Chuckling, Jocelyn wagged one finger at Jacky. "Thank you for the reminder, but it's unnecessary!" she explained, showing her PET as though she were displaying a badge. "As you've noticed, Miss Sleuth is not one who will allow herself to be ignored! I couldn't lose the PET if I wanted to," she boasted, then clipped it onto her belt. "Are you fine without my supervision so far, Miss Sleuth?"
"Somehow, I think I'm managing," Sleuth answered sarcastically.
That prompted a satisfied nod from Jocelyn, who gave the PET a quick pat-pat, to assure Jacky all was taken care of. "I would be remiss to come without proper identification! I have my badge, my segway road-side license, and of course, my officer's ID! That ought to be all the information they need, unless they need my measurements like they do at the metroline. Or, I had to give them once, anyway," she recalled, producing each item from her slacks pockets in turn. After that, it was just a matter of following Jacky.
Mr. Sharper had some questions, which Jocelyn was all too happy to oblige. "Miss Jacky and I are here today on a mission of safety, as surprising as that may seem! We're going to go from place to place, where people gather, and go over essential tips, necessary for the safety, well-being, and efficiency of all mall-goers at both the Shamus Austin and the Gloria Scott malls. You know that those places are popular hang out spots for the 'in-crowd,'" she added finger quotes here, not being too familiar with the ins-and-outs of school life herself, "and thus, it's important that all those we expect to go there be properly educated. It's my responsibility and privilege to impart to them this information... and my great pleasure to do it with my friend here!" she added, placing a hand upon Jacky's shoulder.
It turned out the man didn't really need reassurance anyways; Jacky's word seemed good as gold here. Jocelyn had to admire that (she did personally, and her character did even more), so she beamed and clapped her hand up and down again. "Good deeds breed trust! It's good to be in the good graces of administrative folks at your school. Why, that's just a step away from assisting security, one of the greatest honors in duty that one can uphold!" she announced, while fishing her officer's ID from her slacks pocket. She did it quickly, even though they had to be pretty shallow pockets... the tight slacks didn't leave a lot of extra room. "Her you are, sir! This should be sufficient, shouldn't it?" she questioned, then smiled over to her partner. "Ha ha! For a moment, I thought we'd get a special uniform like over at the Shamus Austin! Well, the differences between all of our establishments, in terms of safety protocol, are exactly why our demonstrations are necessary," she added, giving a knowing smile and dredging up memories Jacky would probably rather forget.
Breaking It Off Easy
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Jacky noted with passing interest that Jocelyn hadn't mentioned any sort of driver's license as an identification form. That would presumably be the one Mr. Sharper was expecting for the temporary ID. Thinking about it, though, Jacky wasn't ultimately too surprised that Jocelyn didn't have one, and she didn't think the office staffer would hold them up on that technicality so long as he was given something official.
Mr. Sharper seemed to take Jocelyn's explanation in stride, although his mind seemed to be doing some gymnastics to keep up with some of the stranger points. "So, um... like, a general safety presentation? For public hangout spots for the kids?" the man asked, trying to fit his head around why students at a university should need tips (essential or otherwise) about two specific malls on campus.
"In a sense, yes," Jacky would pipe up, cutting off Jocelyn if she tried to disagree or offer her own elaboration. Jacky remained quiet, keeping Mr. Sharper's eyes as though willing him to focus only on her and to ignore the bubbly, bouncy elephant in the room.
Thankfully, the man appeared to do just that. He took Jocelyn's officer ID, turning it over once in his hand before getting up and making a copy as he'd claimed he would. He passed it back, raising an eyebrow curiously. "Is that outfit a Shamus Austin security get-up, ma'am?"
"Not quite, thank you sir, we'll be going," Jacky muttered in quick succession, swiping up her partner's temporary and permanent identification before quickly ushering her out of the door by hand. "Thank you, Mr. Sharper."
The man's mouth hung open for just a split moment before fixing into a friendly "see-you-next-time" smile, even if he couldn't get the words out before Jacky was out of the door.
Once outside, Jacky quickly handed Jocelyn's things over to her, frowning. "Where are we going? What are we doing? I still don't understand anything. We're clear to move, now, so let's please move." Having the 'special uniform of the Shamus Austin' mentioned again was making her imagination, normally not prone to such things, go bad places. While she was dreading the answer, she felt like any concrete information that would keep her from chewing over her worst fears would be appreciated now.
Mr. Sharper seemed to take Jocelyn's explanation in stride, although his mind seemed to be doing some gymnastics to keep up with some of the stranger points. "So, um... like, a general safety presentation? For public hangout spots for the kids?" the man asked, trying to fit his head around why students at a university should need tips (essential or otherwise) about two specific malls on campus.
"In a sense, yes," Jacky would pipe up, cutting off Jocelyn if she tried to disagree or offer her own elaboration. Jacky remained quiet, keeping Mr. Sharper's eyes as though willing him to focus only on her and to ignore the bubbly, bouncy elephant in the room.
Thankfully, the man appeared to do just that. He took Jocelyn's officer ID, turning it over once in his hand before getting up and making a copy as he'd claimed he would. He passed it back, raising an eyebrow curiously. "Is that outfit a Shamus Austin security get-up, ma'am?"
"Not quite, thank you sir, we'll be going," Jacky muttered in quick succession, swiping up her partner's temporary and permanent identification before quickly ushering her out of the door by hand. "Thank you, Mr. Sharper."
The man's mouth hung open for just a split moment before fixing into a friendly "see-you-next-time" smile, even if he couldn't get the words out before Jacky was out of the door.
Once outside, Jacky quickly handed Jocelyn's things over to her, frowning. "Where are we going? What are we doing? I still don't understand anything. We're clear to move, now, so let's please move." Having the 'special uniform of the Shamus Austin' mentioned again was making her imagination, normally not prone to such things, go bad places. While she was dreading the answer, she felt like any concrete information that would keep her from chewing over her worst fears would be appreciated now.
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"Yes! And what place is more popular than the friendly neighborhood mall?" Jocelyn echoed with a smile, but Jacky too back the reigns on that one before an honest answer could be offered. "Oh, we're done? Thank you, sir," she finished, waving one gloved hand on her way out after her friend.
On the other side, Jacky made her misgivings known again, this time more clearly. Jocelyn watched with surprise, then put on an encouraging smile. "Oh, Miss Jacky, I thought I told you. Well, first of all, we're going to head to where Rodney left the costumes for us. Once we pick them up and get changed, we'll head around the school where people gather and talk to them! Not those in classrooms of course... I was thinking the lunch room, perhaps club rooms, maybe even trendy spots like... behind the school or under the bleachers! I know those are popular spots for kids," she offered, looking amazingly innocent as she offered the suggestion.
Jocelyn led Jacky on a short walk as they talked, moving from the sign-in desk toward the gym. Rather than go inside, she stopped short at one of the locker rooms and motioned Jacky to come in. "It's normal to change in here, right?" she asked. "We'll have some privacy." Strangely, wherever Jocelyn went, it felt like privacy was in short supply... whether it was because she was naturally eye-catching or because of something else was hard to say. A door seemed to creak open nearby, but no one appeared to be in the hall. If Jacky looked, she'd find no door open at all.
