Here's a thought. Things change. I know, crazy. But they change. Alot. Which often leads to you seeing old and new things near each other. For example, how people will have new and old phones just lying around. It's interesting to fiddle with old fashioned touchscreens and marvel at how people got by with that crap when holo screens are just so much more amazing.

Anyways, I'm getting off-topic. It's the same thing with The Spider Bar and the usual pubs. This guy - dunno what his name is, people just call him Xavier - is a one-man bar. I'm not kidding. He serves drinks, takes orders, puts the bar together, and even acts as the bouncer. Sounds silly right?

Well, he's a fucking terrifying bouncer, at least. Some asshats tried to run away without paying since Xavier's a patient guy, and next thing you know, their hanging upside down from the top of the ceiling. Still alive, but absolutely fucking terrified at least. Then the guy just looks across the room and says;

"Gentlemen, please do not attempt to run away without paying. I was lenient with these two. Do not make me start another firefight with law enforcement." He drones, in a monotone voice, to the terror of everyone in the bar.

Now, a little context as to why that is so scary and not stupid sounding from Xavier. He can't lie. Straight up. Cannot. And just cause he doesn't have any weaponized implants we can see, doesn't mean he isn't dangerous. Like come on, you just heard about how he hung some guys upside down without us even seeing him move. Speaking of those guys, he left them there to hang upside down. For days. Eventually, someone paid their bill, and Xavier let them leave.

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Now, every once in awhile, Xavier will change locations, for a variety of reasons. Maybe there's better business elsewhere or trouble with the law. I usually try to keep track of where he is, and he seems to appreciate having a dedicated drinker at the table.

Anyways, I've been loitering outside this new spot he's set himself up at long enough. Time to head in.

Striding into the bar, I spot Xavier immediately, his steel arms spread out and preparing a variety of drinks on the small wooden counter circling around him. A few people were sitting around, drinking beer and talking in the large wooden room that Xavier had situated himself in.

Having stayed by the edge of the door long enough, I shuffle in and wave to Xavier. He waves back and beckons me over.

"Charlie." The monotone voice greets without enthusiasm. He slides a full shot glass over to me though, to show his appreciation.

"Xavier! How has it been? It's been near a month since I heard anything about you setting up. What's up?" I ask, right before I gulp down the shot.

"Nothing much, my alcoholic friend. Just a pet project in the works. I could actually use an assistant, though..." He pauses and looks at me contemplatively, his eyes making shuttering and clicking noises. "I don't suppose you would be open to the idea of having a set of arms like mine would you?"

It takes me a minute to reply. 10 seconds to digest his words. About 5 more to attempt to think of a reason not to. The rest of that was spent wondering what the hell I was gonna be doing with the extra arms.

"Sure! I'll find some time off this week from work."

"Ah yes. Don't worry about that, you can quit your job at the recycling plant. Consider this a job offer." He replies, voice still monotone.

I take a moment to look at Xavier. He slides a larger shot glass over to me. I down it in a single swig and grin.

"When?"

"Leave your door unlocked, I'll be there when you arrive."