[VegasRigged]

I thank Ling Sho for his assistance and bid him good evening and ask him to hail a cab while I make another call. As he turns away to do so I check that we are unobserved and stick him with a shot of leal, erasing his memeoties of the evening out to just before me met. Now that he's in a suggestible state I put him in the first can to arrive and tell the autocab to circle downtown until he comes too, a command it can recognize given the number of drunks in the city.

I'm careful to avoid the cabs cameras, but make no such effort as the next can picks me up and takes me home.

[Mercy Merchant]

Saturday  9 June 2075  0428  Near Your Hotel


All goes as you have planned until you are almost at your hotel, when you receive a text.  >>Miss Coulter, This is Ni Ni Xiaolu.  I have to admit to being pleased and disappointed at the same time.  I have observed your progress through the Chinatown Barrens and am pleased with how you handled yourself, but the mistreatment of poor Ling Sho displeases me.  Please alter your destination.  I propose the Stuffer Shack on 57th and Green.  It is neutral territory and we can talk there.<<

[VegasRigged]

I do as I'm told. I don't know how she saw me but I'm oddly comfortable with it, I have a solid explanation prepared and I now know a great deal more about my 'partner' and her servailance capabilities. Clearly I should be more cautious when intervening in her business, but how much more cautious remains to be seen, as does what she knows. If she's aware of my plans to form a coalition then I'll have to play my hand far more carefully the if she just saw me buying and using the drugs. In either case this means any plans I might have had to drug her and read her mind are now likely impossible. Unless. If she's only just gotten the news about Ling Sho... No too risky, I don't know where that Intel came from and if she's reminded by someone I can't get too then she'll know I drugged her too. No, I'll have to play the long game with my partner, no mind reading.

the car arrives outside the stuff shack and I walk inside, curling my lip a little at the florecent lights and cheapness that surround me. I'll never get used to how these people live, nor do I want to.

[Mercy Merchant]

As you step from the cab, you see a lanky young man of Chinese extraction leaning against the wall of the building.  He is smoking a cigarette and nods at you as you enter the shop.  The inside is very like every other Stuffer Shack it has been your misfortune to enter.  You see Ni Ni sitting at a booth and she waves a hand at you.  Besides the two of you, there are only two other customers; a pair of street hookers having some soycaf after a night walking their corners.  The single waitress seems enough to handle this crowd and she comes over to take your order.  Ni Ni waits until you are seated and have made your selection before speaking softly.  "I hope that you have no intent to use whatever drugs you managed to purchase on me.  I would consider that a significant breach of faith between us and such a thing would mean that you would need to kill me and then attempt to find some place to flee to.  I think we can do better than that.  Did you have the drugs on you already or pick them up from the girl you met?"  She waves a hand.  "No, don't bother answering that.  It is of little importance to me where you got them, but it is of great importance to me that you do not use such things on my employees.  Ling Sho was a trusted associate and now you have made him much less of one because I cannot trust him about the missing memories."

Ni Ni pauses when the waitress arrives with the food order and a soycaf refill.  "I will warn you, though, that the demon girl should be dealt with carefully.  She is a very powerful force there and seems to have influence far greater than one might expect.  Now, are you willing to give me an explanation for what you did to Ling Sho?"

[VegasRigged]

I assense the five other denizens of the Stuffer shack, assuming they are all part of Ni Ni's protection detail, given her obvious recourses they are probably quite good and I'll be careful to watch them all as this 'meeting' goes on.

When Ni Ni has said her piece I reply with sencerity "Of course I am willing, it was a drastic breach in protocol on my part, and I'm sorry for it, but I had a good reason. First though, let me say that ling Sho served his purpose to within reasonable standards, he was somewhat over-personal and clearly showed signs of fear when I went to deal with the demon girl, which may have been what drew the gangers too us. That being said he quickly identified their presence and seemed ready and willing to meet them in battle had I not spirited us away. Pun unintended. All in all I find his company adequate but think he would benefit from having a partner.

"I drugged Mr Sho to prevent you from learning of my connection with the demon girl, who I do intend  to do further business with. I suspect she is unwilling to work directly for the triads, but it is likely she will work with me, so long as I remain officially unaffiliated. Thus, conducting such business without your knowledge seemed essential to its success. If you wish I will tell you what business I intend to conduct, but the more you know, the more this mutually beneficial plan might be jeopardized. And it will benefit both of us, have no doubt about that."

