Gentleman's Night on the Town (E 1.6, L 1.8)

Location: Poseidon's Belly
Time: evening


Litch and Edmund,

With Merlin and Javan in tow, the four of you head into the bar known as Poseidon's Belly. The place is normally a lively place where pirates, scalawags, and sailors come to swap stories, get a little rowdy, and watch the fights. Tonight, it's extremely chaotic. You spot the beautiful and laconic Dakota limping her way between boisterous tables of Rafters and Boaters. For some reason, Yellow, the meek little Rafter waif is carrying a tray of empties back to the bar looking like she's trying to work out some trigonometry in her head. At the bar is the rascal Parcher with the fight barker Sonic beside him helping out for some reason. And you see Blackjack waiting on a table with an angry scowl - they must really be short-handed tonight.

Edmund, what stories have you heard about Poseidon's Belly? What do you hope might be true?

The one person you don't see, Litch, is Helix. When you ask for her, you find out that some Sippians took her away not an hour earlier.

What do you do?

I knew it was highly unlikely that Helix would be here. Last time i saw her, she had slapped Lucky Strike in front of his people. The only reason I can think of for why she would've been allowed to return to the Belly was to parade her around or to serve as the Sipp's personal attendant. Or maybe she escaped their clutches only to be caught here. I'm recklessly speculating; I've no knowledge of her recent movements.

I turn to Merlin and tell him to get us a table, then I turn to Javan. "See the blonde girl limping over there? She might have useful information for us. Try to get her to come to our table. Work your magic, son." I wink at him. J can be charmingly persuasive when he puts his mind to it.

I face Edmund. "It's a bit more wild here than you're used to, eh?"

Javan heads off to chat with the blonde and Merlin grabs a table close to the unoccupied stage that gives you a view of the bar and all exits. He sits with his back to the stage to keep an eye on things for you.

"Come." I say, guiding Edmund towards the table Merlin claimed for us. "No use standing around looking like we don't belong. Did you have a contact you were hoping to meet here?"

Poseidon's Belly seems simultaneously better and worse than I pictured it. Whatever substance coats the floor tries desperately to become one with the soles of my shoes. It is hard to know what to expect, many notable character's I've come across seem to frequent the establishment, though few seem to have good things to say about it. Yet they seem to continue to come back. Maybe it's for the stories. I just hope that Pellet, the one Shrike advised would be here, actually is.

I barely hear Litch ask me something about the environment here. I just nod. There are more people here than I expected.

As I turn my head to follow Litch's gesturing I catch sight of Merlin. I notice how much cooler the air feels as it contacts the bare skin of my face. It occurs to me it may also be wise to put a little distance between me and the Talons at least for a little while. I'm not sure if anyone is expecting me to be with the Talons after last night's events, but I should at least expect that possibility.

"I'm supposed to find a Librarian who goes by Pellet. She may be able to get me what I need. I tilt my head toward the bar, "If you don't mind, I think I'm going to put a little distance between us at least for a little while. I'll try to keep an eye on you and yours just incase you need me for anything or it is time to go, but someone may expect Edmund to be with you. Like we discussed on the way over, from here on out - I'm Syd Richter."

I don't give away any surprise at Edmund's name change. We had plenty of time on the ride over for him to come up with an alias. The man seems to have a penchant for multiple names. Like those damn Fountaineers. Although, it's not a name that fits well with our conventions. I may have to give him an alternate, temporary moniker.

When he states his intent to create distance from us, I shake my head. "No. You stay with us or we go with you. Do you see anyone in this bar who looks like Edmund Sterling...Syd?"

Edmund,

Looking around the bar, you do not see anyone as well-coiffed as Edmund Sterling. You do spot Truist - one of the Vaulter's bodyguards - standing by a VIP area. Perhaps Pellet is in there? If not, then she's amid the mass of humanity pressed against the fences around the fighting pits.

"Okay okay, I see your point - no need to treat me like a thoddo." I catch a glimpse of Litch's reflection in the dirty mirror behind but find myself surprised by the man standing next to him. I can't remember the last time I had a bare chin, and it sinks in further how unlike myself I look.

"Let's join Merlin and see where the night takes us." I keep an eye on the crowd around the pit, the noise and density of bodies seems to indicate something interesting has happened recently.

