Thursday 13 June 2075 1618 The Willow Tree Redmond Barrens Seattle


The three gangers seem to be splitting their time gazing at the girls and the two Lightning Strikes at the other table, but they make no real move to either, although one of the three walks away from his table to take a vacant seat at Pervert Row, where he seems entirely intent on the dancers.

Willow listens and shakes her head as she replies. "I was afraid of that. Nothing I can do tonight, I am afraid. I placed an order to my normal delivery guy, but he says that he is backed up and that he lost a lot of inventory during the fighting on Monday. That seems a bit off to me because his warehouse is located away from the places that were hit, but he says he lost several delivery trucks and just cannot get out for a few more days. I tried to locate another supplier, but it was no good. Bad luck, I guess. It probably hit all the locals the same way."

Annex had his eyes on the crowd until Willow informed him of her delivery difficulties. He saw the potential signs of an attack on the Willow Tree, even if it was indirect. Take away the supplies of small businesses, any business, and you weakened them against takeover. It could just be a delay, but Annex as already thinking of solutions. Ways of bettering the Willow Tree's position. His tone was thoughtful, reflecting the churning of ideas in the man's mind.

"I suspect some people will have taken advantage of the chaos as well. Still, there are options. How is the local rat population?"

It might have been an odd question to some, but Annex was thinking practically. There was an often untapped protein source in every city. If it was ignored here, a new market could be opened up, an the Willow Tree could gain another option for feeding customers. There was only a brief pause as he gave Willow time to consider the question before he went on the explain the reason for asking.

"Get some neighborhood kids together and I can show them how to make five gallon rat traps with a bucket. Pay them by the pound. You should be set for meat."

Thursday 13 June 2075 1620 The Willow Tree Redmond Barrens Seattle


Willow gives you a thoughtful look then shakes her head. "I can see your point, and it even makes sense on some level, but that will be a hard sell. There are people in the Barrens that eat rats, but most here would not wish to do that unless that was the only option. After all, the next step after that is shoe leather, right? I would rather explore ways to restore the food deliveries, either through the same guys or perhaps a new company."

Annex looked quietly at the small Chinese woman. His expression neutral and body language telling those who looked that he was on guard. The woman's food processor was busted. Her supplies were drying up. Her deliveries were stalled. He had pointed out to her a means of gaining more independence and now she was turning down a readily available source of real meat. UCAS culinary norms at work. Willow was wrong and right at the same time. In either case, Annex did not argue. Instead he began to move away so as to renew his patrol of the room. His message was delivered.

"I will leave you to finding a more palatable solution to your problem."

Thursday 13 June 2075 1900 The Willow Tree Redmond Barrens Seattle


By 1900, the place is crowded and it is hard to simply walk the edge of the room as people are standing there, waiting for someone to leave a table or booth. A dozen men are taking turns on the pool tables, there is a fairly steady stream of men and waitresses going into the curtained area near the bar, and you see what comes as close to actual sex at some of the booths against the wall. It would be impossible to walk around and not observe perverts row and the stage from time to time and you see a lot of good looking girls come to the poles. All in all, it seems to be a noisy night, but you have only had to break up two fights so far.

Annex did not like having so many people that not only were the seats taken, but the walkways were getting congested. It clashed with too many security and safety codes drilled into him. It was, however, a sign that the Willow Tree was popular, and had the potential to prosper. All the sex and sexuality would have been distracting if he did not have plenty to keep his mind and senses occupied. At some point, in order to remain effect in observing the crowd, Annex eventually had to withdraw to the booth set aside for security personnel. Settling in there he contacted Grok over his comlink,

>>Oliver here. We are getting pretty full. Hold off on letting more in until some people leave.<<

Thursday 13 June 2075 2000 The Willow Tree Redmond Barrens Seattle


As you sit in the booth, you see again that this place was well chosen. It gives you a fairly commanding view of the entire main floor and the cameras give you a good look at what you cannot physically see. You activate the booth sensors and set the feeds as you like. Grok responds almost immediately. >>Already on it. We hit the pop count about thirty minutes back. I got a line about fifteen people long out here waiting for someone to leave. Oops, seventeen.<<

A glance at the dressing room shows a hive of activity as the girls rush from one costume set to another to try to change things up a bit. Clothing goes flying and you could easily get a good eyeful of naked flesh if you wanted.

