“So…” Vinn said, Nicole dragging her belongings into the mansion for safety. “This is fun. Back at your friend’s house again, staying here for a while. Just like old times, rocking the couch next to Mel’s room. It’s almost like we just don’t have a house of our own.” He smiled. “Or any privacy of any kind.”

“Honey, it’s just because I know the security layout of our house and so does she. It’s safer to have everyone in one house, where nobody here has a clone that knows emergency escape routs and entry codes. There are cameras here, an EM blocker... Jack.”

“Yea, Jack made it a damn spy house. I get it. Just seems like every time we get to be alone, get our home settled in…IT shows up like a big hairy devil after your soul.”

“He really scares you doesn’t he?” she said petting his big floppy ear.

“He really doesn’t scare you?” he asked. "Nicole, you should be terrified that he’s back. Half of you don’t seem as sacred as you should be, the other half is doing him, and you’re more afraid of her. I don’t get it. You were scared of being alone, and you conquered that, you were scared of marriage, and you conquered that, you faced your worst fear of the water and swam out stronger, and you faced Kraken 3 times and was less afraid than I was facing him once. Why does she terrify you?”

“It’s hard to explain.” she sighed.

“Could you try?”

“I’m not sure if I understand it enough myself to explain I to you. What if she isn’t that different from me?”

“She seems pretty different, and not in the good way like when I first met you and told ya that you were different. This is the kinda different people say when they don’t wanna say the word insane. Every time you face something, you come back stronger.”

“So did she.” Nicole said softly.

Evil Nicole stood judging, staring at the robot.

“I dunno. She still looks a bit aggressive and militant for a lawyer.”

“I disagree. Military lawyers look exactly like that. The purple skin isn’t common, but this is space, so anything is possible. We'll just say she's Xeroxian ex military, we hired her because she’s a cutthroat purplebitch and respects my military record. Easy cover."

“What about the language issue? They said she was a clean slate, but obviously the dominatrix program is still there. I thought sexy lawyer patch was supposed to override the previous one.”

“Well, that’s why we got her cheap, I guess. Faulty personality switching. Robot…will you defend Nicole in her legal matters?” asked Hyde.

“I will defend Nicole on all matters of legal property rights and protect her life and safety at all cost, you pathetic worm.” She said mostly professionally.

“Yea, that’s definitely gonna look odd. Unfortunately, there’s no time for a new robot. Since I have no identity, we only have Delmarian credits now. Nicole froze her assets an hour after you did the video call.”

“Of course I would. A bank or ATM face and retinal scanner would work for us both. She’s not taking any chances.”

“Maybe if we only have the robot address THEM and not us, she’ll just seem really pissed off, and the dom add-ons will add to the intimidation.” Hyde shrugged.

“You think you can handle that, robot?” Nicole asked.

“Of course I can, bitch. I can handle anything this case can throw at me. There won’t be a dime left when those insolent bastards are done, and they can lick my boot.” She calmly said.

“I still think it’s passable as a military lawyer.” Hyde muttered.

The blackened stone deck of the ship, or house, or houseship, stood in contrast in the morning red sun, A purple woman in a suit, 6 foot and oddly buff stared blankly, as Evil Nicole and Hyde stood behind her. A shuttle pod shimmered, passing through the energy shielding and landing on the flat surface. Nicole and Vinn stepped out, followed by their lawyer, a man with a gray beard and briefcase.

“Scan them.” Hyde growled. The purple woman’s eyes glowed red.

“Metallic object in left boot, weapon shaped plastic object taped to his back."

“Nice try Jack.” Hyde chuckled.

“Well, it wasn’t intended to be used unless you did anything to us. Cant blame a guy for a defensive plan.” He said, removing the fake face and glasses.

“I know your walk anyway. You have a swagger that’s hard to hide.” said Hyde.

“Sorry asshole, I’m taken, but thanks for noticing. You look a lot bigger since I last saw you. Or maybe that's just the closer range. I see you trimmed the beard and got rid of the crosshairs?”

“Very funny. So I assume you have no lawyer.” He said, shaking his horns.

“Actually, I have one, Just in Case.” Jack said opening his briefcase, as they all braced for a bomb or waited for a double cross, and it was just a facetime Lawyer on a laptop.

“Hi, I’m Justin Case, portable AI attorney. I’ll be representing Miss Nicole Marie…G.” he paused. The last name appeared on screen. The purple woman approached the briefcase.

