Author's note: My WoL is a non-binary viera.

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3.0 - AFTER THE VAULT

Count Edmont retired with his sons to mourn privately, but there was no escape to be found from his grief, or mine, within these walls - I couldn't stop hearing the clatter of Count Edmont's cane as it fell to the floor, and him with it.

Orla inserted her scuffed bronze-colored key into the lock, turned it, and opened the door. With its peeling light blue paint, it fortunately did nothing to betray the apartment's relative opulence.
It hadn't been like this when her and her grandmother, Kahri, first moved in. No, at that time, the place had been the dictionary definition of what the locals might call a "shithole," a term as unfamiliar to them as it was second nature to their new neighbors.

Commission for anonymous

Sequel to:

https://www.deviantart.com/smokeysis/art/CMSN-The-Stepford-W...

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Sam and Rick awkwardly got into the ride vehicle, a giant sturgeon with skin marred by peeling paint and bleach stains. The inside of it had been scooped out as if by some hungry giant, the organs and fat replaced by two benches dotted with droplets of water from previous loops.

Chapter 2 of 3 – Release

And it gets worse in this chapter. Honestly, be cautious.

Cat's out of the bag, but could a compromise be forthcoming for Jenny's future care? Does Gary insert himself and prove his moral character once and for all? Stranger things have happened...

Denise's diagnosis speaks to Brad's need to protect Jenny's future care and maybe gives him some insight into a few things regarding Denise. Everyone is pushing a want in these troubling times, is it possible everyone can get what they want?

secret desires pt 1

Brad picks up where he's left off after the mediation event. He's seeing the landscape clearer maybe, being encouraged by Jenny, and getting a to see Sara's got reasonable vulnerabilities like everyone else does. Denise isn't done making demands though - so how will this effect everyone's ideas of moving forward?

Keagan will make his play, take his shot at Cam, but for what reason? Is she buying what he's selling her? Is there a temptation yet to be had?

Mediation isn't court, but the consequence could be as binding if the negotiations went south. Brad's choice of who he sees personally is on the line and it could come down to fancy lawyering by his friend Lance or show one of the smarter attendees at the mediation is their daughter Jenny.

Cameron is back in command and it might be going easier than she expected - even with some tiny bumps along the way. Easy can become difficult in a flash and that might just happen with her ships smuggling client. She may have a vision after all these weeks away from the Exhibit Housing, question is was it purposely planted in her?

What do you do when you think your girlfriend is cheating on you? Crossdress and take her on a date to find out, obviously.

Cameron has feet in both worlds and continues to navigate what she ultimately wants next. Revelations about the transplant and not being able to return to her former self exactly as she was are news she wasn't expecting. And the question of Garrett may finally be put to rest...

The mediation looms, but Brad is that moth drawn to the flame that Sara is. There's worry she could fade away though, to make things easier on him. And Jenny is a concern to all, though she has some lessons for her dad to learn and maybe has a surprise planned for him.

Cameron is thrust back into the role of "Captain" and it's not a role she's interested in assuming as quickly as she's required to take it on. It's yet another transformation, not a physical one, but a mental shift that will challenge her perception of self as a woman now. Adding to her troubles the Planetary Guild has some hoops for her and those held captive to jump through. She'll be told the true nature of the Exhibit Housing facility and it will shake her to her core. She'll wrestle with whether she should telling the others, but one slip on a small ship could jeopardize her command.

WARNING: The true nature of the Exhibit Housing is revealed in this chapter and it might be a bit disturbing to read. I can assure you the contents of this chapter do not dwell on that disclosure much and are only included to explain the 'why' humans were being held - which in the scope of the story is necessary. I tried very hard to not make this uglier than necessary. Can you skip this chapter and pick up knowing what's going on in the next one and not miss much? Eh, maybe, maybe not. There are pieces of the puzzle in every chapter and why they were held is a piece that gives their captivity scope - it isn't the story though. Please consider this warning as I do not EVER want to purposely cause anyone distress while trying to entertain. Thank you - Rachel M. Moore

Dinner left Brad wondering if Sara was waving him off and her not being at the café the next morning makes things look bleak. Was it over before it ever got a chance to begin?

Routine for Brad enforces order, structure, and security - but Sara isn't easily put into a box. No doubt there's an attraction, but what does her being Trans mean to pursuing her? Funny thing about stepping outside the norms, ya might realize there's more to life and you've been missing out.

Authors note: Hope is to drop a weekly chapter, with the goal being six to eight in total. Dropped this early because I'm traveling for the holiday. Happy Turkey day everyone! Thank you for considering the read.

Escape plans might be in the works, but will Cameron have something to say about that? She might rock the boat a little and have something on a personal level to deal with surprise her, while she continues to get closer to Garrett.

Synopsis
With Rick (now almost fully Yvette) tucked away nicely, our spotlight shifts to the star of the night: our dear Doctor Valentine.