[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/kUEkMqP.png[/img]
[@Flamelord][@Shifter_Master][/center]
Janet and Jenna had planned to meet up with Penny to catch up on things. Especially given that the robot girl was supposed to be whole again. It was something the twins really wanted to see. One because they knew that she’d been struggling for a while, but also because the results piqued their scientific curiosity. Uncharacteristically Janet had to back out so it would just be Jenna today. Beacon HQ had several private lounging areas where its members could sit and talk, a luxury that had been afforded them to raise morale with the ensuing war. Given the circumstances though Alicia was also invited. Somewhat at a loss of what to do Jenna needed help from her friends. Raven was also tagging along, because things weren’t already confusing enough as is.

Having been escorted in by Jenna, Raven looked around rather impressed at how much stuff was here. No wonder some people liked Beacon. [color=steelblue]”Damn, Beacon must be loaded. And this is after…”[/color] She managed to stop herself from finishing that thought aloud. Entering the room, Raven plopped herself down in a seat and leaned back. It didn’t take long for her to see that Jenna was stressing. [color=steelblue]”Hey, don’t worry girl. We’re here to figure things out, not stress out.”[/color]

Turning for a moment to look at her newest friend she managed a light smile. [color=plum]”Yeah. Thanks for the encouragement Raven.”[/color]

[color=steelblue]”Don’t mention it.”[/color] Her eyes focused on the door as the first of their guests arrived.

First to walk through the door was Penny, a small smirk on her face as she did so. Her timing had always been pretty decent, but as of late it had gotten incredibly precise and she found it enjoyable to make it too meetings right on the dot, not that others really noticed that she arrived with split second accuracy, but she found it fun regardless.

Her gait slowed ever so slightly when she caught sight of both Jenna and Raven, as a brief calculating look ghosted across her features, but it was there and gone and not long after Penny would give a wave to the two of them as she moved to take a seat as well  [color=9e0039][u][b]“Hey Jenna, stranger”[/b][/u][/color] she would greet casually as she sank into the chair. 

Her choice of chair was a bit odd, but seemed inline with a growing trend with Penny and the rest of Beacon. She was sitting a rather surprising distance away, not far enough to be considered sitting apart, but somewhat on that edge, and it was something that could be noticed in how Penny seemed to treat all of Beacon, save for Alicia, almost keeping them at arm's length.

[color=9e0039][u][b]“How’s things been for you two?”[/b][/u][/color] She would go on to ask [color=9e0039][u][b]“The weeks been rather crazy after all”[/b][/u][/color]

Shaking her head a bit Jenna couldn’t help but smile. [color=plum]”You know you don’t have to sit so far away right? Like the new look by the way.”[/color] Ah, small talk. She would need a bit of this before getting to everything else. [color=plum]”I’ll get to how I’m doing later. I take it things went well with the coin?”[/color]

Raven waved back and interrupted just a bit. [color=steelblue]”I’m alive when I shouldn’t be, so that’s a big plus.”[/color]

[color=9e0039][u][b]“Yeah?”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would give Raven an amused look [color=9e0039][u][b]“Well we are living in a world of magic and gods, so I suppose that ‘s just par for the course at times”[/b][/u][/color] She would say with a chuckle [color=9e0039][u][b]“And yeah the Red worked as I expected, still had some unexpected turns, but not that unexpected really.”[/b][/u][/color] she would shrug, the diagnostic she had run afterward told her everything she needed to know about her changes due to the Coin.

Jenna clearly was scanning over Penny. In this case with her Third Eye, a new addition she’d made herself that she hadn’t really had the chance to disclose. [color=plum]”Huh, I see.”[/color] Having taken the time to observe it made sense why Penny was a bit distant. She would let her brushing the invitation to move pass. Blinking she realized she was staring and slipping a bit too much into work mode. [color=plum]”Sorry. I got Third Eye a while back to make things easier in the lab.”[/color]

[color=9e0039][u][b]“I noticed”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would say with a smile, a red sheen flickering over her own eyes for a moment. [color=9e0039][u][b]“No worries though”[/b][/u][/color]

Shrugging slightly she playfully rolled her eyes. [color=plum]”Touche.”[/color]

Glancing back and forth between the two, Raven was trying to sort out what was going on. Inside joke? Playful banter? Telepathy? Nah, not worth trying to figure out. 

At that point Alicia entered the room. By all appearances she looked normal, a concerted effort made to hide the long nights and the clawing guilt that had tormented her since the night of the rave. But she didn’t expect this to be anything too dramatic, so it was easier to take a casual approach to it.

[color=aba000]”Penny, Jenna,”[/color] she said to the duo with a nod as she closed the door behind her. [color=aba000]”Glad to see you found some time to get out of the lab. Is this a friend of yours?”[/color] she asked, gesturing towards Raven. 

Alicia had good timing. Turning to her friend the day got a little bit brighter. [color=plum]”Glad to be out. Kinda.”[/color] She couldn’t really lie around Alicia. Jenna didn’t necessarily want to be at the lab, it was just that that’s where Janet was at the moment. But that would come later. [color=plum]”Yes. This is Raven. She’s our newest ally that Janet and I, uh, made?”[/color] She looked at Raven who shrugged.

[color=steelblue]”Kind of, sort of, not really, but yeah. Maybe with a little help from a couple messengers of the gods.”[/color] That last part was understated for sure. No way the twins could have managed to output enough magic to bring a soul back to life. [color=steelblue]”Glad to finally meet the twins two best friends. Though I guess it only has been, like, a few days.”[/color]

[color=9e0039][u][b]“Well that makes a lot of sense”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would deadpan [color=9e0039][u][b]“Care to give us the cliff notes? And an idea of which Gods we have to thank?”[/b][/u][/color] She would ask with a single raised eyebrow, she had nothing against Raven, but the Gods were likely always going to be something of a sore point for Penny due to her own interactions with the Divine. 

Alicia was just as surprised to hear the origin of Raven as Penny was. It seemed that the magical world had a habit of pulling out new surprises, just when you thought you had seen everything. [color=aba000]”Alright,”[/color] she conceded with a nod. [color=aba000]”So you ‘made’ a new magical girl. Is this going to become a habit, or was it just to see if you could?’[/color]

Raven laughed for a bit. [color=steelblue]”Wow, that’s quite a response.”[/color] She looked at Jenna. [color=steelblue]”You’ve got quite a reputation for breaking the rules huh?”[/color] Shaking her head a bit she continued. [color=steelblue]”My patrons are a Lesser Force. Huginn and Muninn. They don’t really care what happens, they just watch. Penrose is poppin’ so I’m like their boots on the ground.”[/color]

Dammit. Things weren’t quite that simple. [color=plum]”I would rather not. Raven was with Amber’s soul that Janet stole when she was under Justine’s control. All we did was put it in a Soul Jar and the watchers did the rest.”[/color] Her friend’s initial response wasn’t quite one she’d hoped. Though she couldn’t really blame them. Man getting to Janet later now was going to suck. It wasn’t that hard to tell that the subject bothered her.

Oh, maybe she went a bit too far. Raven tried to lighten a mood just a bit. [color=steelblue]”It’s going to be the most awkward family reunion in ninteenish years.[/color]

Well, that was a bit different than expected. [color=aba000]”Remind me to introduce you to Serenity soon. She has a friend you might want to meet,”[/color] Alicia said to Raven. [color=aba000]”It’s more awkward than you’d think.”[/color] She wasn’t sure if this made Amber lucky or not, all told. 

Having addressed that particular elephant in the room, Alicia turned back to Jenna. [color=aba000]”Anyway, you said you needed help with something? I assume this wasn’t all.”[/color]

[color=9e0039][u][b]“Hey, no harm to foul”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would say waving away any perceived hostility from her end [color=9e0039][u][b]“Stranger things have happened after all. Also remind me not to make it to that reunion if I get invited. Don’t want to have to fight off everyone so I can keep my ship”[/b][/u][/color] she would add giving Raven a side look before shrugging.

