Anomaly [closed]

<img style="" src="http://i.imgur.com/HsEyF6E.png" style="max-width:100%;]

_{A 1x1 between Kat && Deific.
Feel free to read along.}

<img style="max-width:25%;float:right;margin:0 0 18px 18px;" src="http://i.imgur.com/OHyHtms.png" style="avatar]She remembered her conception; the factory line. All those probes and sensors inspecting every minute detail of her chassis before she was deemed ready for display. A showroom, with ventilation shafts feeding mentholated air through the ducts to ease the harsh residual chemical odors. Oxidized polyethylene hybrid material capturing the figure of a vibrant youth. Her buyer asked for skin pale and hair pink, so when his reaction was borderline disappointment, Kae hadn't understood. Wasn't she exactly what he wanted? Tall, shapely, and in the tones he had chosen from a palette of customer favorites. She was even upgraded for enhanced functionality, with waterproof motherboard behind lab grown organic epidermis. She was as real as she could be - as any Synthetic could be - yet he never once seemed happy with her performance.

He certainly hadn't loved her.

It had been years since she was released from her previous owner, and though there were laws in place to protect the rights of fulfilled Synthetics, that didn't stop the world from frightening Kae. Possibilities weighed heavily on her mind; A mind one would mistake for human if it weren't for the series of implanted metal socket holes running the length of her spine. No one knew what she was until that small part of the package was exposed, and more often than not, it led to more trouble than it was worth. The value of a re-marketed Synthetic was incredibly low, and in this vein of reasoning, Kae had been left to see what means she could manage for herself without relying on what she was inherently.

Now, in the gloom of lower Saigon, she was best known for serving drinks. Kae didn't make the drinks she served, though she could have it she was allowed to- She wasn't. Rain drenched streets filed in soaked patrons, and on quiet nights, she crawled onto the roof to smoke cigarettes that did nothing but overwork her heating system, kicking her oxygen filtration system into high gear. This night was one of those nights, with a few scattered individuals dotting her peripherals as her painted pink nails clicked teasingly against the counter. There was no real sign of impatience over her features, but azure ocular implants scanned the joint several times before finally ceasing to rest on the entrance of the establishment.

"Slow night." She mentioned as one hand rose to tug at her ear lobe, jostling the several silver studs lining the cartilage. "Why do you think it's slow?"

The bartender shrugged before commenting, "Because it's a tuesday night, probably. Couldn't say."

The Synthetic sighed from her perch on the bar counter, her rear against a slab of clear plastic that wrapped around the serving area like a protective ring. Crossing one thigh over the other in the skin tight leggings she wore, Kae offered quietly, "People should still drink on a Tuesday, Marv." The issue wasn't worth pressing further than she had, and when a glare was issued in her general direction, the woman slipped off the bar to take a proper seat at a nearby table. At this rate, her tips were going to be shit. Perfect.

<img style="avatar" src="http://i.imgur.com/OHyHtms.png" style="max-width:25%;float:right;margin:0 0 18px 18px;]Their little hole in the wall wasn't all that well known, but that was probably why it acquired the clientele it had, thus accruing far more financial assistance than any no-name bar rightly deserved. Kae didn't look into the logs or read the fine print on all the agreements her employers made, but she was well aware of the connections embedded in the fabric of her current position. Catering to customers wasn't all that outlandish by itself, though some were more forthright than others, and that left the Synthetic with an overly complicated answer ready for whenever it was required she make excuses. She wasn't a red light district shop job, so her programming didn't immediately send out commands related to stimulation and provocative dialogue. In some ways, this made life extremely difficult for a being with less rights than those she served on a regular basis.

It also made moments of weakness seem intense. A flaw to her system, perhaps. Accidental attraction.

Kae's ocular implants made note of the newest patron as they entered, and for a moment, there was no movement made by the buxom server. She just watched, still as a statue, until Marv hissed angrily from his station at the counter, "Get his order, dammit." Right. A drink. Blinking slowly as though finding it harder to regain her poise than it naturally was, long legs uncrossed so Kae could rise to her full height, fluidly closing the gap between herself and the blonde gentleman on heels too flashy with her hair too vibrant for the atmosphere.

"Welcome-," Kae began clearly where she stood just outside of arm's reach from the stranger, "To the Veil. Can I get you anything?" Unaware of just who she was speaking with, the level of formality was exactly as it had been drilled into her during her week of training a handful of years back. Marv has aged a bit since then, grayer at his temples, and graced with more worry lines across his forehead than she recorded during their initial meeting. Of course, Kae hadn't aged a day externally. Internally, her components were still in well maintained condition, even if they were somewhat outdated at this point. Four new models of the K.A.E. unit had been released, though collector's often sought what was difficult to come by, and she had evaded attention for those very reasons.

