Agree to the deal

You debate the possibility of asking for more details, but, really, what would be the point?
You’ve been treated like a woman way too long, and you admit that you need Jessie’s help to get out of this mess. Whatever he has in mind can’t be worse than this, right?

“Alright, alright,” you say, trying not to let the desperation creep into your voice. “Let’s just get me sorted out first, okay? I don’t know when CARA is going to come back online.”

Jessie smiles widely and extends his hand. “So it’s a deal then?”

You put out your hand, then try not to wince as he engulfs it easily in his. You can feel his callouses rub against your smooth skin, and feel a strange tingle work its way up from your fingers to your spine. You try to pull back, but his grip holds your hand in place easily - Jessie doesn’t even seem to be aware you’re trying to break it. You feel yourself begin to hyperventilate, but then he releases your hand and you stumble backward.

“Are you okay?” Jessie asks, but as he leans out to help you, you straighten quickly, and turn on your heel, your skirt fluttering.

“I’m fine,” you say, then clear your throat. “Fine. Let me show you where it all started.”

You walk him toward the metal panel you removed, suddenly very, very conscious of the wiggle in your hips that no amount of effort seems to completely suppress anymore. You try not to think about Jessie’s view from behind you.

“Here it is,” you say, indicating the snapped lever. “Maybe this is what made CARA go haywire.”

“One way to find out.” Jessie takes an assortment of tools from a bag he brought with him, and begins to remove the metal around the lever. You lean against the wall, still feeling warm.

“CARA really did a number on you, didn’t she?” Jessie says. “I mean, I could swear that you were taller than me.”

“You’re the one who had a growth spurt,” you retort. “Look at you now, all buff and h…”

You bite the words off as you realize what you’re about to say, just when a wave of just as a wave of dizziness hits you, accompanied by a burning in your chest and groin, one which is both unwelcome and familiar.

“Shit…” you mutter, slumping against the wall.

“You okay?” Jessie asks, without looking away from his task. It’s got to be those medicines you took, you’re sure of it. Maybe Jessie will know what to do?