[color=9e0039][u][b]“But putting aside the odd family tree, I’m with Alicia, you wanted help?”[/b][/u][/color]

Mmm, right to it then. If Jenna hadn’t looked distressed before she did now, checking to make sure the door was closed. [color=plum]”It’s Janet.”[/color] She’d thought this out in her head earlier but now that it came to it she was nervous. [color=plum]”You know she passed out from the fight at the park and I wasn’t sure if she’d make it. Obviously she did and we went back to work. I found out she had been in Cindy’s mind when she died. Janet had copied the girl’s mind in case we needed something she knew, but the backlash because of how Cindy went out really messed her up. Well, no. Janet is fine. But I’m not sure what to do because Cindy’s memories have formed their own personality and Janet has been switching back and forth.”[/color]

Alicia frowned, an expression that deepened as Jenna went explaining what the situation was. Yes, she had heard about that, but no one had indicated that the problem ran so deep before. She visibly shuddered, finding it hard to imagine what this must be like for her. 

Still, she had been there when Janet had been forcibly controlled by Justine, she would be here now. [color=aba000]”I see what you mean. I just wish I could help more. I mean, I can arrange for a meeting with a Psychic spec girl to suppress the Cindy personality, but I don’t have much experience in dealing with memories.”[/color]

Penny wasn’t far off from Alicia’s expression, for much the same reason, even if she was of a different mind of how to go about dealing with it. [color=9e0039][u][b]“Suppression Is not going to be a permanent solution. As it more or less turns the situation into a time bomb with Janet’s head at ground zero.”[/b][/u][/color] Penny had a few ideas of how to possibly take care of this long term, but first [color=9e0039][u][b]“How is Janet handling this? Is she even aware of it?”[/b][/u][/color]

Having gotten past the initial revelation of what was happening, and her friends jumping right in with their support, Jenna was feeling like some weight had been taken off her. [color=plum]”Janet is probably doing better than I am at the moment, but she had no idea Cindy was in her head until I told her. They’re two distinct people and I can’t detect any interaction between the two. Neither one of them seems to have dominance which is good I guess. They just switch seemingly at random when they don’t actively try.”[/color] 

Wanting to get that out of the way she addressed Alicia’s suggestion. [color=plum]”Maybe someone more experienced could get the job done, but I did try that. She shares our psychic defenses and the ShineSpark doesn’t really like me meddling. The only consolation is the purification magic that you used on Janet still seems to be active so it erased Cindy’s mental mutations. Not sure what that’ll do long term but in the meantime she still hates Beacon.”[/color] She was clearly thinking at this point, but was much calmer not being the only one on the task.

[color=9e0039][u][b]“Hmm, I’m not too sure that the lack of obvious primacy between the two is a good thing, going off my own experience with split psyches. The mind is either split evenly between the two, or there is a portion of each that is already merged. Both could have issues.”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would offer up her two copper on the topic at hand.

[color=9e0039][u][b]“If it is just a mental imprint of Cindy we could always move it out, and put it into something else.”[/b][/u][/color] She would go on to say, turning over the idea a bit more in her mind [color=9e0039][u][b]“But I would recommend against making it a force transfer, not sure what kind of damage it could cause otherwise.”[/b][/u][/color]

Jenna didn’t seem too sure. [color=plum]”I don’t know. When Janet first passed out at the park it was like she was brain dead. I may not know Cindy’s mind but I’m pretty familiar with my sisters and everything looks in order. I couldn’t find anything indicating any merger happening. As for transferring, we may have to convince Cindy on that one. She’s already made changes to Janet’s magic be more at home. But maybe, she was the first one to suggest contacting you.”[/color] She looked at Penny. [color=plum]”She was less enthused with my other pick but she’s not here so…”[/color]

Alicia was outside of her comfort zone on this one, so it was probably a good thing that Penny was here. She could provide advice and suggestions that the Seraph couldn’t. Still, there was something tickling at the back of her mind, one question that seemed much more pertinent to all of this and what they chose to do next.

So with a hand placed on her hip as she shifted slightly, Alicia gave voice to her thoughts. [color=aba000]”That could work. But I think the bigger question is, what do you want Jenna? Are we trying to remove Cindy and return Janet to normal, or are we trying to help the two sides reach a compromise?”[/color]

Jenna had to give the question some thought. Was it her choice? [color=plum]"I want my sister to be safe. When I couldn’t find her mind I thought I had lost her. I can’t go through that again. I would like to spend as much time with her as possible, but her well being is most important to me. Even if that means I have to deal with Cindy then I’ll do it."[/color] A Twinned Soul’s bond was nearly unbreakable so long as the other didn’t go out of their way to abuse them. If Cindy were somehow to take over, Jenna would probably find a way to rationalize that it wasn’t her sister’s fault and stick with her. It was actually rather dangerous territory to be in.

Penny was definitely seeing red flags with how Jenna was describing the situation with Cindy and Janet, but she knew that it could just be because her own perspective on things was skewed. Still causing a Specialization change within both of the girls and the one on the outside not seeing any type of merging of the minds, that simply seemed like trouble. [color=9e0039][u][b]“I would say that the safest option would be to get Cindy’s mind elsewhere, but we are only going to be able to do that with Cindy’s and Janet’s co-operation. If Cindy asked to talk to me, I’d be willing to meet with her and offer up the idea of moving her to a different body.”[/b][/u][/color] She would offer again with a shrug. Her motives towards moving Cindy weren’t purely altruistic, but the primary reasons were [color=9e0039][u][b]“If we want to try that I would suggest trying sooner rather than later, for the more time she has to get settled the harder it is going to be to get her moved.”[/b][/u][/color]

[color=9e0039][u][b]“Otherwise the only thing that can be done safely, is that you get ready to have a new friend that’s not going to be leaving you anytime soon”[/b][/u][/color]

Jenna looked a bit confused for a moment before waving her hands and shaking her head. [color=plum]”Of course. I’m not saying we don’t try. Just if I had to I could live with it. I know that doesn’t make much sense, but that’s just how I feel.”[/color] God this was the hardest thing she’s ever had to do thus far. The twins didn’t often look tired but Jenna sure did then and there.

Alicia would admit that she was uncertain about all of this. But if Jenna was willing to go along with it then she would trust her. All the same she would keep an eye out, just in case. It seemed it was better to be on the safe side and not trust too much these days. 

[color=aba000]”Alright,”[/color] she replied with a nod. [color=aba000]”We’ll try to do that then. It’s probably for the best anyways. The last thing we need is some version of Cindy using Janet’s body to slip information to Faith and her allies.”[/color] It was hard to say what they could learn, but even if they weren’t going to be in an immediate confrontation who knew the harm that might also come from it. Especially since she still retained her anger at Beacon.

[color=9e0039][u][b]“Yeah, that would be bad”[/b][/u][/color] Penny gave an exaggerated shudder at the situation that Alicia proposed. She knew exactly how bad it could be if there was an insider feeding out information, she had been one once after all.

[color=9e0039][u][b]“When were you thinking of trying this?”[/b][/u][/color] She would go on to ask afterwards. Mind already whirring with potential time tables.

Jenna bit her lip a bit. Cindy may already know more than they’d like. Thankfully she had no idea where any of it was. [color=plum]”Well, we could go now. Janet has kind of had me lock her away in one of the lab rooms for right now. Like you said we couldn’t really risk Cindy getting out and leaking information.”[/color]

And that was all Penny needed to know [color=9e0039][u][b]“Lead the way”[/b][/u][/color] She would say as she moved to stand [color=9e0039][u][b]“I might be able to convince her, and should be able to help with the move as well.”[/b][/u][/color]

Glancing around it appeared that they were all in agreement, except Raven who looked way out of her depth. The lot of them getting up they would have to go through a couple relay teleports before they would end up in the lab. Penny and Raven really only being the two not actually authorized to be there, Jenna and Alicia had to act as their escort to even be able to teleport in.

