The Cosmos, The Arrivals, Book 1, Chapter 7, Steph Encounters Babs & Janet & Robyn, also Tiffany, Day 1, Section 8, Babs & Janet: Discuss Robyn & Steph ¶ ¶ ¶ ¶ Babs and Janet trade looks and adjust their bikini tops, or what they possess of them anyway. Crescents d’areolage and areolage with nipples jutting out. The two Monitors laugh and relax. Babs nods her head in the direction of the glass and bottle of wi.ne and the two sit down in adjacent easy chairs. They will share the glass and finish the bottle. ¶ It is the first opportunity since Tiffany arrived that they’ve had an opportunity to compare notes. Notes on Tiffany, but also notes on the more immediate arrivals, Robyn and Steph. ¶ “Steph does know a lot of our secrets,” Babs advances carefully. ¶ “Secrets? I don’t have any secrets,” Janet responds. “I pinked the first Term I Pledged. And then I was a Stripper two Terms ago, remember? Last Term you were my Cosmos Roommate. I’ve already stuffed the big toys. Jerked myself off, like, for real, on Stage and off. You’re the one who’s a prude.” ¶ “That’s harsh,” Babs replies. “But Steph better keep her mouth shut if she knows what’s good for her.” ¶ “You’ve got the tools to keep her in line,” Janet bops. ¶ And BB scowls. ¶ Janet computes, “The way I figure, Tiffany’s transparent croptop isn’t worth you taking or trading for. And Robyn’s maillot won’t cover you enough to make a difference. But Steph’s minidress provides all the coverage you need.” ¶ “And leaves her stark naked,” BB concludes. “That would be very humiliating for her.” ¶ “You could promote to MomCap,” Janet confirms. “Or, hey: strip both her and Robyn naked, and you’d have four Garments and could Double Opt Up and become a Madam.” ¶ Babs suspects Janet may be joking. She responds, “I doubt if I’m able to do that. Besides, four pieces might send a wrong signal to MomCap. After all, she’s only got three pieces. And besides, running Whoresor even Strippersmight not be for me. I think I already know what I’m going to do. I’m going to Hover next Term. I know what’s good for me.” BB queries her former Roommate and fellow Monitor, “What about you? You gonna Hover or Op Up MomCap? ‘Cause I know you’ll never Opt Down and Pledge again.” ¶ “Like Steph,” Janet laughs. “Jeez, BB, if I told you my plans I’d need some collateral to hold.” ¶ “Like maybe Steph,” Babs jokes, and they both laugh. ¶ Janet offers, “I listened to Robyn earlier. And I think you’re right that she really is void.” Janet rustles her substantial body. ¶ “More brainless than ever before,” Babs agrees. “But what if whatever happened to her happens to one of us? Like me.” ¶ “She said you’re the only one in the four Dining Room Pictures who hasn’t done a stretch at the Nugget,” Janet spins. “I don’t know if she knew that, figured it out, or if someone told her.” ¶ “Tell her disinformation and she won’t know the difference,” Babs grumbles. “You’re right. She’s a bigger black hole now.” ¶ Janet tweaks, “She probably doesn’t remember that she promised your Mudwrestling videos would stay confidential.” ¶ Babs pours the last of the wi.ne into their glasses. ¶ Janet advances, “Let me suggest you convince MomCap to let Penny and Coco do a Mudpit reprise. They could both piss in the mud and wallow. They can win and lose whatever piercing and tattoo credits you’re so worried they’ve accrued.” ¶ Babs’ eyes narrow at this idea, but she restrains herself. “That wouldn’t be fair, and MomCap would never do that to them.” ¶ “Of course she wouldn’t,” Janet agrees. “More likely it will be Penny and Coco themselves who will beg, so instead of one ink and steel each, one of them gets doubles and the other gets off unmarked.” ¶ Babs finds the logic compelling but not motivating. “Okay, Janet,” she says. “Sound fair and balanced.” ¶ Janet shifts gears. “But you don’t need MomCap’s approval for Steph and Robyn to Mudwrestle. They’ve each got one piece. They each think they need two pieces. So let them duke it out.” ¶ Babs retreats. “Yeah, and what if Steph wins?” ¶ Janet must fall silent on this. “Yeah, okay, you’re right. And what if Robyn wins? That’s pretty awful too.” ¶ “Maybe they both need to lose. Besides, they’re not Roommates,” Babs exasperates. “MomCap has made it clear to me that Roommates get first dibs on any Games.” ¶ “Have it your way,” Janet flips. “But remember, I expect you to trade me Steph for one of my Corvettes.” ¶ “Stop it!” Boss Babe drains her glass and puts it down on the table with impact. “I’m not doing anything until after all my Cosmos arrive. I’m still expecting two ex-Strippers and two newbies. I’ve got my hands full.”