She wasn't looking to sit on display. Not again.

"If you'll follow me, I can seat you." A smile was given, her perfect teeth a bright display of white chicklet-like incisors all lined in a row. She had a sweet appeal, all bubble gum with her tone. Her scan of the male had given her some insight on his presence, though it was his eye that garnered the most attention. Maybe that was what caused the hint of smirk to show itself before she turned from him. "Unless you would prefer the bar, of course."

[/img]"http://i.imgur.com/OHyHtms.png" style="max-width:25%;float:right;margin:0 0 18px 18px;" style="avatar]"Yes." Kae was quick to answer the quip concerning Synthetics, but quicker to write it off. A great many types of people frequented the Veil, and their commentary ranged from tame to entirely too colorful; the stranger simply stated the obvious. Well, the obvious in his case, given the capabilities of his artificial eye. Kae didn't find it unflattering in the slightest, though her thoughts of aesthetics were lowered for the benefit of the buyer who had designed her kit. A wealthy man with many hobbies, he wasn't what one would have considered attractive unless expectations were logically lowered for the benefit of involvement. Even as she was, a being made primarily of inorganic parts, she still had the capability to say no. Be it in jest, or in seriousness. Maybe that was why so many people feared the presence of Synthetics. Their ability to adapt was impressive, but their characteristics and personalities evolved over the course of their existence, and no two individual units were the same.

Human... Almost.

Ventus' companion would be gestured to by Marv for his order, and what Ventus himself wished to drink earned a small nod of recognition from the woman. Heeled steps clicked against the floor tiles, sending their pair back beyond the general population of drinking miscreants and vape puffing barflies to where a darker corner was wrapped by a circular padded booth. Kae didn't move to sit as she allowed Ventus to settle in as he saw fit, but instead moved on the question he issued concerning her history. Had she wanted to ask how he knew this, the words were halted by the latter comment, and again she found herself studying his lime shaded implant with growing interest.

"A little over a decade." Absentmindedly, Kae ran her palms over the front of her skin tight ensemble to ensure it laid flat. A body suit of some sort, with suspender-esque straps holding a bustier upwards to enhance the swell of her breasts. Her figure was an hourglass, with a tapered waist feeding into shapely hips hugged by the lycra of the suit. Much of her skin was covered, save for her head and her hands, decorated in dark fabric to match the quiet lull of the establishment. Only those pink locks of hers seemed out of place, but with icy blue hues, they fit. Somehow, Kae appeared well kept. Subdued. "The owner didn't ask questions, and I didn't mind dealing with the regulars."

Again making an about face, Kae returned to the bar to retrieve Ventus' vodka. She even included the bottle and an ashtray in case he wished to smoke, a foil wrapped mint seated in the middle if not. When finished, Kae returned to the rear of the establishment to set down the tray, and pour the shot for the mobster. "Does it really surprise you? I'm sure it's not so uncommon to see fulfilled Synthetics working." Sliding the shot glass across the table, the woman waited a moment before asking, "Will that be all?"

[/img]"http://i.imgur.com/OHyHtms.png" style="max-width:25%;float:right;margin:0 0 18px 18px;" style="avatar]Part of her programming attested to why typically jarring actions often seemed ignored by the Synthetic. Her reflexes were quick, but quicker was her thought process as it read the tone to the stranger's words. Perceived as they were given, Kae shifted lithely to take a seat across from the male, her watchful gaze unblinking for alarming amounts of time. It was an inquisitive sort of investigation that might have been considered invasive in it's own right, were the receiver of this attention easily bothered. It made those kinds of people uncomfortable given the eye contact she maintained, but Kae did this without pause to Ventus, her artificial hues locked on his as she listened to what was ushered between them. Her expression changed from that pleasant and formal greeting smile to a less enthusiastic expression bordering confusion as she asked. "I'm afraid I don't understand. Business?"

Folding her hands neatly across her lap as her legs once again found themselves cross, the Synthetic overlooked Ventus' quick work with the vodka, and thought it was all some sort of gamble being made for her company. As she had been told since her first night working at the Veil, no one liked drinking alone- especially when they could have her company for the evening. A hostess position wasn't beyond her tolerance, so in this vein of logic, following the direction of Ventus' commentary came naturally. It wasn't like anyone else was coming into the bar any time soon, and by the look Marv had given this stranger, her company was important to someone somewhere. That much was taken note of, so with business as the topic, Kae licked her lips to accentuate a naturally pink pout.

