The long table was exquisitely set by the staff. The food was unbelievably good, served on the finest place settings. The conversations ranged from anything imaginable to the most mundane. There seemed to be an electricity in the air...an excitement of the event they were all a part of. Some discussed their strategies, while others had already immersed themselves completely. Norra could not see Elli's parents anymore, and Elli had disappeared into the kitchen, so she was truly on her own. Whatever effect the visor had on her, it wore off part way through dinner. Fortunately, Mr Mann is not very talkative, so he will not notice my sudden change in personality. I think I can keep up the act, Norra tells herself, as Miss Gatsby doesn't seem to be too complicated. Her accent is a little tough, but with practice, I think I can pull it off. Taking note of those closest to her, she tries to ignore the lady next to her, who is also an android: Dinner Guest #3. She has talked only of the linen napkins, the shape of the forks, and other items on the flatware. To be fair to her conversation, it is rather interesting about the..."You find four tines so much more pleasant, yes?" Miss Gatsby says to Miss Yukihasa in a rather northern accent. The young woman in the very-expensive-looking yellow kimono-type dress nods and replies, "Oh, I agree, Miss Gatsby, the way the food lays on there and goes into your mouth is superior to three," using her rather thick Asian accent. Dinner continues without incident, as all parties enjoy the meal and conversations. Miss Gatsby and Miss Yukihasa log enough words between them to be considered "promising associates," which in turn elevates Mr Mann's status as his "network" has increased without him even knowing it.

Elsewhere in the house at some point during dinner, a body falls to the ground. The vast room is suddenly filled with the sound of the body hitting the floor, and then followed by complete silence. If someone else was in the room, they were being very quiet. There is no fanfare or signals to tell everyone of the "murder" event. As far as we know, everyone is still in and around the main dining room. Dessert has already been served, but some had gotten up to stretch their legs or step out onto the veranda for some "fresh air". It could have been any one of them, but do you know who those people were that got up and "excused themselves" from the table? And to be truthful here, did you even count the number of people who sat down at the table before dinner and how many got up after dinner? To save you the complicated math, there was a difference of two: a killer and a victim.

Norra's left arm is slipped in Mr Mann's as they walk along the third-floor corridor. On his wrist, she can see his armband glowing green: it is his turn. "Oh, this seems pointless to get my first turn so early. No one has even died yet." He pauses to look at a wooden door with a red "locked" sign just above the doorknob. His long pause made Nora realize she should say something. Trying to mimic her best Miss Gatsby accent, "Don't worry...I'm sure you will have plenty of opportunities." He seemed distracted by her speaking, but then he fell back into his role, "Thank you, my sweet. I'm so glad you joined me on this little quest," gently patting her on the hand. She is unimpressed with his attempt at romance, but she smiles back at him as if he said something so flattering to her.

He finally stops at one of the spare bedroom doors, or is it one of the lounge doors? Norra is not completely sure, as she seems to be falling in and out of android control. In some ways, it has been very helpful in her ruse, and even though she knows this house well, she finds herself a little disoriented at times. I think we are on the fourth floor, or it might be the third. "Shall we get this over with?" He says flatly as he reaches for the doorknob. The "locked" sign turns green to "unlocked", and he opens the door. They step in together to see a large, tiled room with an expensive-looking rug in the middle. It has lots of musical instruments on the walls with a huge piano near the back by a large window. The curtains are heavy, ornate, and are pulled to cover the west-facing window. The lights come on at his touch, lighting the room better than the lamps along the walls. Oh, she recalls, I remember this room. It was one of the many music rooms Elli would have lessons. I would normally just lie on the floor like a dead person. Wait, what?!

"Oh no!" Norra screams as she points a gloved finger to the body on the floor. Mr Mann spins around quickly from turning on the lights and sees the body lying face down on the floor. Mr Mann puts both arms up like a score from a game, "Yes! I found the victim!" Norra realizes her reaction was her personal one and not Miss Gatsby's. She had forgotten the game and thought there was a real dead person. Whew, she wipes her imaginary brow, that was scary. "Well done, Mr Mann, you've done it!" she says quickly to cover her initial reaction. Mr Mann smiles back at her, "You know, my mother has always said I was the smart one. I wish I could text her now, she would be so proud." Norra smiles in reply, "You are definitely smart, Mr Mann." Would Miss Gatsby have said that, but more importantly, what adult man texts his mother that he found a dead body first?