"I'm actually already in my costume," Jocelyn explained, waving over her outfit. "Rodney had brought one for himself, a male version of the same thing, but now that I'm playing the role of the Gloria Scott, well, it'll be easier! You can wear the Shamus Austin outfit I was going to wear." By now, they'd be entering the locker room. "Your costume is in the locker over there. Hopefully it fits... I suppose our sizes are a bit different... Oh dear, it might not quite work after all," she murmured, fidgeting with the hem of one of her gloves. "Perhaps just take a look and see what you think?"
While Jacky was doing that, Jocelyn bulled on. She didn't have any need to change her clothes, so all she had to do was stand near the door and elaborate. "We're going to be dueling contrasts, you and I, Miss Jacky. I'll start, by explaining the policies of the Gloria Scott, while you counter... perhaps not strictly the policies of the Shamus Austin, but rather, a contrast to what I've said. You must own it, Miss Jacky; your character will be the 'other' here, telling people about what it's like to be another outside of Gloria Scott. After that, everyone will understand our own policies more clearly. It's best if you can sort of put on a character... have you ever tried doing that? I'm not so good at it, so I was worried! I'm going to try acting myself, but it would be good if you could... um... own it, a bit. As in, act however you think best befits the policy we're sharing."
At this point, Jacky might be fearing the worst, and she'd soon realize she was right to be. The costume inside the locker was very easily adjustable to the right size, that was good... but the reason was because it was only a few bands of vibrant, safety-orange cloth. Rodney was clearly at least a little keen on the visiting officer uniform Jocelyn had worn at the Shamus Austin and had made an effort to duplicate it, though without the words printed on. There was nothing else there... it looked as though he'd really intended to have Jocelyn wear it around the building. The worst part is, she probably would have done it, based on what Jacky knew.
"Do you think you'll be able to fit into it? I gather it might be a bit loose at the... torso... but we can always tighten it up with a belt if you need?" Jocelyn suggested, attempting to look over Jacky's shoulder to see what was inside.
On the other side, Jacky made her misgivings known again, this time more clearly. Jocelyn watched with surprise, then put on an encouraging smile. "Oh, Miss Jacky, I thought I told you. Well, first of all, we're going to head to where Rodney left the costumes for us. Once we pick them up and get changed, we'll head around the school where people gather and talk to them! Not those in classrooms of course... I was thinking the lunch room, perhaps club rooms, maybe even trendy spots like... behind the school or under the bleachers! I know those are popular spots for kids," she offered, looking amazingly innocent as she offered the suggestion.
Jocelyn led Jacky on a short walk as they talked, moving from the sign-in desk toward the gym. Rather than go inside, she stopped short at one of the locker rooms and motioned Jacky to come in. "It's normal to change in here, right?" she asked. "We'll have some privacy." Strangely, wherever Jocelyn went, it felt like privacy was in short supply... whether it was because she was naturally eye-catching or because of something else was hard to say. A door seemed to creak open nearby, but no one appeared to be in the hall. If Jacky looked, she'd find no door open at all.
"I'm actually already in my costume," Jocelyn explained, waving over her outfit. "Rodney had brought one for himself, a male version of the same thing, but now that I'm playing the role of the Gloria Scott, well, it'll be easier! You can wear the Shamus Austin outfit I was going to wear." By now, they'd be entering the locker room. "Your costume is in the locker over there. Hopefully it fits... I suppose our sizes are a bit different... Oh dear, it might not quite work after all," she murmured, fidgeting with the hem of one of her gloves. "Perhaps just take a look and see what you think?"
While Jacky was doing that, Jocelyn bulled on. She didn't have any need to change her clothes, so all she had to do was stand near the door and elaborate. "We're going to be dueling contrasts, you and I, Miss Jacky. I'll start, by explaining the policies of the Gloria Scott, while you counter... perhaps not strictly the policies of the Shamus Austin, but rather, a contrast to what I've said. You must own it, Miss Jacky; your character will be the 'other' here, telling people about what it's like to be another outside of Gloria Scott. After that, everyone will understand our own policies more clearly. It's best if you can sort of put on a character... have you ever tried doing that? I'm not so good at it, so I was worried! I'm going to try acting myself, but it would be good if you could... um... own it, a bit. As in, act however you think best befits the policy we're sharing."
At this point, Jacky might be fearing the worst, and she'd soon realize she was right to be. The costume inside the locker was very easily adjustable to the right size, that was good... but the reason was because it was only a few bands of vibrant, safety-orange cloth. Rodney was clearly at least a little keen on the visiting officer uniform Jocelyn had worn at the Shamus Austin and had made an effort to duplicate it, though without the words printed on. There was nothing else there... it looked as though he'd really intended to have Jocelyn wear it around the building. The worst part is, she probably would have done it, based on what Jacky knew.
"Do you think you'll be able to fit into it? I gather it might be a bit loose at the... torso... but we can always tighten it up with a belt if you need?" Jocelyn suggested, attempting to look over Jacky's shoulder to see what was inside.
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Jacky continued to listen to Jocelyn with healthy skepticism. She didn't bother pointing out that any university students "behind the school or under the bleachers" would likely have little interest in having the virtues of Gloria Scott mall extolled upon them, but she figured she'd offer that advice when it become pertinent.
Hearing about changing reminded her briefly of their adventure at Sheamus Austin. As a result, Jacky was willing to blame her own nerves when she heard nearby movement and found nobody watching. "This should do," she agreed with Jocelyn, stepping into the locker room.
Jacky was pleased to hear, initially, that it seemed both Jocelyn and Rodney's costumes were intended to be the mall security uniform... before quickly realizing that she'd made an incorrect assumption. She remained silent and stone-faced as she looked at the costume in the locker, hearing Jocelyn saying something about "owning it" and "acting out a character" as if she were experiencing a recurring nightmare. She didn't bother searching the locker any harder, as she had no expectation there was anything more to the outfit than what was immediately apparent.
She remained that for a while after Jocelyn finished talking, which might lead the mall security officer to believe she was considering the question of how to make the articles fit. Jacky shut the locker door quietly and softly, as though trying to avoid waking a baby. She turned back to Jocelyn with a dull frown, folding her hands in front of her lap and trying to decide on what to say first.
Finally, Jacky coughed into her fist, then straightened her glasses. "Well. Needless to say, I'm not going to be wearing that."
She paused for a second, anticipating Jocelyn asking "why not," or otherwise insisting.
When the moment passed, she'd continue, whether Jocelyn protested or not. "Jocelyn, the article that is inside this locker is clearly not appropriate clothing for a school setting, or in any sort of demonstration that might provide contrast between commendable and deficient security forces. We've witnessed that this isn't garb that's traditionally worn by Sheamus Austin personnel. While I'm still not certain I have a total grasp of the performance you had in mind, this clothing clearly has no place in it."
