Chime’s Expedition

The conclusion of Chime’s acquisition excursion was a party that lasted until the early morning for everyone involved. Chime appreciated the chance to catch up on the University gossip, and was glad of the chance to practice her ti-shaara performance skills once again. As for the rest, any excuse for a party was gladly, not to mention enthusiastically endorsed.

The party gained attention and grew to include almost everyone on the floor, moving into the floor’s common area. Fortunately, very few people present knew Chime personally and she remained an anonymous participant for the duration. Unfortunately, Chime’s run of luck had run out, as one who did know her, and know her personally, arrived just as the party was winding down.

Everyone was wandering back to their quarters, except for Rainbow and Chime, who returned to Stream’s room. There, Rainbow massaged Chime’s shoulders as she used her own psychic healing powers to counter the physical strain of Chime’s exertions this evening, when the musical sounds of the door chime announced a visitor. Outside stood mournful song of the wind across desert sands.

Windsong immediately recognized her missing fellow student Chime. Chime recognized Windsong, remembering her as an inveterate gossip and self-appointed enforcer of societal ethics with a well-known sense for recognizing inappropriate behavior. As she recognized Chime through the opened door, both Chime and Stream saw Windsong’s momentary surprise turn into a self-satisfied smirk.

It was easy, now, too easy for Chime: long practice at Nigel’s side and in his service had accelerated Chime’s abilities beyond what a normal University student of her grade should ever accomplish. Windsong never even realized that Chime had pierced her meager psychic defenses, and before she could call out, Chime lightly touched the center of Windsong’s brain that controlled sleep functions. There a brief flash of recognition in Windsong’s mind as she realized what Chime had done, as at the same time she toppled over into a deep slumber.

Stream and Rainbow looked on aghast as Chime dragged the unconscious Windsong into the room and closed the door. It was obvious what Chime had done: not only had she violated one of the strictest social taboos of their society, she had done it with a shocking ease and ferocity. Stream almost feared to look Chime in the eyes, only to see a resignation and even a little shame there.

*She will not sleep for long, so I must hurry,* said Chime.

Chime reached out her mind across the dimensions, seeking one unique thing: the crystal ring that resonated with her own mental signature. It was on the finger of Dexter, who was going to act as her anchor in returning home. She located the signature among the confusing chaos of the sprawling dimensions and gently nudged Dexter’s mind to indicate she wanted to communicate with him.

He gladly replied, and their minds merged in the rapport that enabled her to return quickly. She grabbed the carry-all and disappeared, smiling at Stream in farewell as she disappeared.

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