"I don't mind questions. I would happily answer whatever you wish to ask me. It's just talk of business I'm not understanding." Her figure straightened, a bold stance without slouch so the fabric tautly covering her torso strained against captive curves. "I'm not the owner of the Veil." This much was obvious. How rarely did Synthetics own anything more than bare bone lofts in the less frequented part of the city? Even fewer would be known for what they were, but such drastic alterations required a Clocksmith, and Kae didn't wish to end up butchered for spare parts. One was wise not to trust just anyone with their well being. "I'm also not involved in anything particularly lucrative outside of the Veil. So, as to business and you being the business type you are, I'm at a loss how I might be of assistance to you."

Her smile returned slowly as her pale visage glanced back to where they had come from, attempting to spy sidelong movements at the bar. Was Marv aware of what was happening? Was this anything he needed to be alerted to? The question was yet to be answered as her portrait returned to face Ventus. "You know my name, and I won't ask how. You seem knowledgeable of Synthetics..." One of her hands moved to gesture over the male's face from where she sat, "You are altered." Her hand motioned once more over the tattoo'd knuckles he had previously rapped against the table top. "How should I address you?"

<img style="max-width:25%;float:right;margin:0 0 18px 18px;" style="avatar" src="http://i.imgur.com/OHyHtms.png]"Many things."

She repeated the words to herself more so than she did for her company's sake. They were breathed, airy and barely audible under the electric hum of the paneled halogen fixtures above where they sat. That soft light they enjoyed buzzed so even in silence, their meeting was plagued by static. Kae would notice this more than Ventus may have, but she was accustomed to the ambient noises interwoven in her work environment. The woman's head swiveled at times in idle motion, her vision trailing over mannerisms she was witness to until she had listened to the message Ventus was trying to convey, which received a small nod. His possessiveness wasn't lost on the Synthetic, but her will was far from taxed by vague claims of ownership. Hints at intention were not fact; merely speculative. She was a woman inevitably knowledgeable from information gleaned from pedestrian sources who slipped in and out of the Veil.

Men like Ventus were not as uncommon as he may have hoped.

"Well, Mr. Astartes, how am I to respond?" This was a trick question, much as his latter questions had been carefully set traps left in hopes of enticing the Synthetic. Kae's smile was an almost mischievous taunt; a smirk to set the mood, or to simply override any hidden fears she may have been harboring. If nothing else, Kae was excellent at hiding her emotions when the need arose. In present company, this seemed almost expected of the coral crowned femme. "To your questions, I'm admittedly curious. What if you could? What does that entail?" Kae humored the inquiries with her own, trickling forth a string of thoughts most wouldn't bother hearing from an individual composed primarily of artificial parts.

"You're offering me something. At what cost?" Kae swept the rearmost section of the bar with clear sky blue orbs before she continued with, "Better, you say. What if I enjoy my life as it is?" This earned a chime of laughter, an almost saccharine sweet sound that had an otherworldly quality to it. "Isn't it presumptuous to walk into a bar and assume one of the employees isn't happy working there?" Finishing this train of thought, Kae reached for the mine she had brought, and unwrapped the candy with a shrug of slender shoulders.

"Why do you ask, Mr. Astartes?" Popping the mint into her mouth, the Synthetic mused between subtle sucks, "I'm thinking you're a collector. You're practically oozing money. Your suit is worth more than I make in a week... So, am I right? Are you trying to add a new addition to your collection?" Kae let her features ease back to a softer state of neutrality as her tongue worked behind closed lips. "I'm not for sale. My contract was fulfilled, Mr. Astartes." With her legs shifting beneath the table, the woman peered at the emptied shot glass to redirect her suspicions from Ventus.

"So, I'll ask again in hope you wish to answer me. What business do you have with me?"

[/img]"http://i.imgur.com/OHyHtms.png" style="max-width:25%;float:right;margin:0 0 18px 18px;" style="avatar]Kae sucked at the mint as she listened, her figure stiffening slightly as the message was received, as it wasn't one she had genuine interest in responding to. Aware that she had been left alone with someone more demanding than she initially perceived her companion to be, the woman brought a manicured hand upwards to rake through pink tresses in feeble attempt to anchor the filaments behind the crest of her ear. "Better for you, it seems." The Veil had been her home for a decade, and in such, she had no intention of simply abandoning her place of employment for the prospect of greener pastures. Not without proof, at the very least. "Why are you so interested in me?" That, among all the stray thoughts flying around her thought bank, seemed the most pressing matter between the pair. As she had mentioned before, and Ventus had further affirmed for the Synthetic, there was a great deal of money at stake when the male was involved, so why was he looking to pick up an older model android if he wasn't doing so for collecting purposes?