[Mercy Merchant]

None of the others in the 'Shack are awakened, although both of the hookers are unwell, perhaps due to some addiction or another. 

Ni Ni looks at you for almost a minute without saying anything then nods and smiles.  "Yes, it was a very serious breach of protocol.  Ling Sho was presumptuous and some of his choices were.................less than optimum and he would have been retrained.  But it is unexpectedly naïve of you to assume that he would be my only source of information regarding activities in my own patch of the sprawl, and that is my real disappointment.  The Chinatown Barrens is a battleground for the three Triads and I do not understand why, if you knew that the gangers you faced were opposed to the Octagon, that you would not assume that there would be others that would be allied to us and willing to at least act as my eyes and ears."

"I know that Ling Sho directed you to Sian, but I do not know why and now may never be certain since it is unlikely that he will ever remember.  I am thinking it was in response to a request from you.  You have already surprised me once by knowing someone I did not think you did, so I ask you if you already had knowledge of Sian or was that encounter unplanned.  In my mind you could have asked to go into the Barrens as a ruse to meet with her.  And do not take my sobriquet lightly; she is very much a demon girl.  No one knows much about her, but she seems to wield significant influence in the Barrens and she has a reputation for being extremely ruthless and deadly when it suits her.  She has access to merchandise that would normally be out of reach for anyone there, which implies that she has a network or at least a source outside the BGarrens, but I do not know what that is.  To my knowledge, she never leaves those narrow streets and alleyways but her name carries much weight there.  You are right about her not wanting to be affiliated with any of the Triads and she would be a powerful ally for anyone wanting to do business there.  And to reiterate, you are not directly affiliated to the Octagon.  You are an asset to be used when needed and, though I expect you to be available when I do need you, you may live your life as you wish."

She sits back and smiles brightly.  "And I can appreciate anything that is mutually beneficial, but I hear those words often from others, so please allow me to doubt it until you show me something that is of value to me.  Regardless of your personal opinions, I did not get to where I am by being particularly gullible.  Or forgiving."

[VegasRigged]

So that's how we're going to play it. It's oddly comforting that she's slipped into threats at the first sign of betrayal, means she's been betrayed before, which usually happens to people who trust more then people who betray others. Perhaps I really can trust her, but this is hardly enough information to make that judgement call.

"I initially met with the demon to conduct a deal for the memory altering drugs known as Laes and Lael, which I intend to use to vet new employees and old ones, my secretary for example. Once I determined her high standing within the barrens I asked questions about the local political structure and proposed funding a new coalition of independent gangs which would serve as a security force within the Barrens, conducting operations throughout the region to maximize stability and profits for those willing to employ their services. Now I hope it would go without saying, but this coalition would favor your side while maintaining the illusion of neutrality. This would be easier to maintain if you could say with honest under scrutiny or interagation that to did not know who was running them or where they came from. One trick I've learned already is compartmentalizations.

"I'm aware that this must seem like an odd move coming from an ex researcher turned interior decorator, but I said when we began that I wish to be your partner and pull my own weight, and a small army struck me as a thank you gift you might find useful. Not easy pick presents for the women who has everything.

As to my naïveté, I confess my experience doing battle in these low parts of the world is quite limited, but since I'm now leading a very new and different sort of life, the desire to function under unexpected conditions has become important to me. Moreover my abilities are primarily those of a researcher and magical theorist with less practical magic then I'd prefer, given their low-tech nature and predictability I though these gangs might make an effective testing ground for developing my own combat abilities.

"I was not prepared the last time my life struck a wall, I do not intend to be so caught of guard again."

I lean forward and stare at the table between us, avoiding her gaze as I recall the horrors of my incarceration "My 'vacation' was a most jarring experience, one I have not intention of repeating."

[Mercy Merchant]

The woman opposite you smiles.  "Thank you for your frankness.  That will make an interesting first step for both of us.  I am indeed interested in what you intend to do with these disparate gangs in the Chinatown Barrens.  Your new ally, if she is indeed an ally, might be able to accomplish that, but she is a relative unknown.  From all information I can get, she is immensely powerful, but I do not know her limits.  I am just warning you to be careful where she is concerned."