The operator sighed, putting a hand to her forehead. "Ms. Jocelyn, you'll recall I mentioned in the Sheamus Austin restroom that the time would come to reconsider your relationship with your supervisor, Rodney. I'm sorry to say that this is as good of a time as any. Is it hard to see that, when it was only you and Rodney involved, the situation would have been a direct parallel to your experience at Sheamus Austin mall, at which time we agreed it was warranted to cast suspicion on Rude's motivations? That, perhaps, Rodney's intentions having you display yourself in such an outfit came from a place of... sexual arousal? Now, consider the fact that Rodney changed the direction of the event after I met with him. I will tell you that Rodney and I had a less-than-friendly meeting, during which-"
Jacky suddenly halted, her breath hitching as though she'd seen a ghost. She slapped a hand over her mouth, her eyes wide. She realized what was about to happen, her eyes narrowing again. If she'd finished that sentence, letting Jocelyn know that Rodney had instructed her to stop hanging around his subordinate... Jacky's eyes fell to the locker again. "For whatever reason, Rodney's position as a superior in Jocelyn's profession acts as a barrier, obscuring his obvious character flaws. If I tell Jocelyn that Rodney told me to stop associating with her, she'll probably follow the order he didn't have the heart to give her. I'll lose my chance to act as a voice of reason, and Rodney will get exactly what he wants. I can't let that piece of information slip..."
"Still, there's no reason I have to pretend we got along famously." Jacky removed her hand from her mouth, then turned so she was facing the wall as she continued. "Well, during which Rodney made clear he had no interest in a woman of my appearance and disposition. Clearly, he prefers women gifted with generous assets, and with... loyalty, making them easily manipulated," she said after a pause, swallowing the first word that had come to her mind. "Given that he has no sexual interest in me, why would he be interested in having me participate in this performance instead of the two of you?"
Jacky really wanted Jocelyn to come to the conclusion herself, but even she found her own vague and roundabout logic unconvincing, even when she knew it was the truth. She decided to circle back around and get to the heart of the issue again. "Just to be clear: I'm not wearing what's in that locker. I hope you can appreciate that this is the university where I study, and the students on this campus are my peers. I can, perhaps, afford to help you in the strange demonstrations you've been asked to perform. I cannot, however, do so half-naked, and without any obfuscation as to my identity. To do so would permanently damage my reputation. Additionally, if I've correctly understood your explanation, I hardly believe it is essential. I think it would be well enough for me to simply not be dressed in a proper officer's uniform."
Jacky turned from the wall and faced Jocelyn, frowning, trying to drill the point into Jocelyn's mind with the grave nature of her glare. "It is a one-hundred-percent impossibility that I will traverse the campus and appear before other students in that outfit. I'm not wearing it. It's not happening. I simply won't. I can't."
Hearing about changing reminded her briefly of their adventure at Sheamus Austin. As a result, Jacky was willing to blame her own nerves when she heard nearby movement and found nobody watching. "This should do," she agreed with Jocelyn, stepping into the locker room.
Jacky was pleased to hear, initially, that it seemed both Jocelyn and Rodney's costumes were intended to be the mall security uniform... before quickly realizing that she'd made an incorrect assumption. She remained silent and stone-faced as she looked at the costume in the locker, hearing Jocelyn saying something about "owning it" and "acting out a character" as if she were experiencing a recurring nightmare. She didn't bother searching the locker any harder, as she had no expectation there was anything more to the outfit than what was immediately apparent.
She remained that for a while after Jocelyn finished talking, which might lead the mall security officer to believe she was considering the question of how to make the articles fit. Jacky shut the locker door quietly and softly, as though trying to avoid waking a baby. She turned back to Jocelyn with a dull frown, folding her hands in front of her lap and trying to decide on what to say first.
Finally, Jacky coughed into her fist, then straightened her glasses. "Well. Needless to say, I'm not going to be wearing that."
She paused for a second, anticipating Jocelyn asking "why not," or otherwise insisting.
When the moment passed, she'd continue, whether Jocelyn protested or not. "Jocelyn, the article that is inside this locker is clearly not appropriate clothing for a school setting, or in any sort of demonstration that might provide contrast between commendable and deficient security forces. We've witnessed that this isn't garb that's traditionally worn by Sheamus Austin personnel. While I'm still not certain I have a total grasp of the performance you had in mind, this clothing clearly has no place in it."
The operator sighed, putting a hand to her forehead. "Ms. Jocelyn, you'll recall I mentioned in the Sheamus Austin restroom that the time would come to reconsider your relationship with your supervisor, Rodney. I'm sorry to say that this is as good of a time as any. Is it hard to see that, when it was only you and Rodney involved, the situation would have been a direct parallel to your experience at Sheamus Austin mall, at which time we agreed it was warranted to cast suspicion on Rude's motivations? That, perhaps, Rodney's intentions having you display yourself in such an outfit came from a place of... sexual arousal? Now, consider the fact that Rodney changed the direction of the event after I met with him. I will tell you that Rodney and I had a less-than-friendly meeting, during which-"
Jacky suddenly halted, her breath hitching as though she'd seen a ghost. She slapped a hand over her mouth, her eyes wide. She realized what was about to happen, her eyes narrowing again. If she'd finished that sentence, letting Jocelyn know that Rodney had instructed her to stop hanging around his subordinate... Jacky's eyes fell to the locker again. "For whatever reason, Rodney's position as a superior in Jocelyn's profession acts as a barrier, obscuring his obvious character flaws. If I tell Jocelyn that Rodney told me to stop associating with her, she'll probably follow the order he didn't have the heart to give her. I'll lose my chance to act as a voice of reason, and Rodney will get exactly what he wants. I can't let that piece of information slip..."
"Still, there's no reason I have to pretend we got along famously." Jacky removed her hand from her mouth, then turned so she was facing the wall as she continued. "Well, during which Rodney made clear he had no interest in a woman of my appearance and disposition. Clearly, he prefers women gifted with generous assets, and with... loyalty, making them easily manipulated," she said after a pause, swallowing the first word that had come to her mind. "Given that he has no sexual interest in me, why would he be interested in having me participate in this performance instead of the two of you?"
Jacky really wanted Jocelyn to come to the conclusion herself, but even she found her own vague and roundabout logic unconvincing, even when she knew it was the truth. She decided to circle back around and get to the heart of the issue again. "Just to be clear: I'm not wearing what's in that locker. I hope you can appreciate that this is the university where I study, and the students on this campus are my peers. I can, perhaps, afford to help you in the strange demonstrations you've been asked to perform. I cannot, however, do so half-naked, and without any obfuscation as to my identity. To do so would permanently damage my reputation. Additionally, if I've correctly understood your explanation, I hardly believe it is essential. I think it would be well enough for me to simply not be dressed in a proper officer's uniform."
Jacky turned from the wall and faced Jocelyn, frowning, trying to drill the point into Jocelyn's mind with the grave nature of her glare. "It is a one-hundred-percent impossibility that I will traverse the campus and appear before other students in that outfit. I'm not wearing it. It's not happening. I simply won't. I can't."
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Jocelyn tilted her head slightly and raised her eyebrows at Jacky's refusal. "You're not wearing it? Oh... you want to be the Gloria Scott representative and I'll be the Shamus Austin, is that it? I can't say I blame you. Our uniform is the spiffiest around," she laughed, before trailing into a sigh. "Just a moment and I'll-" she started, beginning to hook her hands at her belt buckle, before Jacky continued. Her further explanation caused Jocelyn to become worried. "Jacky, it's an assignment... I've got to do it one way or another," she interrupted quietly.