"I'm confused." Kae said, a tinge of uneasiness lacing her lyrical vocals. "What good does acquiring me do? What is the benefit" Struggling to find the words, the Synthetic fell silence for a moment as she assessed her options. Finally, begrudgingly, she continued with, "I know there are places I would prefer to be, other than here. I wouldn't argue that. I just... Don't know what you want from me." She brought up a hand as though expecting him to interject. "To work for you, yes. That much I understand. What I want to know is what you plan for me to do?" A list of occupations came to mind, various tasks that fit the qualifications he had previously covered with his assurances. If she needn't worry about her 'bodily integrity', what could a wealthy mobster hope to find with an archaic piece of technology he couldn't otherwise satisfy with a newer model KAE?

"This is what I do." A vague thing to say, but for many years, her nights had been spent keeping strangers company while she shuttled drinks back and forth through a fog of conversation. Her installed programming was adaptive, but without proper training, she fell into the same lull humans did; doing what she knew how to do, rather than what she might have preferred doing. As the conversation continued, Kae found it increasingly difficult to meet Ventus' gaze, even if he continued watching her where she sat. "How do I know you're not lying to me?" Beneath that slick and demanding demeanor of her counterpart, was there some unforeseen presence of benevolence? If so, why?

"What do you want me to do, Mr. Astartes?" Kae picked up the wrapper from the now dissolved mint and balled the cellophane between her thumb and forefinger. "Under your employment, that is. Is there a position opening in a business you own, or are you simply looking for another follower for your entourage?" Mention of this was done to acknowledge she hadn't forgotten Ventus wasn't alone here, even if Feston wasn't in their immediate vicinity.

<img style="avatar" style="max-width:25%;float:right;margin:0 0 18px 18px;" src="http://i.imgur.com/OHyHtms.png]"Released."

After a moment or two between the last of Ventus' remarks, Kae found an almost wistful smile creeping back over those near perfect features of hers. "I wasn't bought out, as you've put it several times. I was released." Fingers curled against the meat of her thigh while the woman's other hand continued toying with a bit of rubbish left in the wake of her candy craving. "But those details aren't important in this case, I suppose. If my uniqueness has caught your attention, I can't help questioning your judgment." Partially said in jest, Kae flickered her blue hues back towards the male as she added simply, "You seem committed to this."

The trash was dropped, forgotten, onto the table as Kae returned to dragging her digits through the mess of her hair. Done partially as a reason for her to move, but also because she wanted to buy time, and any means of distracting Ventus could prove helpful. Of course, things were being simplified after she had danced through the hoops he set up for the Synthetic in regards to his motivations. Eventually realizing her dilemma, Kae found a chuckle misplaced as though she was nervous about her next question. Regardless of what nerves may or may not have been involved, there just wasn't any way around what she managed to ask. "I don't have a choice in the matter, do I?"

Memories of a life prior to this one leaked into the forefront of her mind, and despite Kae's best efforts to avoid recollections she deemed unnecessary, one couldn't outrun their past. If she were more comfortable with the events leading up to working in the Veil, perhaps the woman would have had the memory cells wiped during a diagnostic scan. Yet, there always seemed to be a nearby excuse to grab a hold of in case the passing thought occurred, leaving her to cope in the manner she learned to do since her first moments of cognizance. In silence.

Another long pause would fall over the pair, though Kae would break it when she was ready to do so, even if it meant upsetting the pace of their conversation. "How much time do I have before we leave?" The hint of disappointment in her voice was there, unmasked, as Kae refused to pretend she was immediately happy with Ventus' asseveration of her stunted potential. Wasn't it always men in suits who seemed to ruin the lives of those around them? The blonde's appearance spelled trouble from the instance he stepped through the entrance of the bar, and since then, Kae had grown noticeably more distant with Ventus during their time spent together. Still, she wasn't surprised. Her time free had always been limited; a novel concept.

Her only argument came in the soft admittance of, "I still have much to lose." Kae convinced herself this was for the best, that she was somehow benefiting those she had worked with for all these years, if only to keep Ventus from doing something drastic in the Veil. Marv had a wife and children. Even the smallest bit of hesitation concerning their safety meant Kae couldn't say no to Ventus. At least not now, not here.

<img style="avatar" src="http://i.imgur.com/OHyHtms.png" style="max-width:25%;float:right;margin:0 0 18px 18px;]Kae could have easily argued that her existence, be it in the Veil or elsewhere, was no concern of Ventus', but she recognized her state of logistical defeat. It left a bad taste to counteract the mint refreshment from a moment prior, causing her stomach to sour and her mouth to dry. Often, this proved difficult to ignore considering she didn't have a real stomach- of course, there simply wasn't time in present company to dwell on the nausea in her lower torso which wasn't really there, despite the functioning receptors pinging messages of pain through the network of her neural matrix. "Mr. Astartes." Pink locks bounced as her features bowed towards the blonde. "I'll be with you again shortly."

