Chapter 2:

Maybe I should hire one and give them half your pay

Noa's Arc

"You're late!"

The dim interior of Dahlia's Dine and Drink is lit by cool blue neon lights running across the wall and bar counter. Opposite the counter are half a dozen sets of tables and diner sofas, one of which is occupied by two people.

Dahlia herself is standing behind the counter. A streak of grey hair adorns her red ponytailed hair. Her arms are crossed, with her right metallic hand faintly gleaming blue from the light.

"Listen, Dahlia, before you slap me across the face again, it wasn't my fault this time I swear. There's some sort of investigation going on at 48th, a murder I think? Anyway, whole road was blockaded by the cops, we had no choice but to take a detour."

Dahlia looks to me.

"I can confirm it wasn't Gin's fault... this time."

"Fine. But you're both working overtime."

"Oh hey, you hired someone new?"

Gin waves at the spindly teenager mopping the floor near the kitchen doors. He's wearing black-rimmed glasses with miniscule lights moving around it in front of his eyes as he looks at us.

"Right. Jacob, the guy with the scruffy hair is Gin, the security droid is Noa. You'll be working with them on this shift. Gin, Noa, this kid is Jacob. He's new to AIKA, so help him out if you can. If he makes any trouble, get rid of him."

"What?!"

Immediate panic assaults Jacob's freckled face.

"You heard me. Don't make trouble."

"Nice to meet you Jacob!"

"Nice to meet you too Gin. So were you named after the drink or-"

"Hey! I'm not paying any of you to chat. Jacob, finish that up and go wipe the tables."

"Yes ma'am."

"Gin, go to the back and clean up those dishes, they're piling up."

"Again? Why don't you have a busboy for the day shift?"

"You're right. Maybe I should hire one and give them half your pay."

"Dishes. On it."

Gin disappears into the kitchen.