There was not any reason for him to give the dressing room any serious scrutiny. If he wanted to see pretty naked women, he could watch something on the Matrix during his down time. Once he was certain no one was there who should not be Annex flipped to the next camera. While he was seated he also took the opportunity to wave over one of the waitresses and get something both to eat and to drink. He had started to feel the symptoms of low blood sugar and a snack would smooth that over. Annex's eyes were often on the move, panning the room. Flickering over monitor screens. Vigilance was a constant endeavor.

Thursday 13 June 2075 2200 The Willow Tree Redmond Barrens Seattle


The room is so crowded that you almost miss it. Almost. You just cannot see all the action all the time, even with a room full of cameras and your vigilance. You can feel good in knowing that without your watching eyes, you might have missed it entirely. The three Lightning Strikes have cornered Willow and one of them seems to be talking to her pretty intently. There is no hint of violence, but he is leaning just a bit as he talks. From where you are, you cannot possibly hear what is being said.

His eyes narrowed when he spotted the three men caging Willow into a corner with their bodies. How had he missed them making that move? At least he caught it. Swiftly rising to his feet Annex shut down the security both before he left it behind. As he waded through the crowd he sent Grok a message. Following the message he set up an ARO linked to the Willow Tree camera feed. The ARO pained a red silhouette around the three Lightning Strikes, and a green silhouette around Willow. There was also a fifth silhouette, green as well. This one tracked Annex so that Grok could see where everyone was an act accordingly.

>>Oliver here. The Lightning Strike guys have Willow cornered. Right now they are just talking. I am going to give her some support. Be ready in case this escalates.<<

Using the crowd as cover Annex tried to approach the Lightning Strikes from a blind spot. Their attention was on Willow, or so it seemed, and there was a great deal of noise. He should have that as an advantage to catch them off guard. There was no attack though. Right now it wasn't warranted. He just wanted to send the message that he could have taken them by surprise, and instill the wonder of what could have been done, if he had a mind to do it. Either way, he spoke suddenly from behind the men, his eyes at the back of their speaker's head.

"Do I need to show these men the door ma'am?"

Thursday 13 June 2075 2205 The Willow Tree Redmond Barrens Seattle


>>You got it, Boss.<< You actually do catch the three men off guard and one of them jumps, putting his hand inside his jacket before he remembers he has left his gun at the door. He takes a half step back as the man talking to Willow turns more slowly. He looks you up and down and holds out a hand. "Nah, we're not bothering her, are we sweetie?"

Willow looks a bit pale but shakes her head. "No, not yet. But I have told you boys to not try to talk this sort of business in my place."

The man raises his hands but does not take his eyes off you. "Alright. Alright. No harm done. We'll be moving on for new. Done nothing but talk."

Willow nods as the three men move away. "Thanks, Oliver. It happened pretty quickly, but you were on it before it got any worse."

Annex studied the gangers, watching their body language. He was paying attention to that more than the words coming from the group's face. Taking his cues from Willow, not whatever the man said. When Willow to him the men did not need to be escorted out, and they decided to leave the woman in peace, he stepped to the side and gave them room to get by. But he turned with them as they went. Not taking his eyes off of them until they were well away. At the point to sent Grok a message so that he could stand down from alert status.

>>The situation is resolved.<<

Finally he turned back to Willow. For a moment he just quietly regarded her, noting the pale tint of her skin due to the experience. Annex give her time to compose herself if she needed it before speaking to her.

"Do you want to tell me what that was about?"

Even though he inquired into the circumstances around Willow's ambush, it sounded more like an offer to listen rather than a request for information. The professional in him knew not to pry into an employer's business more than they gave invitation to.

Thursday 13 June 2075 2207 The Willow Tree Redmond Barrens Seattle


The men push past you as they leave. Two of them do so rather quickly but the third man, the one doing the talking, left more slowly, as if trying to give you the idea that he was leaving because HE wanted to leave. They disappear into the crowd. >>Didn't hear any shots. Got any bodies I need to help with?<<

Willow recovers quickly. "They were just reiterating their offer to provide protection for the 'Tree. Blood suckers, all of them. Ric, that was the mean looking one doing the talking, did not like my answer when I told him I already have security here. He made a veiled threat just before you walked up. I think you took him by surprise. Thanks."