[hr]
Most of the lab had been closed up, properly secured just in case something happened given the circumstances. Leading them down a couple corridors they would come to a magically sealed door toward the end. Opening it up, Janet could be seen behind one of the neigh unbreakable magic barriers that they used during testing. She was untransformed and appeared to be resting. When she heard them come in though she sat up and smiled. [color=khaki]”Boy am I glad to see you.”[/color] Sliding off the bed she approached the barrier. [color=khaki]”That was a lot faster than I expected. Did you come up with something already?”[/color] She couldn’t help but show a bit of surprise.

[color=9e0039][u][b]“Yeah, I’ve an Idea or two that we might be able to work”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would say with more confidence than she really had as she eyed the containment field. It made sense that they had them, even made sense for how they were using them, but still seeing it was discomforting. 

Made her wonder how easily her own trips back here could have blown up in her face had she been less cautious. Pushing that thought out of mind she would tie her hair back [color=9e0039][u][b]“First thing I wanted to do was have a chance to talk to Cindy, and possibly pitch the ideas to her in person since Jenna said that she wanted to talk to me.”[/b][/u][/color] She would add as she walked up to the barriers edge.

[color=9e0039][u][b]“Think a mental network would be able to get us all involved in the conversation? That way we won’t have to keep Janet cut out”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would ask looking back at Jenna.

Jenna shook her head. [color=plum]"I haven't been able to communicate with Janet whenever she's not in control. Also…"[/color] She rapped a knuckle against the barrier. 

[color=khaki]"Yeah that's not really an option. So if you wouldn't mind telling me first that would be appreciated."[/color] She managed a slight smirk. 

[color=9e0039][u][b]“Ah”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would regard the barrier once again, as she did her drone would pop out and begin hovering about her shoulders simply looking at things. [color=9e0039][u][b]“Ladies, meet Snoopy”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would say as Snoopy beeped cheerfully. [color=9e0039][u][b]“He’s an Overcity Guide, and his mechanical nature is due to me. The first idea was seeing if Cindy would be willing to be moved from Janet into Snoopy”[/b][/u][/color] As Penny explained the basic idea Snoopy would begin displaying a miniature holographic projection of Cindy above itself.

[color=9e0039][u][b]“All we would need, I would think, is to set up a connection between me and Cindy and then I should be able to transfer her over. Assuming she is willing that is.”[/b][/u][/color] The mix of Shine spark, Psychic magics, and Penny’s own highly mutable nature meant that it should be a relatively easy transfer, at least that was Penny’s hope.

Looking around at the trio, Alicia remained silent for a while. She watched and listened now that they were in the lab, allowing those more knowledgeable to discuss the situation and what they intended to do. If there was an area where her expertise could be of use, she would contribute then. 

[color=aba000]”Fingers crossed,”[/color] she added as Penny laid out her plan. [color=aba000]”Otherwise we may have to get a bit more specialized in the resources we use. And it seems we’ve got enough headaches as it is.”[/color] It was unfortunate they couldn’t all talk at once, so they would make do as best they could. 

The drone itself didn’t look like much at first glance. What a Overcity Guide was Janet could only surmise from the name. It wasn’t anything she’d ever heard of. Not knowing Cindy much at all it was hard to say if she would accept such an offer. [color=khaki]”Alright. So if that’s the first idea then what’s the second?”[/color] She could have been reading too much into what Penny had said. Worth asking though.

[color=9e0039][u][b]“Second is in the same vein as the first, just riskier, as we could move her to me.”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would say scratching her cheek sheepishly. [color=9e0039][u][b]“Physically I’d be able to set it up so that we wouldn’t have the split personality thing going on, due to my nature, plus my magic is always a bit unstable now so long term I shouldn’t have to worry about any magical discrepancies. I will admit that the second idea is something that only occurred to me about seven seconds ago so take that as you will”[/b][/u][/color] she would explain with an awkward chuckle.

[color=9e0039][u][b]“There is also always a chance that Cindy might have an idea as well, so really the best place to start before deciding any of this is to talk to her I would think.”[/b][/u][/color]

Considering the options for a moment Janet shrugged. She paced for a minute before returning to her friends. [color=khaki]”Risky is what got me in this mess. I don’t want you doing something stupid on my account. Jenna.”[/color] The two sisters would lock focus on one another. [color=khaki]”That goes doubly for you.”[/color]

Wringing her hands Jenna nodded. This was hard for her, probably harder than it was for Janet  since she wasn’t always unaware of everything going on. [color=plum]”That’s not fair.”[/color]

[color=khaki]”I know, I’m sorry.”[/color] She would look across to each of the others. Not that she was in a rush or anything, but everyone had come over rather quickly. Being in uncharted territory they likely wanted to try and resolve the issue sooner rather than give chance that the situation could get worse. [color=khaki]”Anything else before I try and bring out Cindy?”[/color] 

Alicia though for a moment before shaking her head. [color=aba000]”Nothing that springs to mind.”[/color] She glanced over at Penny, before waiting for Janet to make her attempt. 

[color=9e0039][u][b]“Nothing at the moment”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would shrug [color=9e0039][u][b]“I’ll let you know after if that changed”[/b][/u][/color]

Jenna not having anything else to add either, Janet closed her eyes. So far she had not really tried to force a switch to happen. But she assumed that if she could “go to sleep” as it were, that the other personality would awaken. The girl would start to lean to one side in a daze before suddenly waking up. Stumbling she looked around before seeing the group on the other side of the barrier. Taking a moment to observe the effective cell she was in she stood up straight, noting that she was currently in her untransformed state. Practically ignoring the others she addressed Penny. [color=cyan]”Penny, I am pleased you responded so promptly to my call.”[/color] The new look had given her brief pause, but Penny was a rather distinct magical girl. The girl sounded like Janet, but very clearly did not speak like her. Briefly acknowledging the others she waved a hand to dismiss them. [color=cyan]”I know why you are here. The rest of you may go, there are matters I must discuss with Penny first.”[/color]

Watching the transition happen was a bit odd, but not the strangest thing that Alicia had seen. It was like Janet was falling asleep, then suddenly she was awake and someone else. But while that was good, what the ‘Cindy’ personality said was less comforting. [color=aba000]”I thought you said they didn’t know what the other personality did,”[/color] she said, glancing over to Jenna for an explanation. 

Not giving Jenna the opportunity to speak, Cindy responded. [color=cyan]”I am not so blind as to assume Jenna would not bring others to plead for her sister’s life. I asked for Penny, and you are here. There are things I must know, now go.”[/color] Being very much used to bossing people around the slight protest did not bother her. Looking at Jenna, the twin looked hurt for a moment but did turn to leave, Raven following after her.

Penny would move to front and center at Cindy’s request, but she made sure to give Alicia a look as she recentered. She would be making sure that Alicia learned what was said during this talk even if it was mostly harmless. [color=9e0039][u][b]“Well I got here as soon as I could”[/b][/u][/color] The robotic girl would say as she kept her eyes on Cindy [color=9e0039][u][b]“Got friends on all sides of this after all”[/b][/u][/color]

Alicia took a moment to glare at Cindy before stepping back. [color=aba000]”Fine. Just don’t forget that you’re in her body, and not the other way around. If we have to find a way to forcibly get rid of you, I’ll do it.”[/color] With that she took her leave, allowing them to talk in private.  