"I can assure you that I hold you in the highest esteem, Syd." I respond, my expression impassive as I watch his eyes flick over toward raucous circus of patrons. I lead him toward Merlin's table, turning over my shoulder to query, "Ever witnessed a pit fight, Mister Richter? Not those arena events at the Towers, with their padded mitts and their referees keeping the merchandise for spoiling one another. I mean the primal brutality of pugilists recklessly pummeling each other into oblivion."

We pause as a server passes by with a tray of sloshing drinks. "It's rather messy. Both the fight...and claiming your winnings after. Messy...and profligate. Someone often dies in both endeavors." We reach the table and I pull out a chair for him, gesturing with the other hand for him to sit, then kicking out an empty stool for myself. "But of course, everyone really should witness at least one."

"Sounds..." I pause trying to find the right word, "Breathtaking. What's the closest you've been to that cage?"

I sit in the chair Litch points me toward, eyes still scanning the crowd near the pit. I turn my attention toward Litch, "You wouldn't happen to be familiar with Pellet, at least to point them out?"

Merlin has saved a pair of mismatched chairs for you guys, so you can take a seat. Javan brings a tray of mugs full of swill over, explaining Dakota is "swamped".

Litch, if you scan the crowd at the fighting pit, you don't see Pellet.

I glance over to Merlin as I reply. "I used to fight down there...in my youth. Never lost, though only six victories in six bouts makes that seem less impressive than it sounds." I lean forward on the tabletop and murmur, "The key to victory is choosing your battles wisely. Don't be afraid to punch down and never get caught in the foolish mentality that there's any such things as Gentleman's Honor. You either win...or you die. And...always quit when you're ahead."

I sit back as Javan arrives with beverages, sans Dakota. Another dead end, it seems. As I gaze over at the crowd looking for Syd's contact, a light suddenly clicks in my brain: that Librarian has often been observed in the company of one of the Sipps. She might know where Helix is. "Not to worry, J. Syd here..." I emphasize the name so the others understand the alias is to be used in public. "Needs to find that mousy Librarian girl, Pellet. Did either of you notice her around here?"

I give Javan a nod, but no smile. He's gotten upset with me before about smiling too much at him in public. He wants to be treated with seriousness, like the other adults. That works just fine for me. Warm gestures really should be reserved for when we are safe together at the Roost. "Good eyes, Javan. Well Syd," I look over at him. "What do you think is the smart way to proceed?"

"Well I'm far from being a very important person. Javan, do you have any history with her?"

A thought crosses my mind, a thrill at the idea of trying to pose as someone important, after all I've seen enough self-important zokholes I could pretend to be one in my sleep. But the risk of not being successful with Pellet ultimately puts little Aloe at risk. No, I should try to be as tactful about this as possible.

"I could try passing a message along with a drink," I glance over at the server I assume is the one Javan named as Dakota. "But the service doesn't exactly seem trustworthy." Another idea.

"I wonder if they are looking for an additional server?"

"Excellent idea." I pronounce, finally taking a sip from the glass Javan set in front of me. "But the best way to land the job of your dreams is to perform the necessary tasks before you're even hired. Shows skill and initiative. Plus," I smirk at Merlin. "These beggars can't afford to be choosy." I slide my barely-touched drink over to Edmund. "You can start by taking the wrong drink to the VIP area. Maybe you'll get a chance to speak with Pellet. Medical supplies come first, Syd. But if she's amicable toward you, ask about a girl named Helix for me. I need to know how I can find her."

I look at the swill we have in front of us. These mugs might have been washed today, but something tells me that just pouring more ale in probably counts as washing. "If I just barge in with these I feel like I'd be getting an expeditious request to leave the premises altogether. I do think you're right though, about beggars not able to be choosy." As I check back in on Dakota she barely stops a mug from tipping off her tray. While it wasn't a complete disaster, half of the mug's contents are now dripping from the side of her serving plate. I can't tell if she looks flustered or if this is just a normal night for her.

"I'll certainly check on the whereabouts of this Helix, if she seems receptive. Who runs this establishment? Maybe I could speak with them briefly about trying to help out this evening. Then at least if I was questioned about going back to VIP I could provide a credible reason. Besides, Truist is over there, and while he looks like a malignant mass of muscle, the interactions I've had with him seem to tell me that he uses his looks as a way to get people to underestimate him. If I tried to get past him and failed, I don't think there'd be a second chance."

