portable terminal, sitting it on the table and connecting it to the jack available.
Panel 4
Scene
Melissa sits down, connecting a jack from the terminal to the back of her neck, the terminal powers on. Melissa crouches over it and starts to investigate why her bills have not been paid.
Page 9 (4 Panel)
Panel 1
Scene
Melissa is frowning, her fingers rattling across the keyboard, Rachel approaches her from behind holding a glass filled with cola.
Dialogue
Rachel: "Any joy?"
Melissa: "Not a single transaction I attempt is going through..."
Rachel: "Think it's an issue with your bank?"
Panel 2
Scene
Melissa reaches back with her left arm and takes the glass off of Rachel.
Dialogue
Melissa: "I certainly hope not... thank you..."
Rachel: "You were getting paid right? Whatever it was you were doing..."
Melissa: "At war in the Western Republic? I hope I was getting fucking paid for that shit show!"
Panel 3
Scene
Melissa's face falls in utter disgust and and anger... the glass in her left hand shatters.
Rachel jumps back a little bit in surprise.
Dialogue
Rachel: "What, what is it!?"
Panel 4
Scene
First Person, Melissa gazing at the display of her terminal.
First Central Bank : Miss. M. Kjeller
Balance: 0 Cr
Dialogue
Melissa: "There's... my... it's empty..."
Page 10 (4 Panel)
Panel 1
Scene
Rachel has taken an interface cable from the terminal and is sat next to Melissa both of them are scouring her transaction logs to try and figure out what has happened to her money.
On the floor a roomba-like robot has appeared and is sweeping up the shattered glass and spilled cola.
(Automaid, by Norithics cleared for reference/cameo)
Dialogue
Rachel: "This makes no sense, I can see your payments coming in, tax going out, standard expenses and then..."
Melissa: "Poof, it all vanishes, what the fuck is 'AE-Reclaim'..."
Panel 2
Scene
Zee is towering behind them, she's tall as it is, but the conversation pit seems to add to that height. Rachel and Melissa have not noticed her...
Dialogue
Zee: "Augment Expense Reclaimation Tax. The war was not popular, we are not popular. The government took your money to pay for the augmentations you got whilst in their employ. Disgusting meatsacks that they are."
Panel 3
Scene
Melissa and Rachel have spun round to look up at Zee, a look of shock and confusion crosses their faces.
Dialogue
Melissa: "Excuse me... WHAT!?"
Zee: "They took your money to pay for their war. Even though you fought it for them."
Rachel: "That can't be legal!"
Zee: "Perfectly legal, Statute 84-9c, Section 98. It got the current ruling party re-elected even..."
Panel 4
Scene
Melissa flops back in the seat and looks like she is about to cry.
Rachel's face is contorted in rage, Zee stares down at them blankly.
Dialogue
Zee: "I suggest that you attempt to find new employment."
Melissa: "Doing what though?"
Page 11 (4 Panel)
Panel 1
Scene
Melissa disconnected from her terminal is seated, hunched over a fresh cola. She's just staring at her reflection in the dark fluid. She's not even taken a sip of it yet...
Rachel is standing next to Zee as both look down into the pit.
Dialogue
Rachel: "I feel so bad... and disgusted..."
Zee: "Emotions won't help here, they never really help in general."
Rachel: "Remind me to never ask you for council..."
Zee: "I would prefer you not to anyway."
Panel 2
Scene
Zee glances over her shoulder whilst Rachel continues to look down at Melissa. Zee is looking over at the bar where Vera and Leon appear to be discussing something, mavica is not present, possibly in the back room.
Dialogue
Rachel: "I wish we could do something to help..."
Zee: "Perhaps we can provide assistance. It would be entierly up to Vera though."
Rachel: "A job? I don't know if the club's finances can stretch that far right now."
Zee: "As I said, dependant on Vera."
Panel 3
Scene
Rachel kneels down and leans a little into the pit, Zee has walked off towards the bar.
Melissa has still not touched her drink, still just staring at her murky reflection.
Dialogue
Rachel: "Hey, we're going to see what we can do to help, ok?"
Melissa: "...I've already imposed enough... I can't even pay for this drink now..."
Rachel: "It was always going to be on the house anyway."
Melissa: "..."
Panel 4
Scene
Melissa looks up at Rachel, the fur around her eyes and down her muzzle soaked with tears.
Dialogue
Rachel: "Are you going to need somewhere to stay?"
Melissa: "I don't think so... my apartment should be covered until next month... at least according to the letting agency."
Rachel: "I take it that was paid for whilst you were away."