>>No. Willow did not want corpses.<<

That was Annex's response to Grok's query. As if the boss ladies' word was law. Annex watched Willow as she spoke, listening to her words and watching her face as her mouth formed the words. It was as he had suspected. He knew it was not going to stop too. Perhaps this event was a good time to nudge her in the direction he was wanting her to take. When he responded, it was as though making an assessment of the situation.

"Things are going to get worse if the gangs are allowed to strong arm people or gain recruits. Right now they are small, divided, and thus manageable. Proactive measures need to be taken if people want someone watching out for the community that has it's interests in mind, rather than a leech."

He paused. Regarded Willow a moment, thinking. Debating with himself. Annex did not like putting Sevras on the front lines. In a place like this her aesthetic appeal was going to draw attention as well, and he knew himself to be both jealous and possessive. But a sign of strength projected around Willow may be needed. So he gave her the option to choose for herself.

"Would you like me to call Talia out of the kitchen and have her keep you company?"

It was not hard to divine that by 'company' Annex meant 'armed escort'. Sevras was both armed and armored when they showed up at the Willow Tree and had not dressed down. It did not seem like a good idea in the Barrens. Not in any public, unsecure, space.

Thursday 13 June 2075 2210 The Willow Tree Redmond Barrens Seattle


Willow listens to you and frowns a bit. "What sort of proactive stuff are you talking about, Oliver? Are you angling to become a gang leader and take over the neighborhood?"

When you ask if she wants Talia to come out, she shakes her head. "And who would make the nachos? No, I should be alright. I am a big girl. I might need help with some of the local thugs, but I don't really need a full-time bodyguard in my own place."

He did not fault Willow for her suspicions. He was ambitious. Annex knew that about himself too. But he was not going to settle for a run down Barrens neighborhood. This was temporary. Just a paycheck. When he did respond it was with that same advisory manner he had when giving Willow options to consider that he had demonstrated in the past.

"A neighborhood militia would help. A group needs to act in defense of the community. It isn't going to be Knight Errant. If you do not want a Gang Lord, people need to contribute. There are other, less martial things, too. Things to keep people active, not needing the sense of belonging and economic or numeric support a gang would offer as a benefit. But someone does need to step up to organize these kind of things. Someone the community can respect. Not me. I am a stranger."

When Willow turned down the offer of calling Sevras in to accompany her, he was relieved. A singular not was delivered in acknowledgement f her statement about not needing a full time body guard in her own house.

"You have my comcode. Do not hesitate to use it. My eyes may be elsewhere next time."

Thursday 13 June 2075 2215 The Willow Tree Redmond Barrens Seattle


Willow nods but raises a hand. "You would be more respected the longer you stay around, Oliver. A community action group might be nice, but you are right that even that would take someone to organize it. Hmmm. Lots of people here respect old Doc Hays. Maybe we could talk to him about this tomorrow. And I am sorry that I did not com you when they cornered me. And I am very glad that you came when you did. We may still have trouble with those guys soon."

She looks at you with an odd look before walking off to talk with one of the waitresses.

Annex waited for Willow to go her own way before moving off. Keeping his eyes moving, panning his vision over the crowd, he waded through the sea of flesh to the security booth he had been operating out of since the increase in customer population. Sliding smoothly into the booth he reclaimed his perch like a dark predatory creature. Gloved hands moved over the controls at one arm, turning the screens back on so that he could monitor the room through cameras. An augmented field of view that went beyond what his meat eyes could see given the raised tide of humanity that filled the room. Bodies throbbing with the music.

Friday 14 June 2075 0125 The Willow Tree Redmond Barrens Seattle


The crowds have stayed pretty constant over the past couple of hours, but start to thin at about 0100. There have been very few instances that required your intervention and both sets of gangers seem to have disappeared just after midnight.

Once the ground began to thin some Annex would get up and stretch his legs over so often. Make a couple patrols of the main room then return to the security booth. There was no regular interval between the patrols that could be pinned down and timed. They were purposefully made random with a conscious effort made not to establish a pattern, either in timing, routes that he took on his walks, nor their duration. Throughout his time on the floor Annex did not interact with the customers or rest of the Willow Tree staff any more than he needed to.

