Young Centaur in an Old World

Part 1

Hanukah Bellnede is dressed in her Yumi cloak, she stands in the barn of her grandmother's home, she claps her hooves on the ground and thrust a bow at a teen boy standing alongside her. “you think you are a big, prove it. I bet you can't beat my lines. You are small, slow, and week." She huffs “I will prove to my grandma that she can't just give me away."

The boy picks up the bow “I am not going to lose to a foal"

Hanukah picks up a second bow. “then race me."

The computer beeps “please choose the level of your opponent. You have unlocked levels 1-6 in this game."

Hanukah calls into the air “Level 5"

An obstacle course grows out of the ground, ladders, and logs, short fences and tall walls, then 10 bulls-eye are generated.

Hanukah looks to her appoints. “I go first."

Hanukah runs through the gate and holds her bow tightly, she jumps up onto a balance beam and slides along it.

The first target comes into sight, the centaur takes aim, flawless.

Hanukah comes to the next obstacle, a short fence, she jumps at it.

Hanukah leaps the fences, a new target is now in sight, she fires her bow, shot hits low, half credit.

A tall wall is next, Hanukah jumps at the wall then climbs up it.

A living armor waits for her on top of the wall. The armor calls out “pause program"

Hanukah looks up as she is standing “Sentinel?"

The armor nods “I am here to inform you that it has been 5 days since your last weekly check-in. you are do for your check-in, do you have time to touch base now?"

Hanukah falls into a sitting position “yes, I do."

“Hanukah Bellnade. According to your log in report, since Monday you have spent 51 hours logged into exercise programs. Do you feel you have reached your fitness goals for the weak?"

“I am working hard, but I think I could be working harder" the girl expresses.

“you have spent 24 hours logged into academic programs. What have you studied this week?" he asks

“I have been reading up on the reproductive habits of humanoids and comparing human courtship rituals to those of the other races." Hanukah looks bashful.

“do you feel satisfied with your work so far?" the robot asks.

“this is a lot bigger of a project then I thought it would be. Courtship is something that people spend a lot of time and energy on. There are so many variations but all with the same goals in mind. The Tarx seems to have the easiest ritual. They just marry the first fertile partner they encounter after they hit rut. But then after the winter they discard their mate and choose a new one the following fall, which is strange. The Gaia on the other hand have to go through this baptism by fire thing where they are thrown in a pit with everyone their age and whoever is the last person standing after the game gets to pick partners for everyone in their age group…"

The sentinel stops her “I am convinced that your studies are proceeding as planned, 500 credits have been added to your account."

“cool, that means in two weeks I will be able to get that zebra skin I was looking at." Hanukah smiles

“Make sure you run an update on your tracker before you install the zebra program. There is a known sync problem with that peace of software that is still being corrected." The Sentinel advises “do you have any other concerns you would like to discuss at this time?"

Hanukah explains “I had a few things I was thinking about." She starts “why are you called sentinel?"

“all of the Cilverant units that are charged with overseeing townships are called sentinel." He expresses.

“what about your friends? What do they call you?" Hanukah tips her head as she watches him.

“I am not involved in any interpersonal relationships at this time."

Hanukah nods with a disappointed look in her eye “sentinel, does my grandmother have the right to pick a boyfriend for me?"

The sentinel thinks for a moment “the Taur clan has petitioned for certain legal exemptions on the grounds of ceremony. A young Taur being given to another family as part of their education is a time-honored tradition. It is common place for mating rights to be given to the family in charge of education. This is thought of as part of the adulthood practice. Anyone not participating in this exchange is barred from some privileges of the clan."

Hanukah becomes aggravated “and you think this is right?"

“by right do you mean moral or ethical?" the sentinel asks

Hanukah calms herself quickly “I see what you mean." She looks to the sky “to be ethical is to be in line with the desires of the people around you. To be moral is to act in accordance with one's one sense of duty. My grandmother expects me to mate with… it doesn't matter who… but, I am scared. I don't want to have foals of my own yet. I am too small. Too childish. I wouldn't know how to handle it. I don't even know if sex is something, I would have fun with. Then alone child rearing. I sort of wonder if maybe I am a lesbian." Her thoughts are disjointed and coated with anxiety.