Cindy would only regard Alicia’s threat with a glance. She quickly turned to Penny again and would refrain from directing further to the exiting parties. [color=cyan]”Admittedly I would not say that these are ideal circumstances.”[/color] Drawing a chair over she would take a seat and cross her arms. There were a number of things that she wanted answered, but I fair few could be wrapped up together. Oddly she would not start with herself or Beacon. [color=cyan]”To my knowledge you had been at the rave in my absence. I would like you to recount the events of that night for me.”[/color]

[color=9e0039][u][b]“You mean after you left, but before you died”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would clarify as she folded her arms behind her back, but remained standing. [color=9e0039][u][b]”To put it simply things went to hell. Elvira triggered a mass riot, influencing the corrupted girls there with Sound magic designed to inflame their instincts.”[/b][/u][/color] She would go on to say as Snoopy returned to her shoulder, back from the corner it had wandered off to. [color=9e0039][u][b]“Shortly after that the Ascendency staged their raid on the Rave. Locking off the majority of exits with magic and began a systematic slaughter.”[/b][/u][/color] As Penny gave her brief but painfully blunt descriptions of what happened Snoopy began displaying the recordings of the events that both it and Penny had captured [color=9e0039][u][b]“It was in the midst of that, that Eden, leader of the Penrose independent unleashed a psychic attack that resulted in the deaths of nearly all members of Beacon that were at the rave, I am lucky to be alive in fact. That wasn’t the end as someone, notably not a beacon member retaliated with a divinely empowered Barrage.”[/b][/u][/color]

She didn’t shy away from showing the grisly details of any of the attacks with Snoopy, the entire time her gaze was locked onto Cindy.

[color=9e0039][u][b]“After that? I don’t know, I had left escorting as many people as I could to safety before moving back out to help quell the Riots.”[/b][/u][/color] There was more to it then that, after all it was around then that Penny had to detour to get the Red Coin from Binky. Not to mention her attempt at rallying those that had not gone to the rave to try and help stamp out the chaos in the streets, but Cindy didn’t need to know about those events. Not yet at any rate.

Listening silently and watching the events unfold as Penny had recorded them, the Queen of Penrose did show her hand at what was going through her mind. This was mostly done due through experience in burying her emotions. She seemed unusually casual given the subject matter and atrocities that had taken place. Though prior to a day or so ago her mental mutation had most definitely been getting the better of her. Being rid of it was freeing, but left her in some long forgotten territory. Closing her eyes for a few minutes once Penny had concluded she eventually spoke up. [color=cyan]”These twins…”[/color] She would open her eyes slowly and study Penny closely. [color=cyan]”Janet and Jenna. What is your honest opinion of them?”[/color] Cindy had adjusted a bit and rolled a few strands of hair between her fingers. She was clearly assessing Beacon, or at least these particular members.

[color=9e0039][u][b]“Janet was the first member of Beacon I met in Penrose”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would reply after a moment of contemplation.For most of the members of Beacon, Penny was vastly unsure of how to feel about them, she had been unsure ever since the revelation of what Sylvia had done, and were the situations not being what they were, Penny would likely have not been able to remember why it was she saw Janet and Jenna as friends. But with the question placed in front of her [color=9e0039][u][b]“She was getting chewed out by her Beckoner for attempting to show compassion and understanding towards a corrupted girl at a rally a few months before you made your debut”[/b][/u][/color]

[color=9e0039][u][b]“Shortly after that even she got kidnapped, and brainwashed against Beacon. When we got her back, she threw herself into trying to make amends to the people she harmed during a point where she had no control. Even went so far as to make a new Coin type to help me and people that had been forced into situations like her.”[/b][/u][/color] Penny shook her head in fond exasperation at that, saddened only by the fact that technically their first coin had failed, but for reasons that no one would ever really know, though Penny had her suspicions. [color=9e0039][u][b]“So what do I think of them?”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would reiterate [color=9e0039][u][b]“I think they are good people and honest, dependable, friends. There are worse people to be stuck with for the rest of life after all.”[/b][/u][/color]

Penny’s account of the girls was something of a surprise. Yes, Janet herself had told something of their exploits, but Cindy had no reason to believe them in the slightest. Quite a curious girl it would seem. It may also explain why Jenna, despite all her reservations, showed little hostility toward her even when provoked. She would defend herself but never lash out. Initially she thought it merely had to do with the fact that she was in Janet’s body. Undoubtedly that did play a large part, but the source potentially ran much deeper. No mention to explain the odd magic Janet possessed. Learning that the twins had something to do with new coins popping up wasn’t a surprise. Jenna had been careful not to let slip that they had been architects of them though.

Wanting a bit more elaboration if she could coax it, [color=cyan]”They sound… most unusual for a Beacon. Do they not fear retribution from the council?”[/color] Cindy would muse. For the first time she genuinely seemed to be debating what to think of the two.

[color=9e0039][u][b]"Not too strange from where I'm standing"[/b][/u][/color] Would be Penny glib reply while she stretched out two of her normally hidden limbs to help prove her point.

[color=9e0039][u][b]"As for fear of the Council? Asking the wrong person, for similar reasons"[/b][/u][/color]

Cindy would concede the second point as least. Moving on she would ask. [color=cyan]”And what of the other girl Jenna brought, Alicia? What do you think of her?”[/color] Alicia had been rather rude, but understandably so. Were the roles swapped she very well may have the same response. Still she was Beacon and made a threat which is more than she could say of the twins.

[color=9e0039][u][b]“I owe Alicia my life, at least twice over by this point. She’s stood by me while I was a terrible friend to her, and has forgiven me for some quite serious betrayals.”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would say simply, but there was an edge to her words [color=9e0039][u][b]“She was the first to welcome me into Beacon, despite the fact that I was Monster girl, and has never once betrayed my trust in her.”[/b][/u][/color]

[color=9e0039][u][b]“I could easily say that I love her, even as I know that it will likely never be romantic between us.”[/b][/u][/color] She would go on to say, showing no shame at such an admission even if it was tinged with a hint of regret [color=9e0039][u][b]“And for a bit of context. She was at the rave as well, in the middle of it, and watched her friends and comrades die, only to come back and learn that her mentor died at the same park you did. On top of that she is only a few weeks promoted to being the leader of this branch of Beacon, and now you are residing in one of her oldest friends. So her threat was understandable I would say.”[/b][/u][/color] Penny bit her tongue before she could add to her last response. Knowing that it wouldn’t help, but she would be honest enough to admit to herself that she was still angry at Cindy. Not for the rave, that wasn't her fault, but the incident with the Cardinal? That Penny could lay at her feet, and the tension and danger it put all of Cindy’s subjects under was the source of her anger, but acting on that anger against a dead person wouldn’t be of much use.

The further the confession went the more confused Cindy would become. To even consider a monster and Beacon member in a romantic sense had never crossed her mind in the slightest. It was less that she was against such a possibility and more to do with how such a thing could ever even occur. Cindy actually looked stunned for a moment. Though she wasn’t sure if it was more telling of Penny than it was of Alicia, regrettably. Had she by some miracle been paired with the one girl who’s Beacon friends would not outright kill her to be rid of an invading monster girl?

Something at a loss for words, she gestured to allow the others back in. At first she had intended to speak with Alicia alone as well, but that no longer seemed prudent. [color=cyan]”Everyone may come back in if they wish.”[/color] Rubbing her head a bit she tried to make sense of it.

Penny saw the confusion and shock on Cindy’s face and in all honesty it wasn’t that hard to understand where the other girl was coming from but she wanted to hammer in the point that Alicia wasn’t like most Beacon, just as none of the people who Cindy was currently surrounded with weren’t like most Beacon.

[color=9e0039][u][b]“You know, Alicia currently has a girlfriend”[/b][/u][/color] She would say as she turned towards the door her eyes still watching Cindy [color=9e0039][u][b]“Her name is Kimble, she used to be a catgirl. Alica chose to save her life, while a Beckoner was over her shoulder. Kimble wanted a White Coin so that she wouldn't have to worry about being separated from her.”[/b][/u][/color] There would be an audible click from the door as Penny manipulated it from where she stood [color=9e0039][u][b]“Alicia has done more to promote peace in Penrose then anyone I know. Keep that in mind”[/b][/u][/color] And with that she would pull the door open for the rest of them to come back in, moving off to the side so she wasn’t blocking line of sight.