Melissa: "Fortunately..."
Page 12 (4 Panel)
Panel 1
Scene
Zee approaches the bar and Leon spots her first. He places both his hands on the bar and smiles wide.
Dialogue
Leon: "The ever elusive Zee, what can I get you?"
Zee: "Peace, to speak to the boss."
Leon: "My apologies! I'll let you two be then!"
Panel 2
Scene
Leon has turned and walked to the other end of the bar, he busies himself checking stock as there appears to be a lull in customers.
Vera has fully turned and props herself against the bar with her arm.
Dialogue
Vera: "That wasn't very nice, now was it?"
Zee: "Pleasantries waste time, particularly in this case."
Vera: "Oh, a problem with our new vulpine friend?"
Zee: "You could say that."
Panel 3
Scene
Vera looks over at the pit, Rachel has sat in it alongside Melissa and the two appear to be pretty deep in conversation.
Dialogue
Vera: "Go on."
Zee: "She appears to have been hit by the AER Tax."
Vera: "You're joking... I thought that was all just political posturing."
Zee: "Apparently not."
Panel 4
Scene
Vera looks back over at Zee. Zee's face, slightly less inscrutable than usual, she appears to be some kind of mix of annoyed and concerned.
Dialogue
Zee: "I think you should employ her."
Vera: "I don't even know her Zee, I can't just give her a job... besides..."
Zee: "I am aware of the financial implications, please allow me to worry about that."
Vera: "Do I want to know?"
Zee: "... No."
Page 13 (4 Panel)
Panel 1
Scene
Melissa seems to have finally taken a few sips from her drink and is sat back in the chair again she seems to be lost in thought, her eyes glazed over.
Rachel is connected up to her PDA and Melissa's terminal again, trying to source funds and double checking sums.
Vera approaches from behind.
Dialogue
Vera: "Melissa, right?"
Melissa: "... hmmm... Oh! Yes... Hi... sorry..."
Vera: "No need to be sorry, it's ok. I heard about what's happened."
Panel 2
Scene
Melissa takes another slow sip of her drink, eyes still somewhat glazed over. Vera has stepped into the pit and sat next to her.
Dialogue
Melissa: "Yeah, sucks doesn't it..."
Vera: "Look, I'll cut to the chase. I'm not a charity. But I want to offer you a position here."
Panel 3
Scene
Melissa looks round at Vera, giving her a look that is a mix of incredulous and confused.
Vera has a soft smile across her face mixed with a look of concern.
Dialogue
Melissa: "Do I really have a choice?"
Vera: "I'm not demanding you work for me..."
Melissa: "No I mean... what other work would I find?"
Panel 4
Scene
First person, Melissa has returned to staring at her drink with a sigh. She's not locked on to anything specific, most of her HUD seems to be on standby.
Dialogue
Melissa: "I'm not just a cyborg, I'm an ex-military cyborg. I see we're not exactly popular right now..."
Vera: "I won't make you, you can go home and think about it. I'll give you my net address and you can let me know tomorrow, ok?"
Melissa: "Ok..."
Page 14 (4 wide)
Panel 1
Scene
Melissa stands outside The Technosexual looking up at the skyline, her portable terminal in one hand and a business card in the other.
Panel 2
Scene
Melissa on the far left of the panel is walking through the streets towards her building. Pubs and clubs open and busy, bright lights and pounding music. The occasional one with a "NO CYBORGS" sign in the window.
Panel 3
Scene
Melissa, in the center of the panel, still walking, she's gazing at the business card. Small commercial stores are either closed or closing, nobody giving her any particular attention, as she walks by.
Panel 4
Scene
Melissa, at the far right of the panel, still walking, but with the business card at her side again. A residential area, mixed apartment doors of various levels of illumination, curtains closed shutting out the dark night.
Page 15 (4 panels)
Panel 1
Scene
Melissa is standing in the elevator on the way up to her apartment, she looks exhausted and weary, shoulders slumped. In the dirty glass behind her you can see reflected her interface ports because of her tied back hair.
Panel 2
Scene
Melissa steps out onto the landing and digs around in her pockets for her keys.
Panel 3
Scene
Melissa, having retrieved her keys looks up and furrows her brow.
Dialogue
Melissa: "Can I help you?"
Panel 4
Scene
First Person, Melissa. Her implants have locked onto the figure of Max (they detect no cyberization at all) leaning on the wall beside Melissa's apartment door.
He is short and has a slight frame, initially Melissa pegs him as female, until he speaks in a rather authoratitive tone.
Dialogue
Max: "You could answer some questions for me."