Friday 14 June 2075 0410 The Willow Tree Redmond Barrens Seattle


Willow shoos the last of the customers out of the door, making sure that no one is still in the entertainment rooms behind the curtain near the bar. She looks your way and smiles. "Say, Could I ask you to make a camera sweep to make sure that no one is hiding out or passed out somewhere? Then make a physical sweep of the place with me?"

At Willow's request Annex walked back to the security booth after observing the stragglers get nudged out the door. At the booth he took a seat long enough to pan through the camera suite, taking his time and making sure he was thorough in his visual inspection. As long as he did not find anyone hiding or passed out he shut down the security station and got to his feet.

"I will start by the stage."

He informed Willow before setting himself to the task of the physical sweep of the room. He looked under tables and in booths. Even amidst the stage curtain where someone might find concealment after the performers left for the changing room. Annex worked in a classic grid search pattern, gradually making his way towards Willow.

Friday 14 June 2075 0440 The Willow Tree Redmond Barrens Seattle



You conduct your visual and physical searches while the waitresses sweep up and remove the worst of the detritus of the evening. You see each girl go up to both the guy who was mixing the music and Mike and pay each of them part of the money she has collected through the night. The rest goes into purses or tucked into pockets and bra tops. You notice that the girls seem to be friendly towards each other. Several of them come up to you as you are doing the sweep and give you a kiss on the cheek before saying good night and trooping upstairs to their rooms. By the time you are done and meet up with Willow, only four of the girls are still downstairs in the main room. They are sitting at one of the table and one is shuffling a pack of cards with the practiced ease of someone who has done this many times. One will wave at you and call out, "Hey, Oliver. Fancy a go at the cards?"

Annex steered clear of kisses and waved the women off, shooing the offers of affection from people he did not know away with a hand gesture. Rather than desiring them, he appeared irritated by the attempts. Like a grouchy old man too old to get anything worth while out of the attentions of scantily clad women. Even if he really wasn't all that old. Hearing his alias being called out from a table populated by some of the brothel staff he turned his head and fixed his eyes on the speaker.

"No. Thank you for the invitation though."

His attention lingered on the table and it's occupants for a handful of seconds before he closed the distance between himself and Willow. After giving her his report of an all clear, he looked to the stairs in a way that was almost like gesturing or pointing.

"If you do not need anything else from me, I am going to get some rest."

Friday 14 June 2075 0442 The Willow Tree Redmond Barrens Seattle


While you are talking to Willow, you see Grok come in. The girls at the table wave him over and he nods his head. "Be right there. Just gotta talk to the boss, first." He walks to where you and Willow are. "All locked up for the night, Willow." He turns to you and adds, "Nice to have you on the job, Oliver. I am glad there were no problems tonight. Hope you stick around for a while." He tips you a salute then goes over to the table to join the card game.

Willow looks at you and smiles. "I am going up to bed as well. I am glad that you and Talia came by and I, too, hope that you stay a while. Good night."

Annex's response to Grok and Willow was a single nod. He did not have anything more to say at the moment. Turning to walk away he steered a course for the kitchen, one hand raising towards the people he was leaving behind. Like a frozen wave. Then his hand dropped and he disappeared into the kitchen long enough to tell Sevras to meet him upstairs in their room when she finished cleaning up. That and he grabbed an empty eight ounce soda can before taking off up the stairway. In his room he dressed down for a rest period. His firearm was tucked under the bed's pillow and his contact, earbuds, and 'trodes were tucked into a drawer. After Sevras joined him he locked the door, wedged a chair under the knob, and balanced the soda can on top of the knob. A primitive alarm.

Speaking of alarms, he set his comlink to wake him in five hours. That should be enough for both Sevras and himself to recharge. Though one day of working in a brothel was enough to get a man primed for sex, there was none between Sevras and Annex. Even though she had all the parts needed to make that a possibility and they shared the same bed wearing only underwear. Annex slept while the drone remained in a recharging mode. Alert, but mimicking sleep. A reasonable second line of security for the man while sleep made him otherwise vulnerable.