Still, she was obedient to her friend as well, not just to her boss, so she quieted down to hear Jacky out. "You're saying... Rodney favors me because of my assets? Oh, my wealth? I assure you, I live quite modestly, despite the family fortune," she chuckled. "I highly doubt Rodney spares a thought for that. Loyalty though and easiness to order, I have both of those in spades! No one follows orders like I do!" That part was probably objectively true. She seemed even more shocked to learn that Rodney and Jacky hadn't hit it off. "I-I'm sure you just got the wrong impression of him! Rodney's a sweetheart, really. He's always very nice to me, except when he has to be stern, like with today's task. Maybe... maybe he just didn't want you helping me?" she figured, rubbing her chin thoughtfully.
Finally, she came to a decision. "You're right... it would be silly for you to have to wear this outfit and be seen in it in front of all of your friends. I think it's time I give up and... just face the facts. This is punishment! And what a fitting punishment it is. After all, there's something we can't deny after our past experiences... Rodney sees it and I guess I have to admit it... The Shamus Austin is just not that good a shopping center, compared to the Gloria Scott Mall! Its inventory selection is subpar, the kids just don't look as enthused, and that uniform was not at all flattering. You can't beat the Gloria Scott blue! Putting it on after wearing one of Rodney's other daily assignments is just like coming home. With that said..."
She paused and untucked her shirt, then began to unbutton the top button quickly. Once it was done, she lifted it up and off (with some difficulty, it was very snug) and handed it to Jacky. "I want you to wear this! You deserve it. After all, the Shamus Austin suit was intended as my punishment; I'll be circumventing the original purpose of this if I shirk it off upon you. You should take this time to appreciate the Gloria Scott uniform..." she continued, unlooping her belt and shimmying down her jeans, which were somehow on almost as tight as her shirt. She stepped out of her shoes and handed those over as well, then, reluctantly, her gloves. When it was all done, she was left with a sky blue, glossy blue bra and panty set, both parts looking full to bursting thanks to her proportions. "There you go!" she finished, handing all of it over. "It might be a little big... But you can tighten the belt and... er... tuck in the shirt!" she encouraged her friend, pressing her hands together with a cheerful smile.
"You'll look spiffy, I bet! In fact, if your friends see you in this, they'll probably think you're cooler than ever! They might even think you've finished up your schooling and decided to pursue an exciting career in mall security, like I did!" she giggled excitedly. "Isn't that cool? Aaah, well... I guess it's time for me to dress into the Shamus Austin visiting security uniform," Jocelyn sighed, still referring to it as though it was an official piece. "I don't have underwear that fits it right this time but we'll have to make do. It's just pretend, after all!" Jacky's argument had been bent and twisted to the point where it was now unrecognizable, less going in one ear and out the order, and more transforming within the space of Jocelyn's mysterious, unknowable brain. "Can you pass me the Shamus Austin gear?"
Still, she was obedient to her friend as well, not just to her boss, so she quieted down to hear Jacky out. "You're saying... Rodney favors me because of my assets? Oh, my wealth? I assure you, I live quite modestly, despite the family fortune," she chuckled. "I highly doubt Rodney spares a thought for that. Loyalty though and easiness to order, I have both of those in spades! No one follows orders like I do!" That part was probably objectively true. She seemed even more shocked to learn that Rodney and Jacky hadn't hit it off. "I-I'm sure you just got the wrong impression of him! Rodney's a sweetheart, really. He's always very nice to me, except when he has to be stern, like with today's task. Maybe... maybe he just didn't want you helping me?" she figured, rubbing her chin thoughtfully.
Finally, she came to a decision. "You're right... it would be silly for you to have to wear this outfit and be seen in it in front of all of your friends. I think it's time I give up and... just face the facts. This is punishment! And what a fitting punishment it is. After all, there's something we can't deny after our past experiences... Rodney sees it and I guess I have to admit it... The Shamus Austin is just not that good a shopping center, compared to the Gloria Scott Mall! Its inventory selection is subpar, the kids just don't look as enthused, and that uniform was not at all flattering. You can't beat the Gloria Scott blue! Putting it on after wearing one of Rodney's other daily assignments is just like coming home. With that said..."
She paused and untucked her shirt, then began to unbutton the top button quickly. Once it was done, she lifted it up and off (with some difficulty, it was very snug) and handed it to Jacky. "I want you to wear this! You deserve it. After all, the Shamus Austin suit was intended as my punishment; I'll be circumventing the original purpose of this if I shirk it off upon you. You should take this time to appreciate the Gloria Scott uniform..." she continued, unlooping her belt and shimmying down her jeans, which were somehow on almost as tight as her shirt. She stepped out of her shoes and handed those over as well, then, reluctantly, her gloves. When it was all done, she was left with a sky blue, glossy blue bra and panty set, both parts looking full to bursting thanks to her proportions. "There you go!" she finished, handing all of it over. "It might be a little big... But you can tighten the belt and... er... tuck in the shirt!" she encouraged her friend, pressing her hands together with a cheerful smile.
"You'll look spiffy, I bet! In fact, if your friends see you in this, they'll probably think you're cooler than ever! They might even think you've finished up your schooling and decided to pursue an exciting career in mall security, like I did!" she giggled excitedly. "Isn't that cool? Aaah, well... I guess it's time for me to dress into the Shamus Austin visiting security uniform," Jocelyn sighed, still referring to it as though it was an official piece. "I don't have underwear that fits it right this time but we'll have to make do. It's just pretend, after all!" Jacky's argument had been bent and twisted to the point where it was now unrecognizable, less going in one ear and out the order, and more transforming within the space of Jocelyn's mysterious, unknowable brain. "Can you pass me the Shamus Austin gear?"
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Jacky's glare didn't abate even as Jocelyn appeared to be, finally, conceding to her logic. After all, nothing from Jocelyn's statement preceding the concession gave any glimmer of hope, including the mall cop's best efforts at looking deeply contemplative. Sure enough, Jocelyn was rambling about the nature of punishment, the quality of shopping malls, and the most flattering colors for uniforms none of which sounded like she'd had any epiphany regarding Rodney's intentions.
Realizing this, it was no surprise to Jacky when Jocelyn began disrobing, the natural final station for the woman's derailed train of thought. "Jocelyn..." she tried interrupting, at her usual mousy volume, to no avail. In spite of herself, she held out her hands to receive the uniform being revealed, as, all silliness aside, it'd be rude to let it fall on the floor. "Jocelyn." She didn't accept the gloves, as they were (she hoped) the final piece of the costume, instead leaving Jocelyn holding them. "Jocelyn! I'm not taking those... please, take these back. Any way you consider it, I'll be plainly ridiculous wearing your attire, if not so revealed. The, ahem, chest and seat are guaranteed to be comically loose. If the goal of your presentation is to present a spiffy and respectable Gloria Scott officer, I hardly think you want the audience presented with such.
