Capítulo 9: Salt the earth
Kate- "Still using the old sign I see."
Cherry- "Of course, the old girl's practically one of us."
Kate- A 1940's styled neon pinup girl of you riding a cartoonish red rocket while wearing only a transparent suit with a fishbowl helmet... a bit much.
"Why not make a gigantic stained glass window, spoofing an original Kamasutra's illustration with you in it, while you're at it?"
Cherry- "Since when do you have any issues with her at all? You know I like her, she's a historic landmark, our history I might add. Plus she's been a symbol for too long, changing anything... fans would riot, I'm not going to poke that hornet nest just yet, I'm not that foolish. Let old dogs lie little bird."
Kate-"Doesn't she remind you of the bad times before you took over the business?"
Cherry-"She does... every day, a good reminder. We fought the good fight to free her, and made her our home, not our jail. I'm proud of that! Now, she stands with us, free to explore the universe on her own terms. That rocket is her freedom, not her chains. The same goes for everyone inside. Tell me, should I kick them out just because we lived through some bad times together?
You see, with symbolism, there are two outcomes after an ideological conflict: option one, you destroy a symbol linked to oppression, ban that icon, and vilify it. Option two, you take it back. Make it yours, and convert it to your advantage. Some symbols are inherently too hateful for the second option, but the first option is not advisable for most things. Once you ban everything used with hate in mind, you will end with nothing remaining. Everything can be subverted for evil, and making the distinction between what can be saved and not saved is the only way to really win.
Take sex, for over two millennia, it was a taboo thing and an object of oppression, especially for those in the profession like we are. But sex in itself can heal, it's also vital to humanity's continuation, in a way it can be the best of our intentions, our hopes for a future past ourselves, a way to share intimacy and love with each other. On its worst days, its a tool to hurt, to make war, to subjugate. I like my work, I wouldn't trade it for the world the way we are doing it, willingly. But before? During the slaver's days? I killed to get out of it. Should sex be banned? A taboo? What would happen to humanity after that? It's the same for most things. Winning should mean more freedom and safety, not hiding from an ugly past with irrational prohibitions to hide the dust under the rug. Of course, I don't mean by it to allow malicious uses of symbols, but we need to learn to distinguish people's intent behind the acts for what they are. You can't just ban an act or a symbol wholesale without opening another can of worms."
Kate- "Still, you should at least give the building a fucking paint job or something... a grey cube is a bit..."
Cherry- "Little "Gélinotte" you forget overlayed realities, people like you who cut AR are few and far between. I swear, I feel like I'm talking to a feral child."
Kate- "Totally forgot..."
Maybe I cut too many things lately. Safety's good... too much safety is a cage in itself.
*Camera flashes, the roar of an excited crowd*
Kate- Didn't miss that part a lick. So noisy!
Cherry- "Sorry Katoue, mama gotta rock the stage tonight, you know how it is... I'll call you up when I'll be dressed and ready to talk a bit more, just before the show."
Kate- "Don't worry, 'll probably be swamped in invasive affectionate displays for a while. Speaking of starving wolves..."
Cherry- "Alright then!"
A guy in line- "Hey, don't cut the line!"
Jack(ed)- "The one in green is Cherry fucking dial-up"
Kate- "Hey J, y'got big... an Angel now? Good for you!"
Jack(ed)- "Kate! you're back?"
Alana- "What, she's back? Since when?"
Kate- "Just now. Got a bit lost on the way."
An obnoxious guy in line- "Cherry I get, but the ugly skank can't pass, she clearly ain't a whore with that face. Why does she get a pass?"
Jack(ed)- "Great, another one of those... want me to take it?"
Alana- "Nope, all mine!" *Glee*
Kate- "J, is it just me or Alana is a bit... much?"
Jack(ed)- "You got no idea... you know how people are, they all cope with stress one way or another: drugs, cartoons, porn, novels, Old World TV shows everyone has its own technique... Alana..."
OGiL-" So, you came to your senses finally? You learned who my dad is and came to suck me off as an excuse right?"
Dismissive Alana- "Shut up..."
Jack(ed)- "... is Alana."
OGiL- "What did you bitch said to ME?"
Crowd1- "Oh? We're in for a good show!"
Alana- "Oh well... Tried"
*BANG!*
OGiL- "MY BALLZ!!!!!! YOU SHOT MY FUCKING BALLZ!"
*Hilarity in the crowd*
Crowd1- "What a noob, he had no idea? Is that real?"
Crowd2- "Damn, brutal! Rocksalt in the balls!"
OGiL- "YOU FUCKING CRAZY BITCH! MY FATHER WILL HAVE YOU SKINNED!"
Crowd3- "He really doesn't know anything..."
Mistress Alana- "Your father Hon? Alright, I'll bite! Let's have some fun! Cere? Wait... what? FOR REAL? This ain't a prank? *Ahahahahaahahaha* Call that piggy for me, would you?
Piggy! This is Mistress! Your ugly spawn is causing trouble at my gate. What do you think I should do? Yes, I know thinking isn't your strong suit. Humour me! This is a command from your Mistress!"
OGiL- "Hello... Dad? WHAT?!!!"
*BANG!*
OGil- *AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!*
Mistress Alana- "Now get the fuck out of here! You're banned for a decade from all our services including the online platform... As for you Piggy, I'll facture you for the call and the conflict resolution fees. Yes, I mean the second shot. Yes, you are unworthy of my forgiveness. Yes, next Wednesday, 3 pm is good. Don't forget to bring a gift.
Cere, add an appointment for Piggy, and ban Junior as I said, thank you."
Obnoxious guy not in line- "NO! ANYTHING BUT THAT! Where will I find..."
Alana- "Not my concern. Learn the rules, the important ones. Here anything goes as long as the other is consenting and you're respectful of their person. Your daddy has no pull here, everyone's the same, pull on the Council or not. This is the Asstronaughty, extrajudicial territory, we don't make exceptions for big or... small pricks."
Kate- "He was kinda right y'know. No need to go that far!"
Alana- "About your ugly mug?"
Kate- "No, no, of course not, you really are a crazy bitch you know."
Sister Alana- "Remember rule four? Still in need of shitting some rocksalt tomorrow, sister? This warning is the only leniency you'll get from me. After that you won't be my sister anymore, I'll become Mistress Alana to you!"
Crowd2-"That's some crazy thought love bro! Man, that little nepo shit got it good!"
Crowd3- "Not so loud! They might be safe here, but if Junior hears you badmouthing him... even if Angels get revenge for actions against clients, it is only that, revenge."
Crowd2- "Right, right, nepotism ain't no joke!"
Crowd3- *Chhhhh!*
Mistress Alana- "Alright everyone! 'Nough gossip for the day! Do I need to spread more love?"
Enthusiastic Crowd4- "PUNISH ME, MISTRESS!"
Mistress Alana- "OH? You asked for it Piggy!"
*enthusiastic BANG!!!!*
Crowd4-*AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!*
*Roaring general laughter*
Kate- "Ain't that just Paradise?"
Jack(ed)- "This's gonna go viral!"
Kate- "Posted that? Sure 't's a good idea?"
Jack(ed)- "That's great footage, plus it might dissuade a few dial-ups. Call it horde immunity through vaccination if you will."
Alana- "See! I told you I could become a doctor if I wanted."
Jack(ed)- *Ahoum!* "... not that again? Being good with surgical gloves and prostate "exams" does not make one a doctor Al..."
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