Of Hackers & Champagne

[Mistress Jorja]

A continuation of the original…for Shawn & Chardonnay...

The house was done up in proper Spanish Villa style. Situated in the center of lush, sprawling lawns, luminaria winked along the roughly hewn stone pathway. Rich terra-cotta designs flirted along the window ledges and door frames, the deep gold and crimson designs fluctuating in everychanging mosaics.

Jacarandas blossomed, spilling their glossy purple contents along the white washed trellises. Skirting the outdoor patio were towering date palms, their fronds casting soft shadows in the flickering candle light. Topiary trimmed in the forms of enchanting creatures, and secluded fountains depicting nymphs and elven creatures with water dribbling over their frozen forms, could be found in the tangle of footpaths and walkways.

Small tables with intricately woven wicker chairs were clustered together in the intimate style of a street side cantina. Mood music drifted lightly on the night breeze, carrying the melodic strains of a single violin and the exotic aromas from the kitchens. Delicate strings of lights like the fine strands of a spider web illuminated the luxurious frocks adorning the women and the proper, elegant three-piece suits of the men. The lack of harsh fluorescent lighting made the scene seem almost dreamlike in its qualities.

Almost.

That is, until you noticed the electrified fence engulfing the perimeter...the infrared alarm system...the tactfully hidden security cameras...and the faint ghost of shoulder holsters beneath the waiters starched white shirts.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

Shawn Williams

*Shawn Williams, Hacker Extordinare, knew good taste when he saw it, SO when the slightly handsome young man stepped out of the Classic, Powder Blue BMW, he whistled appriciatively, Pulling the shades away from His Shocking Emerald Green eyes, medium length black hair, and well set face, he pulled out a briefcase, setting it on top of the car, he chuckled to himself, as he flipped it open, setting up a Miniature Remote Satallite, he quickly hacked into the Estates Computer systems, Without Char watching the computers, he could drop his information and be out without too much noise, He quickly found the guest list and Inserted his name neatly onto it, and then with a quick flick of his keys, he cut off the connection, closing the briefcase, he hefted it up, pulling on the long Black Suit Coat over the White shirt, Minus the tie, and the black Dress pants, with a cool cracking of his knuckles, he Pulled his shades back on, and picked up the case, Walking blithely towards the front entrance, a smooth, confidant smile on his face...smiling at the guard at the front who raised an eyebrow at the youngster..who smiled, giving the guard a superior sort of grin*

Shawn Williams.

*The guard blinked at the list, as shawn flipped out his Drivers Liscence..and was quickly waved in...He wasnt as elegant as most...But That was never shawn's Style. He stood out, and he liked doing that, with a hand smoothing back his hair, he pushed a red Rose into his front pocket...a signature of sorts, and began to peruse the party, his eyes kept out for the lone person he was here to see...*

 

[Mistress Jorja]

Chardonnay

Sighing, Chardonnay tossed down the newspaper disgustedly. Her brief interlude with the hacker last night had prevented her from being in the right place at the right time. Right place right time, something she prided herself on, and the one thing that had managed to keep her alive so far.

Scrolling through the security cameras on the crisp screen of the laptop, resting on the slate ledge of her wide window, she watched the sleek BMW pull up.

It was him.

Her rival. Her enemy. And…her lover. Not in any particular order of importance.

Throwing the thick block glass doors wide, Chardonnay stepped out onto the wide balcony overlooking the lush paradise of the backyard. A cool, almost summery breeze caught at her strawberry blonde locks, snagging it with invisible fingers.

She scanned the crowd and found him with ease. The only one among this elite group that looked as if he had a sense of humor. Living a fast paced life stole that from a lot of people. Chardonnay, luckily, had managed to hold onto her humor, even if it did have a scathingly sarcastic edge to it at times.

Leaning on the wrought iron railing, she watched Sup3r H@xx0r closely. Shawn, she corrected herself, although she knew she wouldn’t easily get used to referring to him as that. He moved smoothly through the crowd as if waltzing, a casual look although she knew all too well he was on top of everything. She grinned as he searched fruitlessly for her, wondering if she should call out to him, or let him come to her.

