Breakfast the next morning was served in bed. Tom did not want to get up yet, but Mrs Best wanted to get back before her husband woke up from the couch by their room (she found him there early last night). Her and Tom exchanged a brief making out period, while Norra went to the bathroom. Mrs Best gave her a hug, both of them wrapped in soft robes. She winks at Norra, then rushes out of the room. Norra, unsure of what to do now, turns to see a naked Tom on the bed with a tray of food that the maid had just left. Before she could even say anything, Tom says seriously, "I got the information I needed from Mrs Best...thank you for your help. You need to recharge." Norra felt a sense of betrayal from his tone, but she could also feel a twinge of a command in his words. He did not emphasize the right word, so her conditioning did not kick in. However, this seemed like a good time to get away from this creep (why was I ever attracted to him earlier?), so she picked up her dress and underwear from the floor and walked out without saying another word. She stole a quick glance of him as she closed the door. He had his eyes down over the tray as he ate, looking at a tablet in his hand. Hmm, Norra thinks, he really is playing the game to win, and truth be told, I am just an android to him, but it would have been nice to have some of that yummy smelling breakfast.

Well, Norra thinks while standing in the hallway holding her clothes, I need to be dressed for the day, and Miss Gatsby has a room, but she has never used it. I wonder if I can go in there and get dressed and go on with my day. I really don't want to go back to the autocloset if I don't have to, Norra says to herself. Not seeing anyone at the moment, she decides to chance it and go to "her" room. Sneaking down the hallway (how do guys walk around with that thing "klanging" between their legs with every step?), details of last night come back to her in snapshots. Miss Gatsby and Tom both enjoyed riding Mrs Best...twice for him and once for her (she remembers what she was doing, but it seems so foreign to her regular personality). Tom did not make any real moves on her, but he did get a hand job from Norra while he made out with Mrs Best. Again, there are sometimes it is nice to not have a full memory of things, she reassures herself, but I find I'm starting to remember more and more as time wears on. Nearing "her" room, she rounds a corner to feel someone touch her beneath her chin. "Oh, I'm sor..." She starts to apologize before Ahybara's leash protocol takes over. With no added explanation, Norra is led to one of the hidden service elevators, just a few steps from "her" room. Within minutes, she is in an autocloset.

Her frustration of "being caught" gives way to confusion, as she is dressed by the machine, she notices the visor does not come down. This has not happened before, so she wonders what is going on. To add to her confusion is her outfit, or perhaps costume might be a better word. When the door to the autocloset opens, she can barely get out. Her dress is so large, and her wig so tall, she cannot step out without bumping something. At first, she decides to stay put, but when she sees others dressed similar to her in the room, she decides it must be okay to get out. In attempting to move, she notices a certain recent-addition to her body is missing, and she thinks with a sigh of relief, good riddance...never wanted to be "well hung" in my life.

She finds it hard not to laugh, as the three female androids look like they fell out of the French Renaissance into a paint store. Each of them has the authentic curly-haired bun that extends at least a foot above their heads. The dress has a real corset that is almost cutting off Nora's circulation. Stealing a quick glance at herself, she has never had such a small waist. From there, the dress spills out into layer upon layer. Without exaggeration, Nora figures the dress weighs 100 pounds and makes a "swishing" sound every time she moves. And then to the color, the one android has red hair with a matching red dress (I think that might be Esperata?). The other has green hair with a matching green dress (wait, is that Miss Yukihasa?), and finally she is wearing a blue dress with matching blue hair. The other two seem to be waiting patiently with their holds folded in front of them and resting on the tops of the multi-layered dresses. Norra assumes the same pose as she hears voices coming from out in the hallway.

"...have time to program them, so we will have to run them wirelessly. It won't matter as they are lip-synching anyway." Wirelessly? Oh no, Norra worries, I'm not wireless. To add to that fear, she hears a familiar voice, "As long as it works, I do not care. Everyone is expecting our annual performance now, so we have to make it work." That was Mr van der Walkhaven. Norra sees him and Mrs van der Walkhaven enter the maintenance room with the same human tech she met Friday night. Elli's parents are wearing something out of the French Renaissance as well, but their costumes are both silver, made of the same satin-type material as the rest of their costumes, giving it a subtle-shine look with every movement. His costume looks tight around his small legs, but the coat looks bulky with large buttons, collar, and cuffs on the sleeves. Her costume looks just like his, but with a more feminine touch, as her coat hides her own true corset making them all stand-up straighter while multiplying their chest size. Norra is a little surprised to see her wearing something like this, since those pants are really tight (even if she looks to be in really good shape for her age), but I guess it is part of the weekend event.

