[Mercy Merchant]

Corbin holds up his hands as if to ward off a blow.  "Hey, nothing special.  It just seems a bit odd, that's all.  You know us, Liz.  We're with you all the way.  And we can keep our mouths shut, you know that.  Just curious about her." 

Ever the peacemaker, Shelly takes his arm and pulls him back a step.  "Alright, let's go visit some of the local gangers, er customers."

[Ennui]

I reach up and pat Corbin lightly on the face.  I'm curious too.  Keep your ear to the ground and let me know if you hear anything.  I doubt she is an open book, so very few people are.

Once we reach the next neighborhood I'll keep an eye out for gangers and approach a group offer then a few doses of cram in exchange for an intro to the gang leader or one of his lieutenants regarding a business venture.

[Mercy Merchant]

It is not hard to find a group of three toughs who will take your drugs.  One of them will step forward and say, "So, what you got?  And why should I not just take your pills and stuff you in that dumpster over there?"

[Ennui]

I see for once my reputation does not proceed me.  I will give you two reasons.  The first is that my product is the bomb.  That is why I brought samples.  I am here to give them away so you taking them only keep the rest of your gang from enjoying them as well as the opportunity to get more.  The second reason is because I'm Lizze goddamn Borden and smart people know better than to fuck with me.

So tell me are you smart or stupid?

I cast improve reflexes while talking and ready another spell if he decides he's stupid.

Increased reflexes force 4: 8d6t5 4 +4 2d6 for initiative, very nice.
drain 4: 10d6t5 3
I'll burn an edge to reroll misses edge reroll: 7d6t5 4

[Mercy Merchant]

The ganger does seem overly impressed by the mention of your name.  Perhaps he is new here.  However, he does not make any overtly hostile moves, either.  His eyes go from one of you to the next.  "Yeah, we'll see how solid your drek is, but ain't you three just a bit far from your fancy palaces?  You could just leave your bit of stuff with us and move on back home and we all forget you were ever here.  Or, you can walk on by and go see the boss with your offer.  But just remember, if he don't like it, you'll lose your drugs and most likely be passed around the gang for fun."

"But none of you are getting past here without a quick search for weapons.  So make your choice.......move on or get searched before seeing the boss."

[Ennui]

I sigh.  If you are worried about that why don't you just give me his code and I'll talk to him and let you pass along the  product..  I'm here to do biz but if you think we are going to disarm, you're mistaken.  If he has to meet in person, I will leave my weapon with my friends outside and meet him alone. I say impatiently.

If you guys don't want the stuff there are plenty of gangs out here that do.  I've heard about the nasty street cooked drek you guys call amphetamines, this stuff will make you fly brother.  You do not want to miss out.

[Mercy Merchant]

The thug grins.  It is not a nice grin.  "Sure, you can leave your weapon with your friends, but you still gonna be searched.  You are crazy if you think we are letting you get close to the boss with a weapon.  So, what's it to be?"

[Ennui]

I believe that was one of the options I had already agreed to.  But not you.  I don't like you. Someone else gets to pat me down, you've lost that perk.  Let's get it over with shall we?

[Mercy Merchant]

The thug splutters a bit and looks like he is going to say something when a man steps from the shadows and says, "Seems she put you in your place, Seek.  Now back off."  The newcomer moves with the grace of a cat as he steps into the dim light.  He is a thin man, not quite the stereotypical street thug or go-ganger, yet his presence seems to have an immediate effect on the three gangers in front of you.  They all appear to be surprised to see him there, almost as it they had not known, and all move away from him.  He watches the three men as they take a couple of steps towards the street, but you are pretty sure that the thin man has a very good idea where you are standing. 

The leader of the three gangers gulps a bit then says, "Sure Jess.  We was just having a bit of fun.  Like it ain't the first time she has her boobs felt up."

"Perhaps, Seek.  But not by you tonight."  He turns to you and his lips smile without letting it touch his eyes.  "So, you have some new product that you want to show to us?  May I see a sample?"

[Ennui]

Well, some talent.  I was afraid I was going to be stuck dealing with this cliche.  I toss him a dose.  Enjoy, that's pharmaceutical grade cram ten times better than the street meth I've seen some of your chuckleheads using.  Figured you all might be interested in an upgrade.

[Mercy Merchant]

The thin man deftly grabs what you toss at him and puts it in a pocket.  "I am sure that you will not mind if I have this examined.  So now I have two questions to ask you.  First, no one just gives stuff like this away, so what is your angle?  And, second, who are you?"

[Ennui]

Well if you are testing I have bliss and eX as well.  My angle is simple.  I give you samples of my product.  You are blown away by the difference in quality of the stuff you currently cook and you start buying from instead.  I hand him a dose of eX and bliss as well.

The deal doesn't have to be with your boss.  You look like you have enough pull to make the deal, provided that's allowed.

As for who I am...I'm your friendly neighborhood drug manufacturer looking for someone to distribute my product on your turf.  People call me Lizzie Borden, or just Lizzie.  If you haven't heard of me just ask around.  I'm sure someone will vouch for my professionalism and I'm sure your testing will show the quality of my product.

[Mercy Merchant]

The man takes the samples and nods.  "But an argument can be made that we already sell a product, even if it is inferior.  What would we have to pay you to get these super drugs and what would we have to charge people to make any profit.  In this neighborhood, you have to consider who the potential customers are.  If they cannot afford to pay what we have to charge to meet your prices, we have lost ground, not gained. "  He shrugs and gives you another of his pasted on smiles.  "But such decisions are not left to me.  I will take you to meet the boss and you can try to sell him on the plan."

[Ennui]

The argument loses it's teeth when you realize you may always have a market for your street cooked amphetamines but you will have plenty of customers willing to pay for that.  I'll make my pitch to your boss though.  Lead the way.  We follow him to their HQ and I hand over my sword to Corbin and put my hands on my head.  Have fun.

[Mercy Merchant]

The thin man looks you over and actually does smile.  "You got something, Miss.  Tell you what, if you sell the boss on this and still want me to feel you up, I will take you to the best club in town, wine and dine you, take you dancing, then take you to a nice hotel for the night and make love to you.  If you are in the mood.  You might like it so keep it in mind."

He motions for you to drop your arms and leads you into the building and through a room full of gangers who all seem to be staring at you.  A cute waitress comes up to him as he is walking, but he waves her away as he leads you to some stairs.  Two very large guys are guarding the stairs but they move apart as he approaches.  The man does not turn his head as he ascends the stairs and walks down a short hallway to a door.  He knocks and opens the door without waiting for an answer, ushering you into a large room that has been converted into an office.  A large man is sitting at a desk with the chair turned sideways to give better access to the blonde who is on her knees blowing him.  The man looks up and grimaces.  "Frag, Jess, what the frag you doing just barging in like that?"

"Lady here has an offer for you.  Give it some thought."  Turning to you, the thin man nods.  "I will be back in a few minutes.  Make your best pitch."

The girl on her knees pulls off the man, who takes her head and puts her back on him.  The thin man leaves the office and the other man looks at you.  "Well?  let's hear this offer.  Must be good if you impressed him with it."