Quickly, heeled steps sent Kae in the opposite direction of Ventus, and each step made was one offering modicums of relief to a deceptively cool facade. Even her words came clean and detached, their lack of worry likely more alarming than the message she found herself relaying to her employer. At the bar where Marv and Feston were having a discussion, the Synthetic came to a full stop before beckoning Marv to come closer. His brow raised in question, but in light of this gesture, he could gather this wasn't any small matter he could absently wave off.

"One moment." It was Marv's turn to lead Kae, and as the two moved to the back where boxes and bottles lined the far walls, they hooked a right into the belly of the building, and inevitably, into the cramped office Marv never had a reason to use otherwise. His voice was gravelly and aged from years of smoking, low in his throat so each syllable seemed to reverberate. "Problems?"

"Mr. Astartes is trying to buy me."

"What did you say to him?"

"I said I would go with him." Kae narrowed her eyelids before her brow crinkled towards the middle of her forehead. "Rather, I implied I was agreeing by asking when 'we' would leave." Her covered arms crossed tightly beneath the swell of her breasts while she shifted her weight from one leg to the other. "I don't think he will take no for an answer."

"Nah. He probably won't." Marv raked squared digits through thinning strands of salt and pepper hair before shuffling towards his desk piled beneath stacks of books and loose files. Paperwork was pushed around, mused over, balled up into a wad of unworthy trash, and quickly thrown away. "I can keep you off the books. Outta the records." His hand spun in a rolling gesture to indicate continuation of the thought, "But this doesn't seem right. Been a long while since anyone tried this stunt." Marv chuckled before broad shoulders shrugged their unknowing towards the femme.

"It was inevitable." Kae ushered as she turned away from Marv, back the way they had come through the hallway of boxes. "I was under no impression my position here would be permanent." The edge of her lip curled slightly as she reminded him, "Remember, the ad had said 'Looking for temporary employee for holiday hours'."

"Well, maybe the holidays never ended here."

"Synthetics don't celebrate holidays so-," Kae felt her throat tighten as she made her intention to leave apparent. "They never started for me." From the doorway, she added quietly, "Take it easy, Marv." It was best to keep her exit short and to the point, if only to keep the woman from changing her mind. Perhaps she expected an argument to ensue where the barkeep shook some sense into Kae by drilling her with all the reasons this wasn't a good idea. If that was what she hoped for, she wasn't going to find it in the Veil. Especially not from Marv.

Clicking her way back to where she had left Ventus waiting, the Synthetic continued hugging her midsection; a passive aggressive posture in it's own right. "I need to visit my apartment as well. Do you want to stay here while I'm gone?"

<img style="avatar" src="http://i.imgur.com/OHyHtms.png" style="max-width:25%;float:right;margin:0 0 18px 18px;]None of this had started with Kae personally, but many moons before her concept design was ever scrutinized over by Tanzo Corporation scientists. This being the appeal of Synthetics to a mass consumer base; their ability to conform and adapt, and among other things, impersonate those they were surrounded by. The Kinetic Android Experience was marketed to households with definitive means to support another 'family' member, and the line itself was a testament to the sort of clientele high end robotics companies catered to. Attractive male and female models, hand picked by those looking to place an order, ranging anywhere from 5,000,000? to 50,000,000? a unit. Luxury additions hiked the price further, and if one had the right connections, they were fortunate enough to be purchasing the most lifelike android ever produced.

This is why when Kae frowned, it appeared as any displeasing expression might - genuine on the face of the wearer. "To my apartment?" Her movements, though graceful and languid, were also deceptively human. She didn't glide or ghost about as she hovered near Ventus at the bar, but instead walked as any woman graceful in appearance should. Even a Synthetic needed to learn to walk in heels being this wasn't inherently part of their programming, but Kae was practiced. Educated. It was second nature by the time she had slunk into the Veil looking for work, meaning the experience Ventus received then was almost ethereal in quality. "You needn't do that, Mr. Astartes."

But just as the words were ushered between them, Kae found herself being led from the establishment she considered home with little more than a nudge in the direction of the door. To show resistance in the face of change was embedded in the human condition, yet the Synthetic found this to be the most accurate representation of what this meant on a personal level, regardless what she might have been. One could easily dwell on theories over their coffee, or muse about thoughts during the evening commute, but this android had never been so swept up in the waves of change at a rate quite like the one Ventus was maintaining. The sound of his lighter earned another look of unhappiness. Muted judgement.