[color=9e0039][u][b]“Cindy’s wanting to talk to us all it seems”[/b][/u][/color]

Stepping back in Alicia glanced between Penny and Cindy-in-Janet. It seemed the conversation had gone well, though it was difficult to tell. At the very least it was shorter than she had thought it might be. 

[color=aba000]”Alright then. So what’s the decision?”[/color] she asked, looking to the girl in question for what she had to say. 

[color=cyan]”We did not discuss anything in that regard. I had questions of my host and her friends.”[/color] Deliberating she paused for a few seconds. [color=cyan]”You are a perplexing lot.”[/color] Anyone expecting her to elaborate on her own wasn’t about to get it. Cindy was trying to find their angle. For the moment she still held the advantage in her mind. Whether it actually meant anything was another matter.

[color=9e0039][u][b]“I’ll take that as a compliment” Penny would say with a smug smile “But Alicia does have a point.”[/b][/u][/color] She would go on her smile fading slightly [color=9e0039][u][b]“We have an idea on how to separate you and Janet, and a few possible options to move you into if you’d be willing”[/b][/u][/color] It was the main reason most of them were here after all, other then perhaps Raven, but Penny had her doubts about that.

[color=9e0039][u][b]“At the moment all options we have lead you being stuck with me, but if you have any ideas or suggestions yourself we will be happy to hear them.”[/b][/u][/color]

Seemingly sceptical, Cindy would reply. [color=cyan]”You will have to forgive me if I am wary of your ‘options.’”[/color] It would take a bit for Cindy to look at Alicia. She did not shy away from meeting her eyes though. [color=cyan]”Penny speaks very highly of you. Perhaps if we had the opportunity to meet sooner things would have played out differently.”[/color].It was hard to tell if Cindy regretted what she’d done. She wasn’t twisting her words at least.

Alicia remained somewhat cautious, Cindy’s attitude not leaving her all that confident of them not winding in a situation where she tried to suppress Janet under her own control. But she was still willing to proceed for now, since things seemed to be working out.

Their gazes met, neither faltering or flinching in that moment. [color=aba000]”Maybe,”[/color] she agreed with a small nod. [color=aba000]”Though your Horror aligned partner would have made things difficult even if things had gone well.[/color] There was some regrets to be had, but if she started thinking about those she would be here for a while. Better to focus on the current dilemma, and whether this could be resolved. 

[color=cyan]”Whom is that?”[/color] A great many things happened following her death, and even her absence at the rave prior. It was hard to say who exactly she meant. [color=cyan]”Do you speak of Faith, or another?”[/color]

[color=aba000]”Her,’[/color] Alicia confirmed with a curt nod. [color=aba000]”I try to judge people based on their actions, but at the end of a day a Horror is a Horror. Trying to understand something that defies understanding or common human mentality is just an exercise in futility.”[/color] And now she was the one running the show against Beacon. Wonderful.

Ah, there was that Beacon spirit. Her eyes lighting up briefly Alicia now had her attention. [color=cyan]”It is the way of things. Beacon and corrupted girls exchanging lives age after age. This is my experience over the centuries.”[/color] All present were children by comparison to the ancient mind that now inhabited their friend. Still Alicia’s Light spec would tell that everything said was true. [color=cyan]”Faith is ordinarily a gentle soul. For her to act otherwise is testament to the pain caused by conflict to which there is no end. Despite all appearances I’ve no particular vendetta against Beacon. Should ever we were to meet, the outcome was always the same. Save for one foolish girl who would plead at risk of her own life.”[/color] Of course speaking of Janet. [color=cyan]”Succumb to my Mental Mutations as I was I cannot say if I were to stop, but she did give me pause. The Mint saw to it that we may never know.”[/color]

While Alicia could tell that Cindy was not necessarily lying, she was left to wonder how much the truthfulness of Cindy’s words actually mattered. [color=aba000]”Indeed. Plus your rave was used as a trump, and war declared in your name. The Ascendancy restored order in this city from monsters when the rest of us were busy, and in the end it was not them who struck the first blow. For being so old you certainly fell into that one easily enough,”[/color] she noted in turn. 

Nodding Cindy would agree. [color=cyan]”I am aware. Jenna has been surprisingly transparent with what transpired at both fronts.”[/color] Humility was not a facet of Cindy’s makeup. Far from it. When something went wrong it was someone else’s fault and they would be punished for it. Her will was law and all others were beneath her. As a Sentinel she had put her sights on this city. The Queen of Penrose did not lose and in such thinking had failed to even consider that anyone could challenge her, underhanded or otherwise.

Dying as a magical girl doesn’t really mean much beyond delay in the grand scheme of things. What’s a couple decades when you return and everyone has forgotten you for the next threat? Janet’s actions though forced a unique perspective on Cindy as she witnessed the aftermath. Arguably she was not even the real Cindy, just a mental replica forced to occupy the same form as a bleeding heart. With each encounter the mental image of fortitude and power getting chipped away. Her fixation on Penrose faded from existence. Simply clinging to what she had known . And now she was sitting being observed as if through glass by Beacon members that did not fit the mold she’d crafted in her head. Contemplating she would be silent for a while. More frustrated with herself than anything.

Penny scoffed at the underlying arrogance in Cindy’s words. Mainly because she could easily see why it was there, time gave a lot of advantages to those who had gone through more of it but it also tended to lead them into the same thought patterns. The robotic girl could help but wonder at how many times Cindy had tried something different each time she encountered Beacon in the past, or if she simply used the same default reaction.

[color=9e0039][u][b]“Then it shouldn’t be that much of a surprise that had you lived that I was going to challenge you for your title, and the right to lead penrose right?”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would ask a touch of scorn laced within her words [color=9e0039][u][b]“After all your last actions placed your subjects under more danger, not less, to say nothing of the fact that you attacked my allies”[/b][/u][/color]

Were circumstances different, Cindy would have lashed out at Penny. Not that she could do anything at this time. Twice she’d been stabbed in the back at this point, so to learn of one more was not much of a surprise. Not exactly a good negotiating tactic when you were trying to convince someone to give back their friend though. She had not gotten some of the information she had wanted during her questioning earlier. She had not expected to be handed to her so overtly. [color=cyan]”It is not.”[/color] Leaning forward slightly she would eventually stand up. [color=cyan]”I believe I must decline your offer of ‘being stuck’ with you.”[/color] She would straighten her dress casually and move across the room.

Jenna shuddered and shot a glare at Penny. [color=plum]”What are you…”[/color] She wouldn’t finish and instead would put her hands against the barrier. [color=cyan]”Cindy.”[/color] Cindy would stop facing away from them.

[color=9e0039][u][b][/b][/u][/color]“Really?” Penny would say with genuine surprise, at the actions of the ‘Queen of Penrose’ “I tell you I have an issue with how you were doin things and you decide to simply phase everyone here out? I tell you to your face, that I was going to respect your chain of command, follow your rules of engagement, and you get insulted by it?” Penny was honestly baffled by that. After all it was Cindy who first announced that any who had an issue with her claim could challenge her for it, she told the entire city that, and had there not been the more pressing issue of a Horror about to break though at the graveyard, Penny was sure that someone would have tried.

