This thread is permanently archived
(Setting) G&K CafeBar
| >Being a relatively small cafe, it only featured a couple of tables and a counter. In the corner a bunch of mafiosi were sitting behind a table, having lunch.
>Behind the counter stood a young woman in chocolate apron over black suit, and a tall man in similar suit. Woman's waist long, chestnut color hair was put in a ponytail, and a bandage was wrapped around her head. She was washing dishes with a weak smile, her green eyes somewhat clouded.
| >Fox strolls in, hands in his patchy denim jacket. He remembers the night of the pink haze and his air filters feel like they're on fire again. But he pushes past the thoughts and wanders to the counter. He rolls up his left sleeve to pull out his PDA before giving the woman a wave.
| >A smallish sickly looking woman with long white hair, red eyes and a large red coat makes her way through the door, looking around uncertainly
"H-Hello? Is it open here?"
>She says in a wispy and tired voice
| >Woman at the counter looked up at the guests, and waved her hand slightly. She said something, but completely inaudible, making the tall man beside her raise his brow.
"Good evening! Please, take a seat wherever you like!" — >Man said, and turned to the girl.
>"Mina, if you don't feel well go have some rest." — man whispered.
>"I-I'm fine, Mike. Really." Mina whispered back with a weak smile.
>There are multiple free tables, as well as a row of chairs at the counter.
| >The small woman seems surprised and scared for an instant after being spoken to but then calms down
"T-Thanks"
>She takes a seat at a table, putting her coat next to her
| >>204581
>Tall man named Mike put his hand on bartender woman's shoulder, and went to the table newcomer took a seat at. He smiled and put a menu book in front of her, surprisingly big for a small cafe like this. Unlike most places that used holo-tablets, this menu was made of an actual, real paper. And, apparently, handwritten. It was more of a calligraphy piece, than a menu, with each word and each letter unique.
"Call us when you make your mind." >Man said, and went back.
| >The girl nods her head several times
"Y-Yeah, thanks"
>She starts looking at the menu with interest
| >>204720
>Couple dozen pages list various alcohol and alcohol-free drinks, cocktails, teas and coffee varieties.
>Surprisingly, menu also lists multiple pages of salads, soups, fish and meat meals, desserts and even bakery.
|
| >Fox looks nervously at the Mafioso-looking guys but pushes past that worry. He raps his knuckles on the counter with a dull metallic thud.
"Excuse me, miss Springfield? Mind if I talk to you for a bit?
| >>205142
>Mina looked up at Fox as he addressed her, and leaned on the counter, putting her face really close to the lilim's.
" I would mind if you didn't " — >She whispered, and instantly backed off with a girlish giggle. Behind her Mike glanced at the bartender girl with a scolding look in his eyes, and put another menu on the counter.
"Of course I don't mind. What is it?" — >Mina continued with a smile.
| >The small girl looks around, and raises her hand, seemingly trying to get the man's attention
| >>205951
>Fox couldn't read her emotion too well. Was she surprised or flirty?? He tucked the thought away and flashed a smile back at her.
"I'm Fox Ayanami. I was contracted to send you a package during the pink haze incident. I'm one of the lilim that helped you get to a hospital when everything went South. How are you feeling?"
| >>205958
>Mike noticed raised hand, and approached the girl.
>>205994
"Aaah!"
>Mina exclaimed, her eyes widened a bit in excitement.
"So it was you! Thank you, I'm in a huge debt to you! I asked the doctor that treated me who brought me there, but he was like, — >She made a grumpy face
— 'girl I don't know and I don't care', and all the nurses were too busy with other patients."
>She smiled again.
"But I'm already way better. You said something about package?"
| >>206056
"Do you have anything in mind? A lunch, perhaps, or maybe you just came here for a drink?"
>Man asked with a polite smile.
| >>206103
"A lunch would be nice, and the strongest drink you have!"
>The girl says, looking a bit happier now
| >>206164
>Mike looked over the girl, thinking something to himself.