Come to her, she decided. Being chased made things so much more interesting.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

*Shawn Glanced around for a moment..everyone so deep in meaningless conversations...while computers ran their worlds. He smiled at that. He was the master of his domain. and he damn well knew it. He glanced around for a moment, then left the gardens, heading for the main building, because he knew there was no chance she was out here...he could have spotted her. He walked through the doors with ease, smoothly Passing by the security without so much as a second look, his eyes glinting smoothly behind the shades. He chuckled to himself, pausing to rake his eyes over the few inside....not here, That left one place..He ascended the stairs, carefully avoiding the security guard patrols, he stealthily crept down the hallways...kneeling at one point..of course, the most obvious door in the place...he pulled on a pair of goggles for a moment...checking the infrared beams..and snorting. He thought her more complex than this. He quickly produced a Long Range Decoder and aimed at the keypad outside the door, pressing a button, there were several soft beeps, clicks and whirrs..and the security around the room deactivated. Pocketing it, he picked up his briefcase and strode to the door, letting himself in after a few moments, and smiling around him*

The hacker has entered the building.

 

[Mistress Jorja]

Chardonnay

Chardonnay kept to the darkness of the alcove, the candles from three stories below serving to light the room. The door swung inwards with a metallic click, followed by a soft beep confirming the reactivation of security. Once you get in, you never get out

Leaning against the smooth wall, Chardonnay stepped halfway out from the shadows. Raking her hair back so it cascaded over her left shoulder, she stood before Shawn, silhouetted against the westward facing window.

Running a finger over the sterling silver chain that nestled between the sparkling indigo of her cocktail dress’s scalloped neckline, she let the other hand stray comfortingly to the cool metal of the Colt. No need he know about that addition to her outfit.

Her eyes locked with his, the flinty blue unwavering as she took another dominant step forward. Even now that they were truly face to face, the mind games still held precedence. His carefree introduction was slowly turning into a staring contest, and she offered him a coy smile as her only response to his greeting.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

*He nodded sentorianly...with a slow moving hand, he removed his shades...the light catching his almost glowing emeraldine eyes as he pocketed the shades, putting down the breifcase, and yet never taking his eyes off of her, his coat hung loose about his shoulders...Concieling who knew what sort of devices..and weapons. He smiled confidantly...No trace of a grin or of an indignant response...he simply smiled, Totally at ease. He didnt need the comforting hold of anything, he simply crossed his hands in front of himself, continuing with the smooth smile*

So. The Infamous Chardonnay.

*He broke the silence..a twinkle of mischief in his eyes*

 

[Mistress Jorja]

Chardonnay

“Famous or Infamous…depending on who you ask of course.”

Crossing the majority of the tiled mosaic floor, Chardonnay stood a few feet away from Shawn. He had more than a few inches on her, despite the platform shoes, but she knew he came under the semblance of peace.

Reaching behind her, Chardonnay took a sheet of computer paper, printed on both sides, from her broad mahogany desk. The code for the latest virus that had attempted to bring her firewalls crashing down around her ears.

She hadn’t been able to sleep last night – instead, she had sat up and went over his imaginative and technically exquisite code. The sheet was scattered with notes in the margins and broad strokes of a red correction pen. She held it out to him, crossing her arms and smiling in smug self-satisfaction as he looked it over.

“Almost perfect, Shawn. Almost.”

Walking slowly around behind him, Chardonnay reined in her urge to run her hands over his broad shoulders. Leaning close enough so her hot breath slid over his neck, she hissed in his ear.

“Hands where I can see them…hmm…I like a man who knows when flashing his goods is not in his best interest.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

*He was damn close to insulted..But he wasnt. He knew better than to think this was to slight him...he noted the one or two...charicter flaws of the Virus...and chuckled, his eyes glinting with satisfaction....He folded up the paper and slid it into his pocket*

And, thanks you your....opnion...It will be perfect soon enough.

*He went quiet as she got closer, his eyes glinted with a hidden amusement..until she spoke, then he nodded sagely*

Indeed. And it's good for someone to notice...

*he didnt step back, instead, he stepped forward, effecting her to retreat a step, not flaunting his height, but rather taking the initative*

Had I known we would be sharing code, I'dve brought your work with me as well...

*he nodded quietly at her, examining the room from the corner of his eye for a moment and then looking back to her*

 

[Mistress Jorja]

Chardonnay

Running her tongue over her teeth, Chardonnay gestured to the balcony with a flourish.

“But enough of 'work.' This was meant to be a night of…pleasure…not business.”

Leading Shawn outside for a stunning view of the wooded half of her property, she leaned on the railing. Glancing over her shoulder, she gave him a wry smile.

“Welcome to my humble abode. It may not be as impressive as the mansion of the three horsemen, but it serves its purposes.”

Tossing her hair in his face, she turned to examine the scene below.