"I understand how you feel about your incarceration.  I took an immense risk to have you transferred to my control and I believe that my faith in you is justified.  You got a raw deal and the perpetrators have not been properly punished.  I would like to see you get the satisfaction of knowing that they have received due justice, but that will take time and we will both need to get stronger before you can get what you want.  In the mean time, I think both of us can do well together here.  And you already have another asset to assist you.  She is a good ally if you can convince her that she should work with you.  Even better, she is not limited to the shadows, as Sian is.  Having assets that can support different needs will only make you stronger.  Cultivate both, then, and let's see where it takes you."

[VegasRigged]

Immensely powerful, don't know her limits, gee where have I heard that before? In any case this is all going to be one delicate balance, but Ni Ni is correct, I should tap Sylvia for resources soon, see if she can set me up with a few specialists or one very good one.

"I will do as you say, I suspect she will be amenable to these sorts of activities.

"Sian will be kept under close scrutiny, but she has a great deal of power and I'm offering her more, and of a new kind, as long as that relationship can be maintained I believe she will make an excellent asset.

One more thing before I go home, as I'm feeling exhaustion fast approaching; Tanya, I am to conduct business with her as normal?"

[Mercy Merchant]

Ni Ni narrows her eyes.  Tanya Marisart is a very good client and a close personal friend.  I understand that she will be calling you to set up an appointment to view her things and advise her on her interior decorating.  Please treat her well and she will treat you very well."  The woman stands.  "Now if you will excuse me, I will return to my home.  A cab is waiting outside to do the same for you.  Thank you for seeing me on such short notice."

Ni Ni walks to the exit and motions to a cab that is waiting at the curb.

[VegasRigged]

I stand and walk out with her "I will put in my best work for Ms Malisart."

The cab finally returns me to my building, but even as I take the elevator up i still feel like I'm out. I've only been here a few days, and I've hardly had time to settle at all. Perhaps a relaxing evening with Sylvia will help matters, and perhaps decorating my apartment will make it feel more like my own.

I step into my own rooms just long enough to grab comfortable nightclothes before heading up to my dear lovers room. I'm quite as I enter, if she's sleeping, she may as well stay that way, goodness knows I'd like to join her soon.

[Mercy Merchant]

Saturday  9 June 2075  0600  Marisa's Hotel


As you get to your room you get a text.  >>Welcome home, dear.  The relevant codes for the elevator and door locks are attached.  I do hope that you will be coming up.  You must be exhausted.  I have been waiting for you.<<  You use the codes to enter her penthouse suite to find her waiting at the door.  She takes a look at you and pulls you close, kissing you.  "I hope that you are not doing too much.  You did just come out of the hospital, remember?  You can tell me about it if you want, but only after you get some sleep."

She puts an arm around your waist and walks with you to the bedroom, where you are asleep almost as soon as your head hits the soft pillow.  You wake up and your internal chronometer indicates that the time is just going on 1100.  Someone stirs next to you and you open your eyes to find Sylvia looking at you,  She reaches over and brushes a stray lock of hair from your eyes.  "You were sleeping quite soundly.  Are you awake enough to make love to me or do you need more rest before we tire each other out?"

[VegasRigged]

I don't hesitate, drawing her into a kiss then rolling over and straddling. I sit up over her and smile, then cast a low level of euphoria on her and begin to kill my way down her body, steadily increasing the power of ht spell. I've been told before that using magic in bed is a little strange, but never once have i heard it from someone who's been on the receiving end of a full force euphoria spell. Nothing will occupy my mind until my lover can't hold a thought in hers.

[Mercy Merchant]

Saturday  9 June 2075  Sylvia's Suite

Sylvia's eyes open wide as you begin making love to her.  The effect of the spell seems to add to the overall enjoyment and you are clearly in control for the first few minutes.  Then she uses an arm to effortlessly lift and shift your body so that she can let you share in the pleasure.  Before long the room is filled with moans and then screams of passion that seem to go on and on.  Two hours later, both of you are limp noodles in the bed.  She is facing you and letting one hand weakly stroke your face and you can see tears in her eyes that she does not try to wipe away.  "That was amazing, Marisa.  I do not believe that I have ever experienced anything quite like that.  Ever.  Thank you for sharing yourself with me."

[VegasRigged]

I just smile at her for a few minutes, then roll over and order room service to bring us breakfast. cheffs choice, conveniently dodging the question of what to eat before its in front of me.

"What time is it, and does it matter?" I ask as I stretch and sit up.