[Ennui]

Good, on both counts.  You have my permission to try if I'm about to die or something and as far as tasting I think we need to talk more about...everything before I can consent to that.  I stifle a yawn before I continue.  And with that, I need some sleep.  You are welcome to stay if you want, but if you need to return to your coffin I understand, I say with a wink and a grin.

[Mercy Merchant]

Your last comment gets a wry grin and a chuckle from her and some words softly spoken in a language you do not think you have ever heard before.  Glinda puts an arm about you as you turn away and pulls you in close, placing her lips at the base of your neck and spooning into you.  Her breathing gets soft and regular and she appears to be asleep in moments, her body pressed to yours.

[Ennui]

After a good eight hours of sleep I get up, slip on a robe and put the kettle on for soykaf then go package up the doses that compressed and solidified while we played.  I message Corbin and Shelly's coms to let them know I had samples for them if they wanted to get started and separate out the samples for the gangs, Shelly, Corbin, Glinda and myself.

After that I drink my soykaf grab a bite to eat and scan the trid for news.

[Mercy Merchant]

Monday  11 June 2075   1815  Lizzie's Apartment  Seattle


The news feeds are all about the gang violence in the Redmond Barrens.  The stories are conflicting and even the official press releases seem to tell different stories.  One station's recap tells you that the various gangs of that district had decided to go all out at each other, leaving scores dead.  Several high ranking KE officers are interviewed and all give the same pap about how there is little they can do in such an area.  That the Barrens should be cleaned up and the gangs eliminated.  That perhaps this will convince city hall to give the KE free reign to move against them.  That..........

The news just keeps repeating this in endless vid and sounds bites as pundits from across the spectrum chime in with their own ideas of what is happening and why.  The only really known for sure is that the streets have been quiet for hours and that there are some places of extreme devastation.  Drone footage reveals an area of the Barrens that looks like a war zone.  Vehicles and bodies are scattered on streets and alleys as dazed residents wander about trying to make some sense of it all.

You feel a hand on your shoulder and Glinda walks into the view from the corner of your eye.  You had not heard her enter the room, but it is probably because you were concentrating on the news.  "Very sad, what happened early this morning.  The reports are pretty much lies and guesses, but the people will not care.  The world is changing Lizzie, and not for the better.  Something is coming.  Something Sian has felt for a long time, from even before I was turned.  Something she is afraid of.  She will not talk to me about it in any detail, but I know that she is afraid.  And in my book, anything that scares Sian is very frightening, indeed."

[Ennui]

People have been saying the apocalypse is nigh for over two thousand years.  I'll believe it when I see it.  Things always change, you either adapt or your die.

Your stuff is ready.  It's over there on the counter.  If you want to hang with me at pulse for a bit to get an idea of what you will be doing I'll be there around 11 o'clock though with your little display you probably won't be doing it quite the same as me.  I'm going to approach the neighbors about supplying them as well.  That might give you an idea of how to set up distribution.  I don't want to monopolize your time though.

[Mercy Merchant]

"Yes, for over two thousand years.  Maybe they are right and this is the time.  It does seem like the modern age is driving itself that way."

"I had originally seen myself as more bringing you additional clients as actually selling.  Do you think this way works better?"

[Ennui]

Yes.  I don't just think so I know it.  It was the first problem I ran across when I started doing this.  We just cooked a batch that's worth over 20k.  You know how long it takes one person to sling that?  With your special technique you may be able to increase efficiency, but you'll be lucky to clear 2500 a night, working all night long.  Selling in bulk through a network of distribution is how you make money at this.  I really thought I was clear the last two times we've discussed this.  I understand you are nervous but I'm sure you can handle it.  Sian believes in you and so do I.

[Mercy Merchant]

"Thank you.  I will do my best to not let either of you down."  Glinda walks over to the counter to pick her parcel up and looks around as Shelly and Corbin walk into the room.  "Good evening, you two.  Lizzie has it all ready for us.  So, I guess the plan is to each take our share and pick a market?  Will you tell me where you are working from so I do not work the same area?"

[Ennui]

Shelly take night classes at the community college and Corbin works out at a gym, what's it called?  I call over to him.  If they plan on operating other places you will have to ask them.  I've already told you my plans.  Do you have an idea where you would like to start.  Clubs and bars are typically good business.  There's often a lot of drug seekers at hospitals but the security is tighter.

Did you want to join me for ideas or are you eager to strike out on your own?

[Mercy Merchant]

Glinda smiles.  "No, I can go off on my own.  I do not want to be a drag on us and want to see what I can do.  This is a bit out of my comfort zone, but I can do well with people.  I can check back in with you later.  How long will you be at that club?"

[Ennui]

You've got my com if you have questions.  I will probably be there a few hours unless something comes up.

What about you two?  I got you starter kits if you want to sell, you up for it?  Either way I could use some back up when I go visit the neighbors.  I don't expect any trouble but you can never tell with the gangs.  Would you two mind accompanying me?

[Mercy Merchant]

Both Shelly and Corbin hesitate long enough for Glinda to interject a comment.  "Do you expect trouble?  I can be pretty good in a scrap, if it comes to that." 

Both of the others look at her with some surprise etched on their faces.  Corbin actually snorts just a bit.  "I did not see a gun hidden on you anywhere."  Then his eyes get larger as he considers the options.  "Or are you some kind of awakened, too?"

Glinda nods and says.  "You could say that.  No problems, right?"

Both of your friends shake their heads, but give you an odd look.  Corbin then says, "Sure, we can go along if you like."

[Ennui]

Oh I doubt there will be any trouble, but it's not like gangers are known for their hospitality.  I'm sure I can keep the peace but a little show of force may be needed to facilitate matters.  You can come if you want Glinda, but like I said I don't want to monopolize your time.

Help yourselves to breakfast I'd like to leave within the hour.

I get dressed and chat for a while as everyone gets ready then we head out to meet with our southern neighbor with about 25 doses of cram and 5  of bliss and ex in case they want to try a few others.

[Mercy Merchant]

Monday  11 June 2075  1835  Lizzie's Apartment


Glinda gives you an odd look and smiles.  "Breakfast at this time of day?  How delicious.  We have worked and slept the day away.  I am hungry, though, and could eat an Ottoman mule.  However, I think that I will just go and meet up with you later."  She walks to and kisses each of you, whispering something in Shelly's ear.  She then walks to the door and turns to face everyone.  "This has been an amazing night and one I hope to repeat."

She smiles at everyone and leaves the apartment.  As one, your friends turn to you and Corbin voices their thoughts.  "OK, spill.  What is really going on?  She is super sexy and great in the sack, but where did you find her and just who the frag is she?  And what is an Ottoman mule?"

[Ennui]

What?  I already told you.  She approached me at Pulse and had an opportunity for us.  She is connected to some people and we have entered into a partnership of sorts.  I cook for them and they set up distribution.  She has magic that I know for sure, but I'm also quite certain her group has some secrets, and I do love secrets.  She is their liaison more or less.  They work out of the Chinatown barrens and are interested in creating a manufacturing facility.  We are going to go slow to build up a war chest, we know we are going to eventually step on some toes so I'm am expanding here where it is safer until we can afford better security.  You know of course to tell no one of our alliance.  Did you have specific questions?