Jacky sighed deeply, crossing her arms. "Jocelyn, against my better judgment, I really do want to help you. You're my friend, and I don't want to get you in trouble with your supervisor. The limiting factor here, however, is that Shamus Austin 'uniform.' I'm not comfortable participating in this so long as either of us is required to wear those bands alone around the school. Now, I'll compromise and don it over my own clothing, if I must. Even if we give Rodney the very, very generous benefit of the doubt and allow that this scanty garb is somehow the Shamus Austin uniform, is it necessary for one of us to wear it as such, or merely close enough to call the image to mind? I think so long as the audience sees it over my clothing, they'd draw the connection..." Jacky lied. She was going to do what she had to in order to keep an eye on Jocelyn without having to resort to revealing herself in that costume. She was still presenting Jocelyn's clothing to her. "Please, if you can accept this compromise, do go ahead and make yourself decent again... I have no notion of how I'd explain your state of undress, were someone else to wander in..."
Realizing this, it was no surprise to Jacky when Jocelyn began disrobing, the natural final station for the woman's derailed train of thought. "Jocelyn..." she tried interrupting, at her usual mousy volume, to no avail. In spite of herself, she held out her hands to receive the uniform being revealed, as, all silliness aside, it'd be rude to let it fall on the floor. "Jocelyn." She didn't accept the gloves, as they were (she hoped) the final piece of the costume, instead leaving Jocelyn holding them. "Jocelyn! I'm not taking those... please, take these back. Any way you consider it, I'll be plainly ridiculous wearing your attire, if not so revealed. The, ahem, chest and seat are guaranteed to be comically loose. If the goal of your presentation is to present a spiffy and respectable Gloria Scott officer, I hardly think you want the audience presented with such.
Jacky sighed deeply, crossing her arms. "Jocelyn, against my better judgment, I really do want to help you. You're my friend, and I don't want to get you in trouble with your supervisor. The limiting factor here, however, is that Shamus Austin 'uniform.' I'm not comfortable participating in this so long as either of us is required to wear those bands alone around the school. Now, I'll compromise and don it over my own clothing, if I must. Even if we give Rodney the very, very generous benefit of the doubt and allow that this scanty garb is somehow the Shamus Austin uniform, is it necessary for one of us to wear it as such, or merely close enough to call the image to mind? I think so long as the audience sees it over my clothing, they'd draw the connection..." Jacky lied. She was going to do what she had to in order to keep an eye on Jocelyn without having to resort to revealing herself in that costume. She was still presenting Jocelyn's clothing to her. "Please, if you can accept this compromise, do go ahead and make yourself decent again... I have no notion of how I'd explain your state of undress, were someone else to wander in..."
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Jocelyn frowned, realizing that Jacky still wasn't going to go along with the task Rodney had given her. "Jacky... I know it's hard, but... I'm gonna get in trouble if I don't do it," she complained, pressing her now naked fingers against one another. Still, as Jacky talked, she, for once, grew considerate, pressing a thumb to her lip and shutting her blue eyes for a bit. "Okay! You're right. I guess since neither of us have the matching underwear, and it's a little difficult to wear that outfit without exposing them, it would probably make sense for us to keep our regular clothes on and simply wear that gaudy gear over them. And if you insist, I'll be the Gloria Scott officer and you can play the role of the Shamus Austin," she smiled. It seemed as though her eyes were shining as she accepted the outfit back, perhaps elated that she wasn't going to have to betray her allegiance for the sake of the show after all.
As Jocelyn turned her back to the doorway to get dressed again, another girl came down the hall and rounded the corner into the room. Her hair was bright blond, much like Jocelyn's but a little more coarse, and fashioned into two bushy, short pods of pigtails. Her eyes were covered by thick-framed glasses and the rest of her outfit consisted of a blue blazer and skirt, with black tights underneath. The blazer was frilled and white at the hem. It might occur to Jacky that blazers weren't actually standard at this school, so she was just choosing to wear one. Her shoes were white and hard-toed, announcing her arrival before she actually came in. Jocelyn, however, didn't seem to notice at all.
"Aw, Jacky... you mentioned my bust and my bottom, but to be honest, my outfit is a few sizes too small for me, I think, so they might fit you just perfectly!" Jocelyn giggled, picking the most embarrassing topic possible to speak about in front of a stranger.
The woman behind Jocelyn was clutching a notebook to her chest and looking addled. She adjusted her thick glasses and smiled awkwardly. "Uh... ahem," she attempted to announce herself.
"Are you conscious about that sort of thing? Really, you shouldn't worry about it! I think it's very cute. Now, if you wanted to try on some cute new glasses, I think that could help your appearance a lot! There are some places at the mall that sell some really trendy ones! I'll show you next time you come," she further added, still making no attempt to cover up her scandalous appearance.
"Ahem-hem!" the woman coughed again. She placed one hand to her frilled collar theatrically and raised her voice. "You there! I'm fairly certain you're not student of the academy! It's my job to know; this place of academia has a dedicated Campus Security Club, and I am one of their illustrious ranks! I'm also a thespian of the Drama Club, an artiste of the Art Club, a poetaster of the Poetry Club! My name is Amergin Teague. But cycling back, I mentioned that I am a member of the honorable Campus Security Club, and thus, my concern is chiefly what you are doing here? And here with this... hack actress on top of that," she murmured, turning her shoulder to Jacky and her nose up in an unnecessarily snobby gesture. She'd have been plenty snobby if she'd just let her words do the talking. "Don't think I've forgotten, Jacky! How you tried to titillate the audience and then used your... lame excuse for theatrics to make them all laugh! Ha ha! Comedy! So much lower than drama, the basest form of entertainment! I tried to boo you out of the theater at the time, I was so offended! But they laughed and laughed and laughed..."
Jocelyn, still not dressed, seemed interested, and turned her curious smile to Jacky. "You were titillating the crowd? See? I told you that you shouldn't worry about how people see you! It sounds like you had quite an impact on those people and made them very happy besides! Wow!" she clapped, suddenly with increased enthusiasm about their task ahead. "I never knew you were an actor! You should have told me! This is going to really help our work here today." By the sounds of it, though, Jacky really did need to worry about how people saw her... it sounded like her name was already associated with acting in a unique way.
The other girl looked cross, then made an exaggerated expression of shock, then actually fell backward as though she'd been slapped, though she held her glasses to her face with two fingers as she did. "Thou... thou beslubbering, rough-hewn vassal! You're going to subject the school to one of your awful performances again!? Not on my watch! Or at least, not without extensive coaching and supervision from me first!" Jacky's task became increasingly unappealing with each added element. It might be nice for her to meet someone who wasn't crazy and weirdly obsessed with her today.
As Jocelyn turned her back to the doorway to get dressed again, another girl came down the hall and rounded the corner into the room. Her hair was bright blond, much like Jocelyn's but a little more coarse, and fashioned into two bushy, short pods of pigtails. Her eyes were covered by thick-framed glasses and the rest of her outfit consisted of a blue blazer and skirt, with black tights underneath. The blazer was frilled and white at the hem. It might occur to Jacky that blazers weren't actually standard at this school, so she was just choosing to wear one. Her shoes were white and hard-toed, announcing her arrival before she actually came in. Jocelyn, however, didn't seem to notice at all.
