Reggie wandered into the Cafe to find Sophie hovering silently behind the counter. He waited patiently, knowing she was probably conducting the Cafe's business over the Net.
After a moment, Sophie bobbed up and down. *What's up, Reg? I was just making an order for some of that incredible bass Mal found on Curacao. Perhaps we should actually import some live stock for Canaria's oceans.*
Reggie removed small data stick from his pocket and placed it into the slot on the Cafe's main terminal.
"I have a possible candidate to help you run this joint, Sophie. He's new to the TAZ, has some experience running a bar up in Edinburgh, and right now he could use something to occupy his mind. He's had a rough string of luck. His wife was recently killed under suspicious circumstances. It would be a blessing if we could get him involved in something besides just potting about in his trader."
Sophie called up the data from her terminal. *Riley Mackenzie, eh? We seem to be getting our share of Irish descendants these days, Pops. I guess those that have a history of seeing little green men and pookahs might have a leg up on seeing the Fnords as well. Is he of the Faith?*
"I doubt it, Soph, though it's rumored he favors the Goddess Gaia. It shouldn't be a great stretch to show him that favoring the Goddess of Chaos too might help him get a handle on the chaos in his own life."
*Could be, Pops. I'll contact the lad and ask him to stop by for a chat. I could use someone to help manage the place. I need some cockpit time in my R/T, or I'll get so rusty that I won't be ready when that bastard who murdered me finally shows up in my HUD.*
"Thanks, Sophie. I have a feeling that helping Riley get over this hump will be to the TAZ's benefit as well. Now, got any of that fine rhubarb pie left?"