“and when are you to be given to your new family?" Sentinel inquires.

“there are three families that have put in bids to perches me. In 15 days, they will meet to place final bids." Hanukah struggles to collect herself.

“and when do you suspect you will be asked to bread?"

Hanukah thinks for a moment “I had my last period 10 days ago, that means that if I am healthy, I will be viable to mate in 9-11 weeks."

The sentinel needs only a moment to consider what was stated “then you need to have someone outside of your family join the auction. And you must see to it that they win the right to oversee your education."

Hannukah looks excited “any idea how I might set that up?"

“no, but you have 14 days to work it out." Hanukah jumps at the robot hugging him forcibly. The sentinel pats her on the back “young lady, would you kindly let me up? I would like to return to my day's labor."

part 2

It is Saturday, today there is practice for a number of the school clubs: Archery, Fencing, Wrestling, flag club, and most of the team sports clubs like volleyball and soccer. Hanukah makes a point of jogging to school daily. Like most days today she was out and about at 5am. It is an hour-long jog to get from Block-E to Block-C where the school is.

Hanukah has plans to meet up with Mynxs before school, stop at the Club Sandwich and have a snack. Mynxs is walking calmly, she is walking around with her updated uniform with the open coat. Sure, her dad didn't like it but Mynxs is feeling just a little bit of 'small-dog syndrome' and the provocative nature of the new outfit gives her a feeling of power.

Hanukah runs up behind Mynxs and picks her up forcing a hug from behind. Mynxs squeals like a little girl in shock of being picked up by the centaur that is more than 10x her weight. “you, cheeky horse!" Mynxs shouts “mind telling a girl you are here before grabbing me like that!"

Hanukah giggles as she sets Mynxs down “how did I do? What is the time?"

Mynxs looks down at her wristband “6:14 what gives us 35 minutes to eat before we need to get back on the road."

Hanukah jumps up and down a few times “that means I made the run in 50 minutes."

Mynxs looks to the sky resetting her hands on the back of her head as she thinks it over “that means that you were running late today. What kept you up?"

Hanukah leans over as they walk so, she can talk to Mynxs in a hushed tone “when I got up, I was feeling damp. I spent some time soaking my…" she looks down her own body pointing at her horse half “back end. I like cold water. It is relaxing."

Mynxs chuckles “good dreams I take it? I know I slept like a puppy."

Hanukah blushes “not really…"

Mynxs reaches around offering to place a hand on Hanukah's back and pet her “tell me about it."

“I was having this dream that kept waking me all night." Hanukah takes a deep breath “I was in this room with my hands being held over my head and my feet were tied together. then this shadow walks over to me and makes me eat and apple, then a red light starts to shine from overhead."

Mynxs looks up “ok, shadow man and red light. What next?"

Hanukah lowers her eyes “well. That is, it. that is where I keep waking up."

The two step into line at the sandwich bar. They both pick their breads then make their way down looking or what to put on it. Hanukah starts with bean sprouts, then spinach, cucumber, carrots, vinegar and mushrooms.

Mynxs takes pickles, bacon, and mayo. Mynxs looks to Hanukah's sandwich “no ham or anything?"

Hanukah shakes her head “I have decided I don't like ham or chicken anymore."

Mynxs finds them a set after grabbing a cup of tea “last month you didn't like turkey or corn beef, you are running out of stuff to put on your sandwich."

“Makes room for more bean sprouts." Hanukah chuckles “do you dream Mynxs?"

Mynxs shakes her head as she is thinking about it “not really, not like you, not like that."

Hanukah reaches over playfully pushing Mynxs, “Come on! Tell me something."

Mynxs eats her sandwich greedily, “I never see people or objects in my dreams, nothing I understand at least. My dreams are a mess of lights and colors, rainbow patterned ribbons floating through black space. I can't feel anything, I don't smell anything. It is just light." She mumbles a proviso to herself “well, except when I dream about dad…"

Hanukah looks distressed “Mynxs, do you think you could take your dad into joining the centaur games?"