[color=9e0039][u][b]“It seems you just like to wear the title, but lack the nobility to uphold it.”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would say her anger starting to bleed through into her voice [color=9e0039][u][b]“For you sound like no Queen at the moment Cindy, you sound like a Tyrant.”[/b][/u][/color] She would say dangerously, eyes narrowed, as she stood unnaturally still [color=9e0039][u][b]“Or did you forget that I let you into my home! So do not think I would not watch what you did carefully. Especially when you place those that want no part of war at risk.”[/b][/u][/color]

Standing still for a moment, Cindy would eventually turn where they could see her expression over her shoulder. She looked confused and her eyes would occasionally dart around, searching. Most of what Penny said she remembered, but some parts were disjointed or felt like they were missing. Only when she had been prompted did her recollection put them back into place. A twinge of visible concern passed over her when she finally looked back.

There would be an odd sound that would come from Penny as she kept her gaze locked on to Cindy, the sound of a metal latch being thrown and undone, as it went on her glare would soften into a simple searching. [color=9e0039][u][b]“You did forget, didn’t you”[/b][/u][/color] She would state more than ask before letting out a sigh.

[color=9e0039][u][b]“Right.”[/b][/u][/color] Her anger was once again tucked away, unsurprisingly since she was reminded that she wasn’t truly dealing with Cindy, more dealing with a clone, or a backup copy. [color=9e0039][u][b]“The transfer wasn’t easy on either of you most likely”[/b][/u][/color] she would say, watching Cindy with a less critical eye [color=9e0039][u][b]“Is that why you are asking all these questions?”[/b][/u][/color]

[color=cyan]”Would you be very trusting of anyone after being murdered and waking up in someone else’s body? Someone from Beacon no less.”[/color] She put a hand to her head. Knowing who she was was one thing, but the details potentially being fuzzy put her in a vulnerable position. 

Alicia kept her gaze on Cindy as they talked, listening to the conversation as it went on to discuss several different topics. But eventually she would speak up to provide her input. [color=aba000]”Perhaps. But regardless of whether it was an accident, you’re here now.”[/color] 

Confident steps carried her closer to the barrier, though she did not touch it for now. [color=aba000]”And at the end of the day you are a guest in her mind. Janet is not yours to do with as you please, and that is worth remembering as we discuss what to do here.”[/color] 

[color=cyan]”You assume I have a choice in the matter.”[/color] Growing tired of it all she looked at Penny regretfully. [color=cyan]”Apologies Penny. Present your ideas so we may move on.”[/color] Cindy would make her way back over.

[color=9e0039][u][b][/b][/u][/color]"If you weren't going to be given a choice, do you really think that we'd be talking?" Penny would ask calmly before shrugging off the current topic.

[color=9e0039][u][b]"Among those here, we have enough mix of magical talents that we should be able to safely separate you and Janet, so long as we are all working together."[/b][/u][/color] Penny would answer shifting into a more relaxed stance as she did so. [color=9e0039][u][b]"The two options that are most likely to work would be to move you to either myself or Snoopy"[/b][/u][/color] she'd continue, pointing at the drone in question as she did so [color=9e0039][u][b]"The latter would mean that Snoopy might need a new name, but no harm in that."[/b][/u][/color]

[color=9e0039][u][b]"As I mentioned before, if you've got any ideas feel free to voice them."[/b][/u][/color]

[color=cyan]”I was speaking more of Janet and I switching at random.”[/color] Cindy would say just to clarify. Looking at the drone she would recall it had become damaged after being kicked at the rave. It was preposterous to assume that she would move into something so frail. There was a fine line she refused to cross. [color=cyan]”I would rather not die again in a defenseless flying object.”[/color] Head shaking slowly as she considered the options, looking at the group as she did so. [color=cyan]”I do not think it would be wise to attempt to move anyone at this time. If my memory is not yet complete there is a chance that Janet’s may not as well. Meddling with that may have adverse effects to one or both of us.”[/color]

[color=9e0039][u][b]“To be fair, I did upgrade it recently, but still have a point about it not having any weapon platforms.”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would say mulling over things [color=9e0039][u][b]“And while you have a point about not moving you, but the thing is I’m pretty sure we only have a limited window of opportunity until you are entrenched too deeply to be able to be moved. Downside of not having code, but seeing as you don’t want to move, forcing the issue would make things worse for all involved. So next idea would be setting up a way for you and Janet to be able to interact in some fashion and that's more Jenna’s wheel house”[/b][/u][/color] she would say looking at the resident psychic who was still ‘awake’.

[color=cyan]”Communicating with my host would make things easier. And likely alleviate some animosity. Despite me, Janet has yet to lift a finger to harm me and from what I can tell from Jenna she is gracious enough to tolerate the current circumstances. And I would be remiss not to acknowledge that if not for her then I would not be here now, her original intentions notwithstanding.”[/color] She would huff a bit. It took effort not to act her usual self. Cindy was pretty sure though that if she did not ease up that the others would find a way to simply erase her. Even so she was grateful to Janet at least on some level, she simply did not know her. 

One could only assume that Penny had been thinking of linking their minds in some way to facilitate communication. Knowing that Jenna had tried on several occasions Cindy was not confident that they would figure it out in a timely manner. While they attempted to hash out a more permanent solution, Cindy would scan around the room. There was once a simpler time when you wanted to send a message to someone you could not be with. Walking over to a counter she would snatch a pen and clipboard off the wall. Turning the forms over to the blank side she would begin writing. Perhaps more old school than it needed to be, but what do you expect from someone that predated the telegraph.

After some furious writing she would close her eyes and lean before Janet would wake. Seeing the curious letter in her hand she glanced at her friends briefly before actually stopping to read. It was a little hard to make out with it’s eloquent strokes and old world speak. However, she eventually sussed out what she was trying to get across. [color=khaki]”Oh what, she can do that?”[/color] After a moment of genuine surprise she would look at everyone else. [color=khaki]”Cindy wants to write a magical contract.”[/color]

Having less of a stake in coming up with a solution, Alicia stopped mentally drawing up lists of people with Psychic spec that she knew as the person behind the barrier spoke up now with a note in their hand. It seemed they had switched once more. [color=aba000]”Did she say what she wants to include in it?”[/color] Alicia asked. She didn’t see any harm in giving it a shot, at least at this point. 

Flipping to the next page just to make sure she wasn’t missing anything, Janet would shake her head. [color=khaki]”No. She wants us to write up things that we want in it so she can draft something up. Uh. ‘All involved parties shall sign to make the contract binding.’”[/color] She would read.aloud the second time. [color=khaki]”Which Jenna also will need to sign for some reason.”[/color]

[color=plum]”Do I? That’s kind of weird.”[/color] 

[color=khaki]”Yeah… I guess you guys can ask her next time... She apparently needs a few things as well. Ink, a quill, and hide.”[/color] Where would they get hide? Craft shop? Probably could find ink there as well or cannibalize it from a printer or something. A quill…

[color=steelblue]”Oooh, hey I got this!”[/color] Raven would transmute into her animal form. Preening one of her wings she coaxes one free and transforms back holding the loose feather. [color=steelblue]”Hah. One down.”[/color] She would hand it to Jenna.

Taking the feather Jenna was surprised how quickly Raven picked up on what a quill was, because she had still been trying to figure that out. [color=plum]”Wow, well done Raven. You were on the ball with that one.”[/color]

Raven beamed. It was a small triumph, but had been the first time she’d been able to contribute in this whole mess. [color=steelblue]”I know right. You can thank my patrons for that one. Well that and stuffing my head with a bunch of history. They’re kind of old school.”[/color] 

Well, at least Cindy was willing to be considerate to their particular desires in this case. Alicia could think of a few things she might want out of this, to say the least. [color=aba000]”I can ask around. Someone may have some hide, or we’ve got it down in storage,”[/color] she mused, rubbing her chin in thought. 

Janet stopped to think for a moment. Were they in that much of a rush to get everything? [color=khaki]”We could get the other things later I think. I would rather have you here to help with this.”[/color] She would flip to another page to write. While Cindy had left some instructions, she hadn’t really explained exactly what could be put in the contract. Probably just put down things and let the one that could supposedly make the thing flesh it out.