Normally Annex did not sleep much. He had a minor case of insomnia and did not tend to get more than five hour of sleep. That was often broken up too, as he woke up repeatedly before eventually falling back to sleep. The man's mind was too active. But in five hour's time, if nothing happened in the interim, him comlink's alarm would go off. It was an annoying wail that no sensible person would want to endure. He shut it off quickly and laid in bed a minute more before rousing himself. Sevras followed with little prompting and together they went through the routine of making use of the bathroom to wash up, then dressed in their room before heading down stairs. It was about that time that he sent Grok a low priority text message, in which he asked Grok to get ahold of him when he had time to talk about what could be done to improve the Willow Tree's security.

Friday 14 June 2075 1000 The Willow Tree Redmond Barrens Seattle



Downstairs you find four of the girls dressed in street clothes of the non-revealing type. Of course, there was little that the clothing could do to hide that these are extremely good looking girls. You think that they might be the poker playing quartet, although they do look different with clothes on. One waves at you and Sevras. "Hey, Oliver, Talia. We're just hopping out to the 'shack down the block for some breakfast. Interested? My treat for being the big winner last night."

Annex paused at hearing the voice call out to them, and looked to the group gathered in preparation for an expedition to gather some good for their bellies. As memory served, there was not all them much in the kitchen to work with. That meant going out regardless. Better in a group given the climate of danger present in the Barren. Turning his head he looked to the dark haired drone at his side, as though to get her input. At length he looked back to the other women and offered a nod.

"Food sounds good."

At that he moved to join the women. At the door he held it open for the women and his drone companion to exit ahead of him. Then he closed up behind them and set out down the street with his new co-workers.

Friday 14 June 2075 1001 Outside The Willow Tree Redmond Barrens Seattle


The girls readily include you and Talia in their conversation. They do not spend much time on their johns of the previous night except to point out what the guys liked and disliked and if they were good tippers. Other than that, the discussion is about normal things. The walk to the local 'Shack is only a few minutes, but you notice four men wearing Smoking Guns jackets watching you from across the street. They do not look very friendly but make no move to come to your side of the street.............yet. Two of them go into a shop while the other two wait outside.

Annex kept to his already established pattern of not being very talkative. He did not ignore the conversations going on though, even when it turned to the sex trade. Normally he only commented when someone spoke to him directly, or when he had a question about something. When they neared the Stuffer Shack he watched the gangers, noting when they split up. Two going into a building while the two took up position outside the door. It made their intent clear to him. Though the time of day felt off for extortion. It seemed more profitable to do so towards the end of the work day when the till was likely to be more robust. Once they were inside he commented on what he had seen to the girls from the Willow Tree.

"Looks like the Smoking Guns are shaking people down."

Inside the store he moved with the group, gauging their reactions to his observation. He also kept in sight of the window so that he could look outside and monitor the movements of the Smoking Guns. He was uninvested in the wellbeing of most of the neighborhood, but the four women he was traveling with where directly connected to Willow and her business. They were valuable employees that brought is a sizable percentage of the establishment's income. That meant they needed to be looked after. If he could prevent it, he was not going to let trouble even get close to them. While Sevras collected some food he was thinking of ways to dispatch or detour the gangers outside. Not long after he initially pointed out the activities of the four men he gave voice to a question for his female companions.

"How many people do you know on the street who want to keep their money and would be willing to do something about it if they did not have to stand alone?"

Friday 14 June 2075 1010 Outside A Stuffer Shack Redmond Barrens Seattle


The girls shake their heads, one saying, "Poor Mister Ling. He runs a small grocery and the thugs always hit him up because they know he sells groceries and everyone buys groceries. Problem is that he is not in the best location, being across the street from a "shack and all, but what can he do? He got the place from his dad and I doubt that he can afford to move."

While you watch, the two men who had gone inside the shop opposite the 'Shack come back to the street and move to the next shop, again leaving two men outside and two entering.

After you ask your last question, all four girls look at you like you have said something in a foreign language. One shakes her head, this one you think is Olga. "Now, don't go getting all crazy on us, Oliver. Protection is pretty much normal around here and has been for a long time. Are you trying upset the cart? I imagine you could find lots of people willing to try what you say, but if they don;t pay for it, then who will? The fragging KE? No matter how you word it, if they have to pay someone to keep the Guns or Strikes away, isn't that still paying protection?"

Annex did not appear swayed by Olga's words. He did not interject though. Listened to her. Let her say her peace. Even though there were holes in her logic. It may have made some sense if there were a strong gang in control. But not as it was now. Keeping his voice at a conversational volume Annex responded, his tone mild and calm. Unpassed by the looks his earlier question had garnered from the four women.