Mynxs turns her head looking to Hanukah “what are the centaur games?"

Hanukah rest her elbows on the table sticking her tails up as she tries to look small in front of her friend “you don't know?"

Mynxs turns in her chair so she is eye to eye with Hanukah “people from your town are not very good at communicating with us from outside."

“every few months, if there are any kids that are… maturing. Their family host a few games that their neighbors can pay to play to… procure the maturing child. It is an old tradition. Something that has been going on for three or more centuries." Hanukah has her head down bashfully as she is talking

Mynxs stairs forward for a long moment chewing her food with a slow grinding motion as she is thinking “your neighbors pay. To play a game. Where you are the prize?"

“everyone dresses it up as this thing about teaching kids new trades but… well… in the case of girls at least, more often than not, the child is kept as a mate afterwards." Hanukah sniffles.

“and this is legal? Your town sentinel doesn't have anything to say on this?" Mynxs asks

“apparently it is viewed as a ritual. And so Cilverant doesn't interfere. Every town is allowed to have its own rituals so long as they comply with the word of the law."

Mynxs shakes her head “that can't possibly be in compliance with the law. What about breading restrictions? Wouldn't you need to sign a waiver or something saying you want to be breaded any that you are in good health?"

“Sentinels need to be invited into the home. Once you lock your doors you have the right to your privacy. Everyone knows that."

Mynxs shakes her head in disbelief “I didn't know that." Mynxs cocks her head “the application of the law is not geographically bound. Everyone needs to comply to the best of their abilities or they are sent off for reprograming."

Hanukah grabs Mynxs forcing a hug “what is reprograming anyway?"

Mynxs shakes her head with a grunt “I don't know. I have never known anyone to come back from reprograming." Mynxs looks down Hanukah's body “do you know what I just noticed?"

Hanukah pulls away so they can look at each other “what?"

“you don't wear pants." Mynxs explains “anyone that care to look can just look up your tail."

Hanukah laughs “that must be why the law allows for restrictions on abilities, can you imagine me trying to fit into a skirt like the one you have. It would look silly. Not to mention how hard it would be to get in and out of it seeing that I can't reach my back legs…"

Mynxs joins in on the laughter “how do you comb your hair?"

Hanukah explains “I can't, I have to have someone else do it for me."

Mynxs turns stern “after class lets go see my dad."

part 3

Mac is in his antique shop when Mynxs gets home. Tail is on an hour-long lunch break; she has come home also. Hanukah has joined them. Mac turns to looks to the three grils as he is listening to the story they are sharing “wait, wait wait!" Mac orders “let me make sure I understand what you have said so far." Mac takes a deep breath “you think I should go to Block-E with a pocket full of silver coins to give to Hanukah's grandmother, so I can play a game, and she is the prize?" he points to the redheaded centaur.

Tail is leaning over the desk with her arms folded under her chin “sounds to me like that is what she said."

Mynxs looks to Hanukah offering a playful grin “want to wag your tail, show off the goods?" Hanukah lowers her head with a girlish squeal of embarrassment.

Mac holds up a hand ordering Mynxs to stand down “ok, I have never been with a centaur before and however much fun it may be to look at her like a piece of fresh meat, lets save it."

Tail points out “you know if the law around Block-E is as loose as it looks, this would be the first time that you could have vaginal sex without a permit this decade."

Mac looks to Tail with an annoyed glance “thank you Tail."

Tail smiles and shakes her head as her tails fan “it is only skin."

With a sheepish voice Hanukah adds on “I would much rather have a friend ask me to do that thin someone my grandmother picked."

“Mynxs." Mac asks “for argument sake, you understand how a-morel this situation is, don't you? I am not a centaur; I am not even a human."

Mynxs nods “yeah, I know, you have superpowers. That will make things easier."

Hanukah looks between Mac and Mynxs as she brings up a hand nibbling on a fist full of hair “I don't understand."

Mynxs and Mac argue with each other, Tail replies to Hanukah “Mac is an alien. He is a Tamriel."

