𝐊𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐑𝐀.

naturally. they are feeble, simple creatures. it is unsurprising that they have ruined their own planet so spectacularly -- they are only cattle.

i don't need "bandwagons" to make you say what i want.

just look into my eyes.

a likely story.

( she has her where she wants her. kassandra checks her wristwatch, then shrugs. she has time. )

you have seventeen minutes to impress me. ( a sudden sharp grip on kiki, claws out, as she yanks the human into one of the stalls behind them. )

of course, none of them are like you, 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘢.

( her voice like a balm in her ear: ) wouldn't you like to know?

( her hands are soft on kiki's frame as she softly cleans the blood up (who can say where she got the tissue in her hands now from?), her touch almost sensuous, irresistible if you lean into it. ) mmm, it *is* beautiful. *but*, i've always believed it's what's beneath the dress that counts.

( the irony of the question doesn't escape kassandra. she gives her a knowing smile, her eyes glimmering in the lesser light given off behind the bathroom mirrors. )

sure.

why don't i give you a hand? turn around. i think you've missed some blood. just . . . there.

oh? what did you mean, cassie?

i might know a shortcut.

shindig? don't you use some interesting words!

perhaps. perhaps not. it wouldn't be hard to co-ordinate from the shadows while the big men out there play with their fragile toys and consider themselves bureaucrats.

whose blood is that?

show some respect, or i'll make you. don't you know who you're talking to?

who are you? how did you bypass the security system?

pity. it smells delicious.

ugh. i can't get the stench of urf blood out of my carpet. how irritating.

did you miss me?

is it wise to invite a girl back to your place that you just met?

i love it. let's go.

who says there's only one? look in that stall, just over there.

i wonder. are all our urfly cousins this quick to assume?

then tear out their throats and stick their childrens' heads on spikes.

*money*? valuables? that's what you want?

( kassandra seems . . . disappointed. )

we could provide for your family. they could live good lives also. and, when the time comes, and your children are of a certain age . . . they could join us too.

i got hungry.

tell me, dear, can these "responsibilities" of yours give you that? *whatever you desire*?

responsibilities? ( a laugh. ) my. you *are* whipped, aren't you?

you realize that life is so much more than what the little people tell you? there will be others who scorn us out of fear and jealousy, stewing in their contempt. we live deliciously, and have whatever we desire.

( pouting. ) aww, but we were just getting started.

my sluttiest cape.

oh? going so soon?

the what?

a very wise man once told me a similar thing. then he demonstrated it by ripping the head off my mother.

smart and pretty. do you have a name?

do you believe that dreams have a purpose, my sweet?

but don't you see? we're getting somewhere. didn't you *feel* the electric between us? mmmm, it sets my hair on end, gives me goosebumps! the hunt, quintain. we're laying out traps.

do you know what i find interesting, darling? if you said that to anyone else around here, they'd ask you what a mouse is.

mice.