The tech continues his thought from before, "So you all will step onto the stage and freeze...that is the only way to sync up the music with the androids. We will raise the curtain, and as soon as the music starts, you are on. When the music stops, you can freeze with the androids or drop out of character and step in front of the closing curtain. It doesn't matter to my process. I just need a clear start and stop to sync them."

The weekend hosts nod, "Perfect! I have not practiced this song since last year, so it will be good to have some support." She winks at him, while he makes a heavy sigh. Ahybara steps around the corner, "For the concert to start on time, all participants need to walk to the stage immediately." Mr van der Walkhaven gives a thumbs up, "Right...let's go. Can't keep our fans waiting. Let's rock it out!" Norra rolls her eyes before realizing that could give her away. I remember now, Elli has said that the last piece of entertainment for the weekend is a special musical performance by her parents. They will dress up in crazy costumes (well, "crazy" for them) and lip-sync some song from some couple I have never heard of.

Without any more help, everyone starts to file out of the room. As they do, the tech guy hangs back to make notes on his tablet. "Red...drummer, green...electric guitar, blue...bass guitar." Bass guitar? Never even played a guitar before, so this should be a total mess. As they walk in line, she figures if they are lip-syncing the words, then they are probably doing the same with the instruments...at least, she hopes. And with that thought, she hopes everyone is watching Elli's parents perform more than her.

They wander throughout the service areas, finally walking outside towards one of the side garden areas. There is an amphitheater over here, which makes sense. If Norra remembers, there is a open-air theater for outdoor concerts. She recalls that during the late-summer and early-fall when the weather wasn't too hot, Elli's dad would host concerts there. She used to pretend she was up on that stage, and it looks like her dream gets to come true; although, not in the way she had thought it would.

The line of crazy-costumed performers step backstage which is also open aired but hidden by a curtain. Each of the others walk straight to their spots. Norra does not know her spot, not being wireless like the other androids, but she finds the one instrument not being used. Knowing enough in how to put it on, she attempts to sling it over her head, but the corset limits her movement, and her wig is really tall. She starts to panic when she hears a harsh whisper, "Hang on, you big blue can opener, you need my help." Norra stops moving to feel the guitar being taken from her hand. She then feels the strap around her shoulder and the bass guitar now hangs in front of her. He steps in front of her, grabbing her by the waist, turning her to face the curtain. He sets her gloved hands on the guitar then puts a pair of blue sunglasses on her. He then slips a small, clear plastic device into her mouth, which forces her mouth into a smile. He does not even give her a second glance, as he rushes over to the side of the stage.

Everything around her is quiet and not moving, but she can hear chatter and movement from beyond the curtain. There're real people out there...Elli's parents are just in front of me waiting to perform...I'm part of some weird android band...she would frown if her mouth would let her, but it won't (although, if I'm wearing this special mouth guard, then maybe I don't have to know the words to the song). "And now," the voice booms from the speakers, "Playing their hit song "Jackson"...give a warm welcome for Johnny Cash and June Carter!" Norra's heart stops as the curtain starts to rise and then the music starts to play, and while the audience claps and cheers animatedly, the "band" animates as well. She sees the other members of the band start to play their instruments, while "Johnny" and "June" start to dance around the microphone. Fortunately, Norra thinks with a relief, it is not a fast song, so she just tries to keep time and change her grip on beat.

She need not worry though, like what happened on the first night to her, she hears a buzzing in her head. Oh, she recalls, I remember this feeling...this was when...Miss Gatsby adjusts her grip to the proper C chord and switches from strumming to picking the strings. Her posture alters to fit a seasoned bass guitar player. Within seconds, she is swaying and moving to the music, perfectly timed with the other androids. Norra would have been impressed with her skill, had she been able to see it. However, Miss Gatsby is in control at the moment, who is being controlled by the technician off-stage.

Norra "awakens" in the Main Parlor, where the weekend began. She is dressed more casually, wearing black leggings, a blue oversized button-up shirt, and blue high-heel pumps with some of her perfectly-manicured toes poking out the front hole. Her left arm is draped around Mr Azzuri, which is also covered by his "pool shark" date's right arm. He is showing no facial expression, and all you can see of her is her eyes, so Norra has no idea what is going on. Figuring she is Miss Gatsby again, she decides to take a casual look around the room.

Mr Mann and his "crew" are leaned against the back wall with a couple of android guests mixed in. Mrs Beardha and her husband are in opposite corners of the room, both draped with human and android guests. Mr and Mrs Best sit next to each other with several other couples close by. She cannot make eye-contact with Mrs Best to see if everything is alright, as she has not talked to her since early this morning. Actually, Norra admits, I don't know that I have not talked to her, I just remember not talking to her. With the many others, she did not meet, she finally finds Tom Dessinger, sitting with the Herr twins? His casual jeans and t-shirt seem out of place, especially next to the twins dressed in matching pink tuxes, but his facial expression gives nothing away as to anything being out of the ordinary. He is also mixed in with other human and android guests, making him seem more of a background character, but she knows better.