[hr]
While Cindy was being cooperative in proposing a contract, the group of girls did not really trust that this couldn’t be used to usurp or take over Janet somehow. In writing down their demands they wanted to be sure that not only Janet would be safe, but Jenna and Beacon as well. They weren’t entirely sure how or if the phrasing mattered so they tried to make it as tight as possible. Some of it may be a tall order given who they were dealing with. They did try and leave in accommodations for Cindy since this was presumably a negotiation. At the moment Janet was a hostage almost as much as Cindy was. Satisfied that all was good they retrieved the last couple items and placed them in the improvised cell. [color=khaki]”Alright, here goes nothing. May the oppressed and broken find shelter beneath our banner."[/color] Janet would transform and concede control to Cindy as her armor formed around her.

Finding herself in a transformed state this time, Cindy took a look around to see what might have changed. Being indoors it was hard to tell if a few minutes had passed or a month. Pleased to find all of the items she had requested on a nearby table she would calmly take up the clipboard to review what the Beaconites had jotted down. It had been an exceptionally long time since she had entered into a contract with anyone. To think it would be brought to this, effectively having to fight her body for a place to exist. That the local Beacon leader would entertain the notion probably surprised her more. Not that they hadn’t proven themselves far more agreeable than ninety nine percent of the Beacon she had misfortune to encounter, but after what had happened only days before…

Digressing she would pick up the table with the items and place it with one edge against the barrier. Ordinarily there would not be this separation between herself and the other party, but she doubted they would take it down for this. Janet had placed herself in lockdown after all, the little… No, she would likely have to stop thinking that of her host once all this was said and done. [color=cyan]”I suspect you may have some questions for me.”[/color] She would say distractedly as she continued reading and drew up a chair.

The contract was drawn up, and Cindy had resumed control so she could read it. [color=aba000]”Sure,”[/color] Alicia confirmed. [color=aba000]”Firstly, what do you intend to do if you and Janet do make it twenty years, when the real you comes back?”[/color] That seemed like the easier question to start with. 

That was not the first question Cindy had expected to be asked. It was a very relevant one though as the true Cindy would eventually return. [color=cyan]”Given I have changed more in the last week of encountering Janet than I have in the last century I very much doubt I will be the same person. She will return with her Sentinel mutation intact and lay claim to Penrose to protect the city because that is her vice. The climate of the time will dictate whether that is for good or for ill. Regardless she will attempt to defend her subjects from any she sees as a threat. She did not consider anyone else a threat in advance this last time, she may not be so tolerant of others being in her city now.”[/color]

[color=cyan]”As to what I would do, I cannot say for certain. That has more to do with what she decides."[/color] She would look up to face Alicia. [color=cyan]"If I am Queen of Penrose and she challenges me then I will defeat her and retain the title. If I am not and I am still here defending Penrose and she attacks then I will defeat her anyway. If she is reasonable then who is to say?”[/color] Cindy’s demeanor had changed rather drastically. She was not so hostile as before. Though this could just be how she was during a negotiation.

It was a bit far to be asking about, so Alicia supposed that the answer Cindy provided made sense. She’d wondered about the possibility of a re-merger, but it seemed that that was not in the cards. At least for now. 

Moving on, she went to the more important question. [color=aba000]”Alright, that sounds reasonable. Secondly, how much do you know about the Mint and their activities here in Penrose? Considering what they’ve done so far, anything to help us stamp them out will be useful.”[/color] 

Cindy would think about it distastefully. Recounting the night of her death she seethed and her eyes would glow their signature blue from her magic. [color=cyan]”I do not deal often with the Mint as they would threaten those that would come to me for protection. Their agents lurk in the shadows and lack in honor. I do not know what I may provide that you may not already know, but there was no love lost in their betrayal that night. Chloe provided Elvira as entertainment for the rave, only to use my people and incite a riot. Another of their agents attacked your Cardinal and I. I only assume that snake Reaver that dealt my final blow is among their ranks.”[/color] She was not sure how much Penny divulged of her fraternizing with Mint agents. She did however recall that Penny was the one that had introduced her to Chloe. Out of respect and to make up for the error she had made in mischaracterizing the mechanical girl earlier she would not out her. That would have to wait for another conversation.

There would be a moment after Cindy spoke where every single piece of metal not nailed down would suddenly shift towards Penny. Who had a look of raw hate on her face as her eyes burned a baleful, bloody red. [color=9e0039][u][b]”I am going to rip her-!”[/b][/u][/color] she would start to snarl before she turned herself away.

It would take a few seconds before Penny was able to force herself to become calm and even then her magical aura was still chaotic showing that the mechanical monster wasn’t truly calmed.

[color=9e0039][u][b]“Sorry”[/b][/u][/color] She would say her voice clipped as she spoke turning back to the group [color=9e0039][u][b]“I have more reason to hate her then I suspected”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would explain through grit teeth [color=9e0039][u][b]“I do think that means that my assumption that Eden is also a part of Mint makes more sense. Since she knew what was going to happen it seems, to say nothing of that WMD”[/b][/u][/color]

Jenna would watch Penny closely with some concern. The girl changed often and always seemed to become more corrupted despite their attempts to stop it. Made her wonder what was actually going on with her. She would pass a message telepathically to Penny just to keep things discrete. [i][color=plum]”Penny, I should have said something sooner but, are you alright? You don’t have to answer now. We can talk later.[/color][/i] For now though she would cast a spell to try and settle the magical aura.

Keeping things more under wraps than Penny, Cindy would watch unaware of the aura but able to see and hear the visible frustrations. [color=cyan]”I suspect you shall be one of many who share that sentiment. Be wary that your hatred not manipulate you into a similar situation to mine.”[/color] Ironic that she would be the one to advise for a cooler head. 

[color=9e0039][u][b]“I have a-”[/b][/u][/color] Penny would cut herself off angrily, before going through the motions taking a deep breath and holding it, her aura actually calming done as she repeated the process. [color=9e0039][u][b]“I had a close personal connection to Chloe.”[/b][/u][/color] She would say at last [color=9e0039][u][b]“One she used to manipulate and control me before abandoning me. To hear she was connected to the nightmare of a rave was a nasty surprise, and just adds more to her betrayal”[/b][/u][/color]

[color=9e0039][i]‘I’m fine’[/i][/color] Penny would reply mentally [color=9e0039][i]‘Just Chloe is a sore topic still’[/i][/color] with a shake of her head she would move on “So no information on Mint, fine, what about Mariette? You talked with her back at the Beach. Anything you can tell us about her, or that?” Penny would ask, hoping to push the conversation past her, at least for the moment.

[i][color=plum]You’re always fine, and then something else happens. We’ll talk later.[/color][/i] Jenna didn’t leave the notion up for debate.

This was quickly turning into more of an interrogation than coming to terms on a contract. Things were silent for a while. As Cindy tried to recall the aforementioned conversation she outwardly became more agitated. [color=cyan]”I do not recall speaking with her at the beach. If I did perhaps it has yet to return to me.”[/color] She would stop and think over it some more. Before she would let her temper get the better of her she stopped and took a deep breath. The slight shaking from frustration melted away and as her mental magic helped her focus. Having access to this kind of ability prior could have been quite useful. Though knowing herself it likely would have been horribly abused.

[color=cyan]”Perhaps I should clarify my earlier statement.”[/color] Holding up the clipboard with their musings. [color=cyan]”I suspect you have questions regarding the contract for me. What you have here is good but perhaps too rigid. I shall make my rebuttal and propose my own amendments. We will discuss the matter to come to a consensus and draft the final copy. Is that clear?”[/color] Her eyes would sweep across all present. She did not intend to sidestep the earlier question so much as she could not answer it at this time. 

 [color=aba000]”Sure,”[/color] Allicia agreed without argument. She was out of things she had wanted to ask in general anyway. 