He was a weak spot in her sharp as nails exterior and she hated to admit it. There was an underlying electricity between the two of them; sexual tension and the ever-present calculation of their opponent. Thrust and parry. It was all a game, and as far as she could see, he was her one worthy match.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

*He chuckled gently and nodded*

Certainly. Though I dont consider it work...

*He grinned in surrender and nodded approvingly, as he stood close to the railing, looking out with a suitably impressed look on his face, smiling confidantly*

As great as my designs are, Somthing can be said for someone who has extremely good taste. Like you.

*It never hurt things to throw out a compliment...especially one he knew was true...*

*Shawn knew the game. He knew it well, and he knew he was moving just the right chess peices..Making sure he didnt flaunt his prowess or his skills too early in the game....no...she wouldnt like that. And he couldnt afford to make those kinds of mistakes...Not now. So he simply gazed over the wonderous beauty of the grounds, his emerald eyes glowing softly...*

 

[Mistress Jorja]

Chardonnay

Shawn was getting too comfortable. This was Chardonnay’s turf and he was supposed to feel anything but at home here. His relaxed stance, fingers never trailing to the pockets or linings of his coat, infuriated her more than he ever could have guessed. It was a silent rebuke, saying she wasn’t dangerous enough or skilled enough to warrant a constant defensive attitude on his part.

Turning to face him, Chardonnay broke the mood abruptly, narrowing her stormy blue eyes at him. “Do you know who you really are Shawn?”

She propped the heel of her shoe up on the low lip of the wrought iron railing, perching in front of him, the dim light reflecting in her eyes.

“You play with the good guys…but I think your desire lies somewhere else…”

This was the beginning of a dance Chardonnay knew to well. Feeling out your opponent, cautiously at first. Testing the water, finding how far you could push the boundaries. How much you could say before they would break.

“No, Mr. Hacker, I think you’d be much more happier putting your skills to use for someone who appreciates talent.”

Placing a hand over his, she trailed their fingers down until they was nestled between the neckline of indigo silk folds, pausing to look at him coyly for a moment, the warmth of his skin scorching her chest. “Our hearts beat to the same rhythm. I can feel it. You can feel it.”

She extricated herself from his touch, stepping down from the railing.

“Never forget that,” she hissed, her voice ominously even.

The scene from below would have looked like a slow, romantic interlude. But from Chardonnay’s point of view, the fierce and venomous courtship of a pair of snakes more aptly described the moment.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

*His eyes glinted...it might suddenly occur to her that he'd been seeing for himself what got her angry...what relaxed her and what kept her happy...Subtley, He had discovered More than if he had directly interfeared..Now it was her turn, and his eyes took on the slightest of steely glints*

I am A Hacker, And one of the best I might add.

*He gave a soft chuckle to this..and smiled gently*

Prehaps..prehaps not.

Hmm..And just who did you have in mind?

*It was a cool enough statement, though the steel flickered for a moment..when She stepped back away, he nodded just slightly*

I wont....Tell me somthing Char...
*he took a step back, looking very intrested*

Do I frusterate you...being so confidant....so in command of myself....Unlike so many others you have likely woven into your web? I mean no disrespect...but my curiousity is a tad overwhelming at times..

 

[Mistress Jorja]

“No…you’d don’t frustrate me.” Chardonnay laughed softly, meeting his eyes for a brief instance before turning to examine some unimportant aspect of the far wall.

“I’ll be honest with you, Shawn. Why? Because I respect you. I see a lot of me mirrored in you. Simple as that. Straight and minus my usual tough chick bullshit.”

Crossing her arms, she rocked back on her heels.

“You confuse me. Who are you really? The man behind the…” Chardonnay tugged the collar of his starched dress shirt, and smoothed it down, patting the pocket where his shades were, “…suit. Behind the handle. Behind the computer screen, the circuit boards, the color coded wires. Who are you?”

Wrapping a strand of hair around her finger, she twisted it pensively, wondering if she had already born too much of her soul to this almost complete stranger.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

It is always wiser to be honest...

*He listened to her for a while, watching slightly passively as she possessed over him for a moment, he looked thoughtful running a slow tounge over his teeth*

Who am I indeed...

*He smiled...and brushed his hair back, a curious sort of smile on his face*

Im someone who doesnt worry for the sole reason that I dont have a reason to worry...Worrying comes from a fear of somthing untoward happening...but when one takes proper precautions..And if someone is intelligent enough...You dont have to worry.