Having checked the whole room, she notices Elli standing with her parents at the front of the room. She looks nervous in her acting chief security officer outfit, and the van der Walkhaven's look tired, but still elegantly dressed. "Well, the moment you have all been waiting for...", he starts by saying.

His wife interrupts him, "But first, let us thank you for all for coming this weekend. This has been one of the best we have ever had. You all played the game so well, and while he may not admit it, we were worried you would have it figured out Friday night." There were some chuckles around the room, and Norra is sure she saw Mr Mann frown even more. If she had more to say, she did not get to, as he chimes back in, "Thank you, Love. Yes and yes, what a grand weekend! So, let's talk about the winner, hmm? All participants should have recorded their 'accusation' already, and our acting Chief Security Officer has the results in an envelope." Elli holds it up awkwardly while smiling slightly. "Not to belabor the point, but my team spent months working on this, trying to make it as fun and engaging as possible. We hope you understand how hard we have worked to make this weekend fun."

Before he can continue, Mr Azzuri clears his throat to speak, "If I may say something, please?" Norra is shocked he spoke, but she cannot show it. She turns to face him as he talks, like she was his date. Her counterpart does the same. Norra notes her outfit today looks identical to what she wore in the Billiard Room, except that is appears to be of more traditional fabric. She can feel her gloved hands resting on Norra's shoulder, and the fabric is much rougher than she expected.

Mr van der Walkhaven, not sure he wants to concede the floor, replies, "Uh, I suppose so...what's a little more suspense, right?" Norra can hear some people groan softly, but most of those in attendance are more curious than anything. Mr Azzuri stands up, but signals for Norra and the other lady to stay seated. She does not remove her arm from Norra's, so Norra keeps hers along the back of the seat, leaving an obvious hole where he was just sitting. He strides to the van der Walkhavens confidently. "Forgive me for delaying the revelation, but I wanted to say something before the results were made known." He pauses for effect, then continues, "I own several companies, and when I was asked to come his weekend, I expected it was to be sold some sales pitch by the van der Walkhaven's of our merger. Do you know he never spoke of our potential business deal? He remained in character, just as did everyone I met from his staff. I have watched you all very closely, more concerned for my financial future than the outcome of this game. In fact, it was not until this morning that I truly relaxed and enjoyed the weekend. He has shown such dedication to the success of this weekend, that I do not want my next statement to be tainted by what happens after the reveal. Sir," he turns to face a somewhat confused Mr van der Walkhaven, "I would like to accept the merger of our two parent companies, and may our future together be as successful as this weekend."

Mr van der Walkhaven is rarely speechless, but you could tell he was shocked. He had been orchestrating this deal for almost a year, and Mr Azzuri had given him nothing but a stonewall in response. Having seen his professional team's hard work being helped by his social team's hard work, was overwhelming to him. He takes the extended hand and shakes it heartily, amongst clapping from around the room. Those in the know are aware that this was a huge (to say the least) combination of two very successful companies. Normally, the media would be taking pictures and sending word of this around the globe, but for now, no one on the planet knows this late-breaking news except those in attendance.

Mr Azzuri returns to his seat, where the lady seems to pull in tighter to him, so Norra does the same (mmm, that cologne he is wearing smells good). "Ladies and gentlemen," Mr van der Walkhaven says softly, "I am blown away by this. While I do not strive to make success beyond this event happen this weekend, it does make me excited to see how much you can accomplish when you treat others the way you want to be treated, and you put out a high-quality product. Thank you, Mr Azzuri! I look forward to talking more with you on Monday...after I get a good night's sleep." Everyone chuckles again, somewhat breaking the ice. "Well, it feels a little anticlimactic, but let's reveal the winner, Elli?"

Elli, in her security guard suit, steps forward, wiping tears from her eyes over what has just happened.  She knows how long and hard he has worked for that deal and this weekend. Clearing her throat and trying to regain her composure, she says, "Thanks...uh, and so I'll tell you the location and the weapon, but then I'll call up the winner to tell you whodunnit." Opening the envelope she reads, "As you all know, the location was the Conservatory. As you may not know, the weapon was the Poisoned Chalice." There are several murmurs around the room. Norra takes a quick glance to see Mr Mann, nearly in tears with frustration, while Mrs Best and Tom look ever more confident. "And the winner of the 10th Annual van der Walkhaven's Live Action Board Game Event, who will come forward to reveal the 'murderer' is...Tom Dessinger!"