“Bethesda Vaughn: Xeroxian Military attorney at law. I represent my client, Nicole Marie Alekseev.” She presented, as Evil Nicole winked with her jet black eyes and dark lipstick. A very villainous look.

“You can’t pronounce my new last name either, can you?” Good Nicole smirked.

“Since her marital status is invalid, her original name will be used for this discussion.” Beth informed.

“Oh, so she gets to use my name and I still get to be Miss Gurvmurmurner?”

“Still didn’t get it right, honey.” Vinn whispered.

“Not the time, Vinn.”

“Miss Vaughn, I would like to remind you that despite being neutral space in orbit, some Delmarian laws still apply regarding hostage situation or assault. That means if there is any foul play, this is still subject to police action. Now, I would like to present that my client, being the original Nicole, is not only the one who physically brought the possessions to this moon, but currently has them in her possession. Since they were not in storage or stolen goods, and of her full rights to own, they remain that way in the event of a cloning.”

Stolen novel; please report.

“And I counter that since they are identical in their human DNA and identity with the same memories that Nicole B, as she will be referred to, is just as much of the same person therefore of equal rights to possessions she remembers owning. Since these are old possessions, neither of them have proof of ownership beyond the possession and memory, and my client has the same memory of owning them. You sniffling bitch.”

“Now now, this is not a military court, this is a civilized discussion and memory of an event does not make it real. The case of Delmar versus Velonoid 4 years ago concluded that implanted memories are not proof of ownership. Since Nicole B’s memories were added to her after being grown, they are by definition a borrowed memory. They may be accurate and sentimental, but not legally binding.” The case presented.

“And does Nicole A have legal proof that she is in fact the original Nicole, or is that claim merely an assumption? Is it possible her memories of being the original were implanted, possibly after Nicole B was grown and implanted, you filthy boy?” she asked.

There was an awkward pause for a number of reasons.

“It is highly unlikely, but not medically impossible. Proving either would be nearly impossible.”

“Incorrect, bitch.” She replied. “As a fluke of their shared genetics, a small percent of Menacodian DNA was discovered dormant among her human cells. Since Nicole B has manifested different results in that roughly 1 percent, by scanning those cells it may be possible to track the evolution of those, therefore effectively dating the activation of them and providing proof of whose was activated first.”

“I’ve never heard of Menacodian DNA, and I have the Federation species database on file at my disposal.” Justin replied.

“Then you must update your files. The data has been added very recently. You WILL allow the scans to be done or prepare to be punished.”

“Is that a threat on record, Miss Vaughn?”

“It is merely a retort, intended to evoke emotion.” She replied. “Do you feel safe? Are your emotions provoked? Would you like to establish a safeword...perhaps Asparagus?”

“An empty threat is a threat, and that alone could have you thrown from this case.” said Justin Case

“You are the one currently in a case. I am the only lawyer present. Your logic is invalid, and you shall eat my ass.” She said, as Evil Nicole palmed her face and rubbed her eyebrows in frustration.

Miss Vaughn I don’t know how you handle things on your world, but this is Delmar space and thought the individual rules of each of the 12 cities do not apply, basic Delmarian empirical law does. A Lawyer offworld may represent a case, from a case, in any case. Real-time AI is legal representation with no penalty, and insults are unnecessary and pointless. I’ve heard them all before, this IS Delmar you know.

“May I propose a compromise?” asked Hyde.

“You may suggest one.”

“We are prepared to settle for 10 percent of the money granted to Nicole" Hyde said. "IF, she agrees to genetic testing at a neutral Delmarian lab, under the conditions that our lawyer be permitted to witness the testing in person and be present during the bank transaction. If the results are inconclusive, ten percent will be considered final. If the results show clear Menacodian activation cells with a time difference, whoever has the oldest activation must be the rightful Nicole. If you refuse, we will take this to Delmarian high council for the original 50 percent of all assets. They may decide that until a verdict, the money in the bank will be frozen and unavailable, and you would not be impressed with how quickly they appoint hearings.” He smirked.

"That sounds like a fair proposal, if my client agrees?” he said as Jack turned the screen to Nicole, who nervously nodded. “Then we will do the testing on Delmar. Scheduling will be set up quickly, and in the meantime you will remain in orbit.” The ship jostled slightly, and both Nicoles made a heaving motion.

“Orbit sickness?” asked Jack.

“I need a bathroom.” She said, as both Nicoles rushed for the elevator.

“Mine seems to have that problem as well. There’s medication in the restrooms. She knows where it is.” Hyde said. Jack smirked slightly.

