[Accessing Restricted Database…]
[Data Restricted]
"It's restricted?" Silas raised an eyebrow.
"Fuck yeah it's restricted," Glover laughed before lighting a cigar. He blew the smoke over the balcony before stringing his fingers over the shard of glass. "This is high-quality tech. Steam only the apex of this city are allowed to get their grubby hands on."
"What is it?" Silas leaned forward, wafting away some of the smoke that had drifted to their table.
"This thing right here is a SCORE. System Connector Operational Resource Enhancement. Big fancy acronym for a chip that can let you learn anything, do anything, obtain anything… all for the price of your imagination."
"I still don't understand what it does… What would you do with it?"
"Well, first of all, this seems like a broken one, but even if we can't use it, that doesn't mean we can't extract the program and data. You said this was from a Coalgraver right? A kid?"
"Most likely…"
"Well, if I'm correct, that empty threat of yours from before could turn into something that allows us to wrap our hands around that family's neck. If the correct information is on this thing, then their corporations, their associations, everything. They'll all be on a leash that leads right back to our fuckin' hand."
"Our?"
"Well, my hand. My club. My entire network."
"So, then what do I get?" Silas asked, his eyes wide, almost like a chameleon.
"Don't worry kid, you'll get whatever you wanted from that boy and a couple of g's. Just let me work my magic and-" Glover's smile widened as the boy leaned forward, his eyes wide, but this time an atmosphere of authority hung around him.
"You're making it sound so important. I want all of that and more," Silas snarled, grabbing the glass shard and immediately stuffing it in his pocket.
"Boy, I got men around the city. You can't go nowhere without me taking that for myself…" Glover took another puff of his cigar before blowing it out with his head tilted back. And just beneath the frames of his sunglasses, Silas saw the man's mechanical eyes, as cold as lifeless steel.
"You can't take it if I crush it in my hand," Silas scoffed.
"That thing is nye indestructible. Your ass is not doin' anythin' but cutting your own hand. And once that shard even feels but an ounce of danger, it'll blow."
"You're bluffing."
"Wanna try me?"
"Why not." Silas leaned forward, bringing the shard back from out of his pocket and holding it in his palm. He squeezed gently, but Glover wasn't one to crack so easily. So, Silas squeezed harder and harder while Glover continued to eye the boy, attempting to intimidate him, until…
"AHAHAAHAA! This is why you're incredible, boy! Fine, you want power, right? I have a doc comin' over and even though he was meant to party, with the money we'll get from this… all the modifications will be within your grasp. Now chill out. I promise I'll get you what you want."
"Everything I asked for, the body modifications, and let me shadow you for some of the meetings where you'll be blackmailing the Coalgrave family."
"Sure, why not… but don't pussy out. If you make me look weak, I'll have to kill you on the spot, got it? I got a reputation to uphold and if you're threatening this appearance I've built up, then you gotta go."
"Mhm… Fine with me," Silas responded before tossing the shard over to Glover. He fumbled the important piece of tech before finally catching it and just as he was about to scold the boy, he noticed he was gone.
As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, Eclipse Noir stirred to life, preparing to welcome its esteemed patrons. The soft murmur of anticipation began to fill the air, and a distant, rhythmic thump hinted at the music that would soon grace the club. A discreet sign, illuminated by dim, pulsating neon lights, proudly proclaimed the club's name: "Eclipse Noir."
Elegantly attired guests, often in steampunk-inspired finery, gathered at the entrance, eager to experience the exclusive ambiance this upscale nightclub offered. The imposing bouncers, dressed in tailored steampunk attire, maintained an air of authority as they ushered the patrons past the velvet ropes.
Once inside, the club embraced them with an atmosphere that beautifully fused old-world charm with modern allure. Mahogany walls, adorned with shimmering art deco mirrors, exuded a sense of timeless elegance. Plush leather banquettes provided comfortable spaces for the guests to lounge and take in the enchanting surroundings. Crystal chandeliers hung overhead, casting a warm and inviting amber glow across the room, accentuating the vintage aesthetic.
As the guests ventured further into the club, they were immersed in an enchanting audio-visual experience. The music, a delightful mix of jazz, electronica, and ambient beats, was channeled through a state-of-the-art sound system. A skilled DJ presided over a booth perched high above the crowd, orchestrating a mesmerizing blend of tracks that set the mood for the night, causing heads to nod and feet to sway.
The central bar, a stunning centerpiece, combined antique aesthetics with modern mixology. Bartenders, adorned in classic black vests and bowties, were skilled artisans, crafting exquisite cocktails that spanned the spectrum from timeless classics to innovative concoctions. The spirits behind the bar glistened under ever-changing lights, adding a touch of mystique and allure to the overall atmosphere.
As Eclipse Noir opened its doors for the evening, a parade of distinguished guests graced the club with their presence. Their steampunk attire, a symphony of gears, corsets, and top hats, reflected their appreciation for the fusion of past and future. Stepping through the club's entrance, they exuded an air of sophistication and readiness to immerse themselves in the night's delights.
Among the initial arrivals, a couple wearing matching outfits caught the eye. Their tailored steampunk attire featured brass embellishments and intricate lace, and they moved together with an elegance that spoke of shared adventure.
Another guest, donning a top hat adorned with feathers and goggles, stood out with an air of mystery. Their attire spoke of an enigmatic explorer, ready to embark on journeys through both time and space.
A group of friends, hand in hand, showcased a variety of steampunk accessories. One wore a leather wrist gauntlet fitted with brass gears, while another sported an ornate necklace that seemed to harness the power of steam.
The evening continued to draw in a diverse crowd. An older couple, elegantly dressed in vintage steampunk attire, swayed to the rhythm of the music. Their dance steps, reminiscent of a bygone era, revealed their deep appreciation for the night's ambiance.
Eclipse Noir's magnetic charm extended to an artist, whose attire was a canvas of their craft. Splatters of paint adorned their outfit, a living testament to the creative fusion of art and steampunk design.
As the night wore on, the clientele continued to flow through the club's doors. Each guest added their unique touch to the enchanting tapestry of Eclipse Noir, where old-world charm and modern allure thrived in harmonious coexistence. The fusion of steampunk fashion, tantalizing cocktails, and captivating music created a captivating ambiance, ensuring that Eclipse Noir remained a playground for the connoisseurs of elegance and enchantment.