>>6329660Your drink arrives, placed on the table by a vaguely feminine drone with a couple of recycled appendages and a holo-caster instead of a neck that projects the image of a woman's head where it ought to be on the body. She doesn't speak, but she's all smiles. Your ears perk a bit at the object of the heist. <span class="mu-g">"Are you referring to the Heaven's Gate cult? Wasn't aware they possessed any real mystical knowledge. The shoes, though, were part of the uniform they wore during their mass suicide, and discontinued by Nike afterwards because of the morbid association. A museum or collector would probably pay a million. They likely carry a potent resonance of death, I'd imagine that's why Rupert wants them."</span> You reply. As per usual, your encyclopedic insight into artifacts, antiques, and strange organizations of all kinds far outstrips whatever homework Vincent has done for the theft in front of him. You already know he's selling to Rupert at the nearby <span class="mu-g">Goblin Market</span> because hardly any other vendors are content to purchase merchandise from his crazy ass.
Vince grins, and nods while you sip your drink. <span class="mu-g">"Perhaps they should call you Magnifying Glass instead of Looking Glass, <span class="mu-i">mon poto</span>, those are the exact shoes I am going to steal. I think we will be ready by end of week, you ought to take what we French used to call Paid Vacation, eh, and come live a little. Just like the old days, <span class="mu-i">oui</span>?"</span> He replies. Before you can decline or accept his invitation, you both hear his main alias from the main holo-caster.
<span class="mu-b">"Fabian Stripe, please approach the stage, it is your turn in the queue, thank you.</span> The machine invites, using an even, calm feminine voice with a British accent.
Your companion's grin broadens as he starts to get up from his seat. <span class="mu-g">"Speaking of the old days, come sing with me, Percy, let's do our old duet! I feel like celebrating! Come, come, let's have a good time tonight, <span class="mu-i">oui</span>?"</span> He says.
<span class="mu-s">How do you respond?</span>
>You DO love to be the center of attention, and while you're full on glamour, it never hurts to harvest more - in fact, it's a better high than you'll get on any of the drinks here (or anywhere), and you came to have fun after all. >While you're far from shy about karaoke, you'd rather just have your drink for now, and while Vincent does his number you can enjoy your drink or schmooze with bar patrons until he rejoins you. >You don't want to get on stage because you can use Vincent being distracted to check out the cyber-cafe and arrange to meet an informant down here. >Write in 