Im a Young man with a gift of sorts....I try to be myself. No one else. I have no exterior masks...or any lies or walls which I hide behind...I am completely honest with myself, and therefore, the world.

so Who am I? Why thats no secret Chardonnay...I am Shawn Williams. And Im proud of that.

 

[Mistress Jorja]

Chardonnay

“And I find ourselves falling back into the pattern of idle talk, Shawn Williams, he who claims to be honest with him self yet tells the largest lie yet with these words.”

Brushing off her moment of openness, Chardonnay neatly sidestepped Shawn, making her way across the bedroom. Honesty may be his way of life, but for her it was a rare moment when she opened up as much as she had then. But he had sprung that steel trap, and she found herself wondering if he would be sorry he hadn’t take advantage of the real Chardonnay when he had his chance.

“I have an appearance to make…” She opened the door with a flourish, the strains of a harp in the front hall reaching their ears now.

“Perhaps you’d like to tag along?”

 

[Roland Gilliad]

*Shawn paused for a moment, seeming to be lost in his own thoughts...an erronous move on his part..prehaps yes. But in the grand chess game, sometimes one had to sacrafice the bishop...He smiled at her, brushing away his mistake, and moving onwards. There would be other times, He had found at least some of her buttons..*

I can understand that...why not? It should prove rather intresting..Tell me though, why would I be seen with the hostess herself? We cant have intresting questions rising out of the crowd when the distinguished lady is seen with another, slightly less distinguished looking guest..

*A wry chuckle escaped his lips..he had not missed the various, pensive looks thrown his way...then he paused again, still amused, No..He would not dwell on his error. His chance would come again. A person cant create what he cannot first visualize. Now he knew what to look for. His chance would come again, even if it took a great deal of careful planning. He focused on the game at hand*

But if you think I wouldnt be harming your reputation by putting in an appearance with you, I would be delighted to do so

 

[Mistress Jorja]

Chardonnay

“Oh don’t worry, they’re all used to me picking up strange men off the street.” Chardonnay’s tone held the same smoky levelness as her previous, serious, conversation, and it took him a minute to realize the biting edge of sarcasm in her voice. By that time, she was out the door, waiting for him to catch up.

She took the stairs two at a time, managing the feat with great success despite the restraining outfits. The price of fashion was seldom worth paying, but among men who liked their women only as mute eye candy and as a measure of their wealth, she was willing to play up the part to her advantage. Anything to get an edge over the competition.

Cocking her head in the direction of the outdoors patio, Chardonnay reached for Shawn’s arm.

“C’mon now, don’t be shy. Most of them won’t bite.” She winked at him briefly before they strolled arm in arm onto the open air veranda.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

*He laughed as she was waiting for him to catch up, and pulling his shades back on, he checked the small of his back..not the usual place one would put a gun, which is exactly why his Desert eagles were there. he would reach behind him, not to his sides to pull them out, an easy enough distraction that often worked to ones advantage, confidant that the firearms were secured, He didnt even take the stairs, he, with considerable agility, simply side saddled the long railing and slid down quickly, landing next to her, he gave a flourishing bow and took her arm with considerable courtesy..and chuckled*

And how, preytell, do you know that?

*He shut up as they walked out, determined to put on his best jovial attitude, smile and at least be polite...Now was a perfect time to see what other people knew about her..*

 

[Mistress Jorja]

Chardonnay

“Trade secret,” Chardonnay replied. She led Shawn, past the lavish spread of appetizers and gossiping women who stood clustered in their exclusive groups, out into the mild evening.

He had done well at playing it cool so far, but these people were far removed from his usual social circles. Somewhere beneath that ice man exterior, she knew he had to be sweating it. He was like a Montague at a Capulet masquerade – it was only a matter of time before they discovered who the man behind the mask was.

Chardonnay knew Shawn had been a big name in the cyber terrorism unit for awhile, thanks to his personnel file she had ‘borrowed’ from MTF. And she would have bet the majority of her substantial worth he had come into contact with cHaoSthERorIe a time or two in his travels. Despite the fact they only knew each other from the handles, cHaoS aka Antonio would be sure to figure him out eventually. And she pitied anyone who was the object of Antonio's wrath.

Antonio could hold a grudge better than anyone Chardonnay knew, and he had spent an uncomfortable night or two behind bars courtesy of the CTU.

Time to see how well Shawn played the intimidation game.