I try a sip of the drink Javan picked up for us. It's stronger than I expected, and has a flavor I can't quite place, not that I want to anymore.

I share another glance with Merlin, then nod with a ghost of a smile. "Astute analysis." I praise, like an instructor with a clever test his student has just passed. That wasn't my intent, but I can't say I'm not impressed with Edmund's cautious assessment. I'm even more impressed that he's not using caution as an excuse for inaction. At least, not yet.

"A woman by the name of Blackjack runs the place. Maybe you go help the girl over there." I gesture in Dakota's direction "And you'll get started out with more than just bussing tables. We don't have the time to wait for you to work your way up."

"Good thinking, Merlin." I reach inside of my jacket and pull out a few coins, handing two piles to both Merlin and Javan. "Try to spread to different crowds so we don't double-up. I'm going to stay put for a bit and observe. Perhaps the Gray Wing will light up our path."

I'm sure if they let me help out here, I'll be able to get both access and information that I need - it's at least worth a shot. I take a couple big gulps of the swill and stand up. My options to start with seem to be Dakota, the grump behind the bar, or the old woman rushing from table to table. The way others seem to behave when she nears their table tell me she receives more respect than anyone else I see.

I speed up to walk beside her on her way back toward the kitchen as she swings an empty serving board. I'm not sure if she is trying to dry it off a little, keep others out of her way, or working some feeling back into her digits. "You seem busy tonight miss." I smile at her. "You should let me help you."

"That's right." I reply to the Rafter girl's first question. While she prattles on, I try not to wrinkle my nose. Rafters all smell like they waded straight out of the sewers. Of all the gangs in this town, the Rafters are the dren on the bottom rung of the ladder. They'll take any job, with no thought to any higher purpose. They would betray one of their own for a shot of piss-whiskey. I loathe the Rafters. But...they often have good information to sell. I suppose all creatures have their purpose.

So Lucky has her for good, eh? I wonder if she'll become one of them. Helix belonging to the Sippians might actually make some things easier. For starters, she might be more amenable to another offer to come with us to the Roost. Or maybe her I can pay Lucky to take her off his hands. Everyone has a price. His mother and I weren't exactly friends, but sometimes cordial business partners, when our goals aligned. Strange though it may seem, I trusted her word when she made a deal and never questioned whether she would double-cross me. I don't know if the boy holds to that same integrity. I guess we will have to see.

"Thanks for tip." I tell the girl, before standing up and motioning to Merlin. "Drink's all yours." I say to the Rafter, nodding to the mostly-untouched tumbler on the tabletop.

This woman is clever and has wide perspective. She must be Blackjack, the one Litch mentioned is the owner here. I lean into the door with my arm relieving her of its weight, and move in stride with her as she enters toward the kitchen.

"The name is Syd, and I don't need to be on the payroll. If you're open to taking a very low risk gamble, I'm curious to challenge your notion and simply see if folks would be willing to tip more if you had someone delivering drinks quickly."

What is Helix to me? Damned if I truly know. I haven't been given much to go on, but the Gray Wing has imparted to me that she holds a powerful significance for our world. She's a door through which we might escape a future calamity. A cypher to unlock a mystery. "She's the key." Is what I say aloud, more to myself than to Titicaca.

I look down from my reverie to the beer-soaked face of the manic-looking girl. "Who is the dumbest Sippian?"

Not for one hundred pieces of jingle. My mind recoils from the image. I imagine Merlin feels a similar way. Titicaca has the look of one who drank too much sea water. Like Harpy. We've had enough of that sort to last a lifetime. And this one was never the beauty that Harpy was. Plus...she's a Rafter. "Some other time, perhaps."

Karo and Bristol. They might be targets to manipulated. Alternatively, I could go straight to the top. See what Lucky Strike is truly made of. My sense of honor is pushing me toward the latter option, but it makes me feel more confident to carry alternatives in my back pocket. Like a hidden blade, options provide at least the illusion of security.

"Javan." I call him over, turning away from the table and toward the exit. "You know more about the city's nightlife than I do. Where else would the Sippians mingle, if not here?"

I tilt my head to the side as I meet Javan's eyes. "Oh? For the strength of his liver or...for other reasons?" The question is mostly rhetorical. The answer is likely both. Jack knows how to read a room and deliver what his target desires most in that moment. "I guess we're going bar-hopping tonight, boys." I throw an arm around both Merlin and Javan in an uncharacteristically expressive motion.