"Aw, Jacky... you mentioned my bust and my bottom, but to be honest, my outfit is a few sizes too small for me, I think, so they might fit you just perfectly!" Jocelyn giggled, picking the most embarrassing topic possible to speak about in front of a stranger.
The woman behind Jocelyn was clutching a notebook to her chest and looking addled. She adjusted her thick glasses and smiled awkwardly. "Uh... ahem," she attempted to announce herself.
"Are you conscious about that sort of thing? Really, you shouldn't worry about it! I think it's very cute. Now, if you wanted to try on some cute new glasses, I think that could help your appearance a lot! There are some places at the mall that sell some really trendy ones! I'll show you next time you come," she further added, still making no attempt to cover up her scandalous appearance.
"Ahem-hem!" the woman coughed again. She placed one hand to her frilled collar theatrically and raised her voice. "You there! I'm fairly certain you're not student of the academy! It's my job to know; this place of academia has a dedicated Campus Security Club, and I am one of their illustrious ranks! I'm also a thespian of the Drama Club, an artiste of the Art Club, a poetaster of the Poetry Club! My name is Amergin Teague. But cycling back, I mentioned that I am a member of the honorable Campus Security Club, and thus, my concern is chiefly what you are doing here? And here with this... hack actress on top of that," she murmured, turning her shoulder to Jacky and her nose up in an unnecessarily snobby gesture. She'd have been plenty snobby if she'd just let her words do the talking. "Don't think I've forgotten, Jacky! How you tried to titillate the audience and then used your... lame excuse for theatrics to make them all laugh! Ha ha! Comedy! So much lower than drama, the basest form of entertainment! I tried to boo you out of the theater at the time, I was so offended! But they laughed and laughed and laughed..."
Jocelyn, still not dressed, seemed interested, and turned her curious smile to Jacky. "You were titillating the crowd? See? I told you that you shouldn't worry about how people see you! It sounds like you had quite an impact on those people and made them very happy besides! Wow!" she clapped, suddenly with increased enthusiasm about their task ahead. "I never knew you were an actor! You should have told me! This is going to really help our work here today." By the sounds of it, though, Jacky really did need to worry about how people saw her... it sounded like her name was already associated with acting in a unique way.
The other girl looked cross, then made an exaggerated expression of shock, then actually fell backward as though she'd been slapped, though she held her glasses to her face with two fingers as she did. "Thou... thou beslubbering, rough-hewn vassal! You're going to subject the school to one of your awful performances again!? Not on my watch! Or at least, not without extensive coaching and supervision from me first!" Jacky's task became increasingly unappealing with each added element. It might be nice for her to meet someone who wasn't crazy and weirdly obsessed with her today.
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Jacky let out a sigh of relief. It probably wouldn't be often that she gave that reaction to the type of event she was about to take part in. Then again, with the company she was keeping... Jacky made an effort not to let her troubled thoughts show in her expression, lest she leave Jocelyn doubting the decision they'd come to. "Oh yes, I insist, Jocelyn. Now, please-"
Her words were caught in her throat, and she found herself choking them down as another arrived, just as she'd feared. She gave a couple of coughs along with the new girl, hoping in futility to protect her first impression. She frowned a bit more tightly as Jocelyn commented on her glasses. She really wanted to follow up on that, but for now, she really needed to focus on the bigger picture. "Ah, you're.." she began, thinking she knew the new entrant from around the school. Even among nerds, Jacky was something of a loner, so she wasn't personally acquainted. In any case, she kept quiet, allowing Amergin to finish her own introduction, as she seemed very invested in doing so.
As Amergin displayed theatrics appropriate of the drama club, vocabulary appropriate of the poetry club, and personal offense at Jocelyn's appearance appropriate of the campus security club, Jacky stayed quiet, trying to determine how she could manage damage control. She wasn't sure how she'd talked herself into going through with this: the reaction of just one person to Jocelyn's nonsense was quite enough, and she was beginning to consider Amergin's arrival had been a blessing in disguise, allowing her a convenient excuse not to go through with the plan after all.
Of course, Jacky soon found herself in the spotlight, first arching her eyebrows and then stifling a small gasp as she realized what Amergin was referring to. Though a bit of color was rising to her cheeks, she kept her lips tight. "Jocelyn... Amergin... that performance was part of a favor to the guest speakers that day. I agree that the performance and comedy were both juvenile, but the speakers were, um... determined to have an entertaining conclusion to the event. And, again, I must stress that I was not responsible for the direction, nor was I aware of what direction it would take beforehand. Unfortunately, Jocelyn, as I was following the directions of another... Hyde, my Navi with whom you are somewhat acquainted... I'm afraid my experience there may not translate to success in this endeavor. Also, please finish getting dressed." Jacky downplayed how much of her performance she'd disgracefully been forced to ad-lib.
"In any case, Amergin... Jocelyn's intended performance tonight is in the capacity of... the promotion of public safety," Jacky struggled, growing stiffer in delivery as she found the half-truth harder to swallow with her knowledge of the whole truth. "I intend to accompany Jocelyn and make sure nothing inappropriate takes place." Jacky's eyes brightened a bit as Amergin finished what was probably intended less as an offer and more as another haughty complaint. "Actually, your assistance could be very useful. As I've covered, our problems are three-fold: We have not rehearsed this performance; I need to screen the performance and guarantee it will be appropriate; also, I may not possess the prerequisite acting ability. As you profess to be a professional thespian, would you be willing to offer a bit of your time working with Jocelyn to prepare me?" Jacky didn't mean any offense: she was genuinely interested in having Amergin help her (and, also, a chance to try and correct the poor impression the other girl had of her). Hopefully, the new arrival wouldn't take any.
Her words were caught in her throat, and she found herself choking them down as another arrived, just as she'd feared. She gave a couple of coughs along with the new girl, hoping in futility to protect her first impression. She frowned a bit more tightly as Jocelyn commented on her glasses. She really wanted to follow up on that, but for now, she really needed to focus on the bigger picture. "Ah, you're.." she began, thinking she knew the new entrant from around the school. Even among nerds, Jacky was something of a loner, so she wasn't personally acquainted. In any case, she kept quiet, allowing Amergin to finish her own introduction, as she seemed very invested in doing so.
As Amergin displayed theatrics appropriate of the drama club, vocabulary appropriate of the poetry club, and personal offense at Jocelyn's appearance appropriate of the campus security club, Jacky stayed quiet, trying to determine how she could manage damage control. She wasn't sure how she'd talked herself into going through with this: the reaction of just one person to Jocelyn's nonsense was quite enough, and she was beginning to consider Amergin's arrival had been a blessing in disguise, allowing her a convenient excuse not to go through with the plan after all.
Of course, Jacky soon found herself in the spotlight, first arching her eyebrows and then stifling a small gasp as she realized what Amergin was referring to. Though a bit of color was rising to her cheeks, she kept her lips tight. "Jocelyn... Amergin... that performance was part of a favor to the guest speakers that day. I agree that the performance and comedy were both juvenile, but the speakers were, um... determined to have an entertaining conclusion to the event. And, again, I must stress that I was not responsible for the direction, nor was I aware of what direction it would take beforehand. Unfortunately, Jocelyn, as I was following the directions of another... Hyde, my Navi with whom you are somewhat acquainted... I'm afraid my experience there may not translate to success in this endeavor. Also, please finish getting dressed." Jacky downplayed how much of her performance she'd disgracefully been forced to ad-lib.