"While we could serve some of our strongest drinks, I think it would be better to choose your drink to suit your dish."
>He paused for a second.
"In your case I would recommend a glass of añejo tequila, with beef tacos and tomato soup. And for dessert I would recommend chocolate brownies. A glass of mojito would make an ideal aperitif, while you wait for your meal."
| >>206207
>The girl nods along
"That sounds good, T-thank you!"
>She shows a beaming smile, its really cute.
| >>206014
"Yes!! A package. Let me bring it out-"
>Fox drew from his courier bag a small cardboard box. The tags say they're from BTC but Mina gets the feeling that it's really not.
"It was a special delivery. Some guy said it was the special ingredient you needed or something."
| >>206228
>Man nodded.
"Your order will take about 20, 25 minutes, — >he turned to the counter,
— Mina, a mojito, on the house!"
>Mike went behind the counter, and entered the kitchen.
>>206519
"Got it!"
>Mina said back, and turned to Fox. She started making the cocktail.
"This must be some sort of a mistake, — >She said with a soft smile, as she sliced a lime,
— Or a bomb. Probably a bomb."
>Mint and ice followed.
"We do not use BTC stuff."
>Mafiosi in the corner all turned around.
| >>206519
"You probably should throw the package out of here. Like, right now."
>Mina said with the smile of a saint.
| >upbeat singing can be heard outside
Here comes my love trial, my judgement awaits me~
How long is my list of charges go-ing to be?~
Closing statement - a teary apology
With powers vested in you, I was declared guiltyyyyyy~
| >>206953
>Fox takes her word for it and takes the box back. He walks out side and tosses it as hard as he can into the night, not really caring where it ends up. Once the deed is done, he walks back to the bar.
"Well, I still need you to sign for this no matter what. Please??"
>He hands her his PDA that has a prompt for a signature
| >>207014
"But of course! Why wouldn't I?"
>She put mint and ice inside the glass, and quickly signed the PDA, before returning to making the drink.
"Care for a drink? The least I can give you for saving my life."
>Mina winked.
| >Mafiosi in the corner returned to their lunch.
| >Meanwhile, a man in the suit outside retrieves the BTC package. He seems to be wearing an Eastern business suit, his actions caught on the street cameras.
"Filthy rodents, refusing a simple path to business. At least they are smart enough. But I will leave this as a warning. To Springfields, you shall not tread on our territories, you shall not disrespect us, and we know."
>He shoots his laser rifle. The laser charges, then fires at the Cafe, blowing a wall open.
>He disappears.
| >Laser melts off the bricks on the wall, revealing heavy nanocomposite armor beneath. No one inside the cafe hears or feels a thing.
| >>207025
"I'm really partial to sour drinks! Anything that you like that's sour is what I would like, please. Oh, and your name too??"
>Fox flashes a wide grin and blushes light grey
| >>207047
"Oh, I'm Mina. Everyone's favorite, Mina Springfield!"
>She declares giggling.
"People coming in here usually all know me already, so I almost never have to introduce myself. And forget to do so when I need."
>She looked behind Fox and waved to the mafiosi in the corner.
"Johnny, sweetie, help me out there! This glass is looking for its mistress!"
>She raised finished mojito in the air.
>One of the mafiosi, short young man smiled and walked up to the counter.
| >Mina handed over the glass of mojito, and Johnny delivered it to the lone girl. "M'lady, your drink has arrived!" he said, tapping his fedora, before going back to his buddies. They welcomed him, applauding.
>Bartender woman turned back to Fox.
"So, anything that's sour, eh?"
>She asked with impish smile, as she started doing something behind the counter.
"Then no peeking!"
| >The man from before appears again, with a surprised expression. He seems to talk on his comm. The other voice is furious.
"YOU HAVE FAILED US, DRAGON!"
"I-"
"You have picked a very dishonorable approach to deliver a message, Dragon, and no one will get it!"