As we walk toward the door, I try to look back around and catch Edmund's eye, but his attention is elsewhere. I untangle myself from my fellow Talons, telling them I'll meet them at the docks, before striding over to the Belly's new hire. "Looks like that went well, Syd. The boys and I are bouncing to the next place." I say aloud. As I near closer, I lean in to murmur. "We'll be back for you. Following a lead. Just try to talk to Pellet...and...take care of yourself, alright mate?"

"Thank you dear." I say to Blackjack as I look over behind the bar. Parcher huh? What an ironic name for the one handing out drinks.

I make my way over to the bar. "You must be Parcher." I say as I lean up to the bar. "My name's Syd. Blackjack brought me in to help since everyone but you seems to be soaking their shoes in syrup." I smile but push forward, not wanting him to linger on my cajolery for too long. "Who needs what here?"

Edmund / Syd,
Parcher doesn't have time to do anything other than narrow his eyes at you for a moment as his response. He shoves three orders onto a wide tray and points at the tables, shouting out the orders and yelling at you to move on.

As you head off to deliver the drinks and fried goodies, Litch comes by to speak close in your ear, telling you he and the crew is leaving.

What do you do?

I pause while Litch quietly discusses his new plans with me. "You needn't worry about me, sir. I'll do my best to get what I need here then await your return."

I depart from them soon, hoping not to draw too much attention, and whisk myself toward the table noted on the large platter I'm carrying. The variety of fried options they have selected look and smell better than I expected. The cook seems to have some skill. I alert the table to my presence, almost shouting, "Ladies and gentlemen, your food has arrived! I'm here to help you out the rest of your stay tonight, so if you need anything shout for Syd." I slide the tray onto the table and almost ask if they need anything, but I stop myself. Here, if they need something they can ask. Speed is what I'm going for, and hoping I can find a way into the VIP space. I move to make my way to the next table.

"Good man." I pat his shoulder, dismissing him to his task like I would to the other Talons. With Edmund settled, I stride over to the exit and down to the docks to join my men.

Litch, please go here.

Edmund/Syd,

You dance between the unruly tables of Rafters and Boaters serving them with a wink and a smile and winning their hearts. Some of the Rafters chant your name "Syd! Syd! Syd!" as you pass by with swill and fried foods and catch things up. With a lion's effort, you beat back the rush and leave people buzzing happily to the live band as they finally start their set. You also notice baubles and jingle left on tables for you, as well as strips of paper with names and addresses from a few customers who'd like even more "serving" from you later.As a new pair of fighters enter the Pits to earn some scratch for trading blood, you slip into the VIP area with a choice beverage or two as cover. You spy a few Vaulters you recognize from their visits to The Tower. Jay Pee Morgan is reclining in a comfy chair as Truist stands behind him as his personal guard. You also recognize Goldman from his lustrous handlebar mustache - it reminds you of your own bare upper lip.

Why does Goldman seem to like "Edmund" so much? Has he told you, or do you intuit it?

What do you do?

My attention is pulled to the Pit as I glide to the VIP room. Bizarre that they would partake in this for fun, or be so excited about it as a spectator. Certainly there is something about this that I'm missing. I'm not sure I want to find out.

I look back toward the VIP section as I draw closer. Several of these individuals would certainly recognize the version of me that existed earlier today, though I can't say I've had a real conversation with many of them, so I should be fine.

Then I notice Goldman. He, unlike the others, has approached me - several times a few months ago. At first it seemed like a playful or joking tone - asking me to come work for him. Said something about how nice it would be to have a man with my skills around. But as the weeks passed his requests seemed to become more serious, more desperate. Of course time goes on, and he eventually stopped asking. Not sure if he found someone else to fill that role, or if the situation changed, maybe he just realized that I would always have turned him down.

I think to myself, Syd has to stand out to blend in with this crowd. So I try to keep the energy up. As I round the corner into the VIP section I lift the glasses up and announce, "Who's ready for more! I've a couple gifts here, courtesy of Blackjack!" These particular drinks do look more appetizing than anything else I've seen brought out tonight, and they should since I paid for them with almost all of the tips that I scooped off the tables this evening - top that with a generous tip to Parcher and he made something more than half-way decent.

