Station, стр. 15

it, he sawhimself, Jonny VV, and Reena Song as they approached. He smiled atthe image, three friends backlit by a psychedelic, fantasticalVegas, ready to take on the night. "I'm ready," repeated Hadder.They were the first confident words he had spoken in years.

Although entirely dissimilar, the inside ofMorning's Echo matched its exterior in terms ofattractiveness and warmness. A large central, ovular bar dominatedthe main room, behind which were three manikins who took turnseither frantically pouring beverages, cleaning, or staring blanklyinto space. Everything was made from a light-colored wood that gavethe area a relaxed, calming appeal. Looking up, Hadder noticed thathe could see clear to the beamed ceiling, for the second floor wasnothing more than a 360-degree mezzanine that allowed those abovean unencumbered view of the first floor.

Several groups sitting at various tables, sippingcolorful drinks from geometric glasses, greeted the trio as theyentered. One woman stood up. With dark caramel skin and an afrothat was blown back into a tear shape, she looked like she hadstepped out from the pages of a leading fashion magazine. Hertailored white apron dress contrasted perfectly with her dark skinand showed off her athletic, impossibly long legs. "Reena! Who isthat dingy, Reality Bites, tasty morsel you got with you? Hey boo!Long-time, never see!"

Hadder could feel the blood rushing to his face in ablush. Jonny swiftly came to his defense. "Not yet, Sonja," hecalled out. "We'll do a proper introduction in a bit." Jonny nowappeared to be talking to everyone in the Bar. "When Echofills up, I'll introduce our new man here to everyone."

Sonja looked confused. "New man? What's thatsupposed…" the words faded out as realization settled in. "Oh,child," were the last words Hadder could hear as Sonja covered hermouth and dramatically collapsed back into her chair, falling intohushed conversation with her tablemates. Hadder couldn't help butsee all the other occupied tables falling into similar quiet talksthat were followed by furtive glances in his direction.

Jonny walked him to the circular bar, helping himinto a tall stool that was topped and backed with cushioned whiteleather. Hadder settled in as Jonny and Reena took seats besidehim.

"That was necessary, old chap, or you'll be facingthe firing squad all night. Honestly, you still will, but after Iannounce you to an audience, I'm hoping you'll later be staringdown one barrel at a time rather than an arsenal. Glume!"

Hadder was forced back into his chair as one of thethree manikins approached from the other side of the bar andwaited. It was nearly identical to the one he had stumbled upon inthe garden, only this one had spiked white hair atop its head. Ahead that held a face that contained no mouth.

"What will it be, Hadder?"

"Just beer is fine."

Another chuckle from Reena. Jonny worked to addressHadder's confused look. "This is Station, Hadder. The miraclesdon't stop with our surroundings. The drinks provided have allsorts of properties, can make you feel any number of ways. Uppers,downers? Want to think more or less? Need to calm down? Need tocheer up? Want to sleep? Want to wake up? Need to remember? Have toforget? Behind this bar are potions carefully crafted to matchwhatever mood you're in - or want to be in."

"How do I know which to take?"

"I think there's a list behind the bar somewhere,"answered Reena. "But no one ever uses it. Not sure it's evenaccurate. The best way is to ask someone, especially someone who'sbeen around."

"Which is literally everyone except you at thispoint," added Jonny. "Which is why maybe it's best if I order foryou, if you don't mind."

Hadder motioned in the affirmative, and Jonny lookedto begin going through concoctions in his mind. "What do you think,Reena? The old Number 7?"

Reena smiled and rubbed Hadder’s shoulder. "I thinkthat one would be perfect, Jonny."

"And how about you, my love."

"Let me get a Number 9."

Jonny seemed surprised. "Number 9? This early in theHaela?"

Reena's Light Crown began to rotate faster. "Marlinhas inspired me. It's gonna be a special night."

"By God, you're right! It will be a special night.Glume! Two 9's and a 7 for my new friend!"

The manikin quickly dipped behind the bar, coming upwith three glasses, two cylindrical and one round. It turnedquickly and walked to a long rectangular table that was centeredinside the ovular bar. From the table rose various taps, each witha distinct number. With practiced hands and efficient movement, themanikin filled all three glasses in short order and returned themto the patrons. Jonny and Reena had before them thin-looking orangeelixirs while Hadder stared at a thick golden substance thatsloshed slowly in his round crystalline glass.

Jonny lifted his glass, and Reena did the same."Hadder, my friend. This is how we toast here in Station. TheBefore is no more, we've all closed that door. To Station, ourhome, where new dreams are born. Cheers!"

Hadder put the Number 7 to his lips and drankdeeply. He was happy to discover that the beverage was mildly sweetand much lighter than it appeared. It went down quick and smooth,and Hadder felt it warm his belly and massage his brain almostinstantly. A relaxing chemical drifted through his bloodstream,loosening muscles and lessening inhibitions. For the first time inmemory, a small smile crept onto Hadder's face.

Reena noticed it almost immediately. "Ahh, there itis, Jonny. That's what we've been looking for."

"Yes, love, the Number 7 always does the trick.Orientation periods always require potent relaxants."

As they made small talk, people continued to enterMorning's Echo, joining others at the round side tables andfilling chairs around the large bar. Jonny seemed to be taking alay of the land when he spoke. "When do you think I should make theintroduction, Miss Song?"

Reena looked Hadder up and down, failing to hide herrating of his current attire. "Jonny, you absolutely have to let meclean him up before you do. And get some proper Celebration Clustergarments on him. We don't want everyone judging the poor thingbefore they've even met him."

"Right you are, yet again, love. I'll meet you bothupstairs in what feels like an hour."

Reena pulled Hadder from his stool. "Come with me,Marlin. Please."

Reena led Hadder down and past the central bartowards the