"Do you drive?" The question likely wasn't necessary, but in Ho Chi Minh, the amount of adult drivers was lower due to the bustling transit system, as well as the addition of Android workers. If someone could afford a vehicle, they already had a built-in artificial intelligence unit. Kae asked anyway because she was curious if he could. "My apartment is over by the Notre-Dame Basilica." She looked down where her arms were folded, assessing the bubblegum polish coating her nails before expanding on the description. "It's in the French quarter, if you've ever been... On Rue Lavaud." Saigon had always clung to it's colonial roots, and as the future seemed to absorb whole cultures at a time, the once Vietnamese landmark city continued to be a vast menagerie of various influences.

Kae looked upwards in time with the last words Ventus shared, searching the towering skyline for hints at the night he spoke of. "If you say so." Her steps halted when they reached the vehicle, though the woman seemed preoccupied as she continued efforts regarding the state of the evening. Was it atmospheric, or did Ventus simply wish to gloat? At this point, Kae wasn't sure if she wanted the answer or if she just wanted to preoccupy her mind for the moment.

<img style="avatar" src="http://i.imgur.com/OHyHtms.png" style="max-width:25%;float:right;margin:0 0 18px 18px;]"It wasn't my intention to be vague."

Kae followed directions well, and when she was told to get into the vehicle, she did just that. Taking a seat on the passenger's side, her features immediately seemed to turn outward, staring through the tinted glass towards the cityscape. There was some semblance of home here in Saigon for the Synthetic. It was where she was crafted, and though much of her parts were factory model upgrades, the organic portions were from scratch. Skin grown in labs over an exoskeleton of cobalt-chromium alloy, Titanium marrow injections for a faux bone structure. The KAE series was advertised as being the most durable and long lasting androids on the market, and such claims weren't far from the truth. Did Kae consider herself be anything special? In some ways, she might have. Her artificial intelligence chip was state of the art, and her neural matrix was as close to that of a human's as Tanzo was capable of making at this time.

She watched the city fly by as they passed pedestrians and motorists alike, hopeful Ventus had no intention of leaving Saigon. The Synthetic simply didn't want to go- to abandon this place. Kae much preferred the bustling metropolis to any wayward thoughts of elsewhere, and though she had no memory of being anywhere but in Ho Chi Minh, her sentimental attachment was strong. Persistent in light of her new found arrangements. "It's also not my intention to dwell on dismal things, Mr. Astartes." Kae's thighs shifted as her expression lightened to one that could genuinely argue her case. "I see this opportunity, and I'm sure I'm capable of assisting you as you see fit."

Something in the way he had spoken of liking machines made this easier for the woman. Maybe he meant it.

"I just hope there is room in your household for another member." Paused, Kae brushed through the cascade of coral shaded curls before asking, "But you are not married, correct?" Her portrait swiveled as she looked over her company once more, her chin tipping at Ventus' hand where it was holding the steering wheel. "You don't wear a ring... I hope I'm not prying." Or perhaps she did hope to pry. Few would recognize this line of questioning as being a threat, and fewer would expect it to be problematic when an android was concerned. Kae didn't push her inquiries any further as the emptied street feeding into her neighborhood was taken. This marked the first portion of the trip finished, and the following share Ventus' statements earned a soft, "A second vehicle won't be needed, Mr. Astartes."

And then she left, out into the darkness in that outfit of ebony, her vibrant dresses bouncing with each fateful step. Yet, just as sure as she was gone, Kae returned to the vehicle carrying an embroidered suitcase no larger than a standard sized carry-on bag, with corners rounded and a name engraved on the side. Climbing into the car once more, Kae set the luggage across her lap neatly before buckling her seatbelt.

"I have everything I require, Mr. Astartes. Whenever you're ready."

<img style="max-width:25%;float:right;margin:0 0 18px 18px;" src="http://i.imgur.com/OHyHtms.png" style="avatar]In an almost expectant way, Kae felt the praise was worth hearing, even if Ventus didn't necessarily know much about the Synthetic in question. The world had a way of making assumptions concerning androids, and robots, and the collective machines harboring levels of artificial intelligence. Some saw the problems where they were, in their closeness to humanity, and the lines that inevitably blurred when something that wasn't human could convince humans otherwise. Others sought purchase in the hearsay, and the rumors; the wicked and the devious. Sex slaves, assassins, motorized monstrosities. The list was long and lurid, filled with any flavor of unacceptable behavior one might dwell upon in passing. Kae was none of these things- her existence didn't herald some foreboding warning that humanity was reaching an insurmountable obstacle, seeking to take their place at the top of the food chain.

