A Critical Meeting

[Thexare]

A young Kusarian quietly entered the bar, wearing a loosely-fitting black coat with a hood hanging slightly over their face. A lanky green-haired bouncer intercepted them, barking out a curt, "Hoods down." The new arrival simply looked up in response, showing their face. "Oh, sorry Perry, didn't realize it was you. Go on ahead. Got a visitor."

"So I'd heard," 'Perry' replied quietly. "You should consider reducing the volume of your disclosure," they added, with the faintest hint of annoyance in their otherwise level, soft voice.

"... what?"

'Perry' sighed and simplified, "You're too loud about my business." Brushing past the bouncer, they glanced over at the stage. A small, bespectacled blonde woman had just taken the stage, and the Commission agent regretted being unable to stay and listen. But duty calls. They casually glided through the crowds and entered the private lounge without another sound. Slowly and gently closing the door behind them, they looked over the room. Escher had ordered refurnishing, apparently, but that was little surprise.

"You must be Mr. Xae," the agent said, lowering their hood and drawing their long, black hair back into a low ponytail. "I'm called Paracusia, or Perry if you prefer. I work for the Octavarium Intelligence Commission as a liaison for a variety of parties, and today I'm standing in for Escher. Kane should be along shortly." They maintained a steady, softly professional tone, one that had clearly been practiced thoroughly.