Melton tried to blend in as he strolled through Neo-City's busy streets. Unsettling shadows were created by the neon lights, while the sound of sophisticated electronics hummed in the backdrop. He did not make eye contact with the inquisitive or the hostile, keeping his hood up. After his recent encounter, he was hypervigilant and cautious when navigating the congested sidewalks.
Eventually, he discovered a tavern hidden down a dimly lighted alley. As he pulled the door open, the sign above it flickered and a low murmur of conversation leaked out. Inside, muffled conversation and the sound of glasses clinking permeated the foggy environment. He strolled over to the bar and sat down, quickly skimming the menu before making a choice.
He said to the bartender, "I'll have a whiskey," and he nodded before getting his drink.
Melton looked down at his glass and saw a female seated far to his left. She was glancing at him, her interest not very well concealed.
With a little smile on his lips, Melton laughed to himself. "Amateur," he said in a low voice.
Sensing that someone was observing her, the girl went from the bar to a round table in the corner. Melton decided to take the initiative. He stood, taking his drink with him, and walked over to her table.
"Stealing glances wouldn't help when you know you could always go talk to the person," he said, his tone teasing as he took a seat opposite her.
The girl looked up, her eyes flashing with a mix of surprise and defiance. "It is very bold of you to think I was just stealing glances. Maybe I was sizing you up."
Melton raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Sizing me up, huh? And what did you conclude, miss know it all?"
She leaned back in her chair, a smirk on her lips. "Well I found out that you're either trouble looking for a place to happen or someone running from it. Maybe both."
He chuckled, impressed by her sharpness. "My Name's Melton. And you?"
"Jemmy," she replied, her gaze steady. "So, which is it? Are you trouble, or are you running from it?"
"Depends on the day," Melton said, taking another sip of his drink. "Today, I'm just a guy looking for a quiet drink and some answers."
Jemmy leaned forward, her expression shifting to one of genuine interest. "Answers, huh? What kind of answers are you looking for in a place like this?"
"Information," Melton said, meeting her gaze. "About the city, the people running it, and maybe a bit about a group acting free and good but actually run the streets here."
Leaning back and laughing, she said "You'll have to be more specific, no one owns anything here and act free and good"
"Well what I mean is if I said the word Erebus, would it mean anything to you?" Melton said, leaning on and turning down his voice.
Jemmy's eyes narrowed slightly. "Erebus? Now that's a name that usually comes with a death wish. You sure you're just a guy looking for answers?"
"Just a guy," Melton repeated, though his tone suggested there was much more beneath the surface. "So, Jemmy, what brings you here tonight? Besides sizing up strangers, of course." He added, throwing her off his scent.
She laughed, a bold, confident sound that drew a few curious glances from nearby tables. "Let's just say I'm a girl with a lot of guts and not much patience for small talk. I like to know who's wandering into my territory."
"Your territory?" Melton echoed, raising an eyebrow. "And what makes this your territory?"
Jemmy shrugged, her smile never wavering. "I know these streets, the people. I know who to trust and who to watch out for. And right now, I'm trying to figure out which category you fall into."
Melton nodded thoughtfully. "Fair enough. Maybe we can help each other out. I could use a guide, and you seem like someone who enjoys a good mystery."
"Maybe," she said, leaning back with a thoughtful look. "Or maybe I'm just curious enough to see where this goes. But don't think for a second that I'm some damsel in distress. I've got my own skills and connections."
"I wouldn't dream of underestimating you," Melton said, raising his glass in a mock toast. "To new alliances, then?"
"Don't push your luck, you look like you have ways to go before catching up to where I stand currently" she said, standing up and throwing on her leather jacket.
Jemmy finished her drink and stood, a hint of a smile still playing on her lips. "Well, Melton, it was interesting meeting you. Maybe we'll cross paths again."
"Is this your way of telling me you're leaving?" Melton asked, taking in the last bit of his drink.
"Well except you're a drunk and a human sized piece of nothingness, I see no reason why you should stay at a bar for more than 2 hours just drinking" she said as she buttoned the last button just below her breast, revealing her cleavages from the red chic crop top she wore inside.
As she turned to leave, Melton quickly followed, catching up to her just as she reached the door. "You were wrong about one thing, though," he said, stopping her in her tracks.
She turned back, a puzzled look on her face. "What is it then?"
Walking towards her and leaning in close to her ear, he whispered, "I'm actually new around here and could use some cash and a place to stay."
Jemmy stepped back, scrutinizing him with an intense, intimidating look. Melton didn't flinch, meeting her gaze steadily. After a moment, she nodded. "Follow me."
They stepped out into the night, and Jemmy led him down a narrow alley. She stopped in front of what appeared to be a blank wall and tapped a seemingly random spot in mid-air. As she did, an invisible vehicle materialized, shimmering into view.
Melton raised an eyebrow, but his face remained calm. "Looks like an advanced model of my QuantumCruiser," he remarked.
Jemmy arched an eyebrow, slightly surprised by his lack of shock but said nothing. She kicked the vehicle into gear as Melto
n climbed on, and they sped off into the neon-lit streets of Neo-City.