Kate- Faces an old, scratched, rusty metal door. A broken window lets noises and music vaguely escape.

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

  Kate- Place isn't hermetic...

  Cere- That's a serious code violation.

  Kate- Shrugs

  Send a report later... Sure this is the place?

  Cere- This is indeed the Crater, a local diner and divebar at night. It's basically an institution here, opened since the ribbon cutting of the dome in the early 80s.

  Kate- Takes the handle, a cold jellylike gunk sticks to her palm with a bit of suction. Recoils, her skin crawling, followed by full body goosebumps. Looks at her hand... scrapes it on the rugged wall. Reaches out a second time to open the door... hesitates.

  Brilliant Kate, touch that nasty shit twice why don't you?

  Looks around to find rubbish strewn around and focuses on a cardboard piece. Uses it to interact with the door from the tip of her fingers to minimize contact.

  Music- Soaks Kate like warm water.

  "...Some of them want to be abused..."

  Kate- Scan the room with her gaze, antiques bands' paraphernalia, a ricketty pinball machine bolted to the ground, a torn and yellowed 7UP poster. Beaten up tables and seats probably never refurbished since the 2080's, covered in scratched out graffiti and old partly ripped stickers.

  Cere- It has a certain... retro charm.

  Kate- Looks to me like the 80's never got over this place; Not sure which 80's though.

  Crosses glares with an ape of a man, throwing daggers with his eyes. Pulling the flap of her trench coat, she allows the cold air to caress her torso and taps slightly but not confrontationally the iron at her side with a raised, questioning eyebrow.

  Apeman- Looks away.

  Cere- We should take a seat, the local fauna doesn't seem too friendly.

  Kate Yeah, out of sight... that was some mean looks he was throwing around. He's on a list?

  Cere- A local crawler seems to be keeping tabs.

  Kate- How much?

  Cere- Twenty.

  Kate- *sigh*

  I guess it's time to put that pocket money from mom to good use.

  Cere- Got it... ... ... There is good and bad news.

  Kate- Bad?

  Cere- This ticket is a dud, he's worthless, just left the can after a few months in.

  Kate- The good?

  Cere- Harmless, he's ganged up for intimidation purpose only; He's the bouncer here. Got his stint by breaking the nose of a drunk corpo on a rampage after a binge, and it wasn't even on purpose, he just slapped the corpo while he was trying to put himself in the way, total goof.

  Kate- Sits at a table booth for four.

  He has that look nailed hard, I could have sworn...

  Cere- He has several acting classes in his download feed.

  Kate- That's a new one...

  Looks at the QR code to access the menu.

  Ar Menu- Welcome to the Crater, how may I help you?

  Kate- "'Nything good these parts?"

  Ar Menu- Might I suggest today's special? Our virtual flavours will hide any and all aftertastes, I guarantee it!

  Cere- Disclaimer: Please be advised that the Virtual Reality Menu Artificial Intelligence (VRMAI) interface associated with The Crater? establishment (hereinafter referred to as "The Crater?") is provided solely for informational and entertainment purposes and is explicitly not authorized, certified, or otherwise designated to furnish accurate, legally binding, or actionable advice pertaining to the products, services, or experiences offered by The Crater?. The utilization of the VRMAI does not, under any circumstances, constitute a guarantee, warranty, or assurance of satisfaction, palatability, nutritional value, or safety. While The Crater? endeavors, to the best of its current capabilities and within commercially reasonable limitations, to maintain the accuracy, integrity, and quality of the virtual flavor profiles and sensory simulations presented via the VRMAI, individual neurological responses, subjective perceptions, pre-existing conditions, and unforeseen external factors can, and frequently do, vary significantly. Consequently, The Crater? and its affiliates, subsidiaries, parent companies, officers, employees, and contractors expressly disclaim any and all liability, responsibility, or accountability for any perceived or actual negative experiences, adverse reactions (physical, psychological, or neurological), discrepancies between virtual representations and actual products, unmet expectations, or any other damages, losses, or inconveniences, whether direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or exemplary, arising from or related to the use of the VRMAI and/or the consumption of any products or services obtained at or through The Crater?. Consumption of any and all products at The Crater is solely the responsibility of the consumer. By accessing and utilizing the VRMAI, you, the user, irrevocably acknowledge, accept, and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions outlined in this disclaimer and further agree to indemnify and hold harmless The Crater? from any and all claims, liabilities, or actions arising from your use of the VRMAI and/or your patronage of The Crater?. This disclaimer is subject to change without notice. Void where prohibited. See store for complete details (which may or may not be available).

  Kate- "You know what? I'm expecting someone, I'll wait for him if you don't mind."

  AR Menu- Yes ma'm, one more patron expected for the evening. Simply contact me when you are ready to pass your order, I'll be waiting.

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

  Kate- "Yeaaaaaaaah I'll do just that!"

  Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

  AR Menu- Simply be advised that you will be charged half a credit per minute to hold the table.

  Kate- Not eating here, there are limits to taking risks in life.

  Cere- Suit yourself, just don't blame me if your stomach starts growling during the interview.

  Stomach- Growls

  Kate- Great... just perfect.

  Sweeps the room, hunting for what people are eating. A revoltingly sour smell follows her inquiries leading to a clear, bright yellow soup with green chunks.

  Kate- You know what? I'm good, better than good, I'm filled.

  Cere- Hopefully, Mr. McNeil will see this for what this is, a sign of exploitable despair, making you a perfect future employee prospect.

  Kate- Not sure I survived anything worse than that soup... ETA for Harold? I don't feel like paying for that slop.

  Cere- You won't have to wait for long, I have him on ID broadcast across the tunnel, he's coming in now.

  Kate- Turns around to see a weathered leathery man, wearing a yellowed beige trench coat and a beaten up fedora.

  Harold- Removes his hat from his head for a second, showing his skeletal robotic hands to put into order his rare hair, before putting his pride back on his skull.

  Kate- Broadcast? That's old old school. Need some serious stones to do that.

  Waves to get his attention.

  Harold- Nods, advances with deliberate poise, and mumbles something to himself.

  Cere- He stopped broadcasting his ID.

  Kate- Looks like he went through the wringer and then some.

  Harold- Reaches Kate's booth and sits with a bit of a grunt.

  "Must be Kate I heard so much about from Cher. I'm Harold."

  Reaches from a handshake.

  Kate- Old school manners too...

  "Figured."

  Takes the hand, uncertain.

  Harold- Grips firmly for a short moment, but weakness discreetly emerges after a second.

  "What do you think of my little spot?"

  Kate- "Cozzy... in a seedy kinda way. You know, comfy like a nail in the ass."

  Harold- "Ain't that the truth. I like it, keeps me and my old bones on our toes. Helps keeping the reaper at bay I say. One doesn't want to be too comfy in life or they go for the long sleep.

  Plus, I get to meet a lot of folks in these places. People whose mouths sing paradises, and whose ears are worth more than a few corners of it. The new generation tends to forget the value of a good snitch or a drunk loudmouth. It's all about them crawlers and predictive behavioural algos nowadays. No arts and crafts left in the blood. What about you? Come these parts often?"

  Kate- "More than I'd like, less than I should I guess. Could say it's a biohazard of the trade."

  Harold- Scoffing laugh.

  "I guess that's fair. You know, I always found these places to have a soul to them. You can learn a lot about a person by how they handle themselves under a bit of stress."

  Kate- Hesitant nod.

  Harold- "Speaking of, what do you do to blow off some steam? Got some tricks?"

  Kate- Pauses to think... loading... loading...

  Shouldn't talk about the edibles.

  Cere- Or how you coped after that napalm debacle it might invite problematic scrutiny.

  Kate- Right

  Cere- You could say you like to run?

  Kate- That's just to keep in shape.

  Harold- Frowns his bushy eyebrows.

  Cere- Still, it's perfectly valid... and somewhat true.

  Kate- "Guess I like to go for a run."

  Harold- Relaxes somewhat his expression.

  Kate- "Helps me process shit."

  Harold- "Ah, running, interesting choice, a sort of meditation for some. A way to sweat all that cortisol... For others, it serves another purpose."

  Kate- "... ... What?"

  Harold- "Running away."

  Kate- Fucker.

  "Wouldn't know, is just about clearing my head and keeping in shape, tha's all."

  Harold's mouth corner- Twists in a mean smirk.

  Harold- Narrows his eyes.

  "Sure, sure, I believe you."

  Kate- Squirms on her seat.

  This ain't going so gold...

  Harold- "Have you ever found yourself doubting your actions on the job?"

  Kate- Startled as the image of a little girl bleeding on the floor pops in her mind. Moves uncomfortably some more as her conscience bites like a wild dog.

  "There's been.... a few times, for sure. But who doesn't? Right? Might have implants, but we are not machines."

  Harold- "True, part of human nature. Might be good for most, I can even feel some Chaplin's echoes in that statement of yours, but in our line of work, doubt kills."

  Kate- "Sure, but not doubting can be twice as deadly."

  Harold- "I've seen young'uns freeze at the wrong moment, loose their skin. Wouldn't want that, would you?

  Kate- "Don't worry, I get the jobs done."

  Harold- "Not what I heard, not what I saw. Pushing past doubts without thinking, dodging questions, running away... mommy can't always be there to fix your problems, sweet heart! Looks to me, all you ever trained for is fleeing. Have you ever stopped and considered that maybe, just maybe you're running away from something deeper? Something you just can't shake off, from yourself?"

  Cere- Uh oh! He got you pegged there!

