Space Bunnies!

Chapter 6: News

The door opened automatically on arrival as soon as it scanned S9's authentication chip. It was completely dark when they walked in, and Kai was hit with the sweet aroma of...something. It smelt fantastic—like peppermint leaves from a planet he'd visited maybe two or three months ago. Yes...the smell brought him right back to that moment...what was paradoxing was how they'd managed to perfectly replicate the fragrance.

 "Lights on!" S9 called out to the space as they stepped further into the dark room, and without skipping a beat, the chamber was brightened.

 Kai flinched a little as S9 called out to activate the voice-controlled lighting in the room.

 "That's better," S9 said, satisfied. He took Kai by the wrist and led him inside.

 Kai assumed that this was the entire suite, just because there was a singular day bed existing in the space with him. He couldn't really complain—there wasn't anything else that the Omeocoon really needed. If anything, Kai appreciated the simplicity of the area...but even as a shapeshifter...it felt a little weird that there didn't seem to be a bathroom...even they needed to wash their hands, brush their teeth, and whatever...but maybe there was a communal space he could use somewhere around here. He'd stayed at many capsule hotels that had facilities like that. Kai continued to look around as he sat down on the daybed and began to undo the laces on his boots—it would've been rude to proceed further into the dwelling with them on, especially if they weren't up to the 'miss's standards,' he removed them, and then compacted them into their collapsed state, placing them on a rack by the door. Kai then stood up again and was pleasantly greeted by the marble floor, which was heated. "Yeah...I think this will do nicely! Some people might say this is small, but after being on a solar sailor for months at a time...I think this is a welcome change." Kai said, placing his hands on his hips.

"Sir. This is the mudroom." S9 remarked, looking up at Kai.

"Huh..?" Kai mustered.

 S9 moved over to a control panel and, with the press of a button, unlocked and opened yet another door—a hidden door this time, one that revealed a massive open space, complete with access to two bedrooms and a ginormous kitchen. The living room's flagship feature was a firepit, which was placed in the center of a sunken sofa. Kai blinked in surprise as the hidden door opened, revealing the expansive and luxurious space beyond.

 S9's expression remained unchanged, his metallic features maintaining their calm composure; it's not like he could smile with amusement anyway; he didn't have a face to speak of.

 "Woah!" Kai shouted, his voice echoing through the room. A smile played on his lips as he was drawn into the area like metal to a magnet. His eyes scanned the elegant interior design—he could feel the firepit radiating a comforting warmth, casting a soft glow across the room as the lights slowly illuminated from their brief hibernation. 

S9 followed behind him, and together, they trekked into the newly available space.

"This is all for me?" Kai remarked with a sense of awe. 

"Naturally, Sir. This room and I are at your service, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for as long as you stay in this facility." S9 added softly, the sound emitting from the speakers on his metallic form. "We recognize the Omeocoon are a unique race of shapeshifters, so you'll notice this room has been meticulously prepared for your arrival. Its temperature and its objects are positioned in a certain manner; there are also several items we believe you'd be interested in morphing into, should you wish to practice your shapeshifting."

 Kai continued admiring the intricate details of the decor. "I have to hand it to you, S9. This is quite impressive." Kai stated.

"Thank you, sir. I will ensure that the miss is aware of your appreciation. It is my duty and pleasure to ensure your comfort and satisfaction during your stay," S9 replied with a slight nod of his spherical head. 

Kai turned back to S9, his smile persistent, "So, is there anything else you'd like to reveal? Perhaps a hidden spa or a secret passage to a private library?" 

S9 responded promptly, "I'm afraid those features are not part of this suite, Mr. Kai. However, I am more than capable of providing a wide range of services and amenities to enhance your experience." 

"That won't be necessary, but thank you!" 

"No, I insist, whatever you'd like." 

Kai chuckled awkwardly, scratching the back of his head. "Well...usually I'm known for my strong work ethic...so forgive me if I feel just a little silly asking to be pampered like this, especially on a 'business' trip. But I noticed a comfy-looking sofa in the corner of the living room. Maybe I'll read a book or something." Kai shrugged.

 "As you wish," S9 replied, a hint of pride evident in his tone. I will just be on standby in my charging bay. If at any point you require my services, I can be reached via the communications link embedded on the wall. I shall return later to escort you to your briefing." S9 bowed again, rotated on his treads, and then disappeared back into the depths of the mud room. 

From there, Kai settled into the luxurious surroundings. "Look at this place...it's unbelievable," Kai whispered to himself as he moved to settle into the plush chair, but something stopped him; the holo-tv in the middle of the room was turned on, its volume was muted, but as Kai wandered over, like a moth to a flame, the television smartly brought itself up to a reasonable volume, the news was on...it'd been a very long time since he'd read or watched anything related to his home—that was usually Bodi's thing, but either way it was remarkably easier to get news about Omeocoon since they were inducted into the Patrol, and seeing his personal marble on that big tv screen, he couldn't help but smile. If they were on TV, something big must've been happening.

And then, as he listened to the broadcast...his smile melted away immediately. It was a frown now. 

He was so distracted that he didn't even hear his communicator vibrating with a message from his brother.