Getting registered(Attn Shay and Carol)

Mentally, she seemed to be getting her second wind.

She sat belted in his car, head resting against the back of the seat, curled into a ball, and watched him as he drove.

The purr of the engine and the smooth, uneventful ride let her slip in and out of wakefulness until they reached the domicile. Then, upon their approach, she felt herself wake up, and become more alert. A wonderful kind of lethargy still hung over her body, but she was moving without the earlier clumsiness. She liked how she felt now, soft, cozy, and well loved. Though she would have still preferred to have stayed home, cuddled in bed.

When the car stopped, Shay unbuckled and took Mathias' arm as he opened the door, and helped her out. Knowing she now had a part to play, she stood slightly apart from him, looking submissive, and tried to see where it was they were going. When she saw no evidence of any type of structure of consequence, she turned back towards Mathias in confusion.

"This is it? Where is it?"

It could have been the late hour, or the enormity of their purpose, but Shay spoke barely above a whisper. She wasn't scared at all, but to be honest, she was feeling a bit intimidated. She just wasn't sure what of.

POP.

Carol sat at her desk, chewing her bubble gum in a most unladylike fashion. She clicked through the information her geeks had given her on something rather important...yet it still bored her to tears. She flicked her eyes over to the monitor wall and checked the various entrances into the Domicile. The Abby was starting to fill up with the usual crowd and she caught a glimpse of Simon standing above the pit, leaning on the rails. She looked over to the sewer entrance and noted the guard standing just as bored as she was.

Looking over at the main entrance, she noticed the new clan member Mathias standing with a woman she did not recognize. Carol flicked her eyes back to the monitor and called up her recent notes from Ellis.

POP.

'Oooh,' she said out loud. Carol stood and straightened her outfit. This evening's choice was a pink school girl's outfit, bobby socks and heeled mary janes. The skirt was white and pink plaid and her button up white shoulder capped shirt was cleanly pressed. Some days you gotta say fuck it to trend and burn some bridges.

Walking towards the door, she gave her braided pigtails a final jiggle and went out to the lobby to greet Mathias and his new familiar.

Ellis was whistling.

She looked over her shoulder and saw Mathias and his pet standing outside the elevator to the lobby entrance of the Domicile. She checked her watch and ran her tongue over a fang. She wagered she might be able to get a quickie in with Carol before they tied her up with their registration nonesense.

She took the elevator down and emerged into the hallway that led to the main lobby. As she turned a corner, she saw Carol standing at one of the computer panels, looking adorable dressed up as a pink school girl.

She swiftly moved up behind the little blonde and whispered into her ear. 'Time for a quickie?'

The computer panel had called her attention to some noise being made on one of the residence levels. Having a peek, she noticed Addison doing something with a drill.

'Darn it. That's custom steel...'

Ellis whispering into her ear made the hairs on her neck stand on end but she didn't flinch. A quickie? Oh dear god. Carol turned and leaned up against the wall next to the panel.

'There's always time for a quickie, El.' Ellis took a step closer and bared her fangs, running her finger down her neck. The intense desire to run was almost as intense as her hopes that if she stands still, Ellis wouldn't notice her...but that apparently wasn't working. Her eyes flicked to the screen and she saw Addison admiring his handy work.

Mustering all the guts she had left, the ones that weren't tied up into knots at this point, she took a step closer to Ellis and purred. 'But have you been neglecting your new familiar?' She nodded towards the panel. 'Remember, get your bites in before someone else does.'

It was like a candy store. Carol took a step closer and purred seductively...about Addison? She looked at the panel and saw her new familiar. She wagered Mathias and his familiar were on their way down, so a quickie probably wasn't going to be quick enough.

She sighed, 'Fine.' She turned on her heel and made her way to the elevator. 'We'll have to catch up later, dear.' With a wink, she entered the elevator and was gone.

((ooc - sorry, couldn't resist, Ellis out))

"Ah, there is the trick of it love of my life."
Mathias smiled - it was impossible to see the entrance, even if you knew the abandoned building held it. He and Shay entered the structure and a few turns later found themselves riding an elevator down to the lobby.
"Like a magician's trick - if your eyes know the lay of it. There are also entrances via the sewers and The Abattoir."

The door opened and Mathias saw Carol in all her pink glory. Stepping forward he led Shay out. He found the action distasteful, it reminded him too much of master and slave. One must keep up appearances he thought.
"Good eve,Lady Carol" he said,bowing to the lady behind the desk.

Taking it all in, trying to grasp every bit of detail, Shay said little. She wished it was daytime, so she could see the exterior better, but would have to follow up with that some other time. Somehow hearing you could access Ellis' retreat via the sewers, didn't sound so unusual. Though she had only met the woman once, Shay had begun to liken her to a vicious sewer rat.

Following behind Mathias, though she would have really liked to have had his hand in hers, Shay admired the construction of the place. Not for its esthetic appeal, but for its apparent strength. The place reminded her of some combination fall out shelter and some futuristic fortress.