"But it is-"
"These Springfield... they are small, but they are powerful. We can not destroy rodents. They will simply born somewhere. It is all. Report back."
>The man now hangs his head in shame, and rage.
| >>207090
"Alright Mina, I got my eyes closed completely!"
>Fox covers his eyes and shuts them tight. He listens intently to the surroundings of the bar.
"Say, all these dudes are dressed really nicely. Is this a themed cafe too? These seem to be really common around these parts. The Motor district has nothing like this."
| >In rage, he takes out a rocket launcher and fires at the G&K CafeBar's sign.
>A black sports car pulls over, a man in a white suits appears with 2 swords.
>In a flash, the white-suit takes out his blades and executed the black-suit. He then retrieves his gear, and the BTC package.
>The car speeds off into the Glitz District.
| >Any rocket launcher, that could be concealed inside a business suit, is unlikely to deal any damage to the sign, and therefore deals none.
| >>207099
"You could say something like that. Not exactly themed cafe, but it is something of a tradition for regulars to dress up a little when they come here."
>Sounds of something being poured and glasses tinkling can be heard.
"So you live in Motor then, I suppose?"
>Fox would hear Mina ask. Listening to it with more attention, it is clear, that most of her charm comes from her voice, rather than her looks.
| >>207134
"Yep, since it's where the best clients for courier services typically live. Plus all of the noise and bustle there reminds me of when I was still becoming self-aware and then living in New Philly in the US."
>He stills has his eyes shut, but puts one of his hands on to the table to get his bearings a little better.
| >>207140
"Hmm~ I never really been too far away from Glitch. Was it fun in US?"
>Sound of ice cubes clinking against the glass.
| >>207150
"It was interesting to live there, that's for sure. Lilim aren't given as many rights as we have here. It was difficult for me, but Ayanami-sensei really did his best to help me learn and grow. He was a good man, if eccentric"
| >>207197
"Ayanami-sensei?"
>Mina asked with curiosity in her voice. Sounds of something being shaken could be heard.
| >>207208
>even with his face somewhat covered, his eyes lit up brightly
"Ayanami-sensei was my caretaker when I was still becoming self-aware. He was also the one who kept me always fixed up and equipped with his experimental new modifications. His will let me keep his small fortune, which is why I moved here."
|
|
| >Two figures walk into the Cafe. One is tall with greying hair and short beard to match, in a long coat that reeks of ex-cop. The other is a head shorter with black hair, all other features are fairly non descriptive. dressed in waistcoat and slacks with shirt sleeves rolled up to expose the patchwork of metal they called arms. Both walk in seemingly lost in thought. Until one turns to the other.
"This little place seems to be quite the find Delta, Good job"
|
| >>209768
>Fox felt his ear jolt a tick with the mention of a Delta, as if he was expecting some sort of command. He even perked up a bit and turned his head slightly into the direction of the voice, until he heard Mina once again and returned to face her completely.
| >>211420
>>209768
>Fox would hear sound of an egg being cracked and Mina ('Welcome! Please, take a seat wherever you want!') welcoming new guests.
"So, a father figure, eh?, - >Mina addressed Fox,
- I never knew my real parents. I was in orphanage until the age of five. Then orphanage closed, and I had to survive the streets, until Springifield family brought me in." >Her voice changed ever so slightly.
"Okay, you can look now!"
| >Both Delta and Ishmael walk over to a table. Ishmael walks calmly. Delta moves uncertainly, trying to be discreet, they look round the room.
| >>211436
"He was like a father figure, I think. It's good that you have family and stuff though, with the Springfields!"
>Fox didn't understand the father aspect, but his feelings were genuine . He took his hand off of his eyes and looked at the drink before taking a sip.
"What's the name of this guy??"
| >Ishmael takes a quick glance around before going to scribble in a notebook.. Delta remains almost motionless
| >>211641 >>212014
>Looking around, neither Ishmael or Delta notice anything specific. There are six tables in total, with a group of mafiosi occupaying the one in the corner near the exist, and a lone girl sitting with her mojito behind the table next to mafiosi.