“I am not familiar with that race" Hanukah whispers with Tail.

Tail explains “there aren't many of them left."

“so, what makes that a problem?" Hanukah asks.

“the Tamriel are auto proliferating, metaphysical, psychokinetic, metamorphose." Hanukah has a blank expression; Tail tries to simplify “Tamriel can warp the laws of physics… and are effectively indestructible."

Hanukah asks “effectively?"

“immortals aren't really immortal, not in the physical since, it is more so in the philosophical way. They don't grow old; they don't get sick. But they can get hurt, hurt them enough and they will phase out of our reality."

Mac comes out from behind the table almost shouting “that is what I mean. I don't want to interfere in their affairs."

Mynxs stomps up to her father “if you were afraid to interfere in other people's affairs what are you doing with mother?"

The two of them square off “that is not the same." Mac expresses

Mynxs orders “then tell me, what makes your relationship with me or mother different than my relationship with Hanukah?"

Mac points angerly then drops his hand off to one side in a shrug, Mynxs won this debate and Mac knows it. Mac has a weakness, he always has, he cherishes time spent with people, everyone is a unique spirit and he loves interacting with them. it was that love then marooned him on this rock, and what has kept him from leaving.

Hanukah can see what is going on, she interjects in the conversation “I will consent to whatever you ask of me. If you will join the centaur games."

Mac freezes in place, he slowly turns his head to Tail “Can she do that?"

Tail nods “according to the standing constitution, put in place by the planetary congress. 'do to the unpredictable way that metahumans age, the law of consent will reflect morphogenic age not chronological.' If someone has secondary sexual characteristics, they have the right so sign legal documentation."

Mac has a defeated huff “Alright, so, what is the nature of the games I will need to play?"

Hanukah walks back and forth around the shop, her tail wagging “my grandmother isn't required to disclose that." She thinks “but I would be willing to bet that one game will be a test of one's combative skill one will be a test of physical force and the last will test ones focus."

Mac nods “well then, in spite of my better judgment I am in." Hanukah jumps Mac pushing him over as she forces a hug again. Mac mumbles “does she do this a lot?" instinctually he reaches around feeling her hips as she grips him.

Mynxs nods.

part 4

A week passes, the Bellnade family is hard at work setting up for their event. The farm yard starts to take on the look of a carnival. Giant rings drawn on the ground, ankle deep sand coating the commons area. A number of temporary structures have been set up. Centaurs from every family in E-block have expressed interest in joining the festivities. Some have even come from out of state. For such a common event someone has chosen to ramp up the anticipation of this one.

Grandma Bellnade steps into Hanukah's bedroom. Hanukah is looking at her nude form in the bedroom mirror, her arms are folded around her chest hiding it. “your fur is glowing." Grandma explains

“why are there so many people walking around town? there must be five hundred people out there I don't know." Hanukah complains

Grandma picks up a brush from the nightstand, she undoes the weave in Hanukah's tail for her then combs it out so she can rebraid it. “cousins of ours, friends of the families from out in block-112 and block-547."

“why" Hanukah asks.

“well, most of them are here to see you." Grandma lowers her head with a disappointed hum. She picks up a set of shears so she can cut a piece of gum form Hanukah's hair “you need to be careful about where you sit our I will need to cut your tail off."

Hanukah shrieks “don't even joke like that!"

Grandma expresses “some are also here because your mother failed to squire away her earthly affairs before she passed away." Grandma crawls up behind Hanukah to brush down her sides “the Trever family for example. We owe them a very large debt of honor and I don't know how they expect us to pay it."

“I thought the sentinels required all debts be forgiven years ago."

“some debts run deeper than silver coins." Grandma offers a cryptic warning. Grandma moves her hands around Hanukah's stomach offering a hug to the much smaller horse “do you know anything about 'The Summer Knight'?"

Hanukah thinks for a moment “I know that it is on the restricted reading list. It was one of the tomes that was imported form Avalon. Hard cover copies of it aren't aloud outside the school because it is considered illegal contraband. Apparently, people once worshiped that book."