When they walked off the elevator, Shay didn't even register Mathias' actions. Because she knew his true feelings for her, their little charade really didn't make any mark upon her psyche.

The woman who greeted them was very pretty, though Shay thought her taste in clothing was a bit much. She envied 'Carol's' build...the woman had boobs on her that made Shay's chest look almost like that of a young boy's, but then Shay knew her legs and ass were much nicer. Further dissection would await their reception by Carol. Shay was always more accepting of those she liked.

For now, she remained quiet, and awaited instruction from either Mathias or Carol.

Carol watched with a frozen smile as the elevator doors closed on Ellis. Then with a sigh she ran to the front desk lobby and plopped down. She wasn't sure how much longer she could keep Ellis from biting her. Just then, Mathias and his female familiar walked in.

She cleared her throat, with a smile she stood and walked up to them. With a snap of her gum, POP, she introduced herself to his companion.

'Why hello there! I'm Carol and this is the Domicile.' She waved her hand like a Price is Right showcase girl. She looked at the female and gave her a quick appraisal. Most vampires pick familiars for their company, Ellis had said as much in her notes regarding this Shalimar girl. Carol wondered if she had any idea what she was getting herself into. Some might. Some don't have a clue.

'You must be Shalimar. Pleasure, dear.'

When Carol approached and introduced herself, Shay held out a hand towards her, and was pleasantly surprised to see she was nothing like Ellis...at least at first glance.

"It's a pleasure for me as well, but please, call me Shay. This is a very interesting place...I get the feeling I'm inside a missile silo, or something...not that I've ever been inside one, of course."

Shay wasn't nervous, but a bit at odds as far as how to go about conversing with 'these' people. She knew Carol was Ellis' assistant, but had no idea what her other status was. She guessed it didn't much matter either way.

Shay turned and smiled back at Mathias, and then moved back to the side, trying to be as unobtrusive as possible. God would she be glad to get out of there.

"At least its big enough that you don't get a sense of claustrophobia."

Carol shook Shalimar's hand and continued to smile warmly. Her body language was enough to tell the new human was uncomfortable with the situation. She gave up wondering exactly what the older clan members actually told their familiars. Nothing ever prepares them for the Domicile, much less the lifestyle.

Walking up to a computer wall panel as she had done hundreds of times and continued with her speech.

'This is the Domicile. It is, in fact, very large. Currently you're about a tenth of the mile down, at the second highest entry point, the highest being the sewer entrance. The Domicile itself goes down to about a half mile. The emergency exits are not clearly marked.' She grinned and pressed the panel, lighting it up.

'These computer panels are located at every door, every level and within the domicile residences. Very user friendly, once you've registered. We'll get to that in a minute. First, let's go over the rules, shall we?'

She crossed her arms and gave Shay a seriously look. 'As humans, we're here by invitation only. I am Ellis' executive secretary and I'm also her familiar. As her familiar and my position within the clan, there is very little restricted to me. However, as a clan familiar, the entire Domicile is off limits if you are not escorted by Mathias here.' She gestured towards him. 'The entrances are guarded, but even if you made it in without Mathias, you wouldn't get far. So it's with sincere and profound hope that you will not attempt to do so. I'd rather not describe what happens to free roaming humans.'

She pressed another button and a bottom panel opened, inside was a large hand sized scanner. From the sides came out hooked needled sensors, perched and waiting. Carol looked at Shay, 'This is how we register all human and vampire Domicile members. I would seriously recommend that whatever you do, don't flinch.'

Carol waited for Shay to put her hand on the panel.

Her visual senses still taking in everything possible, Shay marveled at the computer system, and suppressed a slight feeling of foreboding when she heard the emergency exits were not marked. Though Shay decided then and there, unless there was some dire need involving Mathias, she had no intention of returning inside this place.

She regained some of her confidence when Carol admitted to being a familiar...human. She felt good that Carol had the authority she did, especially knowing who the woman had to deal with on the basis she did.

When the panel opened, Shay looked the contraption over well, and felt herself go a bit clammy. Shay hated needles...and pain...and even with everything she'd been though the past few days, didn't relish this impending process. Knowing she would never be able to do it on her own, she held out her other hand, and grabbed Mathias'. Then, and only then, when she had the feel of his support, she placed her hand on the panel, and shut her eyes.

Mathias had always found dealing with Carol to be a vastly different experience than Ellis. Carol had a similar light around her like Shay - both women were very full of life. Ellis was blunt,direct and to the point - qualities Mathias appreciated as well.

Carol's initial speech,while definitely 'nicer' than Ellis', covered the same ground with the same warnings. It was important to be repetitive in these cases - not that he expected Shay to walk around without him anyhow. Truth be told he didn't see he and Shay spending much time at The Domicile,if at all. Their life was topside,and Tacharan was something to be dealt with for them to be together. His duties for the Clan would require more time here though.

When Shay held out her hand,Mathias grasped it and smiled softly. He knew this was an uncomfortable experience for her and greatly appreciated the efforts she went to for them.
"Thank you" he mouthed

The needles snapped down on Shay's hand. Carol waited for Shay to flinch but prayed she wouldn't. The ordeal wasn't really that bad. It was more psychological if anything. Come at her with a needle and she'd be nervous too.

