Kate- Place 's a dump... sure this is right?

Cere- It got a certain... retro charm don't you think?

Radio Medley- "...Sweet dreams are made of this, who am I to disagree..."

Kate - "Looks like the 80s never got over this place, and I'm not even sure which 80s they went for on this one."

Cere - We should take a seat. That big dude glaring daggers doesn't look so friendly.

Kate - "Yeah, nasty looks he's got. Better find a wall for my back. Never know in these places."

VR Menu AI's- Welcome to the Crater, may I take your order?

Kate- "Anything good?"

VR Menu AI's- Might I suggest a soup followed by the special? Our virtual flavours will hide any and all aftertaste guaranteed.

*Disclaimer: The VR Menu AI's recommendations and virtual flavour enhancements are provided as suggestions only and are not intended as a guarantee of satisfaction. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and quality of our virtual flavours, actual taste experiences and aftertastes may vary. We cannot be held responsible for individual preferences, expectations, or potential side effects. Enjoy at your own risk.

Kate- "... you know what, I'm waiting for someone, I'll be waiting before passing my command if you don't mind"

VR Menu AI's- "Yes Mam, just ask when you'll be ready to order!"

Radio Medley- "...Every breath you take, every move you make, I'll be watching you..."

Kate-"Yeaaah... I'll do that"

As if...

Cere - Suit yourself. Just don't blame me if your stomach starts growling.

Kate - I've survived worse than an empty stomach... and nothing is worse than that soup. Let's keep an eye out for Harold. I don't feel like paying for any of that slop they serve.

Cere - Look over there, that old man ogling us, confirmed his ID, that's him.

Kate - He sure looks like he's been through the wringer a few times. Here goes nothing I guess.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

Harold - "Must be Kate, Cherry's told me a lot about you. I'm Harold. So, what do you think of our little meeting spot?"

Kate - "Cozy... In a seedy, retro kind'a way. Ya know, comfortable like a nail in the ass"

Harold - "I guess that's one way to put it. I like this place, keeps me on my toes. Plus I meet a lot of interesting people, people whose ears and mouths hide Corners of Paradise. The new generations tend to forget the value of a good snitch... or a loudmouth in need of socializing. What about you, come to these parts often?"

Kate - "Yeah, more than I'd like. Guess you could say it's a biohazard of the trade."

Harold - "True, true... You know, I've always found these kinds of places to have a certain... ambiance. You can learn a lot about a person by how they handle themselves in a seedy cantina. Speaking of, what do you do to blow off steam after a tough job? Got a trick?"

Kate - "Well, guess I like to go for a run, clear my head ya know, helps me process the shit."

Harold - "Ah, running... Interesting choice. Some might say it's a way of running away, what do you think?"

Kate - "I wouldn't... don't know... It's more about clearing my head."

Harold - "Of course, of course. But tell me, have you ever found yourself in a situation where you doubted your own decisions during or after a job?"

Kate - "Well, I... yeah, there have been times... But who doesn't, right?"

Harold - "True, part of human nature, but in our line of work, doubt kills. I've seen people hesitate at the wrong moment, and it cost them their skins. You wouldn't want that to happen to you, would you?"

Kate - "Nah, I get the job done."

Harold - "Really? Not what I heard. Pushing through doubts, dodging questions, running away from problems... It seems like you're quite good at fleeing. Tell me, have you ever considered that maybe, just maybe, you're running away from something deeper? Something you can't shake off? From yourself maybe?"

Kate - "The fuck you implying old man?"

Harold - "Oh, I'm not implying anything, just asking questions, trying to get to know you better. Let's talk about your last job. I heard it was quite a mess."

Kate - "It was intense, yeah. Things didn't go exactly as planned."

Harold - "Oh, I'm sure they didn't. I've heard some words you know. Something about a foot chase, a street doc, things going sideways and lead flying where it shouldn't have. Care to share any details?"

Kate - "It was a difficult situation. The target got spooked, ran into an open market, had to pursue..."

Did I?

"Things got out of hand."

Harold - "Out of hand? Interesting choice of words don't you think?"

Kate - "What's your point?"

Harold - "My point is, Kate, that shit barely went south, and you lost your cool. The streets were stained with blood, all because things didn't go according to plan."

Kate - "Yeah, I fucked up, who doesn't? But we learn from our mistakes and move on, that's what we do. That's the job."

Harold - "Indeed. It's important to grow and adapt in this line of work. But..."

Kate - "But?"

Harold - "Well, let's not forget that your mistakes had serious consequences. Innocent people paid for your missteps."

Kate - "What are you trying to say, Harold?"

Harold - "I wonder, Kate, do you ever think about that? The collateral damage, the lives forever changed because of a single moment of poor judgment?

Kate- "The fuck are you talking about?"

No no no no no... please no...

Harold - "Or maybe, just maybe, you've found a twisted sort of satisfaction in it? A way to channel your own pain and trauma onto others? Tell me, Kate, do you enjoy shooting little girls? Is that a twisted way to ease your own pain? By shooting your past self?"

Cere- Oh, oh, no, that's too far...

Kate - "FUCK YOU, HAROLD!"

Radio Medley- "...We're not gonna take it, NO! We ain't gonna take it! we're not gonna take it anymoooooooore!"

Cere- PUNCH HIS FUCKING FACE!

Harold- "Owww!" *spit* " I'm serious Kate, have you ever stopped thinking about the consequences of spilling your lead in a market?"

Kate- Shit... shit shit shit shit shit he's right... *soft sob* *small voice* "No..."

Harold- "She died Kate..."

Kate- "Fuck."

Harold- "Would you shoot again given the circumstances?"

Kate- I...

Cere- Kate, that grabby pervert is passing a fast one. The girl didn't die, I just read the report.

Kate- "You YOU FUCKING LIAR!" *punch* *Broken glass* "I'LL MAKE YOU PAY FOR FUCKING WITH ME!"

Harold- "Hehehehehe..."

*Punch*

Harold- "OWWW! Come here girl, I'll teach you respect for your elders!"