Grandma explains “we had a copy of it. every year the book was meant to change hands, one of us would be charged with protecting the book for a year, then we would pass it on to someone new to hide. Each of us only know the person that had it before us and the person that will have it after us. Your mother was the person to last hide the book."

Hanukah turns around pushing her grandmother away so they can see each other face to face. “Grandma, that book is illegal!"

Grandma asks “and why do you think it is illegal? Is it because there is hidden knowledge within it?"

Hanukah explains sharply “no, it is because the book teaches centaur exceptionalism, it encourages violence against other races, and frames mysticism as fact. It is a book of fairytales that pollutes people's minds “

Grandma takes a few steps away “I see the school is working hard to conceal our heritage." She huffs “now let's step outside, it is time to unveil the trophy."

Hanukah is taken out onto the streets; she is marched up and down the field on full display for the other centaurs around. There is cat calling, whistling and hollering. Hanukah is a shapely girl, a fine prize to be fought for.

Hanukah folds her arms and walks with her head down, this has been one of the most uncomfortable experiences of her life up to date. Grandma shouts out exclaiming “In three day's! my granddaughter will be up for the taking! Any noble family is free to enter the auction! Seven 2-ounce silver coins is all it cost to buy in! try your luck! Test your skill!"

Sentinel makes his way into town, he walks briskly. The approach of the sentinel draws ire. Sentinel pays them no heed. “Grandmother Bellnade," he freezes a moment and turns his attention to Hanukah “your outfit does not comply with minimum outdoor dress requirement. You will return home at once and rectify this violation."

Sentinel then turns to Grandmother Bellnade again “a concerned party has expressed reservations about this upcoming event. It is suspected that there may be activities taking place that are prohibited under the N.G. Constitution, ratification number 300. I have been sent to inform you that these festivities will be being monitored. Any violations of the terms of condition will result in reprograming of yourself and all other involved parties."

Grandmother Bellnade gasp “who would dare question the legitimacy of these presiding?"

“I am not obligated to reply to that inquiry." Sentinel provides a tablet computer to grandmother Bellnade “I recommend reviewing your local constitution. 500 enforcers will be here within an hour to assist in keeping order."

“we do not desire or require this service." Grandmother Bellnade express.

Sentinel exclaims “you will have it never the less." The robot turns to walk away “now see to it that your daughter is dressed in an approved uniform before returning to your festival."

Grandma Bellnade leads Hanukah back to their house “who would have gotten Cilverant involved in our …" she whispers to herself “this is a centaur matter; we don't need the Arbitrator walking around."

***

Soon a large iron basket is set up near the newly dressed stage. Three boys and three girls are place on the stage in reveling silk coats and dressed with jewelry made up of flowers and vines. The eldest of the centaur families line up to introduce the kids. One by one older kids step up to the basket and announce that they will be playing and who they wish to play for.

“I, Mello, from the house of Mash wish to play for contestant number 3"

“I, Horas, from the house of Dean, wish to play for contestant 2"

“I, Ray, from the house of Travis, will be playing for contestant five"

“I, Mac, from the house of Vixon, will also be playing for contestant five."

Everyone looks to the stranger as he throws his money into the basket. “can a human play in the name of a centaur?" a voice yells form the crowed.

Ray looks at Mac, his tail sways angrily he reaches onto his wristband and activates PvP mode. The centaur calls to himself a suit of splint mail and a battle ax.

“I am not a fan of being intimidated by a human." Ray twirls his ax. “you think you can run with centaurs? Let's see if you can."

Hanukah yells out “that is not a good idea!"

Mac holds up a hand to silence the crowed. He throws his coat open revealing the mighty Avatar Sword, he pulls the sword with sheath from his belt. He holds the blade by is center as if gripping a stave.

Hanukah interrupts, she jumps down form the stage, she conjures her bow from the digital world then takes a shot at Ray's feet, she then lifts it threateningly “I want Mac to play!"

“Then I will fight you first!" Ray laughs

The opponents are set, the stage is ready.

