Round Three (KBTBB FF)

21 - Stratus

I'm not sure what I'd rather worry about. The lounge, or radio silence on Baba's end. Ugh, I'll just deal with whatever comes at me first.

Baba might show up, considering I've come back to Minato to get some intel on Heemi at Canters' Tokyo Lounge.

Canters has an assortment of services they offer to partners and members. Of course these come at the variable price of their currency, but more of the successful names are able to afford entry into their lounges. The lounges were made for networking and refuge from 'business', as they call it, but has now unofficially become a place for quick under the table transactions amongst those who can afford it. It's costly, but only the cream of the crop hang around there. And it's vicious.

If they sense anything wrong, they'll eat you up alive. You're Shi Rei.

Upon entering the lobby, I drop three coins into the mouth of the statue by the bouncer. He holds his arm out to block me.

"You're not going to be trouble, are you?" He glares at me.

"You wouldn't live long to see it." I counter.

"Do I need to call a supervisor?"

"If you want another one dead, then be my guest." I shove past him.

The vast lounge is quiet, spare for the hushed voices probably working deals way out of my business. I make eye contact with no one to avoid confrontation, though I can feel eyes on me. I can't blame them, considering I've become an exception to the 'no foul play' rule in Canter lounges internationally.

I did make an example of the previous Australian Councilman in a lounge. That was a mess.

Without letting a moment pass, a coaster slides along the bar and stops in front of me just as I lean against it. A bartender begins to mix a martini, which he serves and gets straight to he point.

"Please, Shi Rei, we don't need more clean up tonight. How can I help you?" He fidgets with his apron.

"It's a little sour today." I wince and push the martini toward him.

"Sorry, let me fix up another." He bows.

"Bring me a cigarette, yeah?" I look through the menu meanwhile.

Thief, Plant, Bodyguard, Technology Specialist, Surgeon, Bounty Hunter, Substance or Weapon Specialist, Fixer, Spy, and the Assassin. Looks like the contracts offered are still the same.

"Here you are. Is it better?"

"It's enough." I shrug, placing the cigarette between my lips.

He holds up a lighter for me. "Are you here to offer your services or are you looking for a contract?"

My frayed nerves soothe with the first hit, "i need to find someone."

"Yes, Shi Rei."

While he's busy, I stare at the lit end of the smoke.

It's insane how great these feel when they taste like shit.

"I've found one for you. Trace Shota is to your left at the corner both." He gestures.

I come up to Trace's booth as he balances two chopsticks onto each other by their tips. He's so entranced, I don't expect him to notice me when he starts talking.

"Shi Rei, huh? I almost didn't believe the barkeep when he told me, but then I realized the lounge was too loud." He says.

"It's me." I shrug and take a seat across from him when he gestures.