Chapter Two

It's no MRT transit, but the elevator ride up, nice view, no obnoxious ads or cringe jazz music like the ones belonging in NSFW B movies that are played in every airport in every Federal, New Republic and AFU airport on the North American Continent, and best of all, no interruptions.

If only the doors didn't open into the lavish entrance to the spa.

"Good afternoon." Ken properly greets the front desk ladies, her speech pattern drastically changing from the gruff thuggish tone to a pure proper and elegant one.

"Hi, Ken." One of the ladies greets warmly with a smile. Her skin pigmented in ashimmering platinum coating "Please stare into the lens and give out your ID."

Ken straightens himself out and gazes into the oval shaped object with a small camera embedded in the center.

It's only after clearing his throat that Ken speaks clearly, "KA/CONF1."

Aside from Ken's vision being temporarily blinded by a green tint, the process is otherwise smooth as silk. Not to mention the restoration of his vision a second later.

Identification Verified

Thank you, Ken

"Alright, thank you." Ken professionally says.

"Anytime! Have fun!"

Ken walks past the front desk and into a spacious bright corridor with a beautiful blend of the natural world and the modern. Even the peaceful crystalized music has the same fluid mixture.

Ken smirks. "Welcome to my domain."

It doesn't matter if it's been almost a year, Ken still revels in all the wonders of the sleek bamboo flooring, the exotic flora, especially the orchids, which he reminds himself to purchase for the 40th time already, and the 'waiting area', if one wishes to be formal. If only Ken could be a client so he can experience resting on those Thai themed wooden benches, adorning silk robes, and even sipping pure lavender water like the big shots lounging about, almost indifferent, anxious for their massage. 

Maybe one day, Ken will forge a fake ID, maybe a surgery, one more subtle this time, just so he can have the perfect cover for such an event. 

 Best of all, the breakroom has a splendid view of the beautiful skyline of Central Area. To Ken, the rain only adds to this serene beauty. Its scarcely occupied with a few casually acquainted coworkers, which Kira politely greeted before logging in and view her bookings.

"Huh... looks like I got all new clients. That's a first."

Kira's Client List

Karen Kiryu /60 Minutes/15:15-16:15

Nina Law/90 Minutes/ 16:45-18:15/ Thai Foot Massage treatment only

Robert Wu /60 Minutes/ 18:30-19:30

Evelyn Dahlman/90 Minutes/ 19:30-21:00

Ken expels an irritated sigh. "'Mazed that 75% of you idiots didn't complete intake forms." Ken dreads how much time is going to be wasted on them filling them out, let alone the client's getting their full massage. 

And having to explain to them that he'll half cut their time because of all of that. 

"I'm definitely going to hit up those penis cakes after work." Ken can think of no finer desert after his shift. "Can never go wrong with the ones with white cream in them." 

If only Cleo were here. To see his old colleague go red in the face at the mere mention of them would certainly brighten his day.

With that quick check done, Ken waltzes out of the room, waving to her colleagues before departing the breakroom to set his room. She lets out a quick gasp as she remembers something.

He pops back in the break room, swiping a door chip before chirping out, "I've got room 17."

Ken wastes no time setting his room, thoroughly making sure that his sheets are crisp flat and the shimmering golden edge is properly folded atop of the bright violet body. He is also quick to take the initiative adding a refreshing aroma to the room that clears his nostrils and soothes the tension in his head. And for the grand finale, Ken rests his hand on the earthly green glass wall as an aqua hue gracefully outlines his hand.

Identification Verified

Visual Access Granted

Like a drop falling into a still pond, the wall ripples with a soft soothing whirling sound filling the room until a dim view appears of the same city appears like magic.

It's enough to Ken to bask in the moment, his eyes flutter for a moment, hoping to permanently etch this beautiful view in his mind. 

Nothing like a small respite before the maelstrom of massages begin

Grim realization takes root and Ken sets the finishing touches

"Set ambience to 45% volume, please." Ken instructs, his head cocks up to the ceiling.

The gradual and graceful decrease of the soothing string music akin to China's Three Kingdom's era sets the mood perfectly. 

Ken bitterly knows of the shame of not staying just a moment longer to savor the serenity for even a moment. 

People needed to be rubbed after all. 

*

"Karen?" Ken calls for his first client as she approaches front desk. After eying the room, the literall jaw dropping reveal of his first client is displayed before him. "Oh no..." 

Unlike his casual clothing of a navy blue tank-top and dark grey sweatpants, Ken is now dressed in this graceful looking sleek violet shirt and a smooth long dark purple skirt. His unkempt neck-length hair is neatly wrapped into a graceful twirl of a bun that more than suits her uniform.

"Right here, Mr. Appakatto!"

Ken watches as 'Karen Kiryu' leaps from the couch and struts over to her with a toothy grin across her face. The other two clients who remain seated, a young woman with adorable dark-haired blonde twin-tales, and a similar aged man with well-combed hair and a gruff looks stubble, warmly wave at Ken.

Ken bites her lip, flashing a strained smile. "Hi... my name is Ken, and I will be serving you this session." He greets professionally, her hands clasped to her waist and offers a curt bow.

"Awesome!" Karen cheers, sounding like a child on the holidays.

Ken extends a hand out into the corridor, warmly stating, "If you are ready we will be on Room 17 to the left."

"You two behave yourselves." The Major playfully warns her colleagues before taking the lead.

Ken watches as Karen takes the lead down the hall strutting with that cocky but smooth gait, and watches the Skipper ooohs and aaahs her surroundings.

"So this is where ya work, huh? Suh-weet!"

"That is the girl who was in your head, too, earlier today, is it not? She certainly has a child-like wonder to her."

The Skipper gradually taking her time looking like a kid alone inside a candy store, wasting away precious minutes of a massage before finally reaching Room 17.

"Please, go right in." Ken offers, cheeks clenching undeath a big smile.

The Skipper wastes no time in entering and Ken is in no mood to waste any more time. 

Door is closed, privacy ensured, straight to business. 

"Woooahhh! This view is friggin' awesome! Man! They sure ain't shortsellin' this resort all right!"

"Soo... Karen..." Ken emphasizes on the Skipper's latest alias. "From what I gather from the intake form, it just says... 'just here to chill out and have fun.' Are there any areas that are bothering you that you want addressed?"

"Can ya address my need for a good conversation?"

"Uh... yes of course." Ken politely responds. "Would you like to have any adjustments before we begin? Table heat, option of a view?"

The Major shakes her head. "Nah, all good! Just stick to what it says on the list. But, hey! F'ya wanna view, pop it out F'it'll help!"

Ken's cheeks squeeze underneath his grin. "Of course... well... I will step outside of the room for a few minutes. In the meantime, please dress down to the comfort level and get underneath the sheets lying face up please. When I come back, I'll make needed adjustments to make you comfortable."

"Face up, huh? Alright then... Hmm... so... how ya gonna work on me with everythin' but my head under these sheets? Oh wow... silk sheets 'kay I won't lie these are... cozy."

Ken steps out of the dimly lit room shaking her head in annoyance. "This'da Skipper's way a' punishin' me too?"