Ray jumps forward taking 4 swings with his ax, the first aimed and Hanukah's undercarriage, the next down the front of her body, then thrusting stab with the blade and in overhead cleave.

Hanukah suffers a miner strike to her lower chest, ripping some fur rom her underside and resulting in light bleeding, it is a grassing strike but If not for her magical charm might have been a crippling one.

Hanukah jumps in a half circle and kicks out with both back legs to distract her opponent, she runs several steps then fires the arrow she was holding, she loads up with an Orc arrow next.

Ray suffers a shot to the stomach, he buckles forward. As Hanukah summons another arrow, Ray pulls the arrow out of himself and barrels at Hanukah, he reaches out with a howl to grapple the smaller centaur.

Hanukah struggles, she rests her hand on her attackers' chest and shoves

Hanukah rears up on her back legs and stomps on Ray.

Ray as he regains his footing laughs “I hope you are more skilled as a lover then warrior." Ray puts his hands together and throws a hammer handed strike across the side of Hanukah's body.

Hanukah is off guard. She is rolled onto her side; Hanukah pulls her arms into her chest and her legs into her torso to protect herself as Ray stands over her “you look good laying on your back." Ray comments. Ray opens his UI and conjures a new Ax to replace the one he lost when he tripped.

Hanukah notices that Ray is standing with his feet apart, he has left his stomach exposed, Ray's armor covers his human half and his back, not his underside. Hanukah thrust up with her back legs.

Hanunkah offers several kicks up into Rays stomach, Ray is caught unaware. Ray falls forward, the wind knocked out of him, he is suffering from internal bleeding and critical muscle damage as well as bruising. It failed to dawn on Ray that his armor only covers half of his body and by standing over Hanukah he had left himself open to such a devastating attack.

Ray falls forward onto Hanukah, Sentinel pushes his way through the crowed of observers and with one hand lifts up the several thousand-pound stallion. A group of other armors make themselves known. Sentinel explains “This one requires medical aid." He hands Ray over to one of his companions “Take him to Stasis-Rejuvenation."

Sentinel kneels over Hanukah, he produces from his belt a Dermal-Regeneration gun. He runs it along the cut on Hanukah's underside. “I advise against engaging in physical combat."

The bleeding stops, Hanukah's fur grows back in the blink of an eye “why does a holographic sword cut anyway?"

Sentinel explains “it is not holographic, it is Photon-Synthetic. Free floating electrons in the air are being harvested to conjure your weapons their nowhere near as deadly as weapons made of steel but even a foam club will kill if enough force is applied."

part 5

Block-E is surrounded, ten thousand iron men form into a wall around the township. The great Arbitrator has sent one of his avatars to deliver a message to the town. To stand, to fight, this would be unwise. Cilverant would see the village razed to the ground, and every soul within would be sent to reprograming or recycling.

The ten-foot-tall, four faced, platinum golem at is Cilverant's most beloved body walks to the center of the fairgrounds. His body is an amplifier. As he speaks all other voices are drowned. “I have watched this town and its people closely. You are all immigrants, many of you separated from your place of birth less than three generations ago. As a matter of compassion, I have offered you all a level of leniency in regards to the law. I am a merciful judge."

Mac, Hanukah, grandmother Bellnade, and sentinel stand near the stage at the heart of the festivities. Hanukah acts like a little girl, she reaches over grabbing Mac trying to hide under his coat “Why is the Architect of Peace here?"

Sentinel explains “Because you invited him."

Cilverant walks up onto the stage “Yet I cannot turn a blind eye. My mercy is not without limitation." He points out into the crowed running his finger across face after face “1/3 of each of you have broken the law. And I chose to postpone judgment. Then, you slighted me again. You are a childish people; I should have expected no less. Penance now must be paid. You need not pay your debt all at once, but your debt will be paid. Today, 50 of you will come with me."

Marsh steps forward “I will pay if my family is in your debt!"