The machine would take a sample of her blood and register her dna print within the Domicile's database. She was, in essence, being cataloged. The needles withdrew almost as quickly as they had penetrated her soft skin. Carol held her hand up a second to stop her from pulling back.

'It's fingerprinting you now.'

Carol turned toward the keyboard panel and entered Shalimar's information and who her master is. She turned and leaned against the wall again. 'Ok, all done. See? Easy peasy.'

Carol gave her a glittering smile.

Though she really didn't know what to expect, the pain still surprised her, and she gripped Mathias' hand ferociously.

"Unn!"

Was all she uttered though, for the process was over quickly. Shay opened her eyes again when the needles were removed, and saw Carol's motion to keep her hand where it was. She did so, and her eyes remained on Carol's until the woman told her it was all over.

Though her eyes watered, she didn't cry, and when her tender hand was taken back she managed a sheepish grin.

"What can I say...I'm a big baby when it comes to pain."

Smiling more so now, she turned and looked at Mathias. She felt like a small child, and just wanted to run into his embrace, but she stood her ground.

"Is that it?"

She asked, first of him, then looking back to Carol.

Carol shrugged, 'See, it wasn't that bad.' She gave them both another radiant smile. 'And yes, that's it. The Domicile has the ability to track everything here and the elevators will not recognize your voice or commands without Mathias present.' She leaned in and giggled, 'The Evenhet have a really cool interactive UI, I so want to add that option here. But basically, you're in the system and free to accompany Mathias to his quarters if you like. Your access is pretty limited but I'm sure you won't be surprised to hear the familiars really don't come to the Domicile often. The Abby yes, which you should go take a look at. It's our private club. You saw it up top probably, it's the slaughterhouse.'

Carol stepped away from the wall panel and straightened her short school girl's skirt. 'Did you have any other questions...?'

Shay was beat...almost dead on her feet. She didn't know where Mathias got his energy from but would ask him later. She didn't understand what the Evenhet UI was, that Carol referred to, but doubted it should concern her. For now she didn't want to seem ungrateful, she just wanted to go.

"Thank you Carol...you've been most kind. I have no questions presently, but should any come up, I'll be sure to contact you...?"

The last part was to confirm that was the route Shay was to go.

She looked to Mathias and smiled, before she moved back and wrapped his arm around her. She needed to feel him, and give him assurance she was okay. She rested her weary head on his chest and looked up at him.

"Ready?"

His admiration for Shay's strength only grew after watching this. Mathias knew she was tired and did not enjoy needkes,yet here she was,putting herself through the registration.


His arm around her,Mathias wanted to be the strong one for Shay,to be her strength now. Showing her his apartment or The Abbatoir could wait.
"I am ready when you are,love"

He had said it,but not in front of Ellis and that bothered him. Why should he be ashamed? Was he ashamed? Ellis wouldn't have understood Mathias told himself.

She was being selfish, and she knew it, but she refused to think of this place as anything more than Mathias' office. She would attend parties there that Tacharan had, if they had them, just like the significant other of anyone who had to put in appearances at such things. But why would she be excited to be somewhere she really wasn't wanted, and where she was treated as a lesser life form.

Shay was glad Mathias hadn't pulled away from her. She needed him desperately now. It wasn't like her to be so weak and wanting of support, and while she really didn't mind, it still unnerved. Shay was continually surprised that she had found it so natural to assume Mathias would give that to her.

Having the trip to New York still facing her, it was time they left the domicile. If Mathias really wanted her to see his place, she'd be happy to do so later. Now, she looked to Carol to acknowledge there was nothing left for her to do. Then she'd feel it free to leave. Carol had been gracious and Shay could use an ally there...for as much as either woman could be.

She leaned into Mathias, and closed her eyes for a couple seconds. She smiled as she felt safe and warm again.

Carol did a Miss America wave, unconsciously thinking "elbow...wrist...hand...elbow...wrist..." and gave them a proper fare the well. 'Y'all come back soon now, ya hear?'

Pushing off the wall, she walked back to her office, popping her gum and listening to the sound vibrate off the steel walls. She gave a final glance at the couple and raised an eyebrow. Carol did not think much of her fellow human Shalimar, but then she never really did of any of the new familiars. Being one for three years, especially the leader's familiar, she allowed herself to look down at the other familiars. Not so much out of statue, but more because they didn't have a clue what being a familiar involved. Although she wagered that this one fancied herself to be more of a companion than servant to Mathias. She considered warning her against the 'impropriety' of it, as she reached her door. With a sigh she decided she had her own problems.

'Fuck it,' she mumbled to herself and closed the door behind her.

((OOC - Carol out))

Mathias couldn't help but chuckle,the dichotomy of The domicile's sterile walls and Carol's southern belle imitation.

Moving slowly,giving Shay a chance to get her balance,he led his 'familiar' and love out of the lobby and into the Nachton night.

((ooc - Mathias and Shay out,lok please))