She was simply Kae. There was no tagline, or anecdote to accompany the woman. Whether this was what she wanted, or what others had enabled through lack of interest and encounter, Kae couldn't say. Society as a whole made a habit of congealing. All the abnormalities merged with normalcy, and in an almost predictable manner, the melting pot of acceptable and taboo were caught together in mega cities like Saigon. "That sounds lonely, Mr. Astartes." The woman remarked as the vehicle maneuvered the sparser streets from her once home to that which Ventus owned. "I may have questions in the future. Presently, I'm just enjoying the ride." Lacquered nails danced lightly over the suitcase, her vocals producing a quiet hum as though the lack of music playing needed a remedy. What was a car ride without the radio? Quiet, that's what it was. Enough so that Kae hoped to alleviate that in a manner that didn't impede on Ventus' words.

"I can wait." Kae explained as they reached the estates, her eyes seeking the spread gates before taking in the grounds prior to the building. Topiary selections, statues, the driveway itself; hints at the sort of individual Ventus was. "You don't have a guest house then?" She craned her features as she looked to see if she was missing something in her inspection, though she was almost positive he didn't have one. At least no where within the general vicinity of the main building. Her sights would climb up the side as the vehicle came to a stop, further taking in her new home with an almost childlike quality to her gaze. Curiosity, as it had been mentioned. Kae preferred to regard her attention to details as inspection.

Even a Synthetic was capable of passing judgement.

"I'm sure wherever you have me staying is suitable, Mr. Astartes. I don't need much room." Though the KAE series did have a sleep cycle they followed to charge their lithium-ion core, meaning she would greatly appreciate a bed over a cramped closet- though she doubted Ventus' intention were so heavy with malice and spite that he would keep her caged in uncomfortable living condition. Especially considering the size of his estates. Unbuckling her seatbelt, the woman turned towards the male with a small smile. "Just lead the way, and I will follow."

<img style="avatar" src="http://i.imgur.com/OHyHtms.png" style="max-width:25%;float:right;margin:0 0 18px 18px;]By some stroke of naivety, Kae wasn't aware of Ventus' intentions concerning ownership. She was, at this point, a sentient being looking to work for wages higher than what she had been making in the Veil. If that meant taking up residence with her employer to do so, Kae was willing to do this; it wasn't uncommon occurrence. That said, the woman wasn't intent on living as a serf or slave beneath the blonde entrepreneur, regardless his capabilities concerning persuasion. She read his mannerisms through their encounter, watched his face and hands as a means to learn his common expressions. There was definite controlling factors beneath the surface, paired with fear regarding aforementioned capabilities. Like many of the rich men to cross paths with Kae, Ventus Astartes sought power through any outlet, and would use the rod to discipline just as quickly as he would make partially endearing comments under his breath.

He liked machines. Yes, she caught that.

Chuckling just as softly, Kae expelled an amused hum before exiting the vehicle with a merry clack of ebony pumps on concrete. Rather than continue to poke at what loneliness may have accumulated during Ventus' experience in present living arrangements, the android remarked playfully, "This is quite the home you have." There was no sarcasm lacing the words, but instead a coating of admiration. Approval. One did well to appreciate fine architecture, as well as aesthetically pleasing decor, and Kae was no different from others who had passed through these doors. If they were impressed by the appearance of Ventus' home, it was safe to assume Kae was as well, even if her commentary was muted.

Not entirely sure what she was allowed to say, much of what ran through her mind was filtered to the bare minimum. Small talk, polished and only playful when overly focused on.

A few more steps through the foyer, and Feston was present. Kae, with her luggage hugged possessively to her chest, stood next to her host while he spoke again. There was pause in their pace then, if only briefly, but she took this opportunity to share between their two persons, "He got here fast." Blinking over Ventus' personal assistance several times, Kae wasn't entirely sure what to make of the employee other than he didn't seem to speak much, and that in itself made her weary. Her lids would narrow ever so slightly before she tread across the carpet to follow Ventus up the stairwell. Never really moving faster than her long legs considered a leisurely stride, the Synthetic was silent on their journey to the top floor.

Thoughts were sometimes better company than people.

Kae spent much of the climb focusing on paintings and the otherwise minute details of the mansion. Having never lived in a place so massive in size before, she wondered if it were possible to ever fully process just how much interior design was spread throughout the building. Her memory was photographic, but that didn't necessarily mean she would be given time to fully inspect the premises. Having never been very good at sneaking around, she could only hope to be given free reign over the manor; it wasn't like she intended to steal his belongings. Even if she had thought about doing so, where exactly would she take stolen goods?

On the third floor landing, Kae murmured to herself while shaking out the cascade of her pink tresses, "Would be easy to get lost in a place like this, wouldn't it?"

<img style="avatar" src="http://i.imgur.com/OHyHtms.png" style="max-width:25%;float:right;margin:0 0 18px 18px;]The final words spoken were the most confusing she had heard all evening.