Cilverant shouts back “That is not how this works! You, Marsh, have committed no crimes and I will not except sacrifice by proxy. First, I will take the elderly. Then I will take the men. Today, I will not tax any mothers. But that does not mean I will not return tomorrow. This place will be liquidated. No longer will you and yours be allowed to live in isolation. You have three months to work your land and collect your memories, before my sentinels come to relive you. You will all be absorbed into bocks C,D, and F-H"

Grandmother Bellnade complains “You can't force us off out land!"

Cilverant nods “I certainly can, I am the Arbitrator."

Grandmother Bellande spins to face Mac, Mac looks side to side trying to guess at what Bellnade is looking at Mac then replies once he understands he is the only one around “what do you want me to do?"

Grandmother Bellnade asks “are you or are you not Sal-la-daynamO?"

Mac whisper “I used to be."

Cilverant calls over to Mac as he is still looking out into the body of the crowed “Did you have anything to add Mac Vixon?"

Mac calls over “is it necessary to take this people from their homes?"

“If I do not, they will become continuously more xenophobic and ethnocentric." Cilverant explains. Mac tips his scabbard forward and reaches across his body resting a hand on the counterweight of his blade. “is this the battle you want to fight?" Cilverant asks as he waits to see what Mac does. “I assure you; I have kept our bargain. I have yet to kill a mortal."

Mac calls out as he lets go of his blade and turns to look away from the metal monster “Keep it that way." Cilverant nods along with Mac's statement.

Grandmother Bellnade shouts at Mac “you are A coward!"

Several dozen centaurs are gathered up, Grandmother Bellnade is amongst them. Cilverant drags them off to the penal colonies. “Your cooperation is much obliged." Cilverant expresses as he dismisses himself.

Hanukah looks down at Sentinel “what happens to them now?" she folds her hands in a prayer like way.

Sentinel shakes his head “I am not promoted to disclose that information." Sentinel pivots to look at Mac “Sal-la-daynamO, will you do me a personal favor?"

Mac looks at the robot with narrowed eyes “we are not friends."

Sentinel continues “nevertheless, will you claim ownership of Hanukah? I believe you would be most appropriate to see to her care."

Mac nods “you sign the paperwork and I will adopt Hanukah."

***

Sentinel and Hanukah accompany Mac home. The Centaur games never taking place. Tail is manning the antique shop. She has a computer set up on the desk that she is watching something on, it is playing at 10x speed.

Mac walks around Tail offering a hug as he leans over to see what she is doing “what are we watching?"

“Closed Circuit Television." Tail explains

“it looks like people just getting on and off an elevator? How long have you been watching this?" Mac asks.

Tail doesn't need to look at the cloak, she is acutely aware of the passage of time “six hours, fourteen minutes, rounded off to the nearest minute." Tail slows the speed to normal play. “there is actually a neat ritual that takes place as people board the elevator. Just watch" Tail points “this women entered the elevator alone. After selecting a floor she took one step back and one to the right. A guy is about to get on at the next floor. As he does the women is going to take one step backwards, the man will then turn and rest his back against the wall on the left hand side. the two will not pass within arms reach of each other. The floor after that another man will get on. He will push a key then look at the man on the right hand side of the elevator and walk backwards three steps to he is now in standing parallel to the first man. As the elevator reaches its next stop a couple will bored. They will stand in the center of the elevator looking at the door. If no one gets off on the next floor the first women will tack a step to the left and the couple will step to the right to let the next person in. person number six will look at the couple as they step backwards to stand where the first women had stood originally, he will be the only person looking at the back wall as everyone else is looking at the door. Then if a seventh person gets on the second and third man will rotate and step into the corners of the elevator. Only now will person number six look at the door."

Mac watches the footage “how do you know?"

“thousands of people have boarded this elevator and that has been the way it has played out almost every time. Humans are naturally suspicious of each other and will only step into one another's personal bubble if pushed. Something not so different also happens at restaurants. The first person to sit down to eat will choose a seat in a corner so that they can see all the exits, the first four to sit, if they had entered the building alone, will sit looking in the direction they entered from. The fifth will sit will their back to a wall so that they have line of sight with the greatest number of people they can." Tail sways her tails as he folds her hands leaning over the desk.

