Caz looked out at the district expanse from the behind the large tempered windows of the rooftop bar known as the Blooming Star. Located on the twenty-fifth floor of the Necronova high-rise named the Laniakea Oasis, it was one of the more prestigious locations for shopping and dining in all the district.
Vines dangled from wooden support pillars perched on top of Caz’s head, and he looked back at the bartender shaking two tins vigorously before pouring the contents into a stemmed glass. Paintings hung on nearby walls, giving this floor an almost bucholic atmosphere.
“Your Manhattan is ready, sir,” Caz heard him say. It was a popular drink which the establishment claimed was named after a city from a time long past. Though it did peak Caz’s curiosity, due to his physical structure as an Augmentor, drinks like that did little for him. More importantly…
“What, pray tell, are we doing here?” Caz asked, voice unable to hide his irritation.
“Well, I was thinking of trying out the Neo-Tokyo Mule. I heard its all the rage around these parts,” Mimi responded, pointing at various item menus from across the table they were seated as. “Ooh, this one looks nice,” she murmured quietly to herself, eyes sparkling.
Caz wondered how he ended up here. He swore they were here to catch two fugitives. Instead, not only has he joined the the supposed Shogun of one of the most renowned hunter Divisions on a shopping spree, followed by a fancy dinner, now he’s here at a rooftop bar, waiting for her to pick out a drink from a local –
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“What about the mission?” Caz whispered very loudly, interrupting his own thoughts. How did he let their investigation get to this point?
“Relax,” Mimi said, smiling mischievously. “I told the others to contact me if they find anything. Trust me. The Valkyries aren’t known for our efficiency for nothing you know. You should relax.” She pointed at the menu in front of Caz.
“I recommend the marinated bluefin right here. Born and raised in the Vitadale fish farms, it’s one of the rarest delicacies you’ll ever try anywhere. Tinged with a bit of salt and cooked with their special sauce, it’s to die for. Yum!” Mimi placed her hands on her cheeks, trying to hold back her excitement.
Caz just looked down, wondering if he made the wrong choice teaming up with her. “Y’know, Mimi. This is great and all, but– ”
Just then Mimi’s communicator went off. “Ooh, one minute. It’s for me,” she interrupted. Caz just watched incredulously.
After some rigorous nods, followed by a number of “I see” and “go on,” Mimi had a satisfied look on her face.
“Reina, reliable as always. Send me the coordinates and we’ll be there in about…two hours or so. Kay kay. You really got to go out sometime. Try something other than your noodles. Alright, will do. Keep updating me if you find anything else. Toodles.”
Mimi hung up. “Well, looks like Reina might have something for us. I’m going to need your help infiltrating the Imperial Court.”
Caz looked at her, then back out at the vast scenery of the district. Is this what chaos looks like? A green-eyed woman with cyan tinged hair with pink streaks, who loved to dress in cute clothing and kill people in her free time? He had a million things he wanted to say, but instead just sighed loudly to her.
“I think I’ll try the bluefin after all.”
“Hehe,” Mimi smiled, clapping her hands together approvingly. “I knew you’d come around.”