"There was a time when people volunteered to come together and defend their community, because it meant making it safer for everyone. Not as a façade for extortion."

After having paid for Annex's food Sevras slipped a breakfast themed sandwich into his hand at some point. It was with his free hand though that he gestured towards the door. As he went on Annex looked from Olga to the other woman, as if to ask for the group's input.

"Maybe this is what people prefer though. Are either of the gangs helping to keep the neighborhood safe? Do you feel secure in the knowledge that those men outside are there to protect you?"

Friday 14 June 2075 1011 Outside A Stuffer Shack Redmond Barrens Seattle


The four snort, almost in unison. "Frag no, we don't feel safe with those bozos in charge. We know all of them, well except for one new guy the Guns have hired on. Most of 'em barely knew where to stick their member a year ago, if you catch my meaning." The other three nod and giggle. "Nah, most of them would probably shoot themselves or piss their pants if someone came in to do anything rough. But volunteers? Around here in the Barrens? Not that I have heard. A strong gang of some kind, that has always worked in the past. Up til Monday, anyway. Sad, that. I had thought those guys were better than they were, but the other guys just shot em all up like they were nothing. Not sure anyone got off a shot before all the firing was over. Those other guys knew what it was, I tell you.?

Realizing that Sevras had placed a sandwich in his hand at some point, he offered the drone a thank you while he listened to the prostitute talk. He sensed complacency. A willingness to accept things as they were, however bad they might become in the near future, and hope things sorted themselves out. The word 'cattle' came to mind. Though he listened, and yes he picked up on the mention of the hired gun, Annex divided the resource of his eyes between the movements of the gangers outside and the women he was speaking to inside the stuffer shake.

"You ladies did earn quite a bit last night. Think they might want to shake you down on the walk back to the Willow Tree?"

Annex raised an eyebrow as he looked to the last of the prostitutes to speak. He wanted their insight, because they knew the men better. But he also wanted them to consider just how close they were to becoming victims as well. Lifting his warm sandwich to his mouth Annex chomped into the mish-mash of something like a crescent with hash browns, meat, and egg. It didn't quite look like it though. The taste was even further off. As he chewed, he mused on the presence of two gangs in the neighborhood, and what exactly would happen if both happened to be in the area while one was in the process of collecting extortion money.

"Think on it a bit. Let me know if any names of potential volunteers come to mind."

Friday 14 June 2075 1015 Inside A Stuffer Shack Redmond Barrens Seattle


They look a bit surprised at your question. "Why would they do that? We are not a business, we just work for one. Haven't heard of them doing that before. Besides, you are with us, right?"

Olga snorts and says, "Listen to you three. Talking like all will go back to way it was before. Oliver is right. Men could stop and take money or rape or something worse. And Oliver is not always with us. We were going to come here without him, but he showed up. We would have come even if Oliver was not hungry and stay at Tree. Is new world out here since Monday morning. I do not want to be cow going to slaughter, no. I want to stay living. Maybe Oliver is right and we need to find some to look after each other."

The other three look at her with their mouths hanging open.

Annexed watched Olga's transition from 'don't rock the boat' to ' I do not want to be cow going to slaughter' with approval. While the women were speaking, he was eating. Paying attention even as he used the time of quiet on his part to feed his hunger. The man ate quickly and it wasn't all that long before the breakfast sandwhich was gone leaving his hand empty but somewhat moist and oily. Though the other three stared gape jawed at their cow-worker Annex offered the woman's words a nod of support. As he composed his response Annex was rubbing the oils lingering on his palm into the back of the opposing hand's skin. Both cleaning himself and moisturizing at the same time. Waste not.

"We are in a state of transition. With the right actions, if the good people of this community take the initiative, things can be made better. Or they could get a lot worse if the wrong people are allowed to do as they please and take over. There are a couple hours till opening. Would it hurt to ask around? Test the waters at least."

He paid attention to reaction this garnered from the women. Annex did not expect to convince everyone. But one person in four was a good start if Olga proved consistent in her new stance. As he thought of her, Annex looked to the accented working girl and spoke directly to her next. The way he spoke it was as though things were starting to happen. They were just beginning, but he was not just talking. He was doing and planned to continue to act on what he had discussed with her and the other women from the Willow Tree. There was also the impression that she could be part of that doing if she wanted to.

