//------------------------------// // Showers, Strategy, and Creaks // Story: Consequences // by shallow15 //------------------------------// There were some concessions even STORM had to make for their captives. Bathing, for example. It was written down in the agency's bylaws that “all reasonable accommodation must be made to all sapient detainees for purposes of health and hygiene, including but not limited to: nourishment, digestive system end products, bathing, and other necessities.” But, while STORM was required to allow the girls to shower, they weren't required to let them do so as a complete group. So, they were split up into two groups. Sunset, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie were in the first group allowed to shower. “Ten minutes max. Hurry it up,” ordered the female guard who stood at the entrance to the tiled communal shower. The three girls started the water and stood under individual shower heads. “Are you two all right?” Sunset whispered. “I'm okay,” Fluttershy whispered back. “I'm worried about Frank though.” “I overheard one of the guards,” said Pinkie. Being with her friends seemed to be bringing back some of her liveliness. “I think they've got him on another level.” Sunset nodded. She turned and wet her hair under the stream before opening the hotel room sized shampoo bottle she'd been given and running it through her hair. “So what's the plan?” Pinkie asked. She glanced at the guard, saw she was facing away from them, and inched closer to Sunset. “There isn't one,” Sunset answered. “WHAT?!” Pinkie shrieked. The guard whirled around. “HEY! Back under your own stream! And no talking!” The three girls were silent. Sunset rinsed her hair and leaned slightly over, keeping her eyes on the guard. “There isn't a plan, because I'm waiting to see what Tempest does first.” “That doesn't sound like a good idea,” Fluttershy whispered back. “Suppose they do something awful to us or Frank?” “I don't think they will, at least not yet,” Sunset replied. She raised her voice so the guard could hear. “Is it okay if we scrub each others' backs?” The guard looked over her shoulder. “No funny stuff. This ain't a women in prison flick.” “Got it. Fluttershy, do you mind?” Sunset turned her back to Fluttershy, who grabbed another small bottle of body wash and began applying it to Sunset's back. “I'm pretty sure they want to recruit us,” Sunset continued in a low voice. “Tempest hinted that the guy in charge is interested in what we can do. She'll probably try to entice all of us to join.” “Fat chance,” Pinkie hissed. She had shampooed her own hair, and the suds now formed a towering swirl atop her head, making her look like a pink soft serve cone. Sunset nodded. “I know. But if we play it smart, we might be able to get back together and get the geodes back.” “And rescue Frank?” asked Fluttershy, her voice hopeful. “And rescue Frank,” Sunset smiled, turning around. “Time's up!” the guard barked. “Rinse off and get out here!” “If you manage to meet up with the other girls, tell them not to do anything until I give the word.” Sunset ducked under the spray and rinsed herself off. The other two followed suit and headed out to get their towels. Down on Level Three, STORM guard Shell Casing blinked as he heard a faint metallic creaking noise. He frowned and concentrated. After a few seconds, he heard it again. He and his fellow guard, Flak Jacket, were currently stationed outside the door of Containment Unit Seven, where the cryptid that had been captured was currently confined. He looked at the large vault door and put a hand to it. “What's up?” Flak Jacket asked. “You didn't hear that?” Shell asked. “Hear what?” Flak frowned and looked at the door. “What am I looking for?” “I don't know. I heard a creak. Sounded like it was coming from the vault.” “Seriously?” Flak gave him a disapproving look. “This thing's like 90% titanium. The floor had to be reinforced just to get that thing in here. There's SIX on this level! Nothing's getting out of there.” “Yeah... you're right.” Shell went back to his original position. “Probably just my imagination.” “Probably.” Flak was quiet for a moment then smirked at his partner. “Like that cute waitress you said you got a number from last week.” Now it was Shell's turn to shoot his partner a disapproving look. “We have a date on Saturday!” “Surrrrre, you do.” “Fine, don't believe me,” Shell moved his eyes forward. “At least, I'll be getting laid that weekend.” “Just because my husband is out of town this week and your so-called date doesn't exist is no reason to get personal.” “Oh, fuck you, dude.” “I'd be bored. You'd be embarrassed.” The two looked at each other, then laughed. And inside the vault, Frank dreamed... … and grew.