Norra looks to see that Tom is already up and walking...did he know he had won, or is he just that confident? The people around him clap him on the back, while others clap. Mrs Best is staring "death" at him the whole way, while the rest seem disappointed that they lost, but not so much to be thinking evil thoughts. Tom accepts a trophy and hug from Mrs van der Walkhaven, and a handshake from Mr van der Walkhaven. He smiles and receives his trophy, like it was an Academy Award. Elli and her parents step back to give him the "stage". Tom looks down at the statue and says to the now quiet room, "Without a doubt, this is the greatest award I have ever gotten. I am more proud of this than any of my degrees and certifications. All of those came easily for me, but this, " holding up the trophy, "was the hardest thing I've ever worked for, so I'm most proud of it." Again, the audience claps softly, with a few of the guys cheering louder with whistles.

"But now, the part you want to know...who killed our unfortunate software designer? Hmmm? Did you notice them leave the table during dinner? Did you see the two crystal 'chalices' in their hands? What of the software designer? Why did he have to die? Who knows, who cares?" Tom continues to talk and ask more questions, drawing the moment to the climax he wants. "The killer is none other than: Dinner Guest #7 AKA Miss Gatsby!" No one in the room is more shocked by that than Norra. Wait, I did it?! She screams to herself Everyone in the room turns to face her, as she tries to process this, she feels another personality taking over. While she is sure it didn't happen, she can almost hear Miss Gatsby say, "One more time, Norra, then your body is all yours." Norra fades out as Miss Gatsby stands and slowly walks to the front, her movements all pre-programmed.

"Yes," she states dramatically, "I did it. You didn't know him like I did...he made fun of me for who I am, berated me as being less than human. He could not accept me, even when we had children together." Mrs Best provides a mock gasp as do a few others who remembered the contrived backstory. "Yes, it is true...I murdered my ex-husband Friday night with the same 'poison' he fed me every day of our failed marriage." And with that, Miss Gatsby storms out of the room, to be met by 'security guards' who cuff her in plain view of the attendees and escort her out of sight, now screaming about how justified she was and how he deserved it.

With her gone, the room is quiet, like a tomb. Suddenly, Mr Best stands up, "Dadgum! That's better than watching bull ridin' at the county fair. Yeehaw!" And his reaction broke any tension in the room, as everyone begins to talk of the fun they had this weekend, realizing that her whole story, which led to the supposed murder and her just-finished tyraid, were all part of the fun-filled weekend. While the event was officially over, people continued to stay for hours (unless your last name was Mann) to relive the memorable moments throughout the weekend. It was like the best after-party ever, with the full relief of the game being resolved. Mrs van der Walkhaven expected this, so she had drinks and cake ordered just for the post-reveal (she purposefully ordered cakes shaped like candlesticks, wrenches, and knives...definitely not a 'poisoned chalice'...to keep up the ruse that even she didn't know the outcome). The name Miss Gatsby was spoken by everyone at some point over the next few hours, but none spoke of her like a friend more than Mrs Best, who admitted that she thought she was a real person for most of the weekend. Everyone agreed, marveling at how realistic Miss Gatsby was, and that it was hard to believe her complicated personality was a sophisticated piece of A.I. Tom and Mrs Best would never see each other again, and that was fine with him...he got what he wanted and was the first to leave after Mr Mann, with one of the Herr twins holding his trophy and the other holding his arm.

Elli had taken a shower and changed clothes, as she had been in character all weekend. She had tried to take a shower and get some sleep on Saturday, but she kept having to put out fires around the event. She finally got 30 minutes alone to herself to get clean and freshen up. The final guests had eventually let the weekend end and left, so she could return to her normal self. She spent longer than she needed in the shower, but the hot soapy water felt so good that she just could not hurry as usual. Dressed in her lounge pants and a tank top with a heart on the center, she walks around the servant area looking for Norra. She stumbles on numerous androids slumped to the floor, as their battery life finally spent, some never making it to be recharged (that looks like poor Miss Yukihasa over there under those discarded cake boxes). Ugh, this will be a mess to clean up, she thinks to herself with a smile, but not today. Trying to determine where her best friend might be, she finds her sitting in the laundry room between two extra-large washing machines with her back to the wall.

Smiling broadly, Elli asks, "How's the cake?" Norra looks up, a tired expression on her face, but then it switches to relief seeing her best friend recognize her, "Best I've ever had...did you get some?" Norra does not wait for her response before putting in another big bite. Elli shakes her head, "No, just too busy and tired to care. What a weekend," she says while sitting on the floor next to Norra, who despite wearing her same jeans and t-shirt from Friday, looks to be her normal self. "I can't believe it worked out...I felt like my hair was on fire the whole time." Norra mumbles her agreement while chewing her only food of the day. Elli starts to say more, but then asks, "How about you? I never saw or heard about you, so you must have stayed very quiet and hidden from everyone, huh?" Norra swallows her latest bite loudly, with more and more of the weekend memories coming back to her, and replies with a wink, "Yep."