"If you would like to take the lead on that, Willow and I were going to talk with Doc Hays today. See if he wanted to get involved in kickstarting a community action group."

Friday 14 June 2075 1016 Inside A Stuffer Shack Redmond Barrens Seattle


All four of the girls look at you and one of the other three nods her head. "Old Doc Hays? Well, there's a start for you. Lots of people look up to him. Of course, he is rather old."

A subtle inclination of the head was given. Willow had called his just that, 'Old Doc Hayes'. When the woman felt the need to emphasize that he was indeed rather old Annex began to wonder just how old and decrepit this person was. His initial response was one to dissuade potential concerns that anyone involved needed to be a fighter.

"You do not have to be a certain age or occupation in order to make a difference."

He paused, regarding the women as a group for a few seconds before adding a question.

"Is there anything I should know about the man?"

Friday 14 June 2075 1017 Inside A Stuffer Shack Redmond Barrens Seattle


Olga nods. "Been street doc here for as long as remember. Probably delivered lots of the people in the neighborhood. Nice man. Has pretty assistant to come check us out. She is new, three years only maybe."

He considered Olga's words. Three years was considered new. Things must have changed slowly in this neighborhood. Or maybe new people did not arrive often. After a minute of thought on the subject Annex inclined his head towards the front door of the Stuffer Shack.

"We are going to head back to the Willow Tree. Thank you for inviting us tome come along for breakfast."

After informing the others of his intent to depart he gave Sevras a look, then made his way to the door at an unrushed pace. Outside he stepped free of the doorway, hear swiveling and eyes panning over the urban terrain to take in the scene. Then he was off down the sidewalk, striding back to the bar and brothel.

Friday 14 June 2075 1030 Inside A Stuffer Shack Redmond Barrens Seattle


The girls show no indication of leaving the booth just yet, but they do wish both you and Talia a nice day.

Outside, the street is pretty bustling, with people going to and fro in their lives. Some shopping is being done, but you overhear two women coming out of the 'Shack behind you complain of the shortages of goods available and that the prices seem to be a bit higher than they were last week. Several men and a woman are standing just inside the mouth of an alleyway opposite you and they seem to be passing some sort of cigarette and a bottle around. Another man seems passed out at their feet, but they are not paying him any attention. An attractive young woman dressed in jeans and a midrif-baring top with a short jacket walks out of a mostly ill-kept apartment building just down the street and looks at a data pad before turning away from you and heading down the street. She is carrying a satchel of some sort in her other hand. The four gangers you had seen earlier gather in front of a building and two of them call out to her in a rather derogatory manner, hinting at the pleasures she could expect to receive from them. Without slowing down, the woman shifts the data pad to under her other arm and draws a very large handgun from inside the jacket. She holds it barrel down but her threat is clear. "No thanks, boys. I get all the fun I need from little missy here. I have told you before to leave me and these people alone. We do not need or want your kind here."

The toughs back away, holding their hands up, but one puts a hand inside the coat he is wearing as his friends try to distract her. The woman's gun hand is up and a bright red dot appears center mass on the man, who carefully brings his hand out empty. She potions with the gun and all four cross the street and stand next to one of the buildings. Satisfied, the woman holsters her gun and continues on her way.

More talk about the supply shortage. Annex had a creeping feeling he might actually have to look into that at some point. Actually finding the time would be an issue. Sixteen hour work days were a pain. That was one thing he did not miss about his old life. Getting around without a vehicle was going to eat up a lot of time too. He was thinking on the logistics when a commotion arose across the street. Turning his head he observed the interplay between the woman with the hand cannon and the four ruffians. When it looked like there just might be a conflict he paused and stood off to the side of the sidewalk, near a building on his side of the street. The situation resolved itself without violence though. Annex took a capture of the woman's face and made some notes, including a mention of the apartment building she exited from, in an AR notepad without moving a limb to do so. She was someone to bear in mind, but he was not going to approach the woman cold on the street after she had been accosted by a quartet of wouldbe rapists. No, Annex resumed his trek to the Willow Tree.

