Book 2: Living free from Jupiter's law - Rising from the ashes of Herbay

Fucking Blondies

During the regular council meeting, which took place as usual on the upper floors of Jupiter Tower, Orphe once again carefully explained Eos's new regulations. He did it every time. It was a boring repetition, but it was necessary because many Elites still couldn't accept that former pets were no longer required to wear pet rings, collars, and leashes. That they could choose their own clothes and were free to leave the tower at will. Enforcement of the new rules - or lack of them - was made even more difficult because, in most cases, it was the pets themselves who demanded a leash around their necks and a master to guide them in their every action.

It was a different matter for former furnitures. No matter how much the system had tried to eradicate all traces of humanity from them, in fact, they still remained Ceres mongrels. Many of them had no qualms about turning over a new leaf and saying goodbye to Tanagura captivity. Those who decided to stay enjoyed favorable working conditions, good salaries, and plenty of free time. Since many positions had become vacant, new staff had been recruited from among the Midas residents who had requested them.

The new council was heterogeneous and evenly distributed. Between the colorful heads of the high-level Elites of the Tanagura representatives, didn't go unnoticed the dark hair of an Onyx, the short one of a base-type android, the neat, grizzled wisps of Louis, and the lost and out-of-place look of a pet who never intervened in discussions. Midas representatives were a handful of opulently dressed politicians. In the part of the hall devoted to Ceres, in addition to Norris, Sid, Guy, and Riki, stood out for his elegant and solemn bearing Lord Iason Mink, or rather, Minosi Kan, as he was still called in the suburbs.

After the meeting was over, many headed to the underground parking lot to retrieve their vehicles. Norris and Sid left almost immediately. As Iason was late, Riki waited for him with Guy keeping him company.

"What did you want to talk to me about?" Guy asked. He was half-seated on the motorcycle seat with a helmet in hand.

"It's a delicate topic. I can't tell you here," Riki replied.

"Did something happen?"

"No. It's just that I'd like you to help me carry out an idea that I had come up with. I want to surprise Iason."

Guy began to feel intrigued. "Where can we talk about it? My house? Your house? How about Depravities?"

"Depravities no, there is too much confusion. At home, it would be fine, but we must catch a time when the Blondies are not around. It would be impossible to arrange a surprise with their nosy super-hearing in the way. Where is Raoul now?"

"At home with Benson, I'm afraid."

Riki huffed. Just then, his communicator rang.

- What's going on? Why aren't you coming down? - he asked.

- Orphe and Aisha insist that I stay for lunch with them. Do you want to come? -

- Of course, not! - Riki reacted promptly. Besides really not wanting to take part in a boring Blondies lunch, it was an unmissable opportunity. - You stay, I'll go home with Guy. I'll leave you the car. -

Iason didn't seem satisfied with that answer. - Is there no one else who can take you home? -

- Nobody. Norris and Sid have already left. -

- Can't you call a taxi? -

- I could, but I don't see the point. What's the problem? Are you jealous of Guy? -

It was obvious that Iason was. The friendship between Riki and his former partner was growing closer every day.

- It burns you, doesn't it, to admit that you're jealous that I'm riding all the way home with Guy? - Riki insisted, upon hearing no answer.