“Shawn, I’d like you to meet a close friend of mine, Antonio. I’m sure you two could have some interesting dinner conversations, seeing you share a lot of the same interests. Antonio helped design the software that brought down the computer-powered hydraulics that control the Southwest’s entire river and dam system last year. I believe you’re familiar with that particular incident, Shawn…”

Chardonnay left the sentence unfinished as her eyes flicked briefly to Shawn’s. She thought she saw a glimmer of realization there as she drew her hand smoothly out of Antonio’s grasp, turning away.

“Now if you two gentlemen will excuse me, I’ve got a few lax security guys who need a good tongue lashing.”

 

[Roland Gilliad]

Right then Char..

*Antonio..That name struck a chord, And even more so was the incident. His eyes lit up...another elite? Then he paused as he ran over the names...shit. He did sweat a little, but with a brush of his hair he kept himself from panicking slightly, he chuckled at him*

Antonio is it? Shawn Williams. I've done a fair few things in my time....

*his eyes glinted with a hint of steel, he spoke with an ineffable self confidance*

So...Antonio...Do you know our esteemed hostess well?

*might as well try and derive some advantage from this situation..*

 

[Mistress Jorja]

Chardonnay

Chardonnay smiled faintly as she stepped away. She wondered how long Shawn would spend trying to have a conversation with Antonio – for all the years she had known him, he had never uttered a single word. Typed more then his share of threats and insults, yes, but never spoken. Shawn had missed it, but she was sure Antonio had appreciated her ironic mention of ‘dinner conversation.’

Walking a few steps into the garden she plucked a pair of tiny red flowers off one of the blooming bushes. Tucking them behind her ear and weaving a strand of hair around them, she reached through the hedge to the small key panel concealed tastefully behind and reactivated the perimeter security. Her guest list was complete, and she wasn’t in the mood to have someone crash her party

Slipping into the throng of people, she pulled one of the waiters aside, giving him whispered instruction to keep his eye on those two. She wanted Shawn uncomfortable – not dead. No better way to kill the mood of a party then firing off a few rounds at a flesh and blood target.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

*When he wasnt responded too, and just had a cool as ice look come his way, he waylaid a waiter, snagging a glass of white wine, and one of those odd cracker things, Shawn ate it quickly, and took a long pull of the wine, he eyed up Antonio suspiciously...Feeling as if he had been set up for somthing, He coughed a little*

Sorry If I seem to be wasting your time sir.

*he knew when to defer compliments...most of the time at least*

If conversation is not your forte, I beg leave to see if I can persue other avenues of..entertainment.

*or, in short, to find out what was public knowledge amongst these high class pretentious wierdos and what was private...*

 

[Mistress Jorja]

Chardonnay

Antonio gave him a dismissive wave, turning his nose up as if glad to be free of such an obnoxious intrusion. Shawn, however, ignored him and looked as though he was planning something devious.

Whatever he was looking for, Chardonnay doubted he’d find it among this tightlipped crowd. No matter how he played it, there was still something about him that screamed stranger. Undercover cop, he was not.

As Shawn moved to get a flute of white wine, his eyes alert and searching, Chardonnay walked up quietly behind him, appearing suddenly from the midst of the throng. Wrapping her smooth, cool hands over his eyes, she stood on her tiptoes.

“Skating on thin ice here, Mr. Hacker.” Chardonnay hissed softly before letting her fingers trail down his neck and return to her sides. Reaching in front of his, she tugged the glass from his hands, taking a deep sip of the wine. “Thank ya, darling.”

 

[Roland Gilliad]

*Her only reaction was a sharp intake of breath a a wry grin, as he managed to grab another flute and gave her a long look*

Are you testing me Chardonnay?

*He spoke at last, quietly percieving a possibility*

Is this all part of our chess game...Prodding at my armor and looking for a chink to work on?

*he didnt seem so much offended as he did amused*

Or am I just paranoid?

*He took a sip of the wine and gave her a soft chuckle*

If Im just paranoid, I doubt I will be able to make good conversation with anyone here...Unless I have missed my guess about the attitudes towards me..

 

[Mistress Jorja]

Chardonnay

“Chess…checkers…scrabble…Russian roulette…call it what you will.” Chardonnay smirked at him, trailing her tongue over the smooth lips of the wine glass.

“And as for being paranoid, I believe you are…at least a bit. But it comes with the territory. With a choice between paranoid and dead, I think I’d be rather inclined to pick the former.”

Taking a step backwards, she gestured to the dance floor with a wide, sweeping fling of her arms.

“I don’t suppose your vast repertoire of cosmopolitan esteem includes a tango or two, does it?”