  Kate- Raises her tone, heated under the collar.

  "THE FUCK YOU IMPLYING OLD MAN?"

  Apeman- "Hey, keep it down!"

  Kate- Doesn't register.

  Harold- Sneers

  "Oh! I'm not implying anything. Just askin' questions, trying to know better, tha's all."

  Snakelike smile

  "Let's talk about your last... job. Heard it was quite a mess."

  Kate- Freezes like a hare for a second, then finds some brass to lean on.

  "T'was tense yeah, things didn't go quite as planned."

  Harold- Scofs

  "Oh I'm sure they didn't. You have a way with words. Heard some things, you know? A foot chase, a street doe, things going sideways and lead flying where it shouldn't. Care to give your peace?"

  Kate- Frowns and lowers her tone to a mumble.

  "Target got spooked during the infil. Ran in a crowded market, had to pursue..."

  Harold- Rises an angry eyebrow.

  "Did you now?"

  Kate- Ignores his probing question.

  "Things got out of hands from there."

  Harold- "Out of hands? Interesting choice of words."

  Kate- "What's your fucking point?"

  Harold- Slow and deliberate crushing tone.

  "My point Kate is that shit barely wenth south and you lost your ice. The streets were stained red because things didn't go as planned and you couldn't cope."

  Kate- The burn of anger takes to her cheeks

  "Yeah! OK, I FUCKED UP, WHO DOESN'T? We learn, we move on. That's what we do, that's the fucking job!"

  Apeman- Pointed look at Kate

  Harold- With the calm of Death.

  "True, that's important but..."

  Kate- "But WHAT?"

  Harold- *Sigh!*

  "Let's not forget the consequences of your mistakes, how serious they are. An innocent paid for your errors."

  Kate- Gut punched.

  "What are you trying to say Harold?"

  Harold- "I wonder, do you ever think of what happens to them after? The collaterals? The lives changed forever because you had a single moment of poor judgement?"

  Kate's brain- Freezes.

  No, no no nonononononono... please, no...

  "The... the fuck you mean?"

  Harold- "Or maybe, just maybe you find a twisted satisfaction in it? A way to push your own trauma onto others? Tell me, do you enjoy hurting little girls? Is it a way to erase your own pains? A twisted mercy killing to preserve their innocence? Are you trying to shoot your past self?"

  Cere- NOPE! THAT'S TOO FAR!

  Kate- Jumps on her feet, first constricted, half raised, knuckles whitening.

  Music- Crescendo

  "We're not gonna take it, NO! We ain't gonna take it!"

  Kate- "FUCK YOU HAROLD!"

  Music- "WE'RE NOT GONNA TAKE IT ANYMOOOOOOOOOOORE"

  Cere- PUNCH HIS FUCKING FACE!

  Kate- Swings a right hook at Harold, blindsiding him.

  Harold- "OWWWW"

  Apeman- Rises slowly form his seat.

  Spits blood, touches his cut lips with his metal hands to look at the carmine liquid a bit confused.

  "I'm serious Kate, have you ever stopped thinking about the consequences of your spilled lead and rage in that market?"

  Kate- Shit, shit shit shit shit, he's right...

  Harold- Calmer, more empathetic tone.

  "Is it me you are angry at or yourself?"

  Apeman- Notices the change of tone despite the hit and lowers himself to sit back.

  Kate- Confused tear drips. Small, scattered, broken voice.

  "No..."

  *Discrete sob*

  Harold- "She died Kate..."

  Kate- "Fuck..."

  Harold- "Would you shoot again? Given the same circumstances today?"

  Kate- "I... I don't kn..."

  Cere- Kate! Pappy grabby pervert is passing a fast one, she didn't die. I just looked at the report!

  Kate- Erupts like Vesuvius.

  "You... YOU FUCKING LIAR!"

  Jumps at Harold over the table, tipping it in the process, her hips taking fire from the brutal impact.

  Table- *Crash!*

  Glass- Catapulted at high speed and explodes into shrapnel on the distant wall.

  Apeman- "I HAD IT WITH YOU GUYS!"

  Kate- "YOU'LL PAY FOR FUCKING WITH ME!"

  Harold- Smug smile full of himself, then a slightly demented laugh.

  "Hehehehehehe"

  Kate- Grabs him by the collar.

  Harold- Responds by locking her holding hand in his cybernetic hand, crushing her wrist painfully with a twinkle in his eyes.

  Kate- Swing for the fences, holding firm despite the pain.

  Apeman- Half-thumbles in the alley toward them, rushing to stop the fight.

  Harold- Partly deflects the blow but still takes part of the swing at the temple, losing his fedora.

  Fedora- Falls slowly in the low gravity as a leaf in the wind of the scuffle.

  Harold- "Come here girl! I'll teach you to respect your elders!"

  Apeman- "OUT YOU TWO! I SAID OUT!!!"