Blue Sonnet, part 1
#12 of CASINO NIGHTS
I frequently get called out for the various grammar mistakes. While they'll usually pretty minor ones, it's still pretty embarrassing when I go back and spot them. I think that most of the mistakes are due to my over-dependence on my software's auto-correction and suggestion features.
Anyway, we're moving on to the next stage of the storyline. Those of you who've been keeping track of things may have some idea of where things are headed. The major plot threads are starting to converge, so the particularly attentive readers may have some idea where things are going. Otherwise, just sit back and enjoy how the remaining chapters play out.
.o.o.o.
CASINO NIGHTS
"Blue Sonnet, Part 1"
.o.o.o.
Rick glanced across his office at Grace Holloway. He was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed while the female wolf looked at him nervously. His coat was hanging near the door and his sleeves were rolled up. "So you're serious, aren't you?" He asked her in a low tone.
Grace nodded in response as she brushed a hand through her dark hair. The she-wolf looked at him without her glasses- having already removed them. "I've had enough- I just want out..." She began, reaching up to loosen her dark blue tie. "Things have gotten out of hand- I can't be part of this any more." She added somberly.
He regarded her for a moment, then flashed a dangerous smile at her. "It's all good and well to say that, but you know it's not that simple..." Rick countered as he stood up from the wall. "You're already involved- this isn't something that you can just walk away from, Grace." He added.
She watched him as he walked towards her. "I don't care what happens any more... I don't care if you want to continue- but I've had enough." Grace replied. "I'm not claiming to be innocent- but I can't go on with this any more... I can't do this. So I'm leaving." The female gray wolf finished, before turning towards the door to leave.
The coyote watched in silence as she left his office without saying another word. He sighed and shook his head. Rick then walked back behind his desk and sat down. "How unfortunate that that's your decision..." He mused to himself.
.o.o.o.
Ursa and Regina stepped into the reptilian woman's quarters and both set down the large boxes that they had been carrying in their arms. Ursa quickly reached down and slipped her shoes off and set them down near the door as Regina kicked off her black boots. "I still can't believe that I agreed to this." Regina remarked as she sat down on the couch.
The rabbit turned to the other woman as she reached up and loosened her tie. "I'm telling you- you looked great in that dress we picked out." She offered her in a reassuring tone. "I'll help you put it on and we can invite Xander over to see you in it." Ursa added. She was now just wearing a white blouse and black 'Capri' pants.
Meanwhile, Regina unzipped her sleeveless black top and sets it down on the couch- revealing the simple black (midriff exposing) sports top she had on underneath. Regina turned to regard the blond rabbit standing nearby. "Really... you think he'll like it?"
She continued. "Well... it's just that I've never worn anything so dressy before- so I don't really know if I'm suited for wearing something like that." Regina added with a sigh as she spared a quick glance down at her slender toned figure. "...I'm still not really sure if I have the right sort of body shape." The Ichthillian reasoned in an uncertain tone.
Ursa just smiled warmly at her as she brushed her golden-colored locks aside. "Trust me- you look beautiful in the dress." She replied, meeting Regina's exotic yellow reptilian eyes with her brilliant blue ones. "I know a lot about presentation- so I wouldn't have suggested it if I didn't think you'd look great in it." She added reassuringly.
Regina blushed darkly at the other woman's words. However, a soft smile quickly graced her exotic features. "Alright then... I trust you." She replied in a voice that was almost a whisper. She then reached down and picked up her box- it was rectangular and black. "Come on and help me get this thing on then." She added with an inviting smile.
Ursa just smiled and nodded, before following Regina back into her room...
.o.o.o.
Business was thriving on board "The Nirvana". The recently upgraded and refitted resort station had enjoyed healthy revival. The current influx of tourists was one of the best in years- far exceeding expected figures. Yet in spite of all this, the owner- Rick Henderson- found himself feeling decidedly on edge. He couldn't help it- it was just in his nature to worry.
"No one knows what it's really like... They can't understand the pressure involved." He mused as he took a sip of the 'dirty' martini in his hand, before setting it down. "How could they- it probably all seems so simple from the outside."
He looked out across the large spacious circular casino. He could observe the entire area from behind the two-way mirrored glass... Able to observe everything from his vantage point while remaining unseen to the people on the other side of the glass. He smiled to himself. He then looked down ant noted a flashing light. He pressed a button and a voice came through the intercom.
"Mr. Henderson, this is Dillon- there are two men here to see you. Should I send them on up?" The voice asked.
Rick nodded to himself. "Yes, thank you Dillon- I'm expecting them, you can send them on up." He replied calmly before turning the intercom off. He then turned around as he heard the elevator rise up to the second floor and watched as two men stepped out of the rounded structure.
He recognized the two men. The first man was called "Logan", and he was a young-looking Maned Wolf with slicked-back hair and dark glassed. He was dressed in a gray suite and tie. The other man was called "Turk", and he was a Hyena in his thirties. He had his hair pulled back into a ponytail and was dressed in a dark blue suite with a tie.