Before she can determine her next reply, another couple walk in the door. It is the dashing and smooth-talking Tom Dessinger and Dinner Guest #4, an obvious Latino android with a red dress of Central American flair. "Ah, so it was the software designer..." Tom speaks as if he knows the man, rather than just reading the background information dozens of times before tonight. It might be worth noting that Tom has been talking to as many people as he could, trying to build his "network" as that seems to have some positive effect on finding clues or getting the right "roll of the dice" (if you buy into that strategy).

Mr Mann spins back around and says more strongly than he probably meant , "What are you doing in here? This is my turn!" Tom holds up his hands, his green wristband clearly visible, and says, "I'm afraid your turn ended when you found the body. And, mine will be over soon, so I have to check the body before the next person comes in." Turning to his "date", he says, "Esperata, please talk to Miss Gatsby while I do some work." As he bends down over the body, Dinner Guest #4 walks over to Norra, and she instinctively backs up to be out of the way. Esperata starts talking about the curtains, and before Nora realizes it, she falls into the conversation as Miss Gatsby. Her curiosity of the "murder" completely replaced by the fine stitching of the drapery. As they carry on, Tom and Mr Mann start their investigation before the 3rd floor conservatory door opens again.

Norra sips the hot tea from a cushy lawn chair in one of the gardens. She has no idea what Tom and Mr Mann found, as she sits in a circle of three other people. The Mayor of Boulder sits across from her in a western looking suit and cowboy hat. His western speech matches his outfit perfectly. He seems like he might be in his late-fifties, but looks like he takes pretty good care of himself. The beer in his hand matches the two empty bottles on the table next to him. How long was I "Miss Gatsby" this time? The Sun has completely set now, but that does not really tell her much.

The lady to her right is his wife, and looks much more plain than her husband. Her dress of sturdy yet tastefully cut fabric seems a little out of place in this setting. Her blonde hair is probably dyed, and she holds a beer in her hand, similar to her husbands, as she looks like she would rather be anywhere else than here. To Norra's left is not who she expected...she figured she was still with Mr Mann, but this fellow is much younger than Mr Mann and definitely from the Middle East. His turban (is that the right word?) is white with a black band around it. His robes look very nice, probably silk. His beard is neatly trimmed and has a slight sheen to it. "...with trade being off the Atlantic side, it makes sense to come through California." The Mayor then adds, "Which Boulder makes an excellent stopping point for your shipments." Ah, Norra reasons, these guys are discussing real world matters, so I guess Miss Gatsby had nothing to add to that.

Looking around the gardens, there are people milling about talking and laughing in the perfect night air. She can see the lights from the house spilling out onto the lawns. People are walking around inside as well. No one seems to be panicking, so have they found the "killer" already? The tea she is sipping seems rather bland, but an android probably does not care for sugar or milk. She continues to hold her bland expression while taking as much in as possible. It seems unlikely that all this work would be undone in one night, or maybe everyone is simply enjoying themselves as they wait their turn. Admittedly, this is a perfect night to just sit outside under the stars and relax, even if she does feel a little overdressed for it.

As her head turns towards Buck Best's wife to look behind her, the Mayor's wife decides to start a conversation, "These men always talk business, am I right?" Norra calms herself and replies, "Oh yes, they cannot go anywhere without work...exhausting." "So, forgive me for being so bold, but is that why you left your husband? Your last statement was said with much conviction." Husband? Doesn't she know I'm an "android"? Well, I guess I can play along...I think I know some of my story from that blasted visor. "Yes, unfortunately...our marriage was years of him falling more in love with work, while I fell out of love with a man I didn't know anymore." Glancing towards her husband, Mrs Best replies, "I understand that completely. It is like they are a different person now than they used to be." Norra nods, as if she understood completely, even though she did not (I'm not even dating anyone now, let alone having been married for years). "I'm amazed you were married for almost 20 years, did your children handle it well?" Norra takes a sip of tea to cover her surprise: Miss Gatsby has kids? and married for almost 20 years? How old am I, uh I mean, how old is she supposed to be?