Cindy would smile at the swift answer. [color=cyan]”Splendid. Most of what you have is to be expected. It is crafted such to avoid me harming Janet and betraying Beacon by attacking its members or divulging information. However, my mission to protect Penrose has not changed. When it is found out that Janet and I share the same form I will need the autonomy to defend myself should the Ascendancy or others in Beacon threaten me or those I swore to defend. I can attempt to avoid harm but circumstances may still cause something I do to damage Beacon in some fashion. Intent should be the defining factor to this byline. A contract of this nature would surpass the ability of a Light user to discern the truth motivating one's actions and act accordingly. What’s more, if I cannot reveal information about Beacon then I must reserve the right for the same of my people. It would not be fair for me to betray their trust in such a manner.”[/color] She would pause and look at the other attendees for their thoughts.

All of that sounded well and good, but so far there wasn’t much in the way of concessions. Perhaps they simply hadn’t gotten to it yet. Thinking it through for a while Jenna would eventually speak up. Seemed she’d finally gotten past the fact that despite how the person in front of her looked, it was not her sister. [color=plum]”I don’t think you understand the position you are in, Cindy. You are in Janet’s body. A memory of who Cindy Ford was. Whatever influence or title you held died with the rest of you. You’re just another magical girl now. You may know a lot, but that doesn’t make you who you were before.”[/color] As Jenna stared down Cindy, the captive girl’s eyes were glowing. It was clear she was not used to being spoken down to like this. Taking a breath to say something Jenna would cut her off. [color=plum]”I would choose your words carefully. You don’t have very many friends left. And in case you didn’t notice the ShineSpark lives inside you. The fact that you haven’t been purged means you’ve been cleansed and accepted into Beacon by it.”[/color] With the barrier between them, the others would not have seen or sensed the presence of the ShineSpark in Cindy. She had briefly mentioned the ShineSpark earlier, though given it was Janet it would be easy to assume she was only talking about her sister and not both minds being shielded.

Any semblance of protest in Cindy’s expression died with Jenna’s last remarks. She, a member of Beacon? Preposterous. Despite having nearly been killed by the very same magic shortly after she woke up, Cindy had all but dismissed the event. Feeling out her magic she would find Beacon’s new guardian waiting vigilantly to come to her aid. She backed up from the barrier a bit. Her eyes darted to the other two to see their reaction to this revelation. Had they known about this? Her pride and power had always acted as something of a defense for her. Both were rather quickly being eroded as she reflected on where she currently stood. She was being held, not even in a proper cell, and being questioned. There wasn’t a way out of this. Everyone she knew thought her dead and gone. Even if they knew she had survived in some approximate fashion would they even recognize her as the same person?

Frustration evident as she faced her present reality. Who she was had never been a question in her mind. The Thunderbird had crafted her to rule and the role had been as much her as the electricity that had made up her body. Her patron must have been disappointed in her performance because in her hour of need it allowed her to perish. Even now this fragment of Cindy was left to fend for herself. Fear would not be an accurate description for how the girl felt right now. Eyes drifting to her reflection against a metal surface she would see a stranger looking back at her. Her mind abuzz with thoughts she would clutch her head as her psychic magic flared. In this box though the only other mind to find was Janet’s, and she was sitting peacefully in a stasis that she couldn’t breach. 

Penny’s face would be a moment of confusion as she worked her way through Jenna’s logic. But it would end with her not being terribly surprised, after all at the end of the day, it was still Janet’s body.

That moment of contemplation was quickly placed aside as she witnessed the full impact of the truth begin to descend onto Cindy. Of everyone present Penny felt she had the best idea of what it was like to go through identity death, it had nearly happened to her twice after all. Thus when she saw what was happening she quickly moved into action.

All the while they had been talking, a part of Penny had been set watching the system controlling the barrier. The information she had from that allowed her to seamlessly move towards Cindy, the barrier opening and closing within a moment, allowing Penny to slip into the enclosed space yet hardly leaving any time in which anyone could stop her before it closed behind her.

Once inside she would simply move towards the distraught girl and pull her into a hug. [color=9e0039][u][b]“It’s okay”[/b][/u][/color] She would sooth [color=9e0039][u][b]“No matter what you still have your name, no one can take that from you” [/b][/u][/color]

The instant Penny stepped in, Cindy knew and her psychic focus switch over to the mechanical girl. She sensed no ill intent and was caught off guard when being embraced in a hug. No one ever did that with Cindy. In the past it was nearly impossible for one, potentially painful, and something she would never allow. On instinct she attempted to shock the girl off, which of course amounted to nothing. Almost as reflexive though was the psychic blast that followed it up before physically pushing Penny back. [color=cyan]”I did not give you charge to embrace me.”[/color] Identity crisis or no, Cindy Ford would not allow herself to be coddled, at least at this point. Trembling she took several more shaky steps back. She was losing control and that was no more evident than when Janet suddenly woke up.

Steadying herself, the girl’s demeanor improved nearly instantly. Looking at Penny confusedly, Janet would take a few breaths. Her heart was racing so Cindy must have been through some physical strain or distress. Seeing the contract items untouched she assumed things were not going well. [color=khaki]”What happened?”[/color]

Alicia held back a sigh as she rubbed her forehead, now that it was clear that Janet had returned. [color=aba000]”Well that could have gone a lot better,”[/color] she observed. [color=aba000]”As is I was willing to agree to most of that anyway, at least when it comes to self defense and an equitable blanket on not revealing information. But I get the feeling we may be back at square one now.”[/color]

[color=plum]”If we’re going to try and work out something between Cindy and my sister we can’t just allow her to believe nothing has changed. That could be worse once the deal is done and we can’t change it.”[/color] Pointing back toward where they teleported in. [color=plum]”You think the rest of her friends would just go along with that? Her world was going to get shattered sooner or later.”[/color]

Janet stared at the ceiling for a couple seconds. This was not going to be as simple as she’d hoped. [color=khaki]”Jenna.”[/color] She had to let out an exasperated sigh. She wasn’t mad, she couldn’t be. Her sister was doing a good job looking out for her and she appreciated it more than words could describe it. She would look at Jenna and give her a calm smile. [color=khaki]”I agree. I just wish I could be a part of the conversation instead of having to drag you all into this. Update me if you could.”[/color] Jenna dropped the barrier for a moment and relayed everything that had happened to that point. Thinking through the matter for a bit she had to shake her head. [color=khaki]"Okay. That was harsher than I thought. Hm…"[/color] She would eventually look around a bit. By this point they'd all but scared the girl to pieces. [color=khaki]"Maybe we should try talking in a less uninviting environment. And I want a better idea of what we intend to try before just throwing ideas at her. Does that make sense?"[/color]

[color=aba000]”I know that,”[/color] Alicia replied with a scowl. [color=aba000]”But it’s not like we can just get rid of her. You already said bringing in a Psychic won’t work, and we can’t do much besides talk while she’s still in Janet.”[/color]

At least Janet was there to turn down the temperature before things grew even more heated than they were right now. [color=aba000]”At the end of the day I want you to be safe, and I want to make sure her previous attitudes don’t lead her to work against us while she’s in control of your body. Beyond that I’m willing to be flexible.”[/color]

[color=khaki]”We did try a number of ways to communicate without success. Even I find it hard to detect she’s there at times. If I were to hazard a guess all my combined magic kind of works against us in that regard.”[/color] She would say as she tried to formulate a plan. There had to be a better method for this. What she really needed was a proper representative of herself. Something like an AI could maybe work, but she didn’t really like the idea of making a digital representation of herself. Too bad Cindy had used her Ruby Coin because she probably could use it right about now. She could think of a couple potentially useful magical abilities that would be… Janet’s eyes would suddenly pop open and her head would whip around to look in Jenna’s direction. [color=khaki]”I know how I can talk face to face with Cindy.”[/color]