The coyote smiled at the two men before him. "I'd like to thank both of you for coming here on such short notice." He began, addressing them in a warm tone. "I'm afraid there are few loose ends that I'll likely need you to help tie up for me." He added.
Turk tucked his hands in his pockets and nodded. "Yes, Mr. Lucian mentioned that you might have some trouble-makers on the station." The older looking Hyena replied. "So we're here to see to it that they don't cause any trouble."
Logan reached up and removed his sunglasses. "Just point us their way and we'll see to them." The other man began with a smile, as he tucked his glasses inside his jacket. "That is, unless you already have something particular in mind for them."
Rick smiled. "Actually, now that you mention it..."
.o.o.o.
Xander stepped into the elevator. He was dressed in a pair of black slacks and a matching black blazer. He wore a red dress shirt underneath (as the girls had requested). He reached up and straightened the applets of his jacket as the lift took him towards Regina's quarters. Ursa had insisted to he come by and see the outfit that she had helped Regina pick out. The wolf smiled to himself. He was sure that the green woman would look great in anything.
The lift came to a halt and he stepped out in the hallway. Xander then made his way down the hall till he came the entrance to Regina's quarters. He pressed the entry panel beside the door- causing it to slide open, then stepped inside. He paused and glanced around the room- noting the simple furnishing. Still, he could tell that this was the Ichthillian's home- her scent was everywhere. He turned in time to see Ursa appear. He smiled at the sight of the rabbit.
She was dressed in a shiny cobalt blue dress that hugged her figure. The fabric seemed to conform to every curve of her body- especially to her hips and breasts... showing off her cleavage. The lower half of the dress comes down low, with slits on either side. He long legs were covered in dark sheer stockings and blue high-heeled shoes. He also notes that he golden-blond hair is ornately done up in the back.
Ursa slid one foot slightly to the side and rested her hands on her hips, striking a pose. "So tell me," She began with a sly grin. "How do I look?"
Xander smiled, tucking his hands into his jacket pockets. "You... look great."
Ursa smiles and nods. "Well, if you like what I'm wearing- then you'll love what we picked out for Regina." She responds. "Now just wait here- I'll go get her." she instructs him before departing for the other woman's room.
Moments later, the door slides open and Regina is ushered out into the front room. Xander pauses to look at her. She dressed in a long slinky black evening dress that comes almost all the way down to her feet. The top half comes up around her neck- with a low back. He notes that shes wearing dark stockings and black high-heels. However, she has a red silk scarf around her shoulder- the same color as his shirt. Her long back dreadlocks are been pulled into a 'ponytail in the back.
Xander notices that she seems to be blushing. He quickly steps forward and brushes a warm hand against her smooth cheek. "Regina... You look amazing." He comments in a soft voice.
.o.o.o.
In evening on the Nirvana as Xander, Regina, and Ursa arrive at the promenade. It doesn't take long for Ursa to spot the Blue Sonnet in the distance. She motions for the other two to follow her and she sets out towards their destination.
The three of them quickly arrive at the front. Xander glances up and notes the neon blue sign displaying The Blue Sonnet above the entrance.
Ursa briefly converses with the doorman- then, after showing him her invitation, the trio are promptly ushered inside. The Grey Wolf and Ichthillian follow the white rabbit into the club. It's fairly dark inside- with only minimal lighting. Soothing jazz and fusion music plays all around them. Regina made sure to stay close to Xander as Ursa continued leading them through the dark maze of the club.
Eventually, the come to a large cluster of black leather couches and chairs in one of the corners at the far in the club. Various people are already there- mostly performers from the nightclub. However, Xander quickly spots Vicky DeLane seated amongst them, with Mimi (from the casino) sitting right next to her. The vixen turned towards them, a bright smile playing across her face when she spotted Ursa- who waved back at her. The vixen quickly got to her feet and embraced the rabbit.
Xander and Regina watch as the two women greet one another. "So, those two know each other..." The Wolf thought silently to himself, after sharing a confused glance with the green woman standing beside him. "I wonder what other surprises are in store?" He thought to himself.
(- End of Chapter 13 -)
.o.o.o.
This was another transitional chapter, so it ended up being mostly dialogue and plot oriented. It's also a little shorter then usual- mostly from a lack of action or sex scenes. Also, I'd like to point out that I really stepped up my use of html code. This marks my first use of "aligned text" is a chapter.
I really enjoyed writing this chapter, since it gave me a chance to further develop and explore the characters (especially the relationships between Xander, Regina, and Ursa) and really get the main plotline moving.
I have the rest of the storyline plotted out, so I know where it's going and how it's going to end. I'm looking forward to the remaining chapters, and I hope that you guys will stick around and enjoy them with me. Again, thanks.
-Seres North