Recalling enough from what her parents' friends had said on the subject, Norra says softly, "It was hard at first...they knew something was wrong but didn't want to say anything. Once it was over, they were relieved, I think, but also really sad. They just didn't want to believe their parents' marriage was over." Unsure if that made sense, Mrs Best nods knowingly, "Yes, his children have said that to me from his first marriage. I wish they would have told me that while we were dating." Norra realizes Mrs Best is speaking of herself and not Miss Gatsby. This may be harder than I thought to keep it up. "Hmm," Mrs Best says while looking at her wrist, "It appears it is my turn, and"...she takes a longer look at something on her wrist band, "I've increased my network. Thank you, Miss Gatsby." She stands up and sets her beer on a tray being held by a maid standing behind her who thanks her promptly. "Would you care to join me?" She glances at her husband who is still animatedly talking to Mr Azzuri, completely unaware that her wife's turn has begun. Norra figures hanging with Mrs Best would be more interesting than sitting next to these guys. "Sure, let me give this tea back. Not my favorite." As she sets it on the tray, the android maid replies blandly, "Thank you, Miss Gatsby, and I hope the next cup of tea you have is more to your liking." So an android is making comments to another android in hopes of improving its experience? Wow, they thought of everything.

Mrs Best and Miss Gatsby walk towards the house slowly. They take in the conversations, the game of croquet to one side, the classical music coming from a live band somewhere, and the usual "army" of servants working around the guests. "It is hard to tell who is real and who is an android sometimes," Norra says without realizing she said it out loud. Mrs Best nods, "Yes, our hosts have thought of everything. I'll admit, we do not have any android servants in our ranch house. We only use them in the stables." Ah, Norra reasons, that is why she has not figured out who I am supposed to be. There's no reason to tell her, so I'll just be my best version of Miss Gatsby. "Where are you thinking of going?" Mrs Best smiles and makes eye contact briefly as they walk up the stone stairs to the back of the house, "The kitchen...I have a thought, but I'm sure others have had the same."

Back in the house, it seems much emptier now, with the guests scattered around the grounds. Mrs Best waves a servant away that offers a plate of appetizers and walks towards the front door. "I don't remember exactly where the kitchen is, but I think I can find it if I start at the front of the house." Norra decides to help, "Actually, if we turn right here, we can get to the kitchen faster. I, uh, studied the floor plans before tonight." Mrs Best smiles and slips her arm in Norra's, "Well then, Miss Gatsby, please lead on." And the two ladies walk towards the kitchen, Mrs Best's western-style boots klunking loudly on the hard floors, while Norra's much smaller heels simply click. Eventually, the quietness of the house gives way to the busyness of the kitchen.

Once inside, the vast kitchen seems endless. There are appliances and servants all over the place. The room smells like a potpourri of food, ranging from fresh vegetables to desserts and any type of cooked meat you can imagine. Norra has not come to the van der Walkhaven's parties before, so maybe this is normal. Either way, her next hurdle is coming up. Mrs Best is looking for someone specific, and Norra is pretty sure she knows who that is, because she is looking at her now: Elli. In a crowded room, she would know her best friend anywhere. Elli is playing the part of Head Chef, directing people and androids alike. Her college major is human resources, so this is right up her alley (and probably why her parents let her participate). Elli's uniform still looks neatly pressed, and though it is very modest for her, she still looks very feminine and attractive. Deciding to continue to help her new "friend" and get this over with, Norra says, "The head chef is standing over there, next to the incredibly large stove." Mrs Best replies with a squeeze on Norra's arm, "Oh, very good, Miss Gatsby, that is just who I need to question."

Walking up to Elli who seems rather busy, Mrs Best says loudly but politely, "Excuse me!" Elli turns around with a smile, "Well, hello, Mrs Best, how can I help you?" Okay, Norra thinks, did she ignore me because she knows I'm me, or because she thinks I'm an android? To be fair, I'm not sure which I would prefer. "Well, I have a question that Miss Gatsby and I would like answered," Mrs Best continues, "I was thinking about the murder, and I wanted to know: did anyone ask for food or drink to be carried away from the dinner table?" Elli wipes her hands on the towel on her shoulder and says rather seriously, "Mrs Best, there have been so many requests tonight, that it would be hard for me to answer that." Mrs Best, recognizes the playfulness of that reply, and presses on, "But this would have been before dinner...before the food was even served...any requests?" Norra notices Elli's facial expression change, oh wow, I think Mrs Best is onto something here.

"Actually," Elli replies while rubbing her chin, "There were three requests before dinner. Mr Dessinger asked for two glasses of water, which I was here to see take place. The other two were other guests that asked for sparkling water. One was male and the other was female." Mrs Best hums thoughtfully, "Would you know who they were?" Elli looks around the room and replies, "I believe the sous-chef was in here for those. His name is Bertoli. He should be outside helping with food services in the gardens." Norra stands patiently watching this whole discourse, not sure if she should say anything or not. She does not want to give herself away to her best friend.