“YOUR, Nicole. Really? So how exactly did you just GET one? Black market sale on clones? You know that’s slavery, right?”

“Does she seem to be objecting to anything? If you’d like a demonstration of her consensual contentment.” Hyde started. "I bet she would put on a performance."

“No we’re fine.” Vinn interrupted. "We just assume since it’s you that there's something non-consensual at play."

“That accusation is rather insulting. After all, we both know Nicole has a thing for Delmarians, so without a clone of yourself bound by marriage, there’s just nothing stopping her from upgrading.” He grinned.

“You just had the one gun, Jack?” Vinn asked.

“Unfortunately.” He muttered.

“You got like a…screwdriver, maybe?” Vinn asked.

“Oh, calm down, I’m not trying to claim them both. If you have a totally happy marriage, yours should be enough, you aren’t getting greedy or possessive are you Vinn? You afraid they’d both leave you for me? I can barely handle one, but she does handle nicely. I'm sure I could learn if she left you.” Hyde chuckled.

“Seriously, just a big rock, anything?” he muttered to Jack.

“Vinn, they scanned me, I had a backup knife, what do you want? I didn’t shove a grenade in my ass, it was a low chance they’d miss the gun.” He replied as the Nicoles staggered up, both looking rather woozy and leaning on each other for support. Hyde scooped up Evil Nicole as the friendly looking one wobbled to Vinn, meeting her halfway.

“Are you okay?” he asked. Petting her head.

“Fine, sweetie, I just am not used to standing on a brick path that moves around. Can we go home?” she asked.

“Sure. We’ll see you all again in a few days, in the dome 2, neutral hospital.”

“I would like to make another suggestion.” Said Hyde. Vinn rolled his eyes.

“Proceed, but make it a brief case.” Said the briefcase.

“Jack and I both have…tactical history, and with my lawyer going with you to confirm the bank balance, it seems like opportunity for a double cross situation may become tempting. I would not put it past him to hold my lawyer and her suggestion hostage.”

“You can’t be serious?” said Justin.

“He has had some history with me, threatened me with a firearm, brought weapons on my ship. In fact, he has military connections high up, and I would even wager access to a remote missile battery if favors were to be played. Should we inquire as to his location during the arena fight where I lost my head? If he doesn’t remember his location, I may know someone who has footage of his…viewing spot.”

“Where is this going, asshole?” Jack inquired.

“Seems only fair he remains on the ship while my lawyer remains with them. He can’t order a strike on a ship he’s on, and he can’t hold a hostage situation if he’s offworld and unarmed. I merely suggest we keep things even and fair for safety concerns, and in return I would be happy to provide him with accommodations, and a commemorative photo of his seat during the Fupar event. Or I could simply…send an email down. Jack and I have some personal business to discuss anyway, and this would be a great chance for us to get to know one another.”

“Five percent, and I agree, but the gun stays, just to make it fair and even.”

“You can have your knife, the gun goes back to the shuttle. Eight percent.”

“Agreeable.” Jack said, stepping up to him and taking the knife back. The briefcase looked uncomfortable.

“I don’t think we should talk further about this unorthodox proposal. You seem to have legal matters…above the pay grade of Miss Vaughn and myself."

“Jack you serious?” Vinn asked.

“He can’t launch an attack if I’m here on the ship. He would not hesitate to put his own lawyer at risk, she may be a fake anyway. If they have a working operator in our home, I want one on theirs. Fair and even, Vinn.” He nodded.

“God you’re badass. You think a knife would make it even if he starts something?”

“Vinn, I tried to give him a gun to make it even, but he didn’t want it.” Jack smirked. “I guess he’s just cocky.”

“Hey bro. Be careful. He’s right handed but he favors the left with a blade.”

“I knew that already, I had an excellent view of the fight, and I want my commemorative pictures.” Jack said.

“Well then.” Justin sighed. “I guess if no further objections, that is case closed.” He smiled. There was a moment of pause and silence. “Someone close my case, Damnit.”

They parted ways, Vinn carrying Nicole and Hyde carrying…Nicole. Jack and Bethesda Vaughn crossed in the middle, eyeing each other down.

“Nice Mohawk, lawn and garden department?” he whispered.

“Lick my boot, you filthy swine.” She replied coldly.

“I’m going to take Nicole to bed.” Sighed Hyde. “She doesn’t do as well as yours does out of the water too long. She needs to rest up in her tank. Why don’t you and I have a drink in the den?”

"I don’t put out till the third date, you know.” Jack said, lightly tapping Hyde’s groin with the knife handle as he walked past.