Log; Ongoing

[citadelspirit.livejournal.com]

When; Friday night
Rating; PG-13
Characters; SHODAN (citadelspirit  ) and Road Kamelot (dreamsofnoah  )
Summary; SHODAN goes to find a possible compatriot by visiting the Circus Carnivore.
Log;

Being an AI, she had never even thought about circuses, let alone been to one. All she knew was that they came from the Latin word for "circle," and they probably involved hordes of screaming insects sitting in chaotic rows and spilling food all over the floors. From her quick investigations, they usually centered around staged acts of bravery and physical prowess, often involving rare or unusual animals. Predators were common -- lions, tigers -- as well as large impractical beasts like elephants.

The screaming insects were definitely there, although she didn't see the masses of small children she expected from a circus. Then again, with a name like "Carnivore," it hadn't sounded like an everyday mindless diversion. More like a freak show, or a thriller. She sat as close to the front as possible, shifting her jaw as she toyed with the cybernetic ripsnake stowed in her hard palate. The chill of metal was comforting in this smelly animal pit. Everything reeked of fur, smoke, dirt, dust, and human. So much human. It was revolting, and for a while she kept her silver-threaded scarf pulled up around her nose to cut back the stench.

The show was fine, even entertaining at times, although she wasn't the whooping and cheering sort. She sat still, hands by her sides, green eyes tracking the animals and humans back and forth through their acts, watching for Road. From a few images she had dredged up across the Network, Road seemed like a silly little child. But, she hated humans and had resources, and right now, that was more important than image. Her fascination with wild animals would lend her well to backing SHODAN's creations -- maybe she would grow a Rumbler to add to the circus as payment, or else to establish trust. It would suit Road's tastes in monstrosities.