"In any case, Amergin... Jocelyn's intended performance tonight is in the capacity of... the promotion of public safety," Jacky struggled, growing stiffer in delivery as she found the half-truth harder to swallow with her knowledge of the whole truth. "I intend to accompany Jocelyn and make sure nothing inappropriate takes place." Jacky's eyes brightened a bit as Amergin finished what was probably intended less as an offer and more as another haughty complaint. "Actually, your assistance could be very useful. As I've covered, our problems are three-fold: We have not rehearsed this performance; I need to screen the performance and guarantee it will be appropriate; also, I may not possess the prerequisite acting ability. As you profess to be a professional thespian, would you be willing to offer a bit of your time working with Jocelyn to prepare me?" Jacky didn't mean any offense: she was genuinely interested in having Amergin help her (and, also, a chance to try and correct the poor impression the other girl had of her). Hopefully, the new arrival wouldn't take any.
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"Ha, and double ha, you cretin! It's a good actor's responsibility to take even the foulest excreta and make it into something palatable for an audience! So you are, at the very least, a poor actor, and at the worst, a liar and a scoundrel! And I will not stand for any of these, not in my school!" Amergin complained, sounding determined in the righteousness of her cause even though nobody really had an obligation as a student to be any good at acting.
Jocelyn smiled as she dressed back into her standard uniform, pleased to be doing so. "Miss Jacky's said it all! My mission today is education. I'm going to let the school know everything they need to behave well and maximize the safety and efficiency of their regular shopping trips!" she explained, as she slipped back into her white gloves. "Although, I'm not sure Miss Jacky was so happy with her part in it-"
"The obscene, moddled woman that she is, she probably knew she wasn't up to the task! Very well... I have no time to teach her the ins and outs of theater," the bespectacled girl sighed, shaking her head and crossing her arms and pronouncing every syllable with maximum inflection. "I appreciate that you want to learn, Jacky, but now is not the time! Right before a live performance? There's a plum of an idea!" she continued, as though it had been Jacky who'd stepped in to do it.
"Well, Jacky, I think it'd probably be fine if you let Miss Amegrin do it," Jocelyn offered, perhaps just trying to smooth the situation over. "It's not like you're the one under the proverbial gun here, after all. I'm the one who has to prove myself to Rodney! At any rate, like you insisted, I'll play the part of the officer and Miss Amegrin here will be the Shamus Austin representative."
"Precisely. Now, what exactly is a 'Shamus Austin representative?'" the hapless thespian inquired.
"Oh, well... You basically just recite the script that Rodney wrote for me and you wear this!" Jocelyn continued, producing the small, safety-orange fabric pieces that composed the outfit Rodney had originally instructed her to wear as punishment. "This outfit is pretty complicated," she warned Amegrin, though there didn't appear to be enough of it to have any complexity. "Basically, the Shamus Austin workforce dresses one way, and they make visiting guest officers dress another way, even though, as Jacky's explained to me, that isn't anywhere in the official rules!" She still had it a bit twisted. "You'll represent the Shamus Austin in this skit and warn everyone how bad all of their policies are, how they don't do the same job encouraging family-friendly fun that we do at the Gloria Scott, and how their food court doesn't have the same mix of east-meets-west food fare that makes the Gloria Scott welcoming to all. That sort of thing!"
"... Yes... A-A challenge... Terrible subject matter and... and this... garment," Amegrin continued, obviously forced to eat her words about how a good actress makes the best of whatever situation they're forced to perform in. "Of course, I'm up to the challenge! I only hope that your students don't end up at the Shamus Austin because my performance is so spectacular they end up rooting for the villain! That could happen! I-It might actually be a little safer if we switch costumes and roles, I think, so that-" she continued, her lips trembling just a bit in a way that looked like acting, but, from Jacky's brief experience knowing her, was actually her real emotion.
"No, no, you're perfect for the role! Now, Jacky, we need to practice. I appreciate your coming to give me Rodney's message, but I'm sure he won't mind if you nip away now," she winked. If one didn't know better, they might think that Jocelyn was purposely covering her friend's escape and giving Amegrin some comeuppance for being mean to her, but that was unlikely, given Jocelyn's usual lack of planning in anything she did. "It's a beautiful day! Wouldn't you rather be spending it outside!"
"Yes, yes. I don't want to see your... unseemly tears as I banish your very ghost from the stage with my fantastic performance!" Amegrin insisted, rolling her hand theatrically while beginning to unbutton her blazer with the other. It looked like her body had more in common with Jacky's than it did Jocelyn's, judging by the lack of a swell in the white shirt she was wearing beneath the frills of the blazer's outer lap. "Eh... Is there not... perhaps one or two more pieces to this costume that are not properly placed with the rest?"
"No, though I understand it's common to wear your underwear underneath it!" Jocelyn added helpfully.
Amegrin, now in her white shirt sans blazer and skirt, was pulling down her black tights, revealing a brief flash of overly ornate panties, blue colored with white frills and a huge bow at the front, as well as a little skimpier than a stickler for school rules ought to be wearing; they'd draw some questions regardless of the situation they were shown in. "W-Well? Are you leaving?!" she asked again, her eyebrows tensed over her thick-framed glasses.
"On that note, I may as well jack back in Sleuth. You up for doing some more on your own this time?" Jocelyn asked.
"Indubitably. I can only watch slapstick for so long. Like your new friend here, my tastes are oh-so refined, though my taste in underwear, I must say, is quite a bit more sophisticated than hers is," Sleuth poked fun.
"Now, now... They're very... Fancy," Jocelyn added, intending a compliment. It probably seemed to Jacky that she'd been let out of a lion's cage only for another to take her place, but the truth of the matter was, she'd managed to avoid her friend being caught in whatever trap Rodney had been setting now that the outfits were swapped, and Amegrin seemed batty enough to treat this as legitimate acting. Amegrin probably wouldn't even relinquish the role now, so her only option was pretty much just to take her leave now.
((Jacking Sleuth back in))
Jocelyn smiled as she dressed back into her standard uniform, pleased to be doing so. "Miss Jacky's said it all! My mission today is education. I'm going to let the school know everything they need to behave well and maximize the safety and efficiency of their regular shopping trips!" she explained, as she slipped back into her white gloves. "Although, I'm not sure Miss Jacky was so happy with her part in it-"
"The obscene, moddled woman that she is, she probably knew she wasn't up to the task! Very well... I have no time to teach her the ins and outs of theater," the bespectacled girl sighed, shaking her head and crossing her arms and pronouncing every syllable with maximum inflection. "I appreciate that you want to learn, Jacky, but now is not the time! Right before a live performance? There's a plum of an idea!" she continued, as though it had been Jacky who'd stepped in to do it.
"Well, Jacky, I think it'd probably be fine if you let Miss Amegrin do it," Jocelyn offered, perhaps just trying to smooth the situation over. "It's not like you're the one under the proverbial gun here, after all. I'm the one who has to prove myself to Rodney! At any rate, like you insisted, I'll play the part of the officer and Miss Amegrin here will be the Shamus Austin representative."