Mac looks interested as he considers what is being explained “why?"

Tail looks blankly at Mac as she is thinking about it “I don't know." She changes the subject “I take it the centaur games were a great success?"

“Centaur games didn't happen." Mac explains “Block-E is being liquidated."

Tail is concerned “are we OK with that?"

Now it is Mac's turn to evade “Hanukah is going to be moving in with us."

Tail leans back in her chair to look at Hanukah “Mac, our house is not optimized four centaur comfort…"

Sentinel interrupts “we will need to amend that." Sentinel looks to the doorway that leads up to the second floor. “how wide is the landing on the steps?"

Mac rolls his eyes up and measures I the air with his hands “something close to 3'- 5'."

“and what is the clearing on the overhang?" Sentinel walks around the shop examining the shape of the room

Mac looks up “8¼'."

Sentinel explains “we will need to raise the ceiling in this room by 14"." He turns to look at Mac and Tail “how many bathrooms do you have?"

Tail answer “2½"

Sentinel looks confused “how do you get half of a bathroom?"

Mac explains “the downstairs bathroom doesn't have a bathtub in it."

“does each of them have a urinal?" Sentinel asks.

“there is a toilet in all three as well as a hand sink." Mac expresses.

“do any of them have a Bidet?" Sentinel scrutinizes, Mac shakes his head “One will need to be added to the bathroom nearest Hanukah's bed chamber." He continues “what are the diminutions of your showers?"

Mac shakes his head “I have no recollection of ever measuring them."

Sentinel explains “then I will gather a work team and we will take care of that at once. You will be provided with temporary living space as your unit is reworked."

Hanukah lowers her head bashfully “I am sorry Mac."

***

Mac and Tail are taken to Block-B for temporary lodging, Hanukah and Mynxs are taken to the school where there are dormitories set up to meet their need. Hanukah steps into the bathroom of their room and leans over the toilet examining its shape. She calls for Mynxs to join her. “Mynxs!"

Mynxs walks into the room “well, I will tell you, this is not as roomy as my bedroom. But I also don't have a food replicator in my room at home. So, not a bad trade off." Mynxs looks up and down following Hanukah's gaze. “something on your mind?"

“Have you ever been in a public bathroom?" Hanukah asks.

“I avoid them whenever I can." Mynxs explains “I find them overdesigned and unwieldy."

“the shape of this thing is so odd." Hanukah points out.

“well, to comply with building regulation the bathrooms need to meet the needs of the largest number of races possible. Naga and Merfolk, for example, have an anal muscle, but not an anal sphincter, so when they use the bathroom, they need to lean forward and use the cloaca. That is why there is that bar that can be pulled in front of the toilet. Then you have Kobolts, they have shorter legs than most other humanoids, so, to make it easier for them to reach the sink there needs to be a retractable staircase on the side of it. then, Sphinxes and centaur need to elevate their torso before they sit down and that is why there are the petal like thinks here. They are for you to hold onto as you lower your body and maybe to help you stand back up. I don't know if that is a problem or not."

Hanukah reaches around rubbing her neck “there needs to be an easier way to do this stuff. It is so challenging to make the world comfortable for all the races."

Mynxs shrugs “I do like the 400-dirge shower though, eight shower heads, water comes from all directions except below. I think that is a cool idea."

Hanukah looks to Mynxs “how long before we can go back to your place?"

“Four days, the sentinels are going to rip apart the enter house and rebuild it. they are amazingly efficient." Mynxs walks back out to the front room “I wish I had grab my SSMP suit. I feel tense."

Mynxs lays down on the folding bed, she digs around in her backpack pulling out her personal computer. Hanukah climbs onto the bed with her “I know this is hard, but hopefully it is all over soon."

“you just got kicked out of your grandmothers' home and you are concerned about me?" Mynxs has an unease giggle

“that was going to happen one way or the other. You, on the other hand, if I hadn't come along you would still be doing things the way you do them every day. To you this was a surprise."

Mynxs takes a deep breath then nods “Thank you Hanukah, “ the girls hug “I am happy you are with me."