A Late Dinner

[Claude Saint-Clair]

Claude nodded as soon as she requested her drink. He had learned how to read Nora fairly well in their time growing up. She was in a serious mood, so he made sure that's where he was. Nora was going to need someone to listen as much as she needed the food he had made. That was something he could be. It was a big reason he was here. He wanted to keep Nora grounded. There wasn't much here to drink, but there was some whiskey, so he poured her a glass on the rocks and put it in front of her with a can of coke just in case she wanted a chaser or to mix it.

He poured one for himself a whiskey and began to eat as she spoke, making sure she knew he was listening. It sounded like a cult from what she said. Claude was worried for Nora, but it wasn't because he didn't think she was capable. It was just because she was his sister. "This Luminar sounds like a prick," he said after she finished. "Be careful - they're likely dangerous people. Some of them are probably victims too. And if you ever need to vent - well - you know where I am." He was halfway tempted to ask if she wanted back up, but it was her mission and he didn't want to intrude. He would go in a heartbeat if she wanted.

"I found Nox. He was relatively easy to find. The database has a significant amount of information on the guy. He has a perimeter in the Red Light District," he took a sip of his drink. "Another Atharim tried to take care of him. He damn near has a fortress - complete with drones that patrol. He has a building there with an AI assistant. He has some tech support too. Called them "Wicked." After I told him about my first encounter, he asked this Wicked to make sure the Atharim were unaware of it. I checked and there is nothing of my littler earthquake on their radar. I talked to him and learned from him. He's knowledgeable. I can control it now, and have a decent understanding of how to use it."

He sighed as he finished his food. "Among other things, it's addictive. What I can do and what you can do is similar, but different. He described using my power as a bull in a china shop. He's not wrong on that. Women are different. I can sense men and women when they use it, but apparently women can only sense women."

He stood up and cleared the plates, placing them in the sink. "With all that in mind, I think he's a decent enough guy. Has a bunch of kids he takes care of, and seems to protect his own. There was a woman there. Looked familiar, but I couldn't place her, who was trying to figure things out. He offered to let me practice with him and learn more. And I'm going to do it. I can't let a possible tool be set aside and it would be the first time I've had to accept something about myself that I didn't like." Nora knew. As far as he knew, she was the only one who knew. He still hadn't completely accepted that either, but it was what it was.

Claude sat down again and finished his glass, offering to refill Nora's if she wanted. "He can't teach women, but knows some who can. If that is something you want, I'd be willing to make that happen. I didn't tell him about you because I wanted you to be able to make that choice on your own. Just let me know."