"Thank you for your help, and if I may ask another question," but before Mrs Best could continue, Elli stops her and says as she turns to walk away, "I'm sorry, but I cannot answer any more questions at this time. Thank you for understanding!" Looking confused, Norra says, "That ended suddenly." Mrs Best adds, "I noticed my wristband turned red while we were talking. I think she could not answer another as my turn is over." Impressed by the subtleness of the game, Norra says, "Wow, that is incredible...they really have thought of everything." Mrs Best nods as she steers Norra to the door, their arms still connected. "Indeed, they have," Mrs Best says as they leave, "I think the way the body was laying there is important. It was not pushed down or forced down...it was like he fell down...in the middle of the room." Norra finished her thought, "Poison, right?" Mrs Best nods again, "And as much as I hate to admit it, I'm wanting another turn. I didn't even want to come this weekend. I could be riding one of my prized horses on a mountain trail, but instead, I'm dressed up like a Christmas turkey at a party." Norra smiles and adds, "Well, you look lovely in that dress, and I think you are onto something big."

Mrs Best smiles back, "Thank you, dear. That is very sweet." With a heavy sigh as they reach a flight of stairs, she continues on, "But I doubt I get another turn tonight, so I'm gonna hit the sack. It was fun meeting you tonight, and I hope to see you at breakfast in the morning." Norra smiles genuinely, "Absolutely, this has been the most fun I have had in a long time." They hug briefly, and Norra watches Mrs Best ascend the grand staircase. She may look like a dumb, country blonde, but she is anything but that. She may not want to be here, but she is also a fierce competitor: she likes winning.

Noticing for the first time her feet hurting, Norra decides she needs to sit again. These heels are taller than she usually wears, and she has definitely gotten her step goal in already for today. She decides to move to a quiet place on the second floor, where there should be fewer guests. She does not even make it to the secondary staircase before being met by Ahybara. "Dinner Guest #7, report to maintenance for evening storage." Norra feels no inclination to obey, but she knows if she does not, her ruse is over. Storage? That does not sound fun, but if it means getting out of these shoes, it might be worth it. She replies in a monotone, "Compliant." Turning to her left, she walks to what she thinks is the closest servant quarters' door. Ahybara says nothing else, so Norra assumes she was right. Descending a narrow staircase, in contrast to how Mrs Best ascended hers, Norra moves to the maintenance area for androids.

The room reminds one of a garage, with parts and pieces of robots stored along the walls, as well as areas for repair and cleaning. Entering the room, she is met by a human technician, which seems odd, but his mannerisms are definitely not robotic. She wonders if she should talk to him or just stand at the door. "Ah, there's the electric blue can opener, about time you got here. I'm ready to be done for the day." Can opener...is he talking to me? "Dinner Guest #7, get over here and stand on the yellow dot." Norra complies by doing as she is told. He pulls back her ear and attempts something. "Huh, no bar code..." He tries the other side, "Well, isn't that great..." He steps behind her and unzips her dress. She hears the creaking sound of the leather as it is peeled off her abdomen, and she feels the cool breeze on her chest extensions while the warming of a blush to her cheeks. Pulling her left breast up to look underneath, he finds what he is looking for, as she hears a beep. It's a good thing my girls are covered by the body suit I'm wearing, Norra breathes a sigh of relief, I'm not sure I could keep my composure otherwise. "As much as I enjoy copping a good feel, I really just want to be done tonight." He reads the screen then steps over to a different autocloset than she was in before. "Dinner Guest #7...Miss Gatsby...Network Level 7...wow, you have been busy...okay, let's get you charged and cleaned, even though I doubt you have seen any action tonight." Action? Norra gulps internally, glad I missed out on that.

"Stand still and wait for the frame," the man says as he steps away. Norra can see what looks like half of a rectangle "picture frame" come down on her left and right side. She hears a connection between them, and then a tingling sensation in her body. She cannot resist her arms being pulled outwards as well as her legs. The dress now flopping in the front and being stretched by her legs going outwards, she feels rather awkward and silly. "Okay," he says, "Now for the reboot and..." Norra misses whatever he said next, as 5,000 Volts from the frame enters her body. She is perfectly put into stasis. The current stasis frames used for androids operate the same way for humans, which is by design so that all machines use the same frequency and amount as humans. Which is good for Norra, as she is now safely "turned off" while the machine strips and cleans her. Like the human tech mentioned, her entire body is cleaned both inside and out (again, safe for humans and androids by design). When it finishes, she is coated with liquid PVC and stored in a refrigerated room with the other androids in similar frames until tomorrow. There are several empty slots, as not all androids were able to be returned tonight, as they had other duties they were performing as part of their character in the game.