>>211853
"You asked me for something sour, and I present you... Whiskey sour!"
>Mina declared proudly, and started laughing.
"Please enjoy it, I'll go take newcomers order."
>She said, and walked up to their table.
| >>212014
"Welcome to G&K! What can I get you?"
>Mina asked, putting another handwritten menu book on Ishmael's and Delta's table.
|
| >>212085
>Ishamel Looks up and smiles. Delta keeps their eye on each of the guests in turn.
"Yes, Hello, Ill take a black coffee and..."
>He trails of and looks ad delta who eventually turns to look at them.
"Any contraband you might be concealing"
| >>212489
"So, one black coffee."
>Mina replied with a beaming smile.
"Anything else? Perhaps your companion would like to order something?"
| >Delta moves to stand up but is hissed back to their seat by Ishmael.
"Unless you have a spare car battery I don't think they will be needing anything"
| "That makes it one black coffee and one car battery."
>Mina nodded.
"I'll leave the menu on the table."
>She turned around and went to the counter. There, she opened the kitchen's door.
"Mike, sweetie, bring me one spare car battery."
>"Okay! H-huh, wait, why?" voice from inside replied over the sound of something being roasted.
"Clients order!"
>"W-well, if you say so. Didn't think we had them on the menu."
>Girl closed the door and turned coffee machine on.
| >Ishmael glares at Delta.
"We need to work on your Incognito, not everyone is going to be in on everything."
>Delta doesn't respond.
| >Fox began to sip his drink, not being sure what whiskey was. But the drink tasted fine, so it didn't bother him. He was content to talk to someone who didn't mind that he was a lilim, even if it was common nowadays.
|
| >Delta's gaze wonders over to Fox. A slow and methodical study. Totally oblivious to the amount of time spent staring.
| >>214612
>Fox's periphery sensors pinged, making him turn to see who was staring at him. He saw Delta studying him and he blushed a light grey. He flashed a goofy smile and waved back
| >Without initial reaction, Delta's gaze remains fixed. After a few moments, Ishmael looks over and waves.
| >Fox stays confused to the person staring at him. He waves back to ishmael but can't read the expression he could have. Going with his natural programming, he says something.
"Your friend looks really fixated on me, eh? It happens hahah"
|
| >Ishmael chuckles.
"I think their having a hard time deciding what you are"
| >>217165
"It's all okay! Watch, I can show what I am easily."
>Fox rolls up his left sleeve and flexes his arm slightly, before letting open all the compartments of his forearm. He closes it back up and turns his head around, opening up the upgrade port as well.
"I'm a Lilim, DFC-072. Courier Fox Ayanami, at your service!"
| >Delta walks over and begins to examine him closely, holding their arm next to Fox's. looking from his to their own amalgamate of metals, somewhat perplexed.
"You are not human." >They declare after a while.
| >>217266
"Correct. I'm an AI housed in this rad chassis. A lot of lilim are designed to be human-like, though. It's pretty funny, I think."
| >Ishmael props himself up and crutches over.
"That appears to be the case. Forgive Delta, their data-banks are woefully incomplete."
>He offers a hand to shake
"It's a pleasure to meet you Fox."
| >Fox looks down shakes Ishmael's hand enthusiastically
"It's nice to meet both of you too! And I don't mind incomplete databases. I can remember back when I was first becoming self-aware and all of the hurdles that came about. "
| >Ishmael sits himself down, patting Delta affectionately.
"At least they haven't tried to rip your head off yet, but hey ho, this is progress."
| "Uhhh??? Rip my head off?? It's never happened so I don't want to say it's impossible but I don't think I'll be able to reattach it so easily if it comes off."
>He punctuates his nervousness with a sip of his drink
| >Ishmael smiles nervously.
"you know when you get a pet falcon and take it for a walk? you know, to get it used to everything? this is kinda like that. Fast processing and combat they can do. reasoning and people... not so much."
| >The comparison is completely lost on Fox, whose eyes appear more like spinning spirals of confusion. He shuts them and shakes his head, regaining his internal bearings.