Jay Pee grins excitedly when you announce special drinks from Blackjack and he leans forward to receive a glass, sliding a bit of jingle on the tray for your tip. You move around the room and see a few girls you recognize from Mr. Arness' parties at The Tower. They're drinking and laughing with Goldman and ask for more fruity drinks when you come by. Goldman peers at you for a moment, almost recognizing you... but then he is pulled into a conversation and lets it go.

What do you do?

Jay Pee's eagerness to accept the drinks is a relief, and I'm happy to scoop up the tip he leaves behind for me.

As I look around the room, I'm pretty sure I've narrowed down which one Pellet is. I've seen most of these faces before, though I haven't interacted with everyone - which I guess is a good thing. As I pass by I collect some empty cups and plates, neatly stacking them and supporting them between my non-dominant hand and chest. I'm trying to think of what to say that would start a conversation with the women when they ask for more fruity drinks. Perfect.

"Evenin' ladies!" I smile at them. "Did you have something particular in mind, or should I surprise you? My name's Syd, by the way..."

A loud cheer from across the bar interrupts me and I look over to see some blood fly across the ring, though both fighters still seem to be on their feet. I turn my attention back to the girls, "Wild night in the ring, huh?"

I'm relieved that Yale confirms my suspicions about Pellet's identity. "I'm certainly not fool enough to be looking for trouble." I continue to collect some more empty cups from around them. "So would you mind if we keep any relationship between us strictly business?"

I take a moment to be playful with Yale to try to keep the atmosphere light. She reminds me of a more refined version of Jackdaw. "And you're probably right Yale, I'd likely be a horrible partner - what with me being so attentive and considerate." I awkwardly try do little air quotes, but I doubt even the most perceptive audience would see anything more than a fool struggling to carry a load of dirty dishes.

I turn my attention back to Pellet and ever-so slightly lower the volume of my voice, "Still, someone told me you might be able to help me with something and I would really appreciate you hearing me out when you have a chance and feel comfortable with it." I start to head back toward the kitchen.

Yale and Pellet snicker at your playful response, but they don't stop you from going back to the kitchen - you are a worker and seem to be good at what you do. You are pulled into waiting on a few more tables in the common area before you slip back into the VIP area a half hour later. You spot Yale and Pellet chatting away from the others in a corner of the VIP room where they've scooted a lounger to sit together and smoke. When you approach, they look up - they were waiting for you.

These two are remarkably sharp. I expect it from Pellet, given her reputation, but I'm pleasantly surprised by Yale.

"Absolutely. I am not interested in displaying my needs to everyone, but I need help, and the two of you aren't everyone. You see, there's this girl," I casually wipe the table clear before placing a couple more drinks down at the table. "Apparently, if something isn't done soon she won't make it more than a couple of weeks. I need to get some sort of blood transfusion thing. Told it has to be as clean as possible. If you can even point me in the right direction I'd appreciate it."

Pellet's eyes seem to glisten in the dim light, though it makes me nervous to not know what she's thinking. "I can give you some space if you need time to think about it, and I won't hold anything against you if you are unable to help. If there is anything I have that I can offer in exchange I will."

Interesting. I don't want Pellet poking around too much lest she find out who I am. So I have to try to stay focused on just getting what I need.

"Even if I knew what it was called, I doubt I could pronounce it. She coughs a lot though. A lot." as I say it, I'm already concerned I've revealed too much. Most people wouldn't be able to narrow down the list of possible ailments that are related to the lungs, but impact the cardiovascular system intensely enough to need a transfusion - but Pellet might. If she doesn't know off the top of her head, she could probably figure it out given a little time. "You wouldn't happen to know someone at the Fountain that would be a good to talk to?"

I sneer the instant she mentions Kamae, hopefully the lighting in here makes that hard to notice. Kamae is a zokhole. It has only been a day since Litch removed a solid chunk of their shoulder with a throwing axe.

"Dependable and quiet are just the traits I'm looking for." I give the young women a polite nod, "I won't overstay my welcome, so I'll be on my way now, but thank you. Truly. I hope our paths cross again."

I politely nod at the women as I depart. "Me too, Pellet. Me too."

I head back to tidying tables and bringing beverages to people around the Belly. I'll scoop up any extra change I can while I'm here waiting for the Talons to return.

End Scene