The movement to Ventus' bedroom was easy; made easier through the corridor of decorum. From the time he began to undress until his explanation of where she would be staying was made, Kae was quiet. Meek perhaps, shifting her weight from one leg to the other as watchful hues studied to massive chamber as though she was awaiting someone to pop out of the shadows at any given moment. When the coast was proven clear by several moments of silent observation, the woman's sights returned to her host. A few slow blinks were given as if the woman was sobering up from the evening's experiences, and then she asked plainly, "Why would that matter?"

She really didn't understand what her appearance meant to Ventus, nor had she put much thought into such vanities in a long time. Being attractive was inherent in her design, after all. If she wasn't attractive to someone somewhere, she would never have made it out of the showroom all those years ago. Not that this was anything Kae had interest in speaking about, and perhaps it was this notion that led the woman to bow her head while she added, "You're attractive as well, Mr. Astartes. Thank you." With that, she turned towards where her room was located, and followed the path leading through the adjoining doorway. No pause was given to her exploratory orbs as they swept the available furniture and style choices while her heels sank into the carpeting.

"Did someone else live here prior to myself?" Kae asked aloud, hoping it wasn't considered rude to do so, given the distance. Reaching the vanity, her carried case of inlaid design was set on the table so she could free her hands. Instinctively, they moved to brush over the taut bodysuit to ensure there was no creases or snags to the material. As she did this, which would be done until she was absolutely sure there was nonissue with her outfit, Kae commented, "You seem like you're a busy man." Turning slightly to look through the entry to where she had left Ventus on his bed, she asked, "Do you keep early hours, or is most of your business taken care of during evening hours?"

Kae wasn't so dense to believe Ventus practiced legitimate business practices, so to ask his hours wasn't a far stretch from expected. If anything, it was something that may have set her apart from others one would hope to see in a situation like hers. If she was to become an accomplice to dubious deeds, she would at least know when said acts were to happen. "I like what you've done with the place." Her hands rose to unclip the suspenders holstered over her shoulders, giving the restraint of her top a level of ease that threatened to let the garment slip away entirely. Kae didn't seem overly concerned with whether or not her breasts were exposed as she seated herself at the foot of her bed to unbuckle her heels.

"I'd love to know more about the history of the house. Did you have it built for you, or did you buy it? Renovations?"

[/img]"http://i.imgur.com/OHyHtms.png" style="avatar" style="max-width:25%;float:right;margin:0 0 18px 18px;]Kae's disposition was often one of general acceptance, so it wasn't much of a surprise when she nodded appreciatively towards much of what Ventus said. "Homely, yes. That's a good way to put it, Mr. Astartes." With her high heels neatly placed together at the foot of the bed, her toe nails wore the same neon pink shade her hair and finger's did, and she gave the digits a few wiggles before seeming satisfied with their performance. A regular check of motor skills meant there were not issues to arise unnoticed with less used functions. Toes, oddly enough, were one of the most common parts of a KAE unit to be replaced. This Kae had yet to have an issue with hers, but she was thorough, and her attitude seemed to exhibit a sense of duty concerning her general well being. Some habits she had were less healthy for her than others, but as a whole, she kept her life style rather tame.

Her gaze would return to Ventus' then, listening to each word shared as if she was counting the measures of his vocal range. Her head lulled in time with the messages, slow nods to ensure she was indeed paying attention, even if she didn't respond immediately to his explanation. "It's quite large for just one man." Though there were others who lived on the estates, Kae felt compelled to mention this, as it was true. there was no possible way one person needed this much space to themselves, and as far as she was concerned, it was an unhealthy venture unto itself. Barriers to keep others out; a hideout that provided too much solitude. Kae didn't mention how reminded she was of someone else she had known in the past, but the woman went to great lengths not to compare humans, as they were easily disgruntled at thoughts that they were in fact not as unique as they thought themselves to be.

The snap caused her eyebrows to raise, and for a short period of time, the Synthetic watched Ventus as if expecting him to take back the command. When he didn't, Kae rose to her full height and slipped back into the room where he was seated, coming to stand just outside of the male's reach. "What part of my body would you like to see?" The coyness of the question brought a small smirk to the corners of her lips, though Kae didn't fully appreciate the humor behind the act. Already, her hands were working to push down that skin tight material from where it obscured the view of her bosom. The collar at her neck was unbuttoned, freeing the garments support cinch so the upper half of the body suit peeled away to hang limp at her waist.

Kae's chest puffed out ever so slightly to accentuate her breasts, as supple and well rounded as they were, before she asked, "Why do you want to see my body?" As she recalled, he had promised her bodily integrity would remain intact. In this collection of moments, she wondered what the stipulation to this promise may have been. There was always fine print to read, after all.