"Well, I pose as much of a threat as a coffee table. I wasn't made for combat and it kinds of makes me nervous to even think about. So we're all in luck, it seems"
| >Ishmael laughs and claps him on the back.
"Don't we all wish we were."
>Delta remains impassive.
| >>217566
"I don't know. Glitch City seems so dangerous I almost wish I knew how to at least defend myself. The best that I can do is either run or swipe with climbing picks I carry, but they are kind of too pricy to risk breaking. And I'm really attached to mine."
>Almost on command, Fox extends his right arm and a few gears can be heard whirring. His right sleeve of his jacket rolls up and a short climbing pick extends from his arm.
|
| >Just as quickly as he deploys it, Fox retracts the pick in a fluid motion but opts to keep his sleeves rolled up fully.
"Get it??? Attached?? Ayanami-sensei said that joke was so dumb but it always made him laugh."
>He takes another sip of his drink and sighs.
"What brings you two out here, anyway??"
|
| >Ishmael smiles to himself
"ah well, the two of us run the detective agency just down the way, and heard that this place was nice."
>Delta begins to look around the room again.
| >The sickly girl is finally done with her meal, looking at around the place as her eyes dart inbetween the other customers. She seems almost lost
| >>217864
>Fox's sensors ping again and he darts his head to the girl who set them off. He reads confusion on her face and figures he can do his natural job and help her out.
"Excuse me you two, I'll be right back."
>He grabs his drink and walks over to the girl, crouching beside her.
"You okay? You seem a bit lost, miss."
| >>217879
>The albino girl turns to Fox, seemingly embarassed
"Oh, I-I'm sorry, I was just looking around the place and I found myself feeling a bit faint..."
>She says, blushing
| >>217905
"It's okay, really!! I'm at my best when helping others so if you need any, I'm designed to do so!!"
> Fox gives her a thumbs up and reassuring smile.
| >She seems a little less stressed out, and gives a warm smile
"Thank you, I'll be fine, plus you seemed to be busy talking, I'm sorry someone like me has taken time from you"
>She says, bowing a bit
| >>222412
"It's no problem at all! I just wanted to be sure you were going to be okay. In case you need me though, have a card."
>Fox digs in his jacket pocket and pulls out a business card with all his info on it
"Don't be afraid or nervous to call, I promise to not bite"
| >Ishmael chuckles and rolls his eyes. he turns to Delta
"If only it were that easy for you."
| >>224712
>The girl looks at the card and then smiles widely
"I'll be sure to call if I need your services, thank you!"
>She blushes and giggles
| >>225808
"Or for anything! I'm still relatively new in town so I'd always love having more friends! I'll leave you to it for now then."
> He raises his glass to her and wanders back to the bar where fox was originally posted at.
"Mina-san, Where Are you???"
| >Ishmael raises an imaginary glass
"Here's to new beginnings i suppose"
| >>226800
>Fox hears Ish and raises his glass as well, before deftly tossing him a business card as well.
"If you run a detective agency and need stuff ran around GC, feel free to give me a call!!"
| >Catching it, Ishmael smiles and throws a ragged and dog eared card back.
"And feel free to ask us with help for anything."
| >Finally (!) kitchen door opened, and Mina walked back into the hall. She has been struggling to carry a heavy car battery.
"Ugh, can someone help me out with this thing?"
>She asked aloud.
This thread is permanently archived
| >Located in a small, easy-to-miss alley, five minutes away from the Downtown Distrtict main street, is a G&K CafeBar. Small, warm, quiet haven, with old-school, 1960-th themed wooden furniture and yellow gas lamps.
>Despite only being known to a few chosen, G&K welcomes any guest clever enough to discover it.
>It is a popular spot for the Springfield family mafia meetings, and as such is known in the underworld to be under their protection, making it one of the safer places in GC.