Curtis Ladd sat back from the security console and reset the elevator’s surveillance feed. He pulled out the memory card containing the incident and turned it between his fingers, its contents the only record of the unauthorized manifestation. There was no threat of losing his job over the reset. No one cared about monitoring the general Psi Sensors enough to double check behind him. They couldn’t even spare a second set of eyes for the night and Curtis spent his entire shift in the security cubical alone.
Most of the expensive Psi equipment, and eyes to watch it all, were tucked in the casino security cage, set up to catch cheaters trying to read the dealers’ cards or nudge the roulette wheel in their favor. The hotel owner simply didn’t feel threatened by Psi ability enough to make it a priority beyond protecting his money. Of course Mr. Fritz might change his mind on Psi in general if he knew of a couple that could feed a manifestation and pull it right past the hotel’s shields to create a fully fleshed form, complete with clothing.
The hotel had Psi boosters to aid their ghostly employees and guests alike but there were alarms for unauthorized use. Not a single one of which went off during the entire elevator episode. That was a rare talent that could be deeply useful, and usefulness would definitely pique Fritz’ interest. Curtis couldn’t let that happen.
He knew Fritz through reputation only. All of it bad. So bad that Curtis had no intention of letting the pair—the trio now—come anywhere near the wizard’s radar. It was selfish, in part. Curtis had his own uses for what he’d seen on the camera feed. But at least his uses were on the up and up. Mostly.
He sat back and closed his eyes, fondling the memory card between his fingers. The images began to replay through his mind in perfect detail. Not that they could do any less as his Cyber-Psi ability uploaded the recording directly to his optic nerves. He was aroused all over again, clearly seeing the third participant and the dual efforts of the phantom lover.
Curtis could almost feel what they were feeling, and then suddenly he got a load of feelings all his own. The sensation of a warm mouth forming around his straining erection popped his eyes open. He looked down to see the head of dark red curls becoming clearer, tangible, along with the rest of the curvaceous body. It took him a breath to collect himself before he stopped her wonderful intentions.
“I appreciate the thought, love, but I’ve got something to tell you. I think I found another component.” He pulled her up and into his lap, ignoring the lack of proper weight. If he had his way, soon enough she’d be as solid as she once was. “It won’t be long now. I think by next year this time, we’ll be ready. Next year and it all changes.”
He held up the memory card for her to see.
“But for now, I have some new friends I want you to meet.”