Friday 14 June 2075 1033 Willow Tree Redmond Barrens Seattle


Inside the Willow Tree, you see three of the girls on the stage practicing their routines. The skintight unitards they are wearing leave very little to the imagination and your mind lets you see each of them naked from your memories of the night before. Grok and Mike are stocking shelves of the bar from crates of bottles they have brought in from somewhere and they both wave as they see you. Willow is standing on the main floor, watching the girls on the stage and taking notes on a data pad.

On entering Annex made a quick survey of the room, noting who was present and where. The waves from Mike and Grok were reciprocated with a raised hand as a sign of greeting. He spoke briefly with Sevras and the two parted ways. The machine going over to see if she could assist with the stocking. Annex himself crossed the room to where Willow was observing the dancer's practicing their routines and poking at her datapad. He faced the stage, watching the girls until Willow looked to finish her work on the pad or acknowledged. At which point he spoke up.

"Are you still going to have time to visit the doctor today?"

Friday 14 June 2075 1036 Willow Tree Redmond Barrens Seattle


Willow actually looks up as you come stand next to her. "Hey, Oliver. Just making some notes on their new routines to review with them later. The doctor? Oh, you mean Doc Hays? Sure, we can do that. When do you want to go over to see him? His assistant will be here soon to do her weekly check on the girls, and I would like to have a word with her before we leave, if that is alright with you." She turns to look at you. "As employees here, you and Talia are allowed to take advantage of the medical care I pay for. I would appreciate it if you let Sam give you a look over?"

When Willow spoke to him he turned at the hip to face her partially, then turned his head the rest of the way. While she talked he studied the woman, his eyes moving over her face in a habitual passive study of her expression and eyes. Searching for something to reveal itself.

"I have no problem waiting until you have spoken to the man's assistant."

There was a pause when she offered, even requested, to extend the weekly medical checkup she paid for to himself and his drone companion. Annex did not want any documentation of his presence here. Even if that were excluded, which may be a possibility is the Barrens, Sevras was not so lifelike that she had a pulse. He did not want the machine's true nature exposed. Given how expensive an investment she was, she'd be a target for theft. After a prolonged paused Annex shook his head.

"Talia and I do not require medical services at this time. We do not use drugs either, if that is what the weekly checks are about."

Friday. 14 June 2075. The Willow Tree. Redmond Barrens. Seattle


Willow shakes her head. "Drugs is only one of the problems here, Oliver. I get the girls tested weekly for STDs and general wellness as well. One of your perks for working here is a serious discount on the services that you can get from the girls but it is important that you are clean of these things. Do you understand?"

"A wise precaution and a smart incentive. It also allows you to get an idea of what kind of 'ware someone may have."

Annex responded initially, acknowledging the merit of what Willow was asking, and expressing his understanding. Though for a minute he said nothing further. Internally the man debated with himself, considering the ramifications of the choices he could make in the situation. In the end he decided to take a minimalist approach: minimal resistance he could allow and minimal information he felt comfortable sharing at the time.

"Talia is immune to disease and cannot become a carrier. I do not intend to partake of any sexual services, but can see how disease could be an issue in other ways. As long as no record is kept of my checkup, I am willing to allow it to assuage your concerns. Only for myself, however."

Friday 14 June 2075 Willow Tree Redmond Barrens Seattle


Willow nods. "Alright, Oliver, I can accept that. Sam will be around shortly and I will have her look at you. I can understand that you and Talia are together and actually admire you for not wanting to take my girls to bed. Just know that if things change, you can have your pick of anyone here, including the owner."

She gives you a smile and goes back to making notes on the new routines.

Annex gave Willow a curious look when she included herself in the list of potential women he could contract at the Willow Tree. He thought back to the previous night. How she had acted around him while he talked with her about the food processor. Then again how she had rebuffed customers requesting her services. Nothing was said, but he lingered at Willow's side, watching the woman practice on stage until she had finished her current routine. Or the current practice round before she reset. Then he broke away and moved the bar to fetch some juice. His mouth was starting to feel sticky after having eaten without something to hydrate.

When Mike or Grok had a free moment in their work he signal one of them over. He described the physical characteristics and sizable handgun carried by the woman he had see interacting with the ganger's on the street during his walk to the Willow Tree.

"Do you know her? She may live out of ..."

... and then he went on to note the exact apartment building he had seen the woman walk out of.