Diabolus Ex Machina

T"And you don't look like you've had a good morning yourself."

"It was... something. Anyway, I just wanted to say good morning, to you as well Topaz. I understand that we will be having company. I would prefer to stay in my room if that is possible."

Topaz: <Company? Wasn't today going to be about resting?>

T"Unfortunately, the new President wants to get down here as soon as possible and ask questions about the incident. And when he does, he'll of course want to speak to all of us. Not that I have any problems with what you do until then."

Topaz: <Hmm... that's okay, I guess. Do you need help preparing breakfast?>

Zell nodded, "Alright then, I'll be in my room, painting if you need me." Zell goes back to her room to paint, replacing her white shirt with her painting smock.

L"I will do the cooking."

T"Wait, do you want us to bring you something to eat?"

"Just call when breakfast is ready, if it isn't too much trouble," Zell said.

Topaz: <Okay then. I think I'll just rest a bit in the living room or something while we wait, if that's okay.>

*Soon after, Lilith & Thiera have made waffles.*

T"Could you go get Zell?"

*Lilith nods & starts up the stairs, which groan from the equivalent of a refrigerator walking up them.*

Zell has created ART, and has decided to lay down on her bed to kill time.

*Lilith opens the door without knocking, like she always does. However, the first thing she does when she gets into the room is to look at the painting.*

It is the painting she was painting in her dream.

"A painting of an android. A simulation of a simulation."

*She turns to see if Zell is awake.*

Zell is awake, her eyes open, but her face aimed at the ceiling. "That is one way to describe it, I suppose."

"I like it. The concept is interesting. The subject matter is familiar. The colors are bold, but not extravagant. Most importantly, she is not wearing white."

Zell sat up, smiling, "Thank you. Wait, not wearing white?"

"Why would an android wear white?"

"It is just a color," Zell said with a shrug, "There is no reason not to, same as any other color."

"That is not true. Have you ever seen an android wearing white?"

"Uh, Lilith, you wear white," Zell said.

"As a rule. I thought 'by choice' was implied."

"I'm sorry," Zell said, "Historically, you don't imply anything. A bit literal." Zell looked at Lilith, then at the painting, "Anyway, if you don't want to wear white, then why don't you wear something else? I'm don't see why Thiera wouldn't let you if you asked."

"The rules are that everyone who stays in the house must wear white."

*Topaz is chilling on the living room couch, not really sleepy, but thankful for a moment's rest.*