"Precisely. Now, what exactly is a 'Shamus Austin representative?'" the hapless thespian inquired.
"Oh, well... You basically just recite the script that Rodney wrote for me and you wear this!" Jocelyn continued, producing the small, safety-orange fabric pieces that composed the outfit Rodney had originally instructed her to wear as punishment. "This outfit is pretty complicated," she warned Amegrin, though there didn't appear to be enough of it to have any complexity. "Basically, the Shamus Austin workforce dresses one way, and they make visiting guest officers dress another way, even though, as Jacky's explained to me, that isn't anywhere in the official rules!" She still had it a bit twisted. "You'll represent the Shamus Austin in this skit and warn everyone how bad all of their policies are, how they don't do the same job encouraging family-friendly fun that we do at the Gloria Scott, and how their food court doesn't have the same mix of east-meets-west food fare that makes the Gloria Scott welcoming to all. That sort of thing!"
"... Yes... A-A challenge... Terrible subject matter and... and this... garment," Amegrin continued, obviously forced to eat her words about how a good actress makes the best of whatever situation they're forced to perform in. "Of course, I'm up to the challenge! I only hope that your students don't end up at the Shamus Austin because my performance is so spectacular they end up rooting for the villain! That could happen! I-It might actually be a little safer if we switch costumes and roles, I think, so that-" she continued, her lips trembling just a bit in a way that looked like acting, but, from Jacky's brief experience knowing her, was actually her real emotion.
"No, no, you're perfect for the role! Now, Jacky, we need to practice. I appreciate your coming to give me Rodney's message, but I'm sure he won't mind if you nip away now," she winked. If one didn't know better, they might think that Jocelyn was purposely covering her friend's escape and giving Amegrin some comeuppance for being mean to her, but that was unlikely, given Jocelyn's usual lack of planning in anything she did. "It's a beautiful day! Wouldn't you rather be spending it outside!"
"Yes, yes. I don't want to see your... unseemly tears as I banish your very ghost from the stage with my fantastic performance!" Amegrin insisted, rolling her hand theatrically while beginning to unbutton her blazer with the other. It looked like her body had more in common with Jacky's than it did Jocelyn's, judging by the lack of a swell in the white shirt she was wearing beneath the frills of the blazer's outer lap. "Eh... Is there not... perhaps one or two more pieces to this costume that are not properly placed with the rest?"
"No, though I understand it's common to wear your underwear underneath it!" Jocelyn added helpfully.
Amegrin, now in her white shirt sans blazer and skirt, was pulling down her black tights, revealing a brief flash of overly ornate panties, blue colored with white frills and a huge bow at the front, as well as a little skimpier than a stickler for school rules ought to be wearing; they'd draw some questions regardless of the situation they were shown in. "W-Well? Are you leaving?!" she asked again, her eyebrows tensed over her thick-framed glasses.
"On that note, I may as well jack back in Sleuth. You up for doing some more on your own this time?" Jocelyn asked.
"Indubitably. I can only watch slapstick for so long. Like your new friend here, my tastes are oh-so refined, though my taste in underwear, I must say, is quite a bit more sophisticated than hers is," Sleuth poked fun.
"Now, now... They're very... Fancy," Jocelyn added, intending a compliment. It probably seemed to Jacky that she'd been let out of a lion's cage only for another to take her place, but the truth of the matter was, she'd managed to avoid her friend being caught in whatever trap Rodney had been setting now that the outfits were swapped, and Amegrin seemed batty enough to treat this as legitimate acting. Amegrin probably wouldn't even relinquish the role now, so her only option was pretty much just to take her leave now.
((Jacking Sleuth back in))
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Jacky frowned, unsure of how to fix the poor impression Amergrin had of her when it came from so many sides at once. Fortunately, it looked like she wouldn't have to do so: Amegrin and Jocelyn, to Jacky's surprise, both approved of Amegrin's substitution. "Very well... If you're quite sure, I thank you, Amegrin." She remained quiet, allowing Jocelyn to lay out the ground rules for her task. She couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for her fellow student, seeing as she definitely didn't have any idea of the magnitude of the task she'd accepted. On the other hand, at least Amegrin was only doing it back here for practice.
To the operator's surprise, it seemed Jocelyn actually intended for Amegrin to take her place outright. This was a great shock for her, as she had thought certainly the rigidity with which Jocelyn viewed Rodney's instructions had bound her to inclusion. "Then again, in Jocelyn's mind, I suppose I was the substitution for Rodney in the first place. Thinking about it that way, another substitution isn't so strange." The student got lost in her thoughts, remembering that she'd actually had quite a lot she planned to do today. Absently, she jacked her Navi out of the Net and put away her PET. The sight of Amegrin suddenly not properly dressed forced an automatic comment from Jacky: "We decided earlier that you could just wear it over," she muttered, not expecting to make any headway with the reminder and not being invested in doing so, regardless. "I'll leave. Amegrin, I'm going to tell Mr. Straighter that you're with Jocelyn now... she's signed in as my guest. I'm sure I can count on you to make sure she's checked out properly? Oh, and the Shamus Austin representative is named Shae, we decided earlier," Jacky added, feeling an unexpected pang of some feeling as she said it, either regret that she wouldn't be using her own personal touch or guilt, leaving on that inconsequential note.
"Good luck to both of you," she said, sincerely enough. "I think I'll see you around, Jocelyn. Please think about what I said regarding your employer." For everyone's sake, she hoped Jocelyn's performance went well and without incident...
... And that, if Amegrin really was going to dress all the way done, the two performers would avoid mentioning she herself had planned to have any part in this.
To the operator's surprise, it seemed Jocelyn actually intended for Amegrin to take her place outright. This was a great shock for her, as she had thought certainly the rigidity with which Jocelyn viewed Rodney's instructions had bound her to inclusion. "Then again, in Jocelyn's mind, I suppose I was the substitution for Rodney in the first place. Thinking about it that way, another substitution isn't so strange." The student got lost in her thoughts, remembering that she'd actually had quite a lot she planned to do today. Absently, she jacked her Navi out of the Net and put away her PET. The sight of Amegrin suddenly not properly dressed forced an automatic comment from Jacky: "We decided earlier that you could just wear it over," she muttered, not expecting to make any headway with the reminder and not being invested in doing so, regardless. "I'll leave. Amegrin, I'm going to tell Mr. Straighter that you're with Jocelyn now... she's signed in as my guest. I'm sure I can count on you to make sure she's checked out properly? Oh, and the Shamus Austin representative is named Shae, we decided earlier," Jacky added, feeling an unexpected pang of some feeling as she said it, either regret that she wouldn't be using her own personal touch or guilt, leaving on that inconsequential note.
"Good luck to both of you," she said, sincerely enough. "I think I'll see you around, Jocelyn. Please think about what I said regarding your employer." For everyone's sake, she hoped Jocelyn's performance went well and without incident...
... And that, if Amegrin really was going to dress all the